Category: Firearm Components

Late last year I published parts one and two of a muzzle device comparison; the third part was essentially complete at that time, but I decided to hold off on publishing it until I could verify some of my data. Using high speed video (courtesy of SilencerCo) and multiple accelerometers, I will be able to show visually as well as mathematically how effective each device in the test is at recoil reduction. During a four month period, over 1500 rounds were fired to verify g-force data from the accelerometers. The… Read More

Note: While I work to verify my recoil data, I have decided to release the first part of this comparison, which covers muzzle flash. One of the most popular accessories for today's AR15 owner is a muzzle device. Want less muzzle flash? There's a device for that. Want less recoil? There's a device for that, too. Want less muzzle flash AND less recoil? Some devices even claim to perform multiple functions. I have been closely studying how various muzzle devices perform for years, and this summer, with the assistance of… Read More

An off-the-cuff, unscripted video discussing various muzzle devices, with some high speed and HD range video thrown in for good measure.

I have been using the Spike's Tactical SAR rails for quite some time, and although they are extremely light, they do not seem to give up any strength or durability. However, I have several problems with the way they were designed and manufactured. Spike's Tactical provided both of these rails for review, as well as some of the rifles seen in the video. This video is a modification of the "new video format" I tested a few months ago.

I have been using the Rainier/Samson Evo rail for a good while, and after my initial reservations about its installation, have found it to be a rather decent and very lightweight handguard. Like the Centurion Arms C4 rail I recently reviewed, the Evo rail was provided by Rainier Arms. It is currently available for $175, which is, I think, a competitive price.

After several years with various Nickel Boron-plated AR-15 components, I am of the opinion that they should still be lubricated just like any other bolt carrier group. It is important to note that I held this opinion even when I had relatively little experience with nickel boron. Nickel boron is a coating used by FailZero on bolt carrier groups and is purported to reduce lubrication requirements - eliminate them, actually, but I'll stop lubricating my weapons when the owners of FailZero plate the internal components of their cars' engines with… Read More

I have a good number of rails to review at the moment, some of which I've had longer than the Centurion Arms C4 rail. To say that I have a slight product review backup at the moment would be...stating that fact mildly. However, I have spent the most range time with and have the most photos of the Centurion, so without further ado, here is the video. Like a number of things reviewed here in the past, this rail was provided for review by Rainier Arms. The Centurion Arms C4… Read More

I was recently loaned an Enidine hydraulic buffer by Rich at Arizona Armament, and dropped it in my Spike's Tactical lightweight AR-15 for some comparison shooting with the "regular" buffer that rifle normally is used with - an H2. Right now, I'm just presenting some initial findings, not a comprehensive evaluation. I'm not thrilled with the Enidine. Although it cycles slower, the difference comes from a slower return to battery, which I have not found to be conducive to higher reliability. This, coupled with the shorter stroke caused by the… Read More

The Kimber Rimfire Target conversion kit - or a competing kit of similar quality - is a must have for 1911 owners, in my opinion. I've owned this one for years and use it more than practically any other firearm-related product I own.

After putting quite a bit of 5.45 and 5.56 through the Rainier XTC over the last 9 months, I feel pretty confident in saying that it's the best muzzle compensator value on the market.