AR15

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Foxtrot Mike - Mike15 gen 2

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200 rounds of ammunition was supplied by Target Barn for the review

  AR pistols have become very commonplace. Foxtrot Mike has designed their pistols and rifles to be a little different, but in a good way. They use an integrated bufferless recoil system in their Gen II AR’s. Foxtrot Mike sent me a 12.5 inch Mike-15 pistol with a few added in options. So let’s get into what advantages this Mike-15 has to offer.

  When you first look at the Mike-15 Gen II, it looks very AR15ish. That is because most of it is. The lower receiver is Foxtrot Mike’s standard AR15 billet lower. But installed in the lower is a rear picatinny mount that also doubles as the bolt stop. The upper receiver system is where the difference is. Yes, it uses a standard AR barrel assembly and is still direct impingement. Because the Mike-15 is a bufferless system, the bolt carrier is different. As is the self contained recoil system that is placed above the bolt carrier, not behind like in a standard AR. This does make the upper about a quarter inch taller than your standard AR. The Mike-15 also uses a forward charging handle. All of these work very well together.

  As mentioned, the Foxtrot Mike, Mike-15 lower receiver is billet. This means that it is machined from a solid block of aluminum, not from a forging. This allows Foxtrot Mike to add in some different features. One of those is an oversized built-in trigger guard. This guard also has a slot in the bottom of it. I don’t know if it is for weight savings, or if it is for something else, but it looks nice. Foxtrot Mike also machines in a radiused 3 dimensional magazine well. This is a pretty nice feature to aid in reloading the rifle/pistol, even if you can see a few light machine marks in the magwell. Some other advanced features are: a screw in bolt catch pin, threaded and set screwed spring for the rear takedown pin, a ball detent for the safety with a set screw to hold it in (normal style spring and detent work also), and a screw for tightening the upper to lower fit. This Mike-15 also came with an upgraded Hiperfire trigger and an ambidextrous safety selector. The safety selector came as a 90 degree throw, but can be switched to a 45 degree, which I did as I like short throw safety levers. The optional Hiperfire Eclipse trigger is fantastic and has a pull weight of 2.5 pounds. The Hiperfire is not listed as an option on the website, but contact them and they will let you know how much extra it adds to the price. I also have a stripped Mike-15 lower for a different project, this is partly why I know about all those extras. I should also mention that the rear picatinny rail installs into the buffer tube threads and has the recoil bumper attached in it. It also has a QD slot at the bottom of the rail, so if a brace is not attached, a sling can be.

  The Upper receiver of the Foxtrot Mike is really where the huge differences are in this pistol, and their rifles. To start with, the upper receiver contains the recoil system. It is housed above the bolt. This recoil system consists of a dual spring and guide rod. The guide rod also goes through the top part of the bolt carrier. This allows the bolt carrier to push against the recoil system. The Mike-15 then uses a standard AR bolt assembly, but not a standard carrier. Because of this system, the receiver is about a ¼ inch taller than a normal AR’s receiver. The extra ¼ inch can make optics sit a little higher. This doesn’t cause any problems on the pistol version, but on a rifle, your optic may need a slightly lower mount. Foxtrot’s upper receiver does not have a forward assist, but does have a shell deflector. The Mike-15 gen II still uses a gas impingement system, so no differences over a standard AR in that respect. Except that the gas block is pinned, not set screwed or clamped. Foxtrot Mike then installs a 4150 barrel. This one is 12.5 inches with a mid length gas system. Because of the higher receiver height, a M-Lok rail that matches the height of the upper is installed. This handguard measures 11.75 inches, so it comes up flush with the muzzle brake. Depending on the rifle or pistol you order, the handguard length will vary. Lastly, Foxtrot Mike put a nice little 4 port compensator on this pistol. The comp works better than I was expecting it to.

