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SHOP NOWThis SHOT Show 2026 segment visits Q and KAK Industry for in-depth looks at new rifle platforms and AR-15 components. Discussion focuses on long-action calibers, water-cooled beltfed uppers, and suppressor-optimized bolt carrier groups.
The segment opens with the Classic Firearms team continuing their SHOT Show 2026 Day 1 coverage. After a quick break, they split up to explore different areas of the show floor. One host plans to visit Daniel Defense, while another heads to the lower level, noting that some of the most interesting new products are often found there. They mention plans to stop by booths such as Griffin and Unity, and reference additional coverage featuring brands like B&T, Smith & Wesson, Shadow Systems, and Zastava. The focus is on capturing a range of new firearms, accessories, and innovations across the show in separate spotlight videos.
The crew stops at the Q booth to talk with Jordan about what is new for the year. Q is already known for platforms like the Honey Badger and Sugar Weasel, as well as the Mini Fix and Fix rifles. Jordan explains that Q typically teases products throughout the year rather than doing big launches at SHOT Show. The main highlight is the introduction of the Mega Fix, a long-action rifle that builds on the existing Fix family. Where the Mini Fix uses AR-15 size magazines and calibers like 300 Blackout and 5.56, and the Fix uses AR-10 size magazines in calibers such as .308 and 6.5, the Mega Fix steps up into a larger long-action role.
Jordan details that the Mega Fix is chambered for long-action cartridges including 300 Win Mag, 7 PRC, 375 Ruger, and 9.3x62. It is described as a rifle for launching heavier bullets with significant energy at distance, with an intended effective range in the 500–600 yard area. When asked about availability, Jordan notes that Q follows a “no ETAs” approach, but hopes the rifle will be available sometime within the year. Pricing is expected to be on the higher side, with the explanation that the engineering and craftsmanship involved are substantial. Jordan mentions extensive use of the platform on hunts in Africa and in western regions for game such as elk, bear, and moose, emphasizing that the Mega Fix is designed to avoid being undergunned in those roles.
The video then moves to the KAK Industry booth, where Cody introduces the Lima 1917, developed in collaboration with Lima 6. The Lima 1917 is presented as a modern take on a classic water-cooled beltfed machine gun, configured here as a semi-auto system. The barrel, gas block, and gas tube are enclosed in a full-length water jacket that visually echoes the historic 1917 design, including a 1917-style front sight and a fill cap on the jacket. Cody explains that this is essentially a water-cooled, beltfed AR-15 upper receiver that mounts on a standard AR-15 lower. The goal is to blend the old-school 1917 aesthetic and function with contemporary AR-15 compatibility in a visually distinctive and mechanically robust package.
Cody explains the advantages of the Lima 1917’s water-cooled system. Because the barrel, gas block, and gas tube are surrounded by water, their temperature is limited to around 212 degrees, the boiling point of water. He contrasts this with direct-impingement AR-15s, where gas tubes can fail during high round-count, continuous firing, sometimes in just a few hundred rounds with cheaper components. In the Lima 1917, as long as water is maintained in the jacket, the system can theoretically run for extremely long periods without overheating critical parts. He shows a vent at the bottom of the jacket with a push-to-connect fitting that allows a hose to route steam into a bucket. Steam rises to the top of the jacket, is collected by internal eyelets, and then directed through a tube to the vent, where it is expelled. Cody notes that historic water-cooled guns were known for running for days as long as fluid was kept in the system, and mentions contemporary images of similar guns still being fielded with modern optics added.
The discussion turns to how the Lima 1917 interfaces with AR-15 lowers. Cody confirms that the upper is mounted on a standard mil-spec KAK lower receiver. All KAK lower receivers are produced with an M16 pocket, allowing them to be used with various trigger and firing configurations where legally permitted. The only modification required for this setup is a changed bolt catch, with the paddle portion removed so that the charging handle can be pulled back and locked without interference. The host notes that this approach allows enthusiasts to combine a familiar AR-15 lower with the distinctive water-cooled beltfed upper. Cody adds that KAK expects the Lima 1917 uppers to begin shipping in roughly two to three months, emphasizing that the company moves projects into production relatively quickly.
Cody describes KAK’s broader role in the AR-15 parts market. The company began and grew primarily as an OEM supplier and currently produces a large volume of components for other brands, citing production of about six and a half million AR-15 parts in the previous year. He highlights KAK’s reputation for AR-15 bolt carrier groups, including sand-cutter style carriers and other variants at accessible price points. Cody then introduces the K-Spec BCG, which is optimized for suppressor use. The K-Spec design recently received its patent approval after a multi-year process. It is intended for shooters who primarily run suppressed setups and want improved gas management and performance compared to standard carriers.
Focusing on the K-Spec BCG, Cody explains that it uses a down-vent gas system. When paired with a suppressor, this configuration significantly reduces gas directed back toward the shooter’s face and also eliminates port pop. By venting gas downward, the system lowers peak dB levels at the shooter’s ear, making the shot report quieter. Suppressor manufacturers have tested the down-vent K-Spec against side-vent designs and observed reductions of roughly 3 to 6 dB, depending on barrel length. Cody notes that KAK offers multiple bolt materials such as 9310 and C158, options for down-vent or side-vent, and single or dual ejectors, along with about ten different finishes. Altogether this results in around 270 distinct BCG SKUs, which he states is significantly more than other companies. He also mentions a newer, more basic K-Spec down-vent variant without sand cuts, available with single or dual ejectors and smooth carrier rails, positioned at roughly half the cost of the more premium versions.
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