Today, TNW employs about a dozen people and is best known for their replica semi-auto versions of full auto historical military weapons. Since 1995, the business has expanded to include reproductions of the Suomi M31, MG34, M2, M3HB and of course they’re still building the 1919’s. They’ve also dabbled in M249’s as well as a few other medium duty type weapons. While visiting, we got a chance to see several of the steps involved with the production of their MG34’s. As an interesting side note, TNW Firearms is currently the only manufacturer in the world who is building MG34 receivers. The original factory in Germany required a 2 story tall machine for broaching the 13 inch long steel receivers. These days, a machine like that would be quite the investment for producing a firearm with such a limited audience. While the MG34 stock, top cover, barrel and some other components are original, TNW had to overcome this obstacle by designing their own hydraulic broaching machine which is far more compact than the German version. The new machine utilizes 60 broaches each with 4 to 5 “teeth” per unit and a difference of 1.5/1000th (did I write that correctly?) of an inch from tooth to tooth. This is a lengthy process. In fact, Tim said it takes about 6 months to move a batch of MG34’s through the entire production line. While a lot of this is done by hand, some of the process is also machined with a Haas VF2 CNC as seen sped up in the video below. The company also makes their own AR-15 upper and lower receivers which I’ve seen carried in several Oregon gun stores and used on a number of local builds. TNW themselves make both an AR-15 carbine and a pistol using these products. They also offer a carbine length AR-15 gas piston conversion kit. Then there’s their SGP-QCB… This thing features a hot swappable barrel system which is capable of changing out the barrel and gas piston in a matter of a few seconds. If you’d like to try one of these out, I noticed they have the 7.62 version for rent over at Threat Dynamics in Sherwood, OR. http://oregunshooters.com/manufacturer-spotlight/tnw-firearms/
Before we get into the meat of this review, I want to talk a little about the thought process of a “survival rifle.” This term can mean a lot of different things to different people. It really boils down to what scenario or environment you would most likely find yourself in needing to survive. If you are in the Panhandle of Texas or Eastern Colorado you might think a bolt action in .308 (or bigger!) is the way to go. Downtown in a large city, that bolt action isn’t going to do you a whole lot of good and a short barreled pump shotgun could be a better choice. So we plan, or at least should plan, for where we are and were we will most likely be. But what does someone pick that travels all over the country? Or someone who lives in a rural area but commutes to work in a big city? Or even say a pilot that could end up in a swamp, desert, forest—or even in a metro area? What do you choose when you need something that isn’t task-specific? In my opinion, this is where the pistol caliber carbine really comes into play. Is it the best choice for each one of these environments individually? Hell no. But it will do the jobs, with emphasis on the plural JOBS. Couple a pistol with a short and light rifle that both take the same ammo and magazines and you have a winning combination for just about any of the shit that can hit the fan. Oh, and make them in the most common calibers too. The #AreoSurvivalRifle is a pretty simple idea. I mean that in a good way. Most survival equipment should follow the old KISS idea: Keep it Simple, Stupid. This is a blow back design–no gas system here to get fouled. It also helps with reliability with a spectrum of different loads and bullet weights. The #barrel is very easy to install and remove. There is a threaded sleeve that mates to the receiver to tighten everything up. The receiver also has a wide grove that the barrel indexes on to keep everything in alignment. Speaking of the barrel, #TNW offers a threading service for those who want to instal a suppressor or other device. Our review sample has a plain barrel with a slight bevel to protect the muzzle crown. https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/tnw-survival-rifle-review/
Last year guest SBS writer, published author and firearms instructor CR Williams wrote about the Aero Survival Pistol (ASP). Made by TNW Firearms, the ASP is a 10″ barreled firearm that is a cross between an AR15 and an AK47 that takes Glock magazines. Currently available in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, the ASP retails for just under $800. We spoke with ASP creator Tim Bero at SHOT Show 2015, and we were glad that we did. TNW will custom cut different barrel lengths for you. The model we handled at SHOT Show had a 10″ barrel, the standard pistol model comes with a 6.5″ barrel. The standard model measures 18.5″ in length. There is also a 16″ Aero Survival Rifle option available. I’d be curious to run an ASP with a 4.5″ barrel, which would put it close to the folded length of my AR15 pistol. Is the ASP right for you? The answer will depend on what you intend to use it for. For a house gun or vehicle weapon, the ASP is an affordable alternative to other 9mm platforms we saw at SHOT Show this year. If you’re looking for something for EDC, there are other options that are either smaller or chambered in more powerful cartridges. If size is your primary consideration, I may recommend going with a rifle caliber weapon. http://shortbarrelshepherd.com/tnw-firearms-aero-survival-pistol-at-shot-show-2015/