When the term "sharp shooter" is mentioned everyone in the modern world thinks of a sniper or bullseye shooter. In actuality, the original term is "Sharps shooter."

Eventually other rifle manufacturers started to produce rifles that were just as accurate so the term evolved to what it is today: A sharp shooter.

I'm always skeptical of new or non-traditional calibers. In a previous article, I mentioned my personal list of dumbest and exotic calibers. For a few years I was on the fence regarding the 300 blackout. It seemed like a good idea but then again, so was the 6.8 SPC. However, in the last few years we have seen some major commitment to this caliber. More than just a few manufacturers are now offering a variety of weapons chambered in 300 blackout.
adsense:
The cost and supply of 300 blackout still isn't really there yet. Sure you can find it online, but I haven't see any yet available in retail stores. There are reports of Walmart carrying them, but I just haven't seen it for myself yet. Here are several key areas which I think will make this caliber increase in popularity over the next decade (maybe sooner):

• Compatibility
• Hunting
• Suppressors
• Reloading
• Support from Vendors

Compatibility is huge. Being able to use the same bolt and magazines as .223/5.56 makes appealing to people those who don't want to spend all the extra money on extra magazines. Sure you need a new barrel, but most rifles in the AR-15, ACR, and others are somewhat modular making it easy to swap upper receivers and/or barrels.
Hunters gain the benefit of that heavy bullet with still retain the familiarity of an AR-15. There is a very wide range of bullet weights available for use with the 300 blackout since it shares the same .308 bullets commonly used in long accuracy rifles.
Suppressors have become huge in the market the last few years. Subsonic 300 blackout ammo, while still very expensive, performs great.

Some of this can be attributed to new laws allowing the use of suppressors for hunting. The reloading scene has been very responsive to 300 blackout. Dillon Precision has released several components which allow reloaders to transform standard .223 cartridges buy cutting them and sizing them inside a progressive press. Very slick! Lastly, we haven't seen any decrease in the productions or accessories or this caliber. It seems as if 300 blackout has survived long enough to prove it a worth caliber for consideration. A stronger demand for bullets chambered in .308 will eventually create more competition and drive down prices.

Why not stick with traditional .308? It's been around forever, but this caliber is often seen in bolt action rifles. Sure there are a few semi-autos that will eat it like the KAC SR-25, FN FAL, and M1A. At the end of the day the 300 blackout will bring weapons like the AR-15 that we all know and love a little extra. Who doesn't like more options?

AR-15s are everywhere! They have become even more popular in the last decade with the increase of sport shooting like USCA and various steel competitions which allow them. At the same time a trend on the LE/SWAT scene has been in full swing with agencies leaving the MP5s behind and adopting short barreled AR-15s.

The MP5 is a 50 year old platform, but we are starting to see some revived inspiration in the subgun arena. LWRC is a company traditionally known for piston-driven AR-15s, and specialty weapons like the REPR. However, with some inspiration from HK, they have come up with the SMG-45. It even uses UMP magazines! It sports a side-folding stock and just looks SOLID! LWRC produces some of the best quality builds at a great price and I'm sure this will be no exception. From the looks of it, this is the best looking subgun of the bunch. The blend of UMP-like characteristics and AR-15 features make this gun really attractive. At least on paper.

Sig Sauer has jumped on the HK inspired bandwagon as well. The MPX and even MPX-SD is modern-day rendition of the MP5. While the select fire models are only available to GOV/LE, a semi-auto version is also available. However, preliminary reviews showed this gun has some serious issues. The main issue being the pins on the trigger group "walking" out of the receiver. This has led to semi-auto weapons firing multiple rounds per trigger pull. Yikes. Both Sig and LWRC have added AR-like features which are well deserved. Replaceable grips, familiar safety selectors, and bolt releases are all setup like an AR for those familiar with the platform.

CZ has released the Scorpion chambered in 9mm. It has also borrowed the UMP grip angle and safety levers. An ACR-ish stock (on select fire models) and translucent magazines sure look appealing. CZ has incorporated two ways to release the bolt. An HK style cocking handle and an AR-15 style receiver mounted bolt release.

Let's not forget the Kriss Vector which is now producing 9mm versions. Although I'm not a fan of the Vector it's still an innovative design that has no doubt encouraged others companies to look at the subgun market.

I can only speculate on how these guns will do in the GOV/LE markets, but I can't image these companies producing these guns simply for civilian sale so there must be some interest/request for an "updated" MP5.
Personally, I'm a big fan of subguns. Owning both the UMP45 and MP5 I always bring one of the two with me to the range. There is something pleasant about shooting a pistol cartridge from a shoulder fired weapon without the 160+ dB report next to your skull.