Category: Firearms

Again, new video format. Will supplant, not replace, older style videos if it is well received. The goal is to create a descriptive 1 to 2 minute video on a firearm or accessory.

I don't even have time to take a halfway decent picture...I'm off to the range! Some of my friend Kristofer Gulbrandsen's hard work has finally paid off. Edit - back from the range - it works! More video to come.

I'm going to be honest. I would probably never purchase this rifle. It just has too many drawbacks, in my mind - it's heavy, it has an extreme forward CG, it's not fully end user serviceable, you're effectively limited to one rail system, and it's a gas piston/op-rod weapon. These are the items that came to mind when I first examined an SR-556 at the 2009 NRA show in Phoenix. Evidently, Ruger heard enough about weight from customers that they recently introduced the SR556C model, which has a shorter, fluted… Read More

I've updated the AR-15 weight calculator with drop down style selections for most parts. This should make it much easier to use. I've added a wide variety of parts and will continue to add more in the future. The original calculator will still be available for those who have a configuration not listed in the drop down boxes.

One common topic of discussion relating to AR-15s is weight. Frequently, someone will want to know what a certain accessory will weigh, or how much difference there is between a heavy barrel and a light barrel, and so on. I have created a very simple calculator - with links to resources from other websites - that will assist those who are looking for the total weight of their weapon. I cannot guarantee that it will be perfectly accurate, given variables relating to manufacturing processes and scale calibration, but it should… Read More

With the recent production of more Bravo Company lower receivers, complete BCM rifles and carbines will now be available. Among them is one of my favorite AR-15 configurations - the 16" lightweight midlength. The one you see here represents what will go on sale, with a few exceptions - the Magpul MOE midlength handguards aren't out yet, and the production lightweight midlengths will have a .625 FSB instead of the .750 FSB on this weapon. Also, you'll have to order the Vltor Modstock separately (and the ammunition/magazine too). Weighing just… Read More

I hear this all the time - "What's the big deal? The difference is only a few ounces." This is usually followed up by some sort of admonition to stop being a weakling and start lift weights. Well, ounces add up. See the Spike's rifle at the top of the screen? As pictured, it weighs 7.55lbs (unloaded). Without the flashlight, 7.2lbs. It's not what I'd call a heavy rifle - it's a government profile midlength. Compared to some stuff that's out there, it's veritable featherweight. That rifle is equipped with… Read More

Well, the ones that I haven't carried yet, that is. The corrosion resistance properties of Tenifer are highly overrated in popular lore. Glocks that have been plated with electroless nickel don't rust, though!

My first AR-15s were a mix of used and new parts, "rifle kits", anything I could find that was cheap. I didn't understand what the difference was between the stuff I could piece together for $500-550 and the stuff that I could buy for $800. Knowing what I know now, the $800 stuff back then wasn't all that great, and the "good" stuff was $1200 on up. Of course, I spent at least $1200 between two rifles that ended up being junk, because I thought that was better than having… Read More

When you get right down to it, criticism of Bravo Company MFG products comes from people who simply don't understand what makes a quality AR for hard use, and have to resort to calling BCM fans "kool aid drinkers" in lieu of any real criticism. Well, I'm here to tell you that those people are right. The BCM kool aid is popular. That's because BCM is renowned for producing some of the highest quality, most functional AR-15 uppers in the business. If gravitating towards the best product on the market… Read More