  Operation of the Mike-15 gen II is a little different then a standard AR15. Instead of using a rear charging handle, Foxtrot Mike designed a forward charging handle that is in the upper part of the handguard. The charging handle is basically in the part of the handguard that is taller, so it doesn’t affect the M-Lok slots or get in the way. You can set this charging handle up to be either right or left charging. The charging handle DOES NOT reciprocate. However, it can be angled either slightly up, or slightly down, depending on how you have it configured. It comes curved up on the left side of the firearm. A folding lever is also available from Foxtrot Mike. The folding lever folds out of the way against the upper, for a more streamlined charging handle.

  Maintenance on the Mike-15 gen II is also a little different. Because of the self contained recoil system, you can not just pull the bolt out like a standard AR. On the top rear of the upper, there is a little square plug with a hole in it, located where the charging handle on a regular AR would be. One must use a small punch, or something, and push down the recoil spring assembly. Then slide the plug down. Watch out for lift off of that spring, as it can go flying. Then just pull the recoil spring assembly out, tip the gun back, and the bolt carrier should slide right out. All the other maintenance stuff is pretty similar to what a standard AR is.

  The Mike-15 pistols come in a variety of options. Some of those are barrel length and different colors. These pistols can be had in the picatinny rail version. Meaning they only have the pic rail on the rear of the receiver. Or you can get them with a folding SBA3 brace. I'd opt for the folder. The Mike-15 12.5 inch they sent me had an A3 Tactical folding brace with an A3 Steady Brace. These braces are top tier and work great. Plus they are super lightweight. If you want one of these as an add-on to your Mike-15, just ask Foxtrot Mike Products to see what they can do for you. The A3 brace folds to the left side of the Mike-15. Because the Mike-15 uses the forward charging handle, the brace does not get in the way of manipulating the firearm. Yes, of course the Mike-15 will fire while the brace is folded because of the self contained recoil system. 

  The Mike-15 that they sent was pretty solid. I’ve run a bunch of bill drills with it, along with other stuff. Target Barn supplied some 5.56 to help with the review: 100rds of Winchester 5.56 55gr M193 and 100rds of PMC 5.56 55gr. The Mike-15 currently has over 500 rounds through it. I did run into a problem with the recoil system after around 150 rounds. The springs were binding up and wouldn’t allow the bolt to go rearward all the way. I contacted Foxtrot Mike and they sent the “new” style buffer springs and guide rod. I literally had them the next day! Somehow the “old” style guide rod had been installed in this Mike-15. It has run flat out since with zero malfunctions since the initial problem. During my conversation with Foxtrot Mike, they also told me that they have a buffer tube spacer that plugs the buffer tube in case you want to run the Gen II uppers on a standard AR. They sent me one, so I tried it. The Gen II Mike-15 upper ran fine on a standard AR lower with that buffer tube spacer. One thing to mention is that the Mike-15 uses a different manual of arms, kind of. Because of the forward charging handle, one needs to readjust a little. Is this a bad thing? I don’t think so, but I thought it needed mentioning. When it comes to that manual of arms, the Mike-15 also seems to take a little more muscle power to manually cycle the bolt. Probably a non-issue for most. Watch a short clip of how it runs HERE.

  There are a few aspects of the Mike-15 that I really like. The first is the folding brace. I really liked this addition. One, because it folds and makes the Mike-15 really compact. Two, because it has M-lok slots in the arm. Having M-lok allows me to install a QD socket so I can run a sling easily. The next aspect I like is the weight. It weighs 5.6 pounds on my scale, and that is with the Lucid E7 blue-dot optic and the brace. When it comes to performance, the Mike-15 can hold its own. Being only a 12.5 inch barrel, I do shoot it slightly slower than a 16 inch barreled AR, but it is still fast. The Hiperfire trigger helps with the speed also. It is a very nice trigger upgrade. Lastly, I really like the self contained buffer system as it makes the Mike-15 pistol something you can shoot with the brace folded. I’d say the performance of the Mike-15 is above par for the price you pay.

