By AT3 Tactical Understanding the difference between mil-spec and commercial AR-15 buffer tubes This is one of the most common questions we’re asked, and for good reason. If you’re planning to build your own AR-15 or upgrade your AR-15 stock, it’s critical to understand the subtle differences between mil-spec and commercial AR-15 buffer tubes, two very similar […]
By AT3 Tactical The AR-15 upper receiver (often simply referred to as an “upper”) holds and protects many of the most important components on your AR-15. There are many types of uppers on the market, and it’s vital to understand the differences between uppers when building or buying an AR-15. Different Types of AR-15 Uppers Your […]
The Mini-14 and Mini Thirty have been in production in one form or fashion since the early 1970s. Being a fan of the platform, I’ve seen a lot of gimmicky accessories for both rifles over the years. But, after going through just about all of them, here’s a good selection of items that are actually […]
By Brad Steenrod AR 15 Handguard: Free floating or drop-in? Aluminum or Polymer? Quad rail, Keymod, M-LOK, or no rail? Choosing a handguard for your AR-15 can be confusing, with all of the options that are available. Even the names can be confusing (handguard, forend, forearm, foregrip – they’re all the same). But picking the right […]
By Brad Steenrod There’s more than one way to sling a rifle, and not all of them work for everyone. The sling strap comes in all shapes, sizes, materials, and configurations. There are single-point slings for close-quarters defensive applications, two- and three-point slings for general use, and specialty slings designed for snipers, hunters, and precision marksmen. […]
By Brad Steenrod The AR platform has undergone many changes over the years, and it can be pretty confusing to the average gun-owner. The goal of this article is to help you keep it all straight. AR-15 vs. M16 vs. M4 – What’s the Difference? To understand the different types of AR platform rifles, you […]
A few years back, pistol caliber carbines seemed to come into vogue as the home defense and just-plain-fun weapon du jour, and understandably so. There are real advantages to using a carbine for home defense over a handgun and possibly also over a shotgun. It’s also a great range toy. However most people aren’t in […]
The latest take on Ruger’s classic 10/22 rifle is a compact model with their modular stock system. It’s similar to the stock on their 10/22 Takedown Lite model. It’s a great option for young shooters who need a short length of pull now, but gives them the option to increase LOP as they grow. Ruger […]
You may have read Josh’s recent review of the venerable Ruger Mini Thirty. Josh noted that despite the Mini Thirty’s (and Mini-14’s) Garand-style action, it’s not loadable with stripper clips like its famous forbear did with en bloc clips. Josh was correct. You can’t reload a Mini with a clip. At least not a factory […]
There is a good chance you have never heard of Alamo Precision Rifles, and an even better chance that you should have. Alamo Precision Rifles (APR) is located 275 miles north of the Alamo near Dallas, Texas. I recently made the trip from Austin to APR to check out their facility. Big things are happening […]
It is said that General George S. Patton called the M1 Garand rifle “the greatest battle implement ever devised.” That may very well be true. If it is, then M1 Garand rifle serial number 1,000,000 should be considered “THE greatest battle implement ever devised.” Why the emphasis? Simple: that gun belonged to the inventor himself – […]
By Brent T. Wheat One of the coolest things about the Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR), built on the well-known AR-15 platform originally designed by Eugene Stoner, is the fact that the system is largely modular and can be assembled and modified by anyone possessing some basic tools and a bit of mechanical aptitude. Happily, for […]
