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

1720 Cap And Ball Revolver
1720 Cap And Ball Revolver

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Lighter & Better: Savage’s Updated Ultralite Series of Rifles

Savage Arms kicked off 2026 by announcing a new generation of Model 110 bolt-action rifles, and now, the company has also introduced an updated series of Ultralite rifles.

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 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.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.