The AR15 automatic rifle is deservedly considered one of the best representatives of its class, which, in particular, is confirmed by a large number of different samples based on it. The weapon, created on the basis of the AR15 platform, is in service with many countries, and is also in demand among civilian shooters. In connection with such popularity, the development of weapons of the family continues, as a result of which new models of small arms appear, including unusual ones.
At the beginning of the 2000s, the American company Tromix Lead Delivery Systems, which produces cartridges and spare parts for weapons, introduced a new version of small arms based on the popular AR15 platform. This project did not pretend to be mass produced and delivered to customers, since it was created exclusively as an experiment. The result of the work was the emergence of a new weapon of non-standard design, based on the existing units. This sample received the designation Siamese M16 ("Siamese M16"), fully revealing the essence of the main idea. In addition, in the official materials of the company, this project was named "the craziest development from Tromix."
The main idea of the non-standard project, developed by the founder and CEO of Tromix, Tony Rumor, was to combine two AR15 / M16 rifles of a standard design into a single product. They were proposed to dock with each other, as well as to combine some of the main units. In this way, it turned out to a certain extent to simplify the design of the "Siamese M16", as well as to provide a non-standard appearance that attracts attention. Finally, it was not without some increase in the fire characteristics of the weapon, due to the use of two basic rifles.
General view of the Tromix Siamese M16 rifle. Photo TonyRumore / Photobucket.com
To assemble the prototype Siamese M16 "double" rifle, Tromix had to re-design and manufacture only a few parts. To connect the two rifles, a part was developed that is compatible with Picatinny rails. Also, two gas pipes of a complex curved shape were made, designed to ensure the correct automation of two rifles. Finally, a new simplified buttstock appeared, also connecting the two basic rifles.
The basis of the product "Siamese M16" are two rifles of the AR15 family, which, when altered, lost some parts, and also received new ones. However, not all modifications were "symmetrical": the composition of the removed or added parts is not the same for both basic rifles.
The lower rifle of the complex has lost the upper forend lining and the existing gas tube. In addition, the butt was removed from her. All other parts, including automation, ammunition system, firing mechanism, etc. remained in their places. Despite the preservation of the main components, some of the features of the mechanisms were redesigned taking into account the use of a second rifle connected to the lower one.
The upper rifle of the Siamese M16 system has undergone other changes, affecting a greater number of nodes. The upper forearm pad, gas tube and butt were also dismantled from it. In addition, she lost the pistol grip of fire control, and parts of the firing mechanism were removed from the lower part of the receiver. Only the bolt group, the return spring and other parts responsible for the operation of the automation, the movement of cartridges and firing remained inside the receiver.
The upper and lower rifles were connected using several pieces. So, a common block was installed on the Picatinny rail on the upper surfaces of the receiver. On the tubes of the return springs, in turn, additional tubular casings were put on, connected to each other using a butt plate. The ability to adjust the length of the butt, unlike some other modifications of the AR15 rifle, was not provided.
The most important parts connecting the two rifles were the two new gas pipes of an intricate curved shape. Their size and shape have been designed so that a tube connects the barrel of one rifle to the receiver of another. Thus, when fired, the powder gases from the barrel of one rifle had to be fed into the receiver of its "Siamese twin" and vice versa. It was on this that the original principle of automation was based.
Tony Rumor, the designer of the Siamese M16s, is firing. Frame from video
With the exception of the cross-connection of gas engines, the rifle automatics did not undergo any changes. The bolt group was supposed to move along the receiver under the pressure of powder gases from the barrel coming through a gas tube. The barrel was locked by turning the bolt. The lower rifle received a full-fledged trigger mechanism with a three-position flag, responsible for blocking, single or automatic fire. The upper rifle, according to various sources, received a simplified trigger with a fuse, or even lost all such parts, which was due to the original principle of simultaneous operation of two rifles.
To supply ammunition, it was proposed to use standard detachable box magazines for 30 rounds or other compatible products. For the installation of magazines on rifles, receiving shafts were retained. In this case, the shaft of the lower rifle was traditionally directed downward, and at the upper one it was located with a hole upward. The ejection of the casings also had to be done in different directions. The lower rifle window was on the right, the upper one on the left.
The "double" rifle received sights. For this, a Picatinny rail was provided on the forend of the upper rifle, on which a serial collimator sight was installed with a shift to the right. There may be doubts about the convenience of aiming, however, the developers state that the rifle assemblies do not overlap the offset sight and do not interfere with its use.
The original design of the Siamese M16 system was associated with non-standard operating principles of automation, for which the rifles received a new gas engine with crossed tubes. It was assumed that the experimental sample will be able to fire from two barrels alternately. At the same time, instead of single fire, a volley of two shots was envisaged, and automatic fire was planned to be conducted from two barrels in turn.
To fire from the Siamese M16, the shooter had to place two magazines in the shafts and cock the mechanism of the lower rifle with the handle, after which it was possible to remove the weapon from the safety catch. When the trigger of the lower rifle was pressed (it was absent on the upper one), a shot was fired. Powder gases from the barrel of the lower rifle through a curved tube came to the upper piston and actuated its mechanisms. At the same time, the bolt rolled back, then went forward, sent a cartridge and fired a shot, since the trigger was not blocked by the trigger. The gases from the barrel of the upper rifle were fed to the piston of the lower one and cocked its mechanisms, while simultaneously ejecting the sleeve. After that, the "double" rifle could fire a new pair of shots. In the single mode of the trigger, to continue firing, a new pull on the trigger was required, in the automatic mode, a long press.
A rifle with new muzzle devices and high-capacity magazines. Photo Zbroya.info
The unusual Siamese M16 rifle could fire both single (or rather, paired) shots and bursts. The technical rate of fire remained approximately at the level of the basic rifles. The main parameters of the bullets produced have not changed either. Maintaining the main characteristics was associated with the design of gas engines. Both rifles could only fire alternately, and also depended on each other's powder gases, which is why the increase in the number of barrels did not lead to a proportional increase in the rate of fire.
The "Siamese M16" project was created on an initiative basis and without any plans for mass production, not to mention participation in competitions of government agencies. In this regard, only a few units of the original weapon were manufactured (according to some sources, only one copy, which was further refined). After the first demonstration, the "double" rifle underwent some modifications, aimed primarily at improving ergonomics. So, in one of the variants of the project meant the use of the front "tactical" handle. In addition, new flame arresters and muzzle brakes were used. Finally, there are photos of the Siamese M16 with two Beta C-Mag type high-capacity magazines.
Appearing as an experimental prototype that does not claim any contracts or awards, the Siamese M16 rifle has attracted the attention of shooters and weapon lovers around the world. The specialists of the Tromix company, with minimal modifications, managed to combine two serial rifles of the AR15 family into one fully functional weapon. Naturally, the specific appearance did not allow him to compete with the "conventional" models, but helped to take a place in the history of small arms. In addition, on the basis of the developments on the Siamese M16 project, an even stranger weapon was subsequently created, which is of no less interest.
