Tag: ar-15

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

For most people, the following test will be as interesting for the methods used as it is for the conclusions that were reached. Understanding Extractor Lift Alternate link to presentation This presentation was initially shown in May of 2003; the "other comments" page would seem to be especially prescient in light of all the "improvements" that have been made to the AR platform in the years since. Some I fully support, such as midlength gas systems (especially for 16" barrels), while others (such as poorly engineered "piston conversions") I do… Read More

As I reported back in January, the USMC is looking to replace the ungainly fixed stock on the M16A4 with a collapsible stock, and one of the options is the Vltor A5 stock assembly. They did some testing, but apparently the results aren't approved for release yet. The A5 "done good", though. I think that's safe to say. (rest of the post removed for above reasons)

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

Bravo Company has released a ton of information as to what makes their product worth the asking price. I've never questioned that - the barrel extension thing taught me plenty - but now there's plenty of in-depth information as to the quality of the rest of the parts. Some of it takes a little of the wind out of my "Beyond the Chart" series' sails (that is, items I'd been planning to cover), but I can't complain - good info is good info, regardless of where it comes from. Do… Read More

"All AR-15s are parts guns" - I don't know how many times I've heard that statement. I'll even admit to thinking that way once. It is, now that I've had time to think about my sins, wrong. What the people who say such things don't realize - or choose not to realize - is that the person who put the weapon together has a tremendous impact on the overall quality of the weapon. While the process of assembling one may seem really simple, it's also very simple to screw up.… Read More

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

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