Size, as they say, isn't everything. In the world of long-range precision, the prevailing wisdom usually involves lugging around a chassis that resembles a steel girder. Gunwerks, however, has decided to lean in the opposite direction with the Skunkwerks Tiny AF. It is a rifle so compact that one might mistake it for a sophisticated piece of camera gear, until you realise it is chambered in 6mm ARC and capable of ringing steel at distances that would make a Victorian surveyor weep with envy.

An important feature of this diminutive beast is an 11.25-inch heavy-carbon C60 contour barrel. While "short" and "long-range" are words that rarely socialise, the Tiny AF manages to bridge the gap. When folded, the entire unit shrinks to a mere 19.5 inches. To put that in perspective, you could almost lose this thing in a well-stocked rucksack. It is designed for the shooter who wants to hike further than the car park without needing a chiropractor on speed dial the following Monday.

The choice of 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) is a clever bit of ballistics. Originally designed for the AR-15 platform to provide a bit more "oomph" than the standard .223, it finds a happy home here. Despite having the smallest case capacity in the Gunwerks stable, its efficiency with fast-burning powders means that even with a stubby barrel, it achieves a muzzle velocity of roughly 2300 fps with 105gr Hunting VLD bullets. It is a punchy little round that behaves with far more dignity than its size suggests.

And recoil? With this rifle, it is practically a non-event. The manufacturer claims it kicks less than a child’s 4.5mm BB air rifle, which is a bold statement, though not entirely unfounded. Between the inherent manners of the 6 ARC and the included Gunwerks 6+ Steel Suppressor, the shooting experience is less heavy artillery and more of polite tap on the shoulder. This lack of drama allows for consistent impacts out to 1000 yards, assuming you’ve done your part behind the glass.

Speaking of glass, the system is topped with a Leupold MK5HD 2-10x30 FFP scope. It is a sensible pairing that respects the rifle’s compact ethos. You don’t put a massive telescope on a pocket-sized rifle, after all. The first focal plane reticle ensures that your holdovers remain accurate regardless of magnification, which is rather handy when you are trying to stretch the legs of a 6mm projectile across several postcodes.

The engineering highlight is undoubtedly the folding stock. Rather than bolting on a third-party hinge that adds unnecessary bulk, the Skunkwerks team modified their proprietary ClymR carbon fibre stock. They managed to integrate a nine-part, one-button hinge mechanism directly into the carbon layup. It locks up with the rigidity of a vault door, avoiding the "wobbly bit" syndrome that plagues many folding designs. It is a triumph of industrial bonding and a testament to what happens when engineers are given a deadline and enough caffeine.

The package arrives in a custom Pelican Air case, which is a bit like a luxury flat for your firearm. Inside, you’ll find more than just the rifle and 100 rounds of ammunition. There is a certain "lifestyle" element at play here, including a custom-engraved Yeti flask and a Tübr humidor stocked with two Knuckle Sandwich cigars. It’s a nod to the fact that if you’ve spent the day successfully navigating the backcountry, you’ve earned a celebratory puff and a sip of something warming.

In terms of practical application, the Tiny AF is pitched as a tool for small to medium game within 500 yards. While its precision at 1000 yards is a fine party trick for the range, its true utility lies in being a rifle that is actually there when you need it. It’s light (9lbs 2oz suppressed), it’s nimble, and it fits into spaces where traditional rifles simply cannot go. It is essentially the "hot hatch" of the shooting world: small, fast, and surprisingly capable.

Of course, this level of miniaturised perfection comes with a price tag that reflects its boutique origins. At $14,750.00, it is an investment in both engineering and ego. However, for the person who values portability and hates the recoil of more traditional magnums, the Tiny AF offers a unique proposition. It is a tiny package that delivers a significant punch, proving that you don’t need a six-foot rifle to do six-foot rifle things.

Learn more about the Skunkwerks Tiny AF in this podcast: