A review of the ArcFlash Labs GR-1, an electromagnetic Gauss weapon that first surfaced online last year, has been released.
Small weapons expert Ian McCollum, who works for Armament Research Services and runs the “Forgotten Weapons” website, conducted the review. In the recently released review, he takes us through the features of the Gauss weapon.
The GR-1 was first offered for pre-sale in 2021 at the cost of $3,375. The weapon uses electrified coils to create a magnetic field that propels ferromagnetic or iron-rich metal slugs at speeds of up to 75 meters per second (240 feet per second). The GR-1 gets its ammunition from a magazine that can hold up to 10 slugs.
The GR-1 features an “advanced capacitor charging system” that allows the weapon to quickly charge the coils, allowing it to fire every three seconds. In addition, users can pre-charge the weapon’s coils in time, thanks to its trigger mechanism.
The rifle’s stock, magazines, and battery holder are all 3D-printed, while other parts seem to be bolted on acrylic. A small LCD monitor shows the weapon’s battery charge, capacitor charge, coil temperature, and “post-shot diagnostics.” This Gauss rifle review focuses on the weapon’s design, characteristics, and applications. Several parts of the video illustrate how to load magazines, change and charge the GR-1’s batteries, and vary the coils’ desired energy.
A built-in flashlight, a green aiming laser, and a sliding rear stock are also some of the rifle’s notable features. In addition, by pulling a lock ring on the top of the rifle, the rear component of the rifle may be expanded or reduced, influencing the size of the receiver and thus the length of the magazine loaded.
The video also goes over some of the Gauss rifle’s unique safety mechanisms, such as guaranteeing safe battery removal when not in use. In addition, due to the magnetic charge produced by the GR-1’s coils, the rifle should not be used within 50 feet of anyone wearing a pacemaker or other similarly sensitive medical equipment.
IIn addition, McCollum shot the GR-1 at various energy levels. The Gauss weapon is exceedingly quiet when shooting, producing just a little mechanical ‘click’ every time a bullet is shot.
The GR-1 misfires a few times during the video, leading McCollum to tilt the rifle forward to allow the unfired round to fall out of the barrel. This is most likely due to feeding issues that occur when the rifle’s magazine is pretty much empty, according to McCollum.
McCollum points out that a round in the video shattered the wooden stand holding up the targets, indicating how the GR-1 may do considerable damage.
“This is a serious weapon,” McCollum says. “Yes, in terms of energy numbers, the muzzle energy is wimpy compared to a firearm, but this is absolutely potentially lethal, so it does need to be treated with the respect that one accords a proper firearm,” he says.
“That being said,” McCollum adds, “it is also super fun.”
Forgotten Weapons’ review demonstrates that the Gauss rifle is a lethal weapon despite some skepticism at first. Furthermore, the video confirms that the GR-1 is still a prototype far from a standard mass production item.
Even so, for $3,375, the GR-1 would be a great conversation stopper at the range.