  Foxtrot Mike designs their products for the everyday user. You get a high quality product for not a ton of cash. The Mike-15 Gen II pistols start at $699 MSRP and work their way up from there, depending on options of course. If you are looking for a truly foldable ARish pistol or rifle, the quality you get from Foxtrot Mike is top notch. You can check them out over at fm-products.com.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Bufferless AR style rifle or pistol

Target Market:

Those wanting a non conventional AR that has the advantage of not having a buffer tube.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • CALIBER: .223 WYLDE

  • OPERATING SYSTEM: DIRECT IMPINGEMENT

  • BARREL LENGTH: 12.5"

  • BARREL TWIST: 1:8

  • BARREL MATERIAL: 41V50 PREMIUM MATCH GRADE 41v50 BARREL, VACUUM STRESS RELIEVED, MELONITE COATED WITH A BURNISHED CHAMBER

  • GAS SYSTEM: MIDLENGTH

  • GAS BLOCK: 0.625" NON-ADJUSTABLE

  • UPPER RECEIVER: BILLET AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM TYPE III HARD BLACK ANODIZING 

  • LOWER RECEIVER:  BILLET AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM TYPE III HARD BLACK ANODIZING 

  • HANDGUARD: 11.75" M-LOK FREE FLOAT TYPE III HARD BLACK ANODIZING

  • CHARGING HANDLE: 4 POSITION NON-RECIPROCATING FRONT CHARGING HANDLE

  • PISTOL GRIP: THRIL

  • BUFFER LESS  

  • LENGTH (INCHES): 22"

  • WEIGHT (LBS): 4.7 without brace or optic

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Various lengths, rifle options, etc.

What others are saying?:

5 out 5 stars at Brownells - yes it’s for the rifle version, but it is still close   

One of my favorites

I purchased the 16" as well as the 11.5" pistol version. I shot the 16" primarily and was able to zero at 100y and hit targets at 500y without issue. A bit more fine tuning with my scope could yield a bit more in its capability. Some things to note about the rifle: I had some issues with the first round in a magazine going into battery and having light primer strikes that were rectified through break-in. After a couple magazines, I had zero errors. The biggest issue I had was getting proper eye level with my sight. Be aware the Zhukov stock and the folding, mounting system sits 0.25" lower than a standard AR. You may have to buy the $15 0.25 Magpul AK Riser to get the proper eye line. I paired my 30mm LVPO with a low mount, cantilever scope mount. In all, it only cost an additional $50, but I wish there were a way to have the stock sit at the same level as a buffer tube would. This is information I wish had been noted in reviews/videos before purchasing the rifle. Am I happy with my FM-15?Yes, it's probably my favorite AR long gun. Would the sight-line information have changed my decision to buy? Maybe, but ultimately I'm happy to own such a unique rifle. Time will tell if I enjoy the pistol length version as much as the 16".Though, I do hope Foxtrot Mike develops a 300BLK, short barreled upper of the same style.

Link to other reviews:

Tiberious Gib on YouTube   

Pew Pew Tactical   

Price point:

MSRP = $699.00 +

As tested = Approximately $1125

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Foxtrot Mike or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Folding brace

  • Self contained recoil system

  • Pinned gas block

  • 3D magwell

Cons:

  • Manual of Arms is slightly different 

  • Harder to charge the firearm when compared to an AR

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Gforce Arms Rapture review

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Primary Weapon Systems MK116 Pro Upper

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 When it comes to AR upper receivers, there are a ton to choose from. You can get dirt cheap, or super hi-end. There’s also different ways for the firearm to cycle those upper receivers. One of those is the long stroke gas piston. Which leads us to Primary Weapon Systems (PWS for short). Primary Weapon System has been making long stroke gas piston AR uppers for some time, as well as complete rifles. PWS is well known for their long stroke gas piston AR’s and upper receivers.

