Tag: AR

What is the Legal Barrel Length for an AR-15

If you are trying to build an AR-15 and avoid having to go through the process of getting an ATF-approved tax stamp, you’re going to need to know the legal barrel length for your weapon.

In the military, M4 barrels are 14.5 inches long. This was a vast reduction in size and weight compared to the 20-inch barrel of the M16.

However, what barrel length is legal in the civilian world?

The Simple Answer for the Legal Barrel Length for an AR-15

Putting it as simple as possible, the answer to this question is 16 inches. However, as with many things in the firearms world, there are some workarounds to this.





Muzzle Device

The first workaround is a permanently attached muzzle device, such as a flash suppressor.

In this situation, you are able to buy a 14.5-inch barrel and a specific muzzle device and have a gunsmith pin-and-weld the muzzle device to the barrel.

In most of these flash suppressors, it will be specifically stated that you are able to have it pinned and welded, so be sure to check if it’s possible before buying the muzzle device.

Essentially, pinning and welding the muzzle device makes it permanent, which in turn makes it part of the barrel. For that reason, you are able to count the extra length of the flash suppressor as part of your barrel length.

Keep in mind that this will come at an added cost, since you’ll have to purchase the muzzle device and also pay to have it welded on for you.

AR-frame Pistol

Black Pistol with High Capacity magazine full shot
With High Capacity Magazine Full Shot

The 16-inch barrel length only applies to rifles, NOT pistols.

You are able to build an AR pistol in various pistol and rifle calibers, which would eliminate the need for the 16-inch barrel. If it is technically a pistol, the barrel can be much shorter.

However, when building an AR pistol, there are a few laws that you need to keep in mind. Since that isn’t the point of this article, we won’t go too much into them. It basically boils down to the buttstock of the weapon, and there are some specific design features that must be accounted for. Make sure you know your laws if you take this route!

Get the Tax Stamp

Lastly, if you want a shorter barrel, you can always just get the tax stamp from the ATF. Once your weapon is classified as a short-barreled rifle (often called SBR), the length of the barrel won’t be a problem.

This is a somewhat length and time-consuming process, but it is the only way to legally have an AR-15 rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches. Related that, if you are intending to buy a scope for your ar 15, you should choose Nikon or Vortex, it’s my favorite.





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Conclusion

To make a long story short, the answer to the question is 16 inches. Your AR-15 barrel must be at least 16 inches in length to be considered legal by the ATF. Anything shorter than that, and you will have to get an SBR tax stamp from them.

However, as we mentioned in this article, there are a couple of workarounds you could pursue to avoid having to get the tax stamp. But, like with anything, make sure you know the laws about what you are doing.

What is a High Shelf Lower and Compare With Low Shelf

When it comes to assault rifles, there are all kinds of variations with them. One of those variations comes with the type of receiver that your gun has. In this article, we will look at what the receiver is and the two different types. With receivers, you have both high shelf lower and low shelf lower.

Read on to find out what is meant by that and why it matters. Also, learn the difference between a high shelf lower and low shelf lower.




What is the receiver?

Before getting into high shelf versus low shelf lower receivers, we will look at what the receiver in an assault rifle is. The receiver is the part that holds the hammer, bolt, or other firing mechanisms.

The reason it is called the receiver is that it receives the barrel. Normally the barrel screws in.

The receiver has a raised piece of metal on the inside, and this raised piece is what is called the shelf, and it is in the lower half of the receiver which is where the lower part comes in.

Depending on the manufacturer this piece of metal can be at a low height or a high height. Depending on your intentions with your gun the height of this shelf can affect things.

High Shelf vs. Low Shelf

On a high shelf like the name implies the shelf raises higher than on a low shelf. Even though the high shelf lower is higher though, it is not substantially higher. The added metal can be measured in grams, not ounces.

The way you can tell a high shelf lower versus a low shelf lower is by looking at it.

On a high shelf lower the metal shelf will raise about even with the selector hole in the bottom of the receiver. On a low shelf lower, the bottom will intersect about half way.

It is as simple as just looking into the receiver to see if you have a high or low shelf.

What does Shelf Height effect?

What Parts Are Interchangeable Between Ar15 and Ar10
Which parts are interchangeable between an AR-15 and an AR-10?

Both high shelf lowers, and low shelf lowers fire in the same way.

