The AR-15 sized, 6.5 Creedmoor rifle that is built to out reach, out last and out perform
ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA — [January 9, 2026] — Dark Storm Industries (DSI) today announced the new DS-25 Modern Fighting Rifle (MFR). Initially available in a 14.5” 6.5 Creedmoor, this small-frame, AR-15-size, sub 7lb, semi-auto rifle has been engineered from the ground up to deliver extended reach, improved reliability and durability, as well as fast handling. Built for an intermediate cartridge (.308 Win / 6.5 Creedmoor) on a true small-frame platform, the DS-25 MFR combines a match-grade 14.5” barrel with a reduced-mass operating system, advanced thermal management, and true ambidextrous controls. Finished in Cerakote H-265 Flat Dark Earth over hard-coat anodizing it is backed by DSI’s fully transferable lifetime warranty.
“Until now, shooters have been forced to choose between a compact rifle and true mid-range performance,” said Kevin Elder, Director of Business Development at Dark Storm Industries. “The DS-25 MFR 14.5″ 6.5 Creedmoor was developed to erase that compromise — delivering fast handling with the stability, consistency, and durability serious users demand.”
Built for Reach — Designed for Durability
Starting at the muzzle, the DS-25 MFR features a 14.5″ medium taper profile, 416R stainless barrel, button-rifled and hand-lapped to achieve sub-MOA performance and an effective range of over 1000 yards. The barrel is electropolished and hard chrome lined for long-term durability and uses a mid-length gas system for a smooth, soft recoil impulse. The gas block is pinned to the barrel for rock-solid reliability. The rifle is available with traditional 1:8 twist or a 1:7, providing improved stability when firing heavier 140–150gr 6.5 Creedmoor loads, from the short barrel. The rifle comes standard with a Huxwrx 762-QD flash hider which can be pinned and welded for users seeking a non-NFA rifle setup. Alternate suppressor adapters and muzzle devices are available as well.
Free-Float Accuracy, Real Thermal Gains
The DS-25 MFR’s new 13″ M-Lok handguard mates to the upper receiver via DSI’s Multi-Lithic™ and Chainlink™ attachment systems, creating a true free-float system with no contact with the barrel nut, improving accuracy when shooting off bipods, barricades, or with forward grips. Like the DS-15 MFR, the handguard is indexed to the upper receiver with twin internal dowel pins for a clean, uninterrupted top rail. This allows more flexibility for mounting optics, illuminators and other accessories. A new aerospace-alloy heat sink barrel nut provides significantly improved thermal dissipation over standard steel barrel nuts. This helps maintain accuracy and reduces thermal-shift effects during rapid or extended firing cycles.
Ambidextrous Control, Reliable Cycling, Low-Lube Performance
The new billet receiver set is purpose-built for hard use. It features true, full, ambidextrous controls (mag release, bolt catch/release, safety selector and charging handle) and a 3.5lb flat faced two-stage trigger with DLC coating. The upper receiver and buffer tube feature a dry film solid lubricant for smoother cycling and reduced wear. The DSI ATACH™ ambidextrous charging handle with Duo-Lock™ provides a secure, repeatable grip. The levers are large enough to easily grab but small enough to not catch on clothing or kit. It latches onto serviceable steel lock pins on both sides of the upper providing redundancy against failure. A wrap-around rear cap significantly reduces gas to the shooter’s face — a detail suppressor-minded users will appreciate.
At the heart of the DS-25 MFR is its enhanced bolt carrier group. Machined from premium aircraft-quality steels and finished in an advanced tri-layer chrome/nickel/DLC system, it is designed for an extended service life and to provide reliable functioning with little to no lubrication. The bolt features enhanced geometry to mitigate the two most common bolt failure points and dual ejectors for consistent clearing of the larger brass.
Fighting-Rifle Ergonomics, Duty-Ready Details
The DS-25 MFR is outfitted with a Magpul DT carbine stock on a 7 position, extended buffer tube that features SOCOM style drain holes and triple rear vent holes for expelling gas and water. A matching Magpul K2+ rubber over-molded grip completes the control interface for fast, confident handling.
About Dark Storm Industries
Dark Storm Industries designs and manufactures American-made firearms and components in Rockledge, Florida, with a focus on durability, performance, and modern engineering. Each firearm is hand-assembled and individually tested then backed by a fully transferable lifetime warranty.
www.mfg.dark-storm.com
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