  Primary Weapon Systems sent me one of their MK116 Pro Upper receivers. Which version they sent isn’t as important as how the upper operates. As all of the PWS uppers use the long stroke gas piston for operation. The long stroke gas piston operates differently than your standard AR’s direct impingement system. Instead of using the gas to cycle the Bolt Carrier rearward, the PWS long stroke gas piston uses a piston that is, essentially, directly hooked to the BCG through the piston rod. When gas comes into the gas block, it directly pushes on the piston to cycle the action. This gives a few advantages over the normal direct impingement system. For one, the gun runs cleaner because all the gas isn’t being directed directly into the action. It also allows the action to run cooler, since the hot gas isn’t being directly blown into the action. A big plus if you are running an upper on a full auto gun. Lastly, the action can tend to run smoother because all the operating parts are fixed together. There are also a few downsides to a long stroke piston upper. They can weigh a little more. The PWS upper is only a few ounces heavier than my comparable DI upper, so it’s not a lot of extra weight. The only other notable thing is that it comes apart differently than a DI upper. Not a big deal at all, just different.

  The PWS MK116 Pro upper has a lot of great features. First off, I’ll mention that I received the 16” barreled version. This is important to note because it uses a mid length gas system for the piston. It also has a 15” M-Lok handguard. The handguard is a little different then what most people are used to. This is because it is missing a small chunk of the top picatinny rail, or basically one lug of the rail. This lug is missing so that you can easily adjust the 3 position gas block. The MK116 also runs a slick side upper, so no forward assist. There is a small shell deflector on it to keep the ejected brass from hitting you, but it will hit your camera man in the face. This particular upper came with an A2 birdcage. If you want flash suppression, the A2 birdcage works very well. Lastly, the PWS MK116 comes with a Radian Raptor charging handle. I really like the Raptor charginging handles, PWS made a good choice in using them. 

Staking on Carrier bolts is different due to long stroke piston setup

  PWS gave the long stroke gas piston uppers, and firearms, a 3 position gas block. As mentioned earlier, this is easily adjusted through the handguard. One can even use the tip of a bullet to adjust it. The 3 positions are labeled 1,2,3, and “X”. All 3 positions have a detent and click to them. The X position is for disassembly and cleaning, it’s not a click adjustment. Position 1 is for unsuppressed use, or normal everyday use for those without a suppressor. Position 2 is for suppressed light loads or low back pressure (flow through) suppressors. Position 3 is for suppressed heavier loads or higher back pressure suppressors. I did try out all 3 positions. Position 1 works exactly as advertised. Position 2 would eject rounds without a suppressor, most of the time, Position 3 would not cycle without a suppressor. With my 556 suppressor, position 3 was spot on. Positions 1 and 2 had a bit of force behind the ejection pattern. I really like how PWS gives you a simple, yet effective, way to adjust the upper for suppressed and unsuppressed use. Through all my testing on the PWS upper, I had zero malfunctions, not counting the ones I caused by using the wrong gas position (I had to test them). I also used a variety of ammunition types and brands for testing, both suppressed and unsuppressed.

  Being that the Primary Weapon Systems MK116 was just a complete upper receiver, I needed something worthy of mounting it on. I ended up using an Aero Precision lower. This lower has a few options that make it a great companion to the PWS upper. The lower has a Blackout Defense Zero trigger installed in it, a VZ stipple grip, and an ambi safety selector. The trigger is what really makes such a great combo with the PWS long stroke piston. You can shoot this rifle super fast if you want to. Also, I needed to have some way to aim the rifle. I ended up using a 1x prism sight. Well, I did have a 1-6x on it at first, but I took it off in favor of the prism. The last thing I did to enhance the PWS upper was to install some NILE grip panels and a sling. The NILE panels use a M-Lok attachment, so they mounted up super easy to the PWS M-Lok rail. I had to use a M-Lok QD attachment for the sling. This particular PWS upper doesn’t have QD mounting points built into the handguard, that’s not a big deal for me, but it would be nice. I was really happy with how the PWS upper worked in conjunction with my lower receiver. The fit to the lower receiver was a bit tighter than what I would call “normal”, but not tight enough that it was hard to install on the lower. The PWS upper, when mated to my lower, made a really nice rifle.