The height of the shelf normally doesn’t affect any way of how the gun functions. The shelf height also normally doesn’t have any effect on what trigger you can use. If it doesn’t affect the way the gun functions or even the trigger, then you may be wondering what it does the effect.

Well, the answer is it affects how easily you can install an RDIAS. An RDIAS is a Registered Drop in Auto Sear. The name still might not tell you what that is though. An Auto Sear is an accessory that will turn your gun into an automatic rifle, instead of semiautomatic.

The reason that the gun manufacturer may not want you to install this is in most areas automatic weapons are illegal or heavily regulated.

The manufacturing making it so you can’t install an RDIAS covers their butt for liability purposes.

The thing is a high shelf lower doesn’t stop you from converting your gun to an automatic if you want to. It just makes it harder.

You can buy RDIAS that are designed to go onto high shelf assault rifles.

Also, you can mil the drop in part to make it shorter and allow it to work in your gun. By the way, if you are using an AR-10 rifle, the best scope for AR-10 is the good one you should had.

Which to buy?

So, which type of shelf should you buy? Well, if you want to add an RDIAS, then it is best to start with a low shelf because it will save you the headache of having to customize the RDIAS, but if you don’t plan to add one to your AR in the near future, then it really doesn’t matter what receiver lower that you buy. You should buy the AR that you like and is in your budget. If it ends up being a high shelf and you want to add an RDIAS later, then you still can with some customization.

Conclusion

So, now you know what is being talked about when you hear high shelf lower versus low shelf lower. You also now know the differences between a high shelf lower and a low shelf lower. You know that the shelf that is being referred to is the lower part of the receiver. You also now know more what the receiver does and what the lower shelf height effects.

You know that on a high shelf lower it is harder to install an RDIAS, but it can still be done. On a low shelf lower it is much easier however to install an RDIAS. You also now that an RDIAS is how to convert your assault rifle into an automatic. Now the confusion of a high shelf lower versus low shelf lower should be cleared up for you.

What Cool Alternatives Are There to an AR-15?

Don’t get me wrong, AR-15s are awesome. They are an extremely popular weapon system because they are very easy to build and use. They are extremely customizable and are available at inexpensive prices.

However, some people may not like them for a variety of reasons. They are extremely common, so maybe you are trying to stick out at the range.

Whatever, the reason may be, there are some excellent alternatives available to the classic AR-15. While these may be slightly more expensive for the most part, they are still fun weapons. In this article, we will go over a few examples of these AR-15 alternatives. Let’s get into it!




  1. AK47

AK47
AK47

First and foremost, let me say how much I love the AK47. There are hundreds of different variants available, and I’ve enjoyed every one that I have shot.

Compared to an AR-15, AK47s aren’t quite as accurate, but they do shoot a larger bullet. For hunting and defense purposes, this could be a good feature for you.

I think the weapon is pretty sleek looking, especially with wood furniture, and they are notorious for their reliability.

2. FN SCAR

Anyone who has spent some time playing video games is familiar with the SCAR. It is used by some militaries, and is an absolutely excellent weapon.

Similar to the AK47, this rifle also shoots a larger bullet. While the AK shoots 7.62×39, one version of the SCAR shoots 7.62×51. This is an excellent round for big game hunting or defense purposes. The other version of the SCAR shoots the same round as the AR-15.

However, for as high quality as this weapon is, it is also worth mentioning that is about five times as expensive as the least expensive AR-15 weapons. If that is not a problem to you, definitely check out this weapon!

Bushmaster makes a version of the SCAR, called the ACR, that is slightly less expensive.

3. Steyr AUG A3 M1

This is the first of the so called “bullpup” rifles we will talk about. These types of rifles have the action behind the trigger, which shortens the overall length of the weapon. Essentially, these are similar to the P90, except they are in rifle calibers.

The AUG is used in the Austrian army, and is available with multiple different optics and rails from the manufacturer.

The rifle is extremely easy to breakdown, and shoots extremely well. Its distinct styling is sure to stand out, and the performance will be there to back it.

It shoots the same NATO ammunition as the AR-15, and is a pretty lightweight weapon. The trigger pull is slightly heavier than some others, but it is a great weapon to shoot.

However, similar to the SCAR, this weapon is significantly more expensive than the AR-15. Relevant to it, if you are looking the best scope for ar-15, i highly recommend the Vortex :).

