Proof Research Awarded Contract for Future Weapon Systems Development

by
posted on July 22, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Proof Research

Proof Research has been awarded a $12.7 million contract for the development and delivery of prototype advanced-composite, medium-caliber barrels and components for the next generation of weapon systems for the U.S. military. The company manufactures advanced high-temperature composite aerospace/defense materials and components, cut-rifled steel and carbon-fiber composite precision rifle barrels, and custom rifle systems that deliver extreme accuracy and performance that weigh up to 50-percent less.

“Proof’s composite materials technology is unique in that it opens up the weapon design space to enable performance advantages that cannot be achieved with traditional materials and techniques,” said Proof Research Advanced Composites Division General Manager and Project Principal Investigator David Curliss, PhD. “We design and build medium-caliber weapon system barrels and components with characteristics previously not attainable.”

The agreement builds on the company’s successful small-caliber barrel technology already in service with U.S. military forces, and will enable medium-caliber weapons with increased performance that provide overmatch capability on tomorrow’s battlefield. “This project demonstrates the scalability and performance advantages of Proof’s technology in any weapon system,” said Proof Research CEO Larry Murphy.

The company’s high-temperature products and solutions have been harnessed in the U.S. military’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and B2 Stealth Bomber, among others. Some of that advanced technology is also available to firearm enthusiasts today in Proof Research’s aftermarket barrels for a variety of civilian rifles—AR-10, AR-15, Ruger 10/22 and many others. Proof Research also offers complete firearms, including the Conviction, Elevation, Glacier, Tundra and the MDT Chassis model.

“It is a progression of our commercial and military small caliber products that will generate a tactical advantage in larger weapons,” said John Clements, Proof Research vice president of business development and military programs. “We are extremely excited about this opportunity to improve the tools available to our Warfighters.” 

Latest

Christensen Rifles factory floor
Christensen Rifles factory floor

Building Christensen Rifles: A Hands-On View

A cutting-edge enterprise takes on the lightweight-hunting-rifle market with models that defy expectations—all without flinching.

New For 2026: 25 WBY RPM

The 25 WBY RPM is the 17th proprietary cartridge developed by Weatherby, a company whose name is synonymous with magnum cartridges and bullet speed.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 12, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Firearm Industry Philanthropic Efforts Endure, Despite Lagging Gun Sales

Gun sales in 2025 may not eclipse records, but the firearm industry’s generosity continues to abound, even within challenging economic circumstances.

Product : Ten21 Tactical “The Junk Drawer” Tripod Hammock

Precision shooters using tripods to support their rifles can keep miscellaneous gear organized and within reach by attaching The Junk Drawer by Ten21 Tactical to the tripod’s legs.

Review: SAR USA SAR9 SOCOM Compact

The SAR9 SOCOM Compact from SAR USA packs popular tactical features into a compact package.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.