  Anyone looking for a great way to upgrade an AR rifle, needs to look into the Primary Weapon Systems long stroke gas piston uppers. The PWS system works very well. The action is super smooth. The piston system is robust and will keep your rifle cleaner than the original gas system does. If you are using a suppressor, it also keeps the blowback gasses out of your face. So if you are searching for a top tier upper receiver, do yourself a favor and go check out what Primary Weapon Systems has to offer.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Long Stroke Gas Piston Upper

Target Market:

Those wanting a super reliable gas piston rifle

Features & Benefits of this product:

  • Operating System: PWS Long Stroke Piston System, 3 setting Adjustable Gas Regulator

  • Caliber: .223 Wylde

  • Barrel Length: 16.1”

  • Gas System Length: Mid-Length

  • Barrel Twist Rate: 1:8

  • Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider

  • Upper Receiver: PWS Proprietary Piston Upper, 6061 extrusion, Anodized

  • Handguard: PWS M-Lok™ 15” Handguard (1.7” width, 2.25” height)

  • Charging Handle: Radian Raptor™ Ambidextrous Charging Handle

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

PWS has a ton of different uppers, all are gas piston

What others are saying?:

Not much found

Link to other reviews:

Pew Pew Tactical full rifle review  

Price point:

MSRP = $824.95

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Weapon Systems

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Long Stroke piston

  • Radian Raptor charging handle

  • Adjustable gas block

  • Cut-out in handguard for gas block adjustment

  • Quality

Cons:

  • Cut-out in handguard for gas block adjustment

  • Proprietary system

  • Pricey

Score: 8.00 Great

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TriggerTech AR Duty trigger

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  When it comes to aftermarket AR triggers, there are numerous options. One of the categories some of these fall under are “Duty Grade” or “Enhanced Duty Grade”. I tend to lump everything in these categories into the “Enhanced Duty Grade” except the standard mil-spec trigger. That leads me to Triggertech coming out with their version of a Duty Trigger. Triggertech was kind enough to send me an AR Duty Trigger at the same time they sent the AR Diamond trigger.

  Since this is a duty trigger, I opted for the curved shoe version. As you may know from previous reviews, I like a curved trigger. Triggertech does make the Duty version with their signature straight shoe also. Triggertech’s curved shoe is pretty close to the same width as a mil-spec trigger. But it feels narrower due to the ribs on the face of it. Because of this, the face is more radiused than the mil-spec trigger. However, the curve on the shoe seems to be the same as a mil-spec trigger. I really like the physical feel of the Triggertech curved shoe. 

  This Duty trigger has a few options available. I already discussed the shoe options, so those are taken care of. First, the Triggertech Duty comes in either a fixed 3.5 lb pull weight, or a 5.5 lb version. I opted for the 3.5 lb version as I like lighter pull weights, even in a duty trigger. Both of those pull weight options are also available in a single stage or two stage version. I opted for the single stage, which is just that, one pull and break. The two stage will have some light take-up before you hit the wall of the trigger pull and break. It’s really personal preference as to which one you go with.

  The Triggertech Duty trigger comes as a cartridge style, drop in unit. This makes installation a snap. Triggertech used a different material for the Duty’s housing. They are using a EZAC diecast zinc. Here’s what I found on EZAC: “EZAC is a hot-chamber zinc die casting alloy with superior creep resistance, high yield strength, and high hardness.” So basically the housing should last a long, long time. The parts inside, that really matter, are made from 440C stainless. The trigger shoe is also PVD coated black. Drop-in triggers are my choice for trigger installs and not all “Duty” triggers are this way.

  Since this Duty trigger is made by Triggertech, it inherits some of the technology from its higher end siblings. This means that you get the benefit of having their roller bearing between the trigger and sear. Big deal you say? Yes it is, because it removes the friction portion of a trigger pull. Rollers always beat friction, at least in my world. This makes the trigger have essentially no take up. At least on the single stage version. If you want to know more about Triggertech’s technology, you can check out their How-It-Works page. I think the only tech it doesn’t have is the CLKR adjustment,  but that’s because it’s a fixed pull weight.

