AR-15s, or America’s rifle, come in a variety of configurations: modern M4 clones, the typical 16″-barreled rifle with an M4 buttstock, fixed-stock variants, pistols and SBRs, and long bench guns nominally chambered in either .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor. You also have to contend with all the optics normally fitted on those flat-top uppers, even the…
Building an AR-15 piece by piece is something a lot of new rifle owners choose to do. But for others, picking out every individual part for their upper and lower receivers just isn’t in their wheelhouse. That’s perfectly OK. That’s why AR build kits exist! Let’s talk about ’em. AR Build Kit FAQs Q: What…
If you’ve decided to machine an 80% lower or frame to build a custom firearm, you’re going to need one critically important tool: An 80% jig. We’re covering jig compatibility in this guide — learn which jig and tooling you need to cut and drill your lower or frame! AR-Type 80% Jig Compatibility AR jigs…
Black rifle enthusiasts and shooters have been using aluminum and polymer receiver blanks to build their AR-15s at home without registering or serializing them. Officially called an 80 lower (or 80% lower) , these receiver blanks aren’t legally considered firearms at the time of purchase. But what exactly is an 80% lower? How does it work,…
Zeroing iron sights can be confusing, even for experienced shooters. You’ll make “up” and “down” (elevation) adjustments using the front sight, but you’ll make “left” and “right” (windage) adjustments using the rear sight. To make things even more confusing, the sights must move in opposite directions to zero. Let’s get started. How to Zero Iron…
Reflex and holographic optics look like each other, and they produce an aiming reticle that looks identical. So, what are the differences between the two? Which one should you pick for your new AR, rifle, or pistol? We think the best way to decide is to understand how both optics work, learning the pros and…
Your AR-15’s barrel can be fitted with loads of muzzle devices. Muzzle brakes, compensators, and flash hiders are all popular choices among AR owners. Which one should you get, and why? We’re comparing what each muzzle device does. Let’s dive in. The Muzzle Brake A muzzle brake does exactly what its name implies: It literally…
The 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington loads are the two most popular cartridges ever chambered in the AR platform. But you’ve probably heard they’re different. You might’ve been told you can’t shoot 5.56 in a .223 gun and vice versa. So, what are the differences between 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington, and is any of…
The AR-15 can chamber a lot of cartridges. That includes pistol calibers. In short, it can be a real pain deciding which cartridge you’ll put in your first, or next, AR-15 build. We’re going to help you decide by covering the most popular cartridges by specific use, which includes: Deer hunting Home defense Short barrel…
The AR platform’s becoming a popular choice for pistol-caliber carbine owners. It easily converts from its usual centerfire rifle cartridge setup to blowback operation by just ditching the gas system. It can also improve velocity and accuracy of 9mm and .45 ACP to such an extent that both rounds become accurate up to 150 to…
