As the popularity of pistol-caliber carbines grow, so does the list of options. Not long ago we brought you the Hailstorm by Dark Storm Industries. In our range experience with that pistol we wondered how the same build in rifle form would perform. So did you and so now we have the rifle version, Lightning, in our hands. Dark Storm Industries stands out from the PCC crowd in a couple of ways.
First and foremost it’s worth paying tribute to their location and spirit. DSI is based behind enemy lines in New York State. A tip of the hat is mandatory for any company willing to make modern sporting rifles outside the reach of our Constitution. Because they’re fighting the good fight they also make several state-compliant variants. Those variants have all the restrictions required for various states. None of their options include USA Today’s chainsaw bayonet accessory.
The New York company is more that just a retailer, they build their rifles. Receivers, bolts, and other parts are made in house. DSI also has a range and retail store at their location and offer training from beginner to advanced. It is readily apparent that they take their business seriously. That seriousness is readily apparent in the Lightning’s build specs as seen below from the product webpage.
- DS-9 Billet 7075 Aluminum Lower Receiver – Accepts Glock Magazines
- DS-9 Billet 7075 Aluminum Upper Receiver w/ Last Round Bolt Hold Open
- DSI 9mm Nickel Boron Coated Bolt Carrier Group
- DSI Billet Ambidextrous Safety Selector
- Troy Battle Rail Alpha 11″ Forearm
- DSI 16″ 9mm Threaded 1:10 416 Stainless Steel Barrel
- DSI Stainless Steel Competition Compensator
- 17 Round Magazine
- Magpul CTR Adjustible Stock
- Hogue Pistol Grip
- Optic Ready (sights not included)
- Trigger Lock
We’re looking forward to getting the Lightning on the range. You can expect us to run our multi-load and multi-mag tests. The excellent manual included with the rifle specifically states that Glock-brand magazines are preferred and instructs not to use any ammo other than brass-cased. We can oblige by the ammo request but plan on testing all six commonly-available Glock magazine variants.
If you’re new to PCCs, or already a fanatic you’re on the right path. Learn what we have with this collection of reviews.