  I will say, the Triggertech Duty has one of the best “duty” trigger pulls I have felt. There is no take up, just a crisp 0.050” break, with some overtravel. Here is where the trigger gets weird. If you dry fire the trigger, it has about 0.025” of overtravel. But when you cycle the action, after pulling the trigger and holding it (also during live fire), the trigger moves rearward another 0.050”, for a total overtravel of around 0.075”. This gives the Triggertech Duty trigger a 0.125” reset, or an ⅛”. This isn’t bad for a duty trigger, but it does make the trigger a little slower to shoot. Not in a bad way, just different. The clean break definitely makes up for the reset. Speaking of reset, it's pretty good. Not as strong as a mil-spec trigger, but better than the Triggertech Diamond line, at least in reset feel.

  I ended up sticking the Triggertech Duty trigger in my Kaiser Blackbird. It was a great addition to the lightweight build. The trigger shoots very well in it. Double taps are fairly easy and quick for a duty style trigger. Bill Drills (6 shots) are a little slower due to the reset not being as short as non-duty triggers, but still manageable. Overall, the Duty trigger is still a great trigger in this category of AR triggers.

  As I mentioned, the Triggertech AR Duty trigger is one of the best I have felt. I don’t think you can go wrong choosing this trigger, especially when you find out the MSRP is only $130 bucks. So if you want a good inexpensive trigger, or if you need an actual “Duty” grade trigger, go check out Triggertech’s version of a Duty trigger.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Duty style trigger with a great trigger pull

Target Market:

Close quarter engagement,  harsh environments operations,  law enforcement, military, 3 Gun

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Traditional Curved trigger shoe

  • Trigger Action: Single-Stage

  • Zero Creep

  • TKR Technology 

  • FLatwire spring 

  • Creep: 0.000"

  • Overtravel: 0.060"

  • Reset: 0.070"

  • Reset Feel: Tactile mid force

  • Full Hammer Strike Force

  • EZAC Diecast drop in housing

  • Standard Mil-Spec Pin 0.154" (trigger pins not included)

  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Straight shoe, two stage, 5.5 lb pull weights. AR9 and AR10 options

What others are saying?:

5 out 5 stars from Glenn P. at Brownells

Excellent trigger

Wanted a better trigger for my AR15 than the factory trigger. After an easy 5 minute swap the difference is night and day. Zero grit, creep. Consistent 3.5# pull and short crisp reset. Highly recommended for an upgrade to your rifle.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $129.99

Retail = same at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

TriggerTech or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Great trigger break

  • Decent reset

  • Drop in installation

  • Curved or straight shoe 

  • Price

Cons:

  • Over Travel after bolt movement

  • Long reset

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Triggertech Diamond review

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TriggerTech AR Diamond single stage trigger

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  I am someone that is always looking for the newest and best AR trigger. I have found some that are pretty fantastic. Which leads me to the Triggertech AR Diamond Single stage trigger. The Diamond is Triggertech’s top of the line model and it shows. They were gracious enough to send me one for review, and I am glad they did.

  For this particular review, I opted for the straight trigger shoe. Triggertech also has a curved option in the Diamond line, if that is your pleasure. I am known to like a curved trigger, but for a hi-performance trigger, I can get behind the straight options. The shoe is definitely straight and flat, but also has a tiny hook/knob at the foot. There are no sharp edges anywhere on the trigger,  even if it looks like there would be. The trigger felt great to me, which surprised me since it has no texture on it and is super smooth. Part of that feel is in the trigger operation, but more on that later. Triggertech also puts a “TT” at the very top of the trigger, where it pivots. A nice touch to say whose trigger it is.

