A small company with a big impact. When someone mentions the name American Defense Manufacturing, it could sound more like an entire industry instead of a New Berlin, Wisconsin-based company. But since its inception in 2000, American Defense Mfg, or ADM, has been making a big impact in the firearms community.
Who is American Defense Manufacturing?
Most folks, when asked about ADM products, are quick to mention scope or optics mounts because that’s where the company first made its mark. At its core, the company started by providing solid solutions for mounting optics and accessories in an innovative way. Something that seems so commonplace in today’s market, wasn’t so ubiquitous a decade or two ago. Hence the basis of the company’s appeal. The company created and delivered a quick detach option, its proprietary Auto Lock System, for mounting items to a host weapon. ADM wasn’t the first to come up with such an idea, but they were the first to deliver a system that really worked.
Disrupting a Flooded Market
Over the years, American Defense Manufacturing has added many fine rifles to its catalog. The company specializes in AR-15 and AR-10-pattern rifles with fully ambidextrous receivers. Before ADM came to the market, many so-called “ambidextrous lowers” only came with ambi safety switches and nothing more. It was challenging for left-handed shooters to operate a right-handed receiver. Not to mention, there are inherent tactical advantages to an ambidextrous system, such as weak-hand shooting. But ADM does it all, offering fully ambidextrous receiver systems, complete with ambi safety selectors, mag releases, and bolt catches.
Rifles
The UIC and ADM Series rifles are at the forefront and the most prolific. The UIC rifles, or Universal Improved Carbine, were originally designed to include as many components as possible of usability, performance, and reliability, according to ADM. The Mod 1 rifle may be seen as the budget-level rifle of the catalog, but that is not all it is. It features a billeted upper and lower receiver, ADM’s ambi lower, HD buffer, bolt carrier, and ADM’s exclusive Hybrid Contour barrel from Criterion Barrels.
The UIC-10A is ADM’s .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor rifle offering. It features the same items as the UIC line, like the Criterion barrel, buffers, and a Geissele trigger, but the UIC-10A ships suppressor-ready with a Surefire Warcomp and an adjustable gas block installed from the factory. The UIC-10A also features billeted upper and lower receivers, the latter is fully ambidextrous like its little brother, and has different stock options to choose from, along with the different Cerakote colors.
Pistols
ADM also has a few AR pistols in the catalog. Like the full rifle options, the UIC pistols have a billeted fully ambidextrous lower (see a trend here?) and upper. The pistols also feature Geissele triggers, Criterion barrels, and M-LOK handguards. These pistols have different barrel options to choose from as well as colors.
Mounts and More
ADM made a splash in the industry with their Auto Lock System. So much so that other companies in the industry adopted the design into their products. What’s so great about the Auto Lock System? Well, it’s designed to offer quick installation and truly tool-free adjustments. You can simply use a fingernail or any flat, semi-rigid object to make adjustments. Plus, the lever has a large clamping surface for the highest possible rail engagement and optimal stability. Not surprisingly, American Defense has incorporated this system into their scope, red dot, or bipod mounts, just to name a few.
Parts, Accessories, and Replacement Bits
With a full line-up of rifles, ADM also offers a large host of parts and accessories, including precision rifle components. These pieces range from uppers/lowers, and barrel nuts to replacement springs, batteries, and rail loops. Some of these items come straight from the ADM factory, while others are carefully selected third-party offerings. Either way, ADM has the pieces and parts to update a rifle. I’m not going to go into great detail about all the different parts, but rest assured there are loads of bits and bobs to fit your every need.
One item I am going to talk about, though, is the ambidextrous PRC-700SA chassis. This chassis is constructed from 6061 aluminum and is compatible with right-hand and left-hand actions. The chassis system comes equipped with an ADM adjustable buttstock and quick detach cheek riser. Further, it accepts AICS magazines and was designed to enhance the overall shooting experience. It includes many performance features like an enlarged thumb rest and an adjustable length of pull. The PRC-700SA chassis is a must-have for the precision shooter, requiring no custom bedding or inletting. It’s ready for duty, right out of the box!
Parting Shots
American Defense Manufacturing is a full one-stop shop for your firearm needs. ADM also has law enforcement trade-in equipment for purchase. In researching for this profile, there were no trade-in products listed on the site in the category at the time. It’s a live grouping, though, which indicates that it does happen from time to time. All of the ADM products are 100% designed and made in the US at its facility in Wisconsin.
American Defense Manufacturing might be on the smaller size for a full-service firearms factory, but its presence in the firearms industry, and beyond, is mighty and unwavering. Leading the way with innovation and quality in its products, the company is dedicated to supporting those who protect our country and others, including citizens.
ADM is also dedicated to helping its community and remaining active in charitable services. In fact, the company specifically calls out its commitment to the CJ3, a 5019(c)(3) organization aimed at serving Wounded Heroes, Military members, Veterans, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and First Responders.