4. IWI Tavor

Next up is another bullpup rifle. The Tavor X95 shoots the same NATO round as the AR-15. It cycles extremely smoothly, and has an excellent trigger pull. It’s got a great rail system, and is a very accurate weapon.

It is available in a few different colors, and has some excellent stock sights. The front folding sight has tritium inserts, so they are extremely easy to use. In my opinion, this weapon is slightly better looking than the AUG, and is also available at a less expensive cost.

In my opinion, both the AUG and the Tavor are fun to shoot. The difference between the two is almost negligible.

5. FN FS2000

The last bullpup rifle on our list is the FS2000. Similar to the SCAR, this rifle is made by FN, and it is an extremely high weapon. It shoots 5.56x45mm NATO.

This weapon only has one rail, as opposed to some of the others, which had more.

In my opinion, this rifle isn’t as sleek looking as the other bullpup rifles, but it is still a cool looking weapon. In terms of action, this is a good weapon. The FS2000 is also significantly less expensive than the other bullpup rifles.

6. Springfield M1A

Last up is a modernized predecessor to the AR-15. The Springfield M1A is a modern tactical M14. It is an extremely high quality weapon, and is a great AR-15 alternative. It shoots 7.62×51 NATO, so it is a larger cartridge than the AR-15.

This weapon has been around for a long time, and the modernization is a welcome touch. There are multiple models, so you will be able to meet your needs. Overall, this is a great quality weapon.

What is a Free Float Handguard? Who Should Use It?

If you are upgrading or building an AR-platform weapon, I’m sure you’ve run into the term free float handguard. What is a free float handguard? If you're relatively new to firearms, it may be a little difficult to decipher what that actually means.

So, what is a free float handguard? What is a drop-in handguard? Which one should you use? In this article, we will go over some of the basics about handguards, and make some general recommendations about when each type is better.



What is Handguards

The handguard of an AR-platform weapon is the part that surrounds the barrel. It is what you hold onto if you’re shooting correctly. 

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Having a handguard at all is necessary because the barrel heats up significantly, but choosing between a free float and a drop-in can be a little difficult.

Drop-In Handguard

We will start with the easier one. A drop-in handguard is essentially just a two-piece guard that is held in place by what is called the delta ring of the weapon.

The delta ring is spring-loaded, so it will hold the handguard in place. To change it, all you have to do is take the tension off the delta ring, and remove the old handguard.

Drop-in handguards are extremely easy to install. They are also relatively inexpensive, because it is a very simple system. These are often polymer, but there are also plenty of drop-in handguards that have a rail system to them.

What is Free Float Handguard

A free float handguard is mounted directly to the upper receiver of the rifle. It doesn’t even touch the barrel at all, and there is no delta ring on the weapon. The term “free float” comes from the fact that the handguard doesn’t touch the barrel.

Free float handguards offer much more in the way of customization. You can get multiple different rail systems, such as KeyMod or M-Lok, and you can get a handguard that is the full length of the barrel. However, most of these options come at a much greater cost. They are also more difficult to install.

Recommendations

If you are looking for an extremely sleek, tactical-style weapon, you are probably envisioning a free-floating handguard. Due to the wide variety of options available, you are able to customize the weapon to meet your exact look.

If you are doing any type of shooting that requires extreme accuracy, a free-floating handguard will be better for you.

When you use a drop-in handguard, it has a little wiggle to it, since it is only held in place by the delta ring. A free-floating handguard won’t move when you are shooting. The fact that it doesn’t touch the barrel also improves the accuracy.

If you’re looking to attach a bunch of accessories, the free-floating handguard can offer more real estate for you. However, you can get drop-in handguards that have four-sided rail systems, and will work just fine for attaching accessories.

If you are just a casual shooter, a drop-in handguard will work just fine. They are easy to install and use, so there is nothing to worry about.

If you are just looking for a simple home defense or survival rifle, a drop-in will also be fine for you.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are actually a few significant differences between the two types of handguards. While both will work great for you, there are certain circumstances that warrant the use of one type over the other.

Bolt Carrier Group Coatings: What’s the Difference? (4 Types)

So, you’re working on building or upgrading your AR-15. Everything is going great, until you are faced with one issue. Which coating is best for your bolt carrier group?

There are actually quite a few more options than most people realize. However, it can be pretty confusing trying to pick one of them. In this article, we will talk about some of the available coatings and the differences between them.

