Model 19 Semi-Automatic Shotgun-

Development-

The Model 19 is a gas operated, magazine few shotgun designed for Law Enforcement and Military operators who require heavy firepower and great operational flexibility in a compact package. Developed to provide those services that did not already use the Model 1 or 3 series scattergun with a slightly more compact and yet fully capable weapon system the Model 19 builds on the lessons and successes of the Model 1 shotgun. As such the Model 19 was developed using an amalgam of development from past projects in order to fit the needs of local forces and those of the international community.

Original prototypes using similar actions ran the gamut of design styles from rotary magazine bull pup designs to lever actuated tube fed designs before its final more conservative and reliable form was chosen. In order to keep development cost down many of the individual components of the Model 19 are based off other weapon systems built by Argus, such as the magazine follower and spring, the gas tube and piston, and the sights all are modified from their original designs to operate reliably on a twelve gauge magazine fed shotgun. The resulting prototype was completed in as little as eight months and performed so well during testing that it was quickly moved to production status.


Operation--

The Model 19 operates on a self-regulating short stroke gas piston that rests over the barrel, much like a traditional assault rifle. The self regulating gas piston allows for a variety of high and low power ammunition to be fired without worry of jamming or failure to function, a necessity of such a weapon when used by law enforcement. In order to prevent the confusion associated with producing two separately designated weapons that use a similar caliber (such as the Model 1 and 3 shotgun) the Model 19 is designed to handle three inch shells without modification, however a new magazine, magazine well inset, and a new barrel allow its to fire two and three -fourths inch shells (70mm) in order to allow for local adoption of rounds or adjustment to fit the various tactical needs of the nation. This simple adjustment does not require the skills of a gunsmith and can accomplished in most settings the weapon is likely to operate.

Upon firing the diverted gas, strikes the gas piston which in turn acts on the bolt carrier. The rotating bolt, engages the barrel extension by means of three heavy locking lugs and is cammed to the bolt carrier to facilitate the locking and unlocking of the bolt. The Model 19 is striker fired and uses a constant recoil system to increase its accuracy when firing rapidly. Because the bolt carrier never directly strikes the rear of the receiver, the receiver itself does not requires as heavy a construction as the Model 1 or Model 3 shotguns. As such the receiver is constructed primarily of polymer with milled steel inserts for both rigidity and strength. This allows for a decrease in overall weight without sacrificing the reliability or capability of the weapon.

Fired rounds are ejected either to the left or right side as determined by the user by pressing in a cross bolt stud behind the ejection port. With the stud pressed in on the opposite side, the internal inward facing stud acts on one of the ejector rods, ejecting the spent round in the opposite direction. Because the ejector selector sticks out on the side the round will eject from it allows for a user to handle a weapon in complete darkness and know how it is configured. This system is similar to the AR-160 assault rifle and decreases logistics concerns when issuing the weapon to left handed users. A removable dust cover snaps into place on the non-operating side and locks the ejection selector so that it cannot be bumped out of action.

Upon reaching the tension point the recoil spring , the accumulated energy in the spring forces the bolt back towards the chamber. Where it once again locks against the barrel extension ready for the next shot. When the last shot is fired and the magazine is empty, a bolt stop device is activated to hold the bolt open for faster reloading. The weapons cocking handle is located on the left side of the weapon and rides in a cut out in the extended fore stock. The charging handle when rotated to the left side only engages the operating-rod when drawn backwards and does not reciprocate when firing. When rotated up slightly into the expanded recess at the near the front of the gas tube the charging handle locks onto a stud on the operating rod and allows the charging handle to act temporarily as a forward assist.

The relatively low mounted barrel has a multi-bore profile that has the barrel taper by a small margins three times gradually along its length for denser shot patterns without the use of a choke, while still maintaining excellent accuracy with factory slug loads. Its relatively low set barrel gives it similar muzzle control properties to the Model 1 shotgun which allows for rapid placement of shots with very little muzzle climb due to its linear (straight back) recoil pattern. A drop safety is installed so as to prevent the weapon from firing when handled roughly or dropped in combat. An ambidextrous manual safety is located behind and slightly above the trigger so as to allow the operator to safety the weapon at his leisure for transport or storage.


Reliability-

In order to improve wear resistance and issues of corrosion both in Amastols typically wet environment and the hazards of battle on foreign soil. The Model 19 is Melonite and QP Salt Bathed Nitrocarburized (SNC) to produce a naturally scratch resistant, dry lubricated surface that provides three to four times less friction than hard chromed surfaces allowing the weapon to operate without additional lubrication for long stretches of time without undue damage to its working parts. Barrel wear is likewise decreased allowing the weapon to serve with distinction for several years before needing to be refitted. Oiling and other regular maintenance however is recommended in order to increase the weapons service life. Its ability to go without lubrication is to survive unforgiving combat conditions, not an excuse to not maintain the weapon.

Additional space is allocated between several of the working parts including a small amount of over travel on the bolt carrier so as ensure positive locking and action of the weapon in grimy, muddy, or sandy terrain with a reduced fear of jamming.. The strong recoil spring and reinforced internal striker allow for a highly reliable and strong working action in most environments.. An enlarged Claw extractor covers nearly forty percent of the shells rim allowing for positive and secure extraction with reduced chance of rim separation. These features combined with its strong self regulating gas piston and overbuilt magazine allow the Model 19 to operate in hundred of unwelcoming environments and perform the role it was designed to do. Giving the operator confidence and security of mind, no matter where their job may take them.


