Equipment

This post summarizes just about everything I’ve learned about rifle barrels in general, and specifically the AR-15. Barrels are an important topic, so settle in for some details.

Today we’re continuing our discussion on load carriage. But now we’re moving towards the discreet end of the spectrum. I didn’t think all that much about my belt when I first received my CCW permit. It was all about the pistol and associated holster. But the truth is that a good concealed carry belt is part of a system that includes the pistol, holster, belt, and you.

Let’s talk about twist rates.

Specifically, I want to dig into the purpose of rifling and how to determine the right twist rate for your rifle and cartridge.

There’s a lot of engineering voodoo that goes into making a rifle work well and fire accurately. The length of a rifle’s barrel and how it affects the velocity of the bullet is one of those major factors.

Most articles walk you through the basic steps of getting your iron sights zeroed, but they lack an explanation of why you’re doing the steps you’re doing. Let’s change that.

This post is a little more off-the-cuff than my usual, but it’s something that’s been weighing on my mind lately. Producing the new podcast is quite the learning experience. I don’t say that just about the technical audio stuff, either, but the wisdom of the folks I’m talking to. To date, I’ve talked to four very experienced shooters across the tactical and competition realms. I’ve asked all of them about the caliber wars, and where things like .224 Valkyrie or 6.5 Creedmoor fit in. Though I keep waiting for the answer to change, it doesn’t: shoot the .308.

Podcast: Play in new window

You know, I’ve never thought about it much but I know very little about revolvers. As someone who is a confirmed ballistics and firearms nerd, I’ve never actually learned anything about an entire class of firearms that dominated the personal defense scene for most of modern history. My guest on the podcast today, Justin Carroll, is here to help with that.

Justin is a former a US Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance member turned personal digital security expert. He’s also the Editor and Chief of Revolver Guy. Justin has published articles for GUNS Magazine, American Handgunner, and currently writes for Lucky Gunner Lounge.

Today, we’re talking about wheel guns.

Like barrels, triggers, and all the other choices, Ar-15 optics are a challenging one. There’s a lot of misunderstanding and “fluff” out there. I want to take a few moments and discuss some thoughts on optics selection.

The M16A5 configuration, though somewhat ambiguous, is some of the most fun you can have with the AR15 platform. You might know it as any combination of collapsible stock and 20″ barrel, but there is actually a history here I wanted to get into. At the end, we’ll talk about building your own version.

Check on any given online forum focused on the AR-15/M4, or really any gun board, and you’ll likely find a debate over using ACOGs in a world full of red dots and Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO). I decided to test it out. Internet speculation and hokey superstition are no match for cold hard data.

After a year of use, including range time and carry, I thought it’s time to review my almost daily companion, the CZ P07 pistol. If you’re in the market for a DA/SA polymer 9mm, then it’s definitely worth considering. But know what you’re getting yourself into first. Let’s talk.

The Minuteman Rifle, as I call it, was a commemorative reminder of my time as a Minuteman ICBM launch officer. This lightweight KISS rifle was my main AR project between 2016 and 2017, and now one of my favorites to shoot. Let’s walk through the decisions I made and see if you can’t get any ideas.