We will also make recommendations about when to use which coating.

Let’s take a look!



Phosphate Coating

We will start with the most common coating. Phosphate coating, also known as manganese phosphate coating, phosphating, and Parkerizing, is a pretty simple process. The bolt carrier group is placed in phosphoric acid and heated up to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

This coating is extremely common because it is inexpensive and durable. It is used in military rifles, which increases its popularity, but also guarantees its durability. Phosphate coated bolt carrier groups will be very resistant to heat, wear, and corrosion. They will usually be black in color.

However, it does have a few shortfalls. Phosphate coated bolt carrier groups have more friction, so they will require more lube to work well. They are also more difficult to clean.

Nickel Coatings

The next coating we will talk about is the various nickel coatings. These have a variety of names, some of which are nickel boron, nickel boron nitride, and NP3.

This process is slightly more difficult. It is accomplished through electroless nickel plating. Basically, there’s a chemical technique that deposits a layer of a nickel material on the metal of the bolt carrier group.

The result of this process is a bolt carrier group that has almost no friction. As a result, it doesn’t require much lube and is very easy to clean. They are also very sleek looking, as they are usually a shiny silver. However, the nickel coatings are not nearly as durable, and are more expensive than the phosphate coated ones.

Nitride Coatings

Nitride coatings, such as black nitride and Melonite, are very tough bolt carrier groups. This finish is accomplished through a process called ferritic nitrocarburizing. This process requires a pretty high level of chemical knowledge, but we will attempt to give you the down and dirty.

Basically, nitrogen and carbon are diffused into ferrous materials at an extremely high temperature. It requires a salt bath, but the metals undergo a reaction that creates multiple layers on the surface.

What you need to know is that nitride coated bolt carrier groups are extremely hard and durable. They are similar to phosphate coatings in terms of durability, but are slightly easier to clean.

Titanium Nitride

I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t titanium nitride a nitride coating? The answer is no. Just to make all of this even more confusing, titanium nitride is completely different than the other nitride coatings.

Titanium nitride coatings are created through a process called vapor deposition. Once again, this requires some chemical knowledge.

Titanium is changed from a solid to a gas and reacted with nitrogen in a vacuum, which creates very thin film.

A bolt carrier group that is coated with titanium nitride is gold in color, which is awesome.

However, they are also very resistant to corrosion, and are extremely smooth.

Similar to nickel coatings, titanium nitride is very easy to clean, and doesn’t require much lube.

Also similar to nickel coatings, titanium nitride bolt carrier groups are pretty expensive.

Titanium nitride is a better choice than nickel boron though, because it is much more durable.

Recommendations

For most applications, phosphate coated bolt carrier groups are a good choice. They are durable and dependable.

If you are looking for the best overall bolt carrier group, look for a titanium nitride one. However, if you ever might have to be concealed, such as in a tactical or home defense situation, you definitely want to look elsewhere, as the titanium nitride coated bolt carrier groups are a very shiny gold.

If you are building a show weapon, you probably want something that is nicer looking. In those circumstances, a titanium nitride or nickel coating is going to be your best bet.

Similarly, if you are looking for a coating that will not require much lube, titanium nitride and nickel coatings will be your best bet. Nickel will be less expensive, but less durable.

If you just want something tough and durable, check out the nitride coatings. They are very similar to phosphate coatings, but are easier to clean.

No matter which direction you choose, make sure you stick to quality brands. There may be cheaper options out there, but keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for.

Should I Build or Buy an AR-15? Which is Better?

The AR-15 is obviously an extremely popular weapon, and as I’m sure you’re aware, there are thousands of parts available. Due to how easy it is to do, building AR-15s is an extremely common trend these days.

However, is it actually worth it to build your own AR-15, or are you better off just buying one? In this article, we will go over some of the pros and cons of building and buying an AR-15 and make some general recommendations about what we would do if we were in your shoes.


should you buy or build an ar15

should you buy or build an ar15

Buying an AR-15

The Pros of Buying An AR-15: 

  • Easiness
  • Guarantee
  • The Warranty

Buying An AR-15

Buying An AR-15

When you buy an AR-15 from a manufacturer, it really couldn’t be any easier. You walk into a gun store and walk out with a completely functioning rifle. You don’t have to know each and every internal part, and you don’t have to make any decisions, other than which manufacturer you like.

When we say the guarantee, we mean the guarantee that everything will work exactly as designed. The internal parts will all fit together and work flawlessly.

Sometimes, internal parts from different manufacturers may not work together exactly as they should. Buying an AR-15 gives you the ease of purchase, since you know it will work. If you aren’t too familiar with the AR platform, it can be very nerve wracking trying to build an AR-15.

Another pro is the fact that most manufacturers back their products with some type of warranty, which you will not get if you are building your own AR-15.



The cons of buying an AR-15

  • it is going to be very simple, and it may be a little overpriced

When you buy an AR-15, you are getting a very basic rifle. More than likely, everything about the weapon will be very simple. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it is something to keep in mind.

Manufacturers tend to overcharge when they sell a fully put together AR-15. You could build a very similar AR-15 for much less money, but it is going to be more difficult and time consuming for you. How much is the assembly time worth to you?

What About Building an AR-15

The Pros of Building an AR-15:

  • Customization
  • Saving money
  • Complete understanding of your weapon

Building an AR-15

Building an AR-15

When you build an AR-15, you can completely customize every single part of it. This allows you to fine tune it to be exactly as you like it. You can customize every inch of it to fit your needs.

Building an AR-15 may also save some money. When you buy the parts and assemble them yourself, it saves money as opposed to buying a full weapon.

It also will give you a complete understanding of your weapon. You will know each and every inch of the weapon, because you put it all together. You know exactly what parts are where, because you ordered all of them.

It is also worth mentioning that it is possible to get an unregistered weapon if you build an AR-15, if you start with an 80% lower receiver. Some states have laws preventing this, but it is worth looking into.

The cons of building an AR-15:

  • Time consuming
  • Requires a good understanding of the weapon system

There are some aspects of building an AR-15 that are great. With the exception of the lower receiver, you can buy any part online, get it shipped to your house, and put the weapon together in the comfort of your own home. However, you are going to have to put all of those parts together. It will take you some time.

If you don’t understand the AR-15 weapon system well, it may be a little overwhelming trying to build one. There are a pretty decent number of parts that are involved, so you really need to have a full understanding of the weapon before trying to build your own.

Building an AR-15 also requires some basic mechanical skill and a little bit of patience. It can be very frustrating, especially when parts don’t fit together the way they’re supposed to. Best scope for AR-15 is most important part when you build ar15

Recommendations

If this is going to be your first AR-15, we recommend simply buying one. Buying an AR-15 will give you a complete, working weapon that you can begin to shoot and understand. If you were to buy the parts to build an AR-15 having never seen the inside of one, it is going to be very difficult for you.

Buying your first AR-15 also allows you to figure out exactly what you like in your weapon. This will make an AR that you build even better, because you’ll have more experience with the weapon system. Buy your first AR-15, and build your next to fit you exactly.

If you are going to be doing any competitive shooting, you absolutely should build your rifle.

If you are just a casual shooter, buying an AR-15 will likely be good enough, but it may be more enjoyable and slightly less expensive to build one.

For the hunters and the outdoorsmen, either way will work. Building will allow you to customize the weapon more, but buying an AR-15 will be just fine as well. The choice is really up to you.

If you are trying to get an AR-15 as inexpensive as possible, you should build one.

If you’re short on time, you should buy an AR-15. Building one can be very time consuming.

Conclusion

Whether you buy or build an AR-15, you really can’t go wrong. It is a great weapon system that can do many different things.

Building an AR-15 allows you to fully customize the weapon while saving you a little money, but it requires some knowledge of the weapon and time to put it together. Buying an AR-15 can be slightly more expensive, but is a much easier purchase to make for most people.

It is also worth mentioning that if you buy an AR-15, you can always make upgrades and changes to it as you go. Or, if you take our advice from before, buy your first AR-15 to figure out exactly what you want your weapon to do, and then build your next one.

What to Do When Your AR is Not Chambering the Next Round

So, your AR isn’t cycling properly. After you fire a round, the next round doesn’t enter the chamber. What could be causing this problem?

In this article, we will talk about some of the most common reasons that this may be happening, and give some recommendations in conjunction.

All of these are very simple fixes, but could save you an embarrassing trip to the gun store.

Before getting into some of these potential fixes, we are going to assume that you know how to use the weapon properly and have done the basic immediate fixes, such as tapping the forward assist.