  Let’s get into what makes the Triggertech Diamond single stage work so well. The most notable aspect to Triggertech triggers is their use of a roller between the sear and the trigger. They call this Frictionless release technology (FRT). This roller allows the trigger to not have any friction in the actual trigger pull. Most every other trigger on the market uses the friction between the sear and the trigger. You can definitely feel the difference because of the FRT, especially if you compare it to a standard friction trigger. They also use their TRK system to give you the shortest trigger pull possible. If you are curious about their other tech, check out their How-It-Works page.  

  Since the Diamond trigger is at the top of Triggertech’s lineup, it is adjustable. Triggertech states an adjustable pull from 1.5 lbs to 4.0 lbs. I can attest to these values, as I adjusted it all the way down and back up. To adjust the trigger pull weight, there is a set screw at the rear of the trigger housing. Turn clockwise to increase pull weight, and counterclockwise to decrease pull weight. This set screw also uses Triggertech’s Clicker technology. Essentially the set screw clicks every 2 oz of pull weight. The Clicker adjustment makes adjusting the pull weight super easy. I have mine set at 2 lbs and love it. The Diamond came set at 2.5 lbs on my trigger pull scale. It is definitely one of the easier triggers to adjust, due to that single adjustment screw.

  For those wondering, the Triggertech Diamond is a drop in style trigger. This cartridge style makes installation easy. The cartridge is made from 7075 aluminum. Does it need to be this higher grade of aluminum? Probably not, but it does show quality. If you are worried about it wearing out, don’t. Even if it did, it’s covered by the lifetime warranty. One thing I wish that Triggertech included were anti-walk pins. Yes I can get them inexpensively, but in a top tier trigger, I think they should be included. I have criticized other companies for the same thing, even if it is kind of nitpicking.

  Now for the really good stuff. The Triggertech Diamond has essentially zero take up or creep. Yes, I can’t perceive any, or measure it with the tools I have. There is also zero perceived over travel. You simply put your finger on the trigger and apply pressure. Then the trigger breaks with one of the cleanest breaks I have felt on an AR trigger. When I measured the total movement of the trigger, it measured at 0.050”. This was at the very bottom of the trigger shoe, so it is less as you move your finger up the trigger shoe. The trigger pull on the Triggertech Diamond is fantastic. Now comes my only complaint, and it’s minor. I would like the reset to be stronger. Triggertech calls it “tactile mid force”, which I think is a fair explanation. The reset works fine, even when shooting really fast, I just want a tactile high force reset. This trigger can be shot super fast if that’s what you want. If you like single stage triggers in a precision gun, it would do a fantastic job there too.

  The Triggertech Diamond has impressed everyone that I let use it, even me. The Diamond is just that good. I did run it in a local match where it performed well. There were some rapid fire targets, and some small precise targets. The Diamond made it easy to do both and transition between them. When the sight was on target, I just touched the trigger and made decent hits. I attribute this to the consistent pull weight and lack of any trigger take up. The Triggertech Diamond is now in my top 2 triggers for an AR. The Diamond is a better all around trigger than my other top pick, which is more a speed trigger. The Diamond single stage can do everything an AR trigger should do, and it does it extremely well.

  If you are looking for a great AR trigger, do not skip over looking into Triggertech. The Diamond AR single stage trigger does everything one could ask for. It works for precision shooting, as well as ultra fast shooting. I definitely place it in the best of the best category. If you want a top quality AR trigger, check out the AR Diamond from Triggertech. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable single stage trigger with no pre-travel and very little over travel

Target Market:

3 Gun,  close quarter engagement,  competition,  harsh environments operations,  high speed shooting,  law enforcement,  long range hunting,  military,  precision shooting,  rugged hunting,  target shooting,  varmint hunting.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Flat Straight trigger shoe

  • Single-Stage

  • Adjustable pull weight: 1.5-4lbs

  • Zero Creep

  • TKR Technology

  • CLKR Technology

  • FLTWR Technology

  • Creep: 0.000"

  • Overtravel: < 0.015"

  • Reset: < 0.030"

  • Full Hammer Strike Force

  • 7075 Aluminum drop in housing

  • Standard Mil-Spec Pin 0.154" (trigger pins not included)

  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Curved shoe and AR9, AR10 variants 

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars from Tuomas K. at TriggerTech 

I have been solely using Triggertech triggers on all my platforms since the IPSC World Shoot Rifle 2019. I have tried a lot of other triggers throughout the years and can happily say that I found the best in Triggertech Triggers. I run them on my AR-platforms, PCC:s and my PRS rigs. The Diamond triggers are beautiful and I love the action and the clean break in them.

