Tag: ar-15

Ever since I first heard it a few years ago, I haven't liked the term "modern sporting rifle." I thought I'd let things play out before commenting (for the record, I don't really care what these rifles are called, as long as I can legally acquire and own them). It seems that I'm not alone, although the NSSF isn't terribly excited about the opinion of us bloggers. The NSSF invented the MSR campaign several years ago as a way to sell (literally and figuratively) the AR-15 and its derivatives to… Read More

I'm pretty impressed with the Diamondhead Combat Sights which are going to be standard on the Rainier Arms carbines. They're not "me too" iron sights that basically say "We have no imagination, but we do have a CNC machine" (which is almost like how the white background photos I've been posting the last few days say, "I have no imagination, but I do have a DSLR"). Of note is the "Premium" front sight, on the left in the photo, which allows elevation adjustments for 0-200, 300, 400, 500 and 600… Read More

Regular readers/viewers of this blog will not be surprised by the information contained herein. I produced this primarily for the Youtube audience. It's a basic summary of why I believe the AR-15 to be an incredibly reliable weapon, with a few tips on how to avoid problems - but those tips apply to all self-loading weapons.

A short video suggesting a few primary considerations for those looking to buy an AR-15. It also offers general tips about configurations, brands, and whether to build or buy.

In the past, I have used high speed video to analyze various aspects of AR-15 operation. Today, I did some testing at the range with several action springs. This is intended to be an ongoing test, so all three action springs were brand new. They are: - Tactical Springs/Sprinco "Blue" recoil spring - Brownells M4 Recoil Spring - Chrome Silicon - Brownells AR-15/M4 Recoil Spring The test weapon was a 16" carbine gas AR-15 with a .063" gas port, H buffer, 5.56mm NATO chamber, M16/Auto bolt carrier, and AR-15 fire… Read More

Here's some high speed video comparing why free floated barrels move during firing. The results shouldn't be very surprising, but the cause is a lot more simple than some might think. The movement is not due to barrel fluting or piston/op-rod operation, but the simple act of a muzzle device placing uncontested force at the very end of the barrel. Because the barrel is free floated, it only has support where it meets the receiver. As a result, we see the barrel move a bit. When this same rifle has… Read More

Speculation on my part, but it looks like Sig may be covering all possible options with the upcoming US Army carbine competition. Their "M400" is a standard AR with a gas tube. Mentioned in the video is a modified extractor - I'd like more details on this. Beyond what you see here, I have no information about this weapon. https://youtu.be/Lk3gq6uwuxU

In my experience, most people who are looking to buy AR-15s do so because they want something that looks like what the military uses. Most of these people then buy 14.5" or 16" M4 type rifles, regardless of what they actually need or have a use for. I have a variety of ARs, and several have 20" barrels and collapsible stocks. They're great shooters and would fit the needs of a lot of civilian shooters (uh-oh, I said it) much better than an M4. But they don't look as cool,… Read More

As many who read my blog know, I like Spike's Tactical. Granted, they've given me a lot of stuff - but it's all looked at with a critical eye, and I don't often find things to complain about. With the SAR rails, however, I did. Spike's sent me two SAR rails, a 12" and a 9". They're very light - the 9" weighs under 10 ounces - and I like the titanium barrel nut that makes installation very easy. They have 4 QD sockets for sling swivels, and the width… Read More

Many thanks to Rainier Arms for providing me with this billet receiver set. I assembled the rifle as my version of an M16A5 prototype - an upgraded M16, if you will. More to come on that.