A Guide to AR-15 Flash Cans
Out of all the many AR-15 upgrades available, flash cans are probably one of the most misunderstood. Also known as blast diffusers or linear compensators, these devices are the subject of a great deal of urban myth. Sadly, sometimes the real facts get lost. Flash cans are something of a niche item; they do one job, and they do it well, but it's definitely not right for all applications. Below, we'll go through what flash cans do, how they work, and when your firearm might benefit from them. What is a Flash Can? A flash can is a type of muzzle device. They're...[ Read More ]
How to Assemble an AR-15 Upper
Assembling a functioning AR-15 upper receiver from nothing more than a box of parts is one of the most rewarding experiences of gun ownership. There's something deeply satisfying about building an upper yourself, not to mention educational. But, it can also be exceptionally frustrating when things go wrong. To help make sure your first upper goes "bang" at the end of the day instead of "click," we've put together a handy guide that will walk you through the entire process, step by step. Before You Build: Parts & Tools Before we get into the process of actually assembling an AR upper, it's important to make sure that you have everything you need to get the job done. Upper Receiver—You can buy a stripped one and install the forward assis...[ Read More ]
Understanding Mil-Spec AR-15s: What You Should Know
If you have spent any time looking into AR-15s or AR-15 parts and accessories, there is a good chance you have seen components referred to as "Mil-Spec."What does Mil-Spec mean, and why is it important? The short answer is Mil-Spec stands for "Military Specification." The U.S. military sets these standards to ensure that every part has the same quality and size, allowing for easy interchangeability of parts. What is a Mil-Spec AR-15?First, let's dive deeper into what Mil-Spec means. Mil-Spec is a document that sets forth requirements that all goods sold to the U.S. military must adhere to. Every good sold to the military must meet these requirements, from tires and clothing to firearms and ammunition. This standardized specification makes s...[ Read More ]
Aiming with Iron Sights - How to Sight In a Rifle Without a Scope
Sighting in a rifle with a modern optic is usually a piece of cake. You fire a few groups, spin the adjustment knobs with your fingers, or at worst a coin or brass casing, and you're good to go. Zeroing iron sights, on the other hand, can be a bit more involved. But your sights are only as good as your zero, so it's still important to make sure it's set correctly. Whether you're using iron sights as a primary aiming system or just zeroing your backups, we'll walk you through how to do it frustration-free. Before Starting Before you get into the process of actually zeroing your rifle, there's a bit of prep work to do first. You'll need to choose your ammunition, determine your optimal zero distance, and gather any necessary tools. Choos...[ Read More ]