Even though I love my red Diamonds for the AR-platforms, the new Single Stage Diamond Trigger will be my go-to trigger for the future. Got the opportunity to test this trigger out and I basically love It!

Superfast, short distinct reset and breaks like glass, every time!

Link to other reviews:

Ultimate Reloader (2 stage diamond, but closest I could find)     

Price point:

MSRP = $304.99

Retail = Same at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

TriggerTech or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super short pull

  • Zero take up

  • Zero overtravel

  • Super clean break

  • Easy to shoot fast or accurately

Cons:

  • Price

  • Doesn’t include anti-walk trigger pins

Score: 9.00 Amazing

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense NERO  

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Mantis Blackbeard X

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  When it comes to firearms training, dryfire systems are key. These systems let you practice at home safely and less expensively. Mantis has enhanced their awesome Blackbeard AR15 dry fire system and upgraded it to the Blackbeard X. The Blackbeard X incorporates both the Mantis Blackbeard and their X line of products. This gives the user a fantastic AR training system.

  The Blackbeard X system needs some back info to really explain it. The original Blackbeard system had a self resetting trigger, a laser, a battery pack, and an app. The Blackbeard X also has these, but it incorporates the movement part of the Mantis X series of products. You can read our previous reviews of the Mantis X10 and the Mantis Blackbeard. One might ask what the laser is for? The laser allows the user to physically see where your shots are going, or it can be used with various apps that read where the laser hits. Mantis has their own system for this called the Mantis Laser Academy. I haven’t used the Mantis version, but I tried a few others and the Blackbeard X laser worked with them. 

  Having the ability to measure movement is where the Blackbeard X really shines. It has an accelerometer and gyroscope built into the battery pack. This allows it to read movement. In the app, when the Blackbeard X system is turned on, it opens up movement categories. Under the BBX heading in the app are BBX Dynamics, Transitions, and Plate. Under those are various movement drills. The Dynamics basically analyze your shooting and tell you what's wrong. The transition drills are self explanatory, they analyze your shooting plus movement. This applies to the Plate category also, but it is set up for steel challenge type drills. In all of these, Mantis rates you on your Efficiency, Transition, Over Travel, and a Delay time. These ratings are in a “score” factor up to 100. Some parts of the app also give you a total time reading. The nice thing about time, is that the app gives you graphs and live movement recordings to look at. In these are things like shot delay, split times, and transition times. Since I shoot Steel Challenge style matches a lot, I found the Plate section of the app to be very useful. Plus they are all pretty fun to do.

  Besides all the new movement features of the Blackbeard X, it still retains all the old features of the original Blackbeard. So, you get that self resetting trigger system on your AR. I say “your” because the Blackbeard X still slides into your AR. Therefore your trigger system, rifle weight, optic, etc are still in use, unlike those other systems. This is one of the biggest advantages to the Blackbeard systems. 

  To fit the X system into the Blackbeard system, Mantis gave you a standard capacity magazine. Okay, it’s not a real magazine, instead it is the battery pack. But included in the battery pack, is the X system. It has a little flap, at the bottom of the magazine, to turn it on. When this happens, a blue light blinks until the app has paired to it. Then it turns a solid blue. The original Blackbeard had a shorter battery pack. The Blackbeard X’s is longer because it houses the X parts that let it read movement.

  Having used the Blackbeard extensively, moving to the Blackbeard X was easy. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it read movement from target to target. I really liked that it told me if I had over passed the target and had to move back. You don’t really notice it until you see it on the graph. It even will play your movements for the particular drill. So you can see what you