Category: Reviews

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

I've come across a number of items that never really appealed to me - such as this "Battery Caddy" - before I actually used them. When I received two examples as a gift (during the AR15.com Christmas Exchange), I thought, "What are these for? Holding batteries? What's wrong with just having them in a box?" Then, as I said, I started using them, and found them to be very practical devices. They're injection molded polymer, and the 4xCR123 and 4xAA examples that I own weigh less than an ounce "unloaded".… Read More

I used to think that all lowers were alike, and that the only real difference in lower parts kits was that some came with fancy triggers. I now know this to be false. After having to perform final - perhaps corrective is a better term - machine work on several "budget" lowers, I started to set my sights higher. It's easy to cut what would seem to be fat out of an AR-15 build budget by using a cheap lower and a cheap LPK. For many (low-volume) shooters, this is… 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

In the never-ending battle to remove weight from weapon components, several companies have turned to a pretty simple AR-15 handguard design: a tube with a rail along the top and several small removable sections of rail. The thinking is that the average shooter doesn't really need all that rail space. It's pretty sound thinking, in my opinion. It's not really a new idea, but it has seemingly enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the last year or so. One of the designs that follows that line of thought is the… 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

I'll come right out and admit that I am a big fan of aftermarket muzzle devices. The PWS FSC556 is great for reducing muzzle rise (while not creating huge fireballs like other muzzle brakes/compensators), and the AAC Blackout and Smith Vortex do a fantastic job of reducing/eliminating muzzle flash visible to the naked eye. However, this doesn't mean that the ubiquitous A2 flash hider is completely useless. It does actually reduce muzzle rise slightly, compared to, say, the AAC Blackout, as I noticed recently while switching between the two for… Read More