Change the Ammunition

Are you using a different ammunition than you usually do for your AR-15? This could be the cause of the issue. For various reasons, some weapons don’t like some ammunition.

Whether it be the casing or the pressure generated by the propellant, your weapon may simply not like the ammunition you’re using. If you find that your weapon doesn’t cycle well using one ammunition, try using a different one.

This is one of the easiest fixes on the list.

Clean Your Weapon


How Often Should I Clean My Gun

How Often Should I Clean My Gun

Another very simple fix is cleaning your weapon.

Carbon buildup can cause your weapon to not cycle well, and it is a very easy problem to fix. If you haven’t cleaned your weapon in a few range trips, try cleaning it out and see how it cycles after that. 

Try Different Magazines

Sometimes ammunition feeding issues can be caused by the magazine you are using.

Perhaps the lips of the magazine or the springs in the magazine are worn out.

Try it out with a different magazine, and see if that works better for you.

Check the Gas Tube

This isn’t necessarily a simple fix, but the issue could be caused by a leak in the gas blowback system.

Start where the gas tube meets the barrel, and work your way back, looking for leaks as you go.

Dependent on the exact issue, it may be a simple fix, or it may require a whole new gas system.

Buffer Spring Issues

An old buffer spring may cause the weapon to not chamber the next round properly. Similarly, a greased up buffer spring could also cause the same issue. Check out the buffer spring, and replace or clean it if need be.

Other Problems

If none of these issues are the one causing the malfunction, it may take a professional to diagnose it. There’s a chance that your bolt, bolt carrier group, or chamber are seriously damaged.


Basic reticle scope

Basic reticle scope

Conclusion

These are some of the basic issues that can cause your weapon to not chamber the next round properly of ar15 rifle.

While there are some simple fixes on this list, not everyone will be familiar with them. Unfortunately, it is not always this simple, and sometimes a professional will have to handle it for you.

Carbine vs Mid Length Gas System: Which One You Should Choose

If you are building an AR-15 or changing out some parts on one you already have, I’m sure you’ve run into this dilemma before. Is a carbine or mid length gas system better for my AR?

In this article, we will go over some of the key facts of the gas system, and make some very simple recommendations about which gas system is better for you.


Carbine or Mid Length Gas System

Carbine or Mid Length Gas System

Gas System Basics

The gas system of an AR-15 is what allows the weapon to cycle. Once you fire the weapon, gas is generated by the chemical reactions of the propellant of the cartridge. This gas pushes the projectile forward, but also work to cycle the bolt. 

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It is actually pretty simple how this is accomplished. The gas system has a small hole to vent gasses that is near the front sight post of the weapon. The vent hole is connected to a gas tube, that goes back into the receiver.

Once the bullet passes the vent hole, the gas will enter this hole and flow through the gas tube until the bullet exits the barrel. Once the gas moves back into the receiver, it provides the power for the bolt carrier group to chamber the next round.

However, after the bullet exits the barrel, the gas won’t all vent through the small vent hole anymore. Most of it will vent through the end of the barrel.

As you can imagine, this all happens pretty fast.




What's the different between Carbine vs Mid Length Gas System

Carbine length gas systems are shorter than mid length gas systems. What this means is that the vent hole is closer to the receiver on a carbine length gas system. In turn, that means that the vent hole is further from the end of the barrel.

So…. What Does That Mean?

The length of the gas system affects the cycling of the weapon. If the bullet is past the vent hole but in the barrel for a longer amount of time, more gas will enter the vent hole. So, if the vent hole is closer to the barrel, less gas will enter the gas tube.

In a carbine length gas system, there is a greater distance between the end of the barrel and the vent hole. This means that more gas will enter the gas tube when compared to a mid length gas system.

Recommendations

On a standard 16 inch or an 18 inch barrel, we recommend a mid length gas system.

The reason for this is that a carbine length gas system will allow more gas to enter the tube, which will increase recoil, and will cause additional wear on the internals of your weapon.

On a 14.5 inch or shorter barrel, we recommend a carbine length gas system. With this shorter barrel, there is less space between the vent hole and the end of the barrel, so the correct amount of gas will enter the gas tube.

If you are using a 20 inch barrel, a rifle length gas system should be used.

What Calibers Can You Build an AR-15?

The AR-15 is an extremely popular weapon, for a variety of reasons. Due to the number of internal parts and external accessories available, it is a very common weapon for people to build.

Many people like to build their own AR-15s because it allows them to fine-tune exactly what the weapon can do for them. It also gives you a better appreciate for the weapon as a whole, while allowing you to customize nearly every aspect of it.

No matter what the part is, there’s bound to be hundreds of different manufacturers making one. With this wide assortment for each individual part, it’s easy to see how customizable the AR-15 platform can be.

But, before looking into building your own AR-15, one very important decision must be made. What caliber do you want the weapon to shoot?

Now, this is a simple question with a plethora of answers. For brevity’s sake, I will keep this list to some of the most common builds. I will also focus on calibers that can be built on the traditional AR-15 lower.




Background Info

The biggest limiting factor in the caliber is the size of the magazines and magazine well. As you will see, there are some extremely large caliber bullets that have been fit into short casings. These rounds were designed specifically for AR-15s.

However, some of the classic larger caliber cartridges, such as .308 Winchester and .338 Lapua, are longer cartridges that won’t fit into the magazine well of a standard AR-15 lower.

Common Calibers

If you do a little research, there are a few common calibers that you can build an AR-15 in. Some of these are: .223/5.56x45mm, .300 Blackout, 6.5 Grendel, .458 SOCOM, .50 Beowulf, 6.8 Remington, and .22LR. While there are countless more options, these are just some of the most common. We will briefly go over each one, and make a few recommendations.

.223/5.56x45mm NATO

2235.56x45mm NATO

2235.56x45mm NATO

This is the classic. A “normal” AR-15 fires .223. It is a fun to shoot round that is easy to find. There are many different ammunition options available to you.

We recommend this caliber for general shooting, varmint hunting, and potentially competitive shooting. With the proper gun, this could be decent at longer ranges.

Due to the cheap prices available, it is also a good round for plinking.

.300 Blackout

This is one of the most popular options out there. It is a .308 bullet in a necked down case. As you can imagine, this provides excellent terminal performance, but will die off at distances greater than 300 yards.

We recommend this one for home defense and medium game hunting. This would definitely be suitable for deer hunting.

6.5 Grendel

6.5 Grendel is somewhat of a jack of all trades. It was designed to be an improvement over the traditional 5.56x45mm cartridge, in terms of ballistics and effective range.

The bullets are larger and heavier than 5.56x45mm NATO, but they are fired slightly slower. Due to the added size and weight, these rounds will perform better in a target. 6.5 Grendel also offers a greater effective range than 5.56x45mm NATO, and can be shot out to around 1000 yards.

We recommend this caliber for long range shooting, competition shooting, and potentially some hunting. While there are better options for deer hunting, this caliber would be acceptable in the eyes of most.

.458 SOCOM/.50 Beowulf

These two calibers are lumped together because they are so similar. They are both extremely large bullets that are in a specialized cartridge that will fit a standard AR-15 lower.

The .458 SOCOM came first, after demands from the special ops community for a round that had more stopping power than the traditional 5.56x45mm. The projectiles of both of these cartridges are absolutely massive.

For home defense, these rounds can’t be beat. However, keep in mind that the range of these calibers is severely limited due to the weight of the bullets. Similarly, they are popular rounds for big game hunting at close range. Simply put, whatever you hit with one of these rounds will go down.

6.8 Remington

6.8 Remington is similar to 6.5 Grendel in that it was designed to be an improvement over 5.56x45mm NATO. The projectiles are larger, but are fired slightly slower than the 6.5 Grendel projectiles.

The projectile is actually from a .270 Winchester cartridge. Most hunters know that this round is extremely popular in the deer hunting community. For this reason, this round is another option for deer hunting. We prefer .300 Blackout, but 6.8 Remington will also work. The range of this round is slightly greater than that of .300 Blackout.

7.62x39mm

As backwards as it seems, you can build an AR-15 in an AK-47 caliber. However, there are a few reasons that we recommend not doing this.

First, 7.62x39mm is generally considered inaccurate. Part of this comes with being shot from an AK-47, but it also comes from the round being less accurate than some of its competition.

Second, due to low gas pressure, a traditional AR-15 may have trouble chambering a 7.62x39mm round repeatedly. We would avoid that.

The size of the bullet is great for terminal performance, but it is also very similar to .300 Blackout. While 7.62x39mm is a viable option, .300 Blackout can outperform it in almost every aspect.

The one plus side that 7.62x39mm does have is that the ammunition is cheap.

.22LR

Many people know that .223, or the classic AR-15, is actually very similar in size to a .22LR projectile. There are plenty of conversion kits out there that will allow you to shoot .22LR from an otherwise stock AR-15.

Due to how cheap this rimfire ammunition is, this is a great round for plinking and for teaching firearms safety. best ar 15 scope for .22lr is good option for ar15 owner. 

Pistol Cartridges

Similarly, there are conversion kits out there to allow your AR-15 to shoot pistol cartridges. These are nifty, but in our opinion, they lack much of a purpose. For general rifle shooting, there are far better options out there.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are quite a few options out there. Keep in mind that this is just the beginning, and there are even more calibers available to you!

While it can seem like a difficult decision to make, keeping in mind what the weapon is for will help to make the decision.

Should I Go Deer Hunting With an AR-15?

The AR-15 is the rifle of the modern day. It is an extremely popular sporting rifle for quite a few reasons. But you may be wondering, "Should I go deer hunting with an AR-15?"

For starters, it is easy to operate and maintain. They are relatively inexpensive, and there are literally thousands of aftermarket parts available.

Due to all this popularity, it is becoming more and more popular as a hunting weapon.

Many people are using AR-15s for coyote hunting, hog hunting, and other varmint hunting. More and more people are starting to use AR-15s for deer hunting.

Are you wondering whether or not you should deer hunt with an AR-15? Let’s take a look at some of the facts.




Caliber of AR-15

Assuming we are talking about a true AR-15, they shoot 5.56 or .223.

However, AR-frame weapons are available in many calibers, both larger and smaller.

For deer hunting, 5.56 is a little on the small side.

So obviously, a larger caliber AR-frame weapon would be a slightly better choice for deer hunting.

ARs are available in 6.5 Creedmoor, .50 Beowulf, .458 SOCOM, and .300 Blackout, to name a few. These larger calibers would generally be better than 5.56 for deer hunting.

Given how easy it is to customize an AR-15, it would be pretty easy to buy a new upper in a different caliber, and slap it on any AR-15 lower receiver.

However, the point of this article was about using a true AR-15 for deer hunting, so we will focus on 5.56.

Ammunition

Using modern ammunition, 5.56/.223 can be a viable hunting cartridge. Most old-timers will be really reluctant to say that. Based on ammunition of old, most people wouldn’t go smaller than .243, which was still considered small.

However, with modern bonded ammo, available in both 5.56 and .223, these rounds are deadly enough for smaller deer.

A few examples are Federal Fusion in .223, Winchester Power Max in .223, Reaper ammo in 5.56, and Nosler Defense ammo in .223.

All of these are heavier, bonded bullets. For those that are unfamiliar, bonded bullets work by keeping the bullet together. Bonding the projectile together prevents it from separating. As a result, the bullet gets deeper penetration, which translates into damaging more tissue.

Weapon

If you are deer hunting with an AR-15, there are a few key aftermarket parts you should have.

If you are building an AR, or have multiple uppers for your weapon, a longer barrel would be preferential for hunting. The longer barrel can help to increase range and accuracy.

A quality scope is extremely important, as with most types of hunting. You are going to want a durable scope that is preferably waterproof and shockproof, to withstand the damage that can come along with hunting. Best ar15 scope for deer hunting is great way to know which is the best



Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight-2

Other than that, the standard AR-15 parts will suffice. The standard trigger, collapsible stock, and handguards will likely serve you fine. However, you may wish to change things over time.

Other Considerations

Some states have magazine capacity limitations for hunting rifles. Make sure to look up your local state laws before using a standard 30-round AR-15 magazine.

Additionally, some states have a minimum caliber for game hunting. If your state has this, hunting with an AR-15 may be out of the question, due to the caliber.

Make sure you know your local laws before going hunting!

As I mentioned before, .223/5.56 is an acceptable cartridge for smaller deer. If you live in an area with large deer, such as Wisconsin, Iowa, or Nebraska, you really need a larger caliber weapon. In the more southern states, .223 will work just fine.

Conclusion

So, long story short, yes. You should go deer hunting with your AR-15, as long as it is legal where you live, you are using the correct ammunition, and you aren’t hunting large deer.

As a weapon system, the AR-15 performs extremely well. Due to its customizability, ease of use, and popularity, it is an awesome choice for deer hunting, as long as the correct criteria are met.

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