Tag: reviews

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 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

Some people are in the market for a new AR or AR upper. Some people don't think they're in the market until something special catches their eye. This could be a part that has special features, or a good product at a good price. Or, for that matter, something that has special features and is at a good price. The Spike's Tactical LE uppers are certainly in this last category. They're under $500, shipped, with a $50 coupon code - M4LEUP for the M4 type upper ($475 with the code),… Read More

Over the past few weeks, I've been putting a fair amount of match ammunition through the BCM Mk12. Most of that has been Prvi 75gr Match, but I've also shot Hornady 75gr, Black Hills Blue Box 68 and 75gr, and my own handloads. Recently, a number of 10 shot groups were fired at 100 and 200 yards using two of the above: Prvi 75gr at 100 yards, and Black Hills 68gr at 200 yards. These groups were shot from the prone, using a Harris bipod for support, a Rock River… Read More

Last month, I wrote about the excellent, and affordable, Spike's Tactical M4 LE upper receiver assembly. I was so impressed with it that I decided to pick up a stripped Spike's Tactical ST-15 lower receiver. Now, I have two requirements for lower receivers: the magwell must be sized properly to drop free Magpul PMags, and all of the holes must be drilled in the right place. Anything else, such as a pretty finish, is nice, but unnecessary. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the $105 ST-15 receiver met not… Read More

Some of you may notice that this post is not filed under "firearms" or "reviews" or even "tests". It's filed under "Lies, Errors, and Omissions." Why is that, you ask? Well, this firearm is an error. The company that made it is an error. I might even go so far as to say that the ancestors of the people who founded the company were also errors. But first, the firearm. It looks just like this. Yes, I stole Auto-Ordnance's photo. I had a pretty hard time finding .30 carbine ammo… Read More

The Diamondback DB380 is a new firearm manufactured in Cocoa, Florida. Some of you may know that Kel-Tec is located in Cocoa, Florida. I've heard several stories about Diamondback, all of them essentially saying that Diamondback was started by former Kel-Tec employees. Whatever the background, the result is head and shoulders above anything produced by Kel-Tec. I am actually a fan of the Kel-Tec P3AT, having purchased 4 and given 3 to friends and relatives as carry handguns. Of those four, with about 800 rounds downrange between them, I observed… Read More

That's a mouthful. I've remarked in the past on Primary Arms' ability to deliver a quality optic at an excellent price. Mainly, I've been referring to their red dot optics, but now that I've had a few months with their magnified optics, I'm even more impressed with the company. Disclaimers Now, let's get a few things straight. Although I've been perfectly clear in the past about what I think PA optics should be used for, I've still upset some people. So here goes. If you plan on depending on this… Read More