You just finished putting together your first AR-15. Or, maybe you simply bought a “retail” rifle that came fully assembled. Either way, it’s probably a good shooter. Good, but not perfect. The AR-15 platform’s been developed for decades and it remains one of the most popular rifles sold in America. That means there are literally…
The AR world’s been flooded with new calibers, and relatively recently, the 6.5 Creedmoor round has become a popular choice among shooters building an AR-10 (really, an LR-308). What’s the difference between these two loads? Is Creedmoor truly a high-performer that outclasses .308 Winchester? Here’s our detailed comparison. The .308 Winchester The .308 Winchester’s NATO…
The AR-15 lower receiver is a pretty standardized firearm. But when it comes to 80% lowers, there are quite a few options available for different calibers. Some are made with different materials — forged or billet aluminum, polymer, even carbon fiber. We’re clearing up any confusion you might have when it comes to a billet…
The most important part of assembling an AR-15 is the installation of the lower parts kit. Without it, you’ve got nothing more than an empty lower receiver, and a barreled upper assembly. You need to put the guts in your gun to make it run — but what’s the deal with all these LPKs? What’s…
If you hadn’t guessed by now, the AR-15 is one of the most popular firearms sold in America. But its popularity, combined with its ease of customization, has spawned a massive DIY market. More than ever, gun owners are building their black rifles instead of buying preassembled ARs off gun dealers’ shelves. Is it worth it…
When Eugene Stoner developed the AR-15 in the 50’s, he probably didn’t think his rifle would evolve to comprise a bunch of calibers and new configurations. Well, that’s exactly what’s happened. The black rifle’s become so popular it now boasts a dozen or so cartridges. You’ve seen new builds referenced like the AR-9, LR-308, and…
With so many options available, pick the right lower for an 80% gun build can seem overwhelming. We’re comparing all 80% lowers for every platform, including all AR lowers and handgun frames. We’ll also break down everything you need to know to choose your receiver, like material, caliber, coating or finish, parts compatibility, and tools required to build…
If you’re a gun owner getting into the AR platform, you’ve already seen references to the M4 and M16, two military-issued rifles currently in service. These fully automatic rifles look identical to the typical AR-15. So, what are the differences? Let’s break down these sibling weapon platforms. AR-15 to M16: A Brief History The AR-15…
If you decided to build an AR-15 or other firearm using an 80% lower or receiver blank, your first question is probably, “Does it need a serial number?” Common sense says this would effectively negate any benefits or conveniences of using an 80 lower to build an AR-15 or other gun, because then you’re just…
Living in California and owning firearms can be like getting a tooth pulled. It can be painful. The good news is that Novocain exists for teeth, and genius exists for owning guns in California. Hats off to the creators, lawyers, and manufacturers who go above and beyond to make owning common rifles, like the AR-15,…