Furniture-

The furniture of Model 19 like all Argus shotguns is constructed of long lasting tough materials designed to thrive in any environment. The fore grip and pistol grip are constructed primarily of glass fiber reinforced polymer. Strategically placed inserts of pebble-textured rubber to provide an excellent grip and strength regardless of how wet or slippery an environment the operator is stationed in. The ventilated fore stock provides mounting points for up tot here additional Rail Interface Systems (RIS) at three o’clock, six o’clock, and none o’clock. These rails are of M1913 specifications like the top rail and can be easily removed when not needed. This allows for a plethora of accessories to be mounted to the Model 19 with little downtime between installation and implementation.

The folding stock is fully adjustable up to one hundred and ten millimeters allowing for those wearing body armor to or of different stature to comfortably shoulder and fire the weapon. The stock itself is made of glass fiber reinforced polymer molded over a aluminum frame and is locked by a spring loaded catch that locks into one of eleven positions at ten millimeter intervals. The recoil pad itself is formed from layers of rubber molded over a steel plate that acts as the primary support. A second piece connects the recoil pad itself with the attachment support for the stock that allows for length of pull inserts to be installed by means of two screws, of suitable length (provided with the inserts) between the two pieces The rear of the pad has a dovetail arrangement so as to attach securely to the butt stock, which is then locked in place by means of a metal locking button inset at the base of the stock. This allows for quick replacement of the recoil pad if damaged, and strong pad retention.


Sights-

Sights are of aperture/ghost-ring type constructed of stamped steel and feature tritium illuminated dots, with contrasting green/amber lamps installed in both the rear aperture sight and front post for fast low light acquisition. The front sight is fixed and attached to the gas piston, however the rear sight is adjustable my means of windage and elevation by means of an adjustment knob located on the left side of the sight, and a base screw respectively. Unlike the Model 1 Shotgun however, the Model 19 has a full length M1913 specification rail running from rear sight to front sight increasing operational flexibility by greatly increasing the amount of sighting options and mounting positions available.


Magazines-

The magazine of the Model 19 is a polymer ’PMAG’ style magazine with built in side windows to allow the operator to quickly check how many rounds they have available. The magazines are single stack to increase feed reliability and use a self leveling follower. The self leveling follower of the magazine is constructed of high density polymer that’s Teflon coated for dry lubrication and is dyed one of several bright colors, neon orange being the most popular due to its visibility in the side window.

The trailing edge of the follower acts a gasket between the magazine and the housing. This ‘gasket’ decreases grime intrusion as well as forcing any built up grime to be scraped from the housing walls during loading, allowing for self-cleaning and ease of function. The resulting debris can be easily shaken from the magazine afterward or removed via the floor plate if time allows. In order to provide the best compromise of corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance and strength the magazine uses a heat-treated braided stainless steel spring. A compression stop on the bottom of the self leveling follower prevents the spring from exceeding its elastic limit and allows for long term storage of rounds in magazine without the worry of loss of reliability.

The revolving Drum magazine has an internal clock spring which is wound upon loading allowing for positive feed of the ammunition regardless of the angle of fire. The front and side of the drum are produced of the same reinforced polymer as the box magazines with internal steel reinforcements to increase its rigidity without increasing its weight significantly. The rear of the magazine however is made of a clear polycarbonate allowing the operator to easily see how many rounds are available in the drum at any one time. The number of rounds are marked at four round intervals based on the nine radial reinforcements that are built into the rear window. Four linked dummy rounds act as feeder rounds and push the remaining rounds up the feed tower in the magazine well. The feeder rounds are made of the same type of polymer as the follower in regular box magazines, so that when all four neon orange feeder rounds disappear the magazine is completely empty.


Overview-

Reliable, tough and designed to fit a multiple of roles the shotgun is an ideal weapon for sloe combat, and has proven itself as the king of flexibility in most combat scenarios. The model 19 builds on this legacy and expands the features that have made the shotgun an indispensable piece of equipment in any combat field. From law enforcement, to military operations the Model 19 is prepared to prove its worth in any theater, and take on whatever mother nature can throw at it.


Data-

Type: Self-Loading, Magazine-fed, Shotgun
Operation: Semi-automatic, Gas Operated
Manufacturer: Argus Industrial Manufacturing Inc, Kingsport, Amastol
In Production 2010-20??
Bore: 12 Gauge, 76mm
Weight: 3.37 kg Unloaded
Length (OAL): 960 mm to 850 (open), 720 mm (closed)
Length (Barrel): 460 mm
Length of Pull: 240 mm to 350 mm
Fore Stock: 320 mm
Safety: Drop Safety, Manual safety
Barrel: Hard Chromed, Cold Hammer-forged
Capacity: 4, 8, and 12 round Box Magazine, or a 24 round Drum magazine.
Price: $1300.00 NSD
Accessories-
Sling (included)
Shell Length Conversion kit (for 70mm shells)
Sentinel Holosight
Breaching Standoff/flash-hider
Right Side Saddle Shotshell holder (4 rounds)
Model 13 Bayonet + Modular Bayonet mount
Model 30 TLI with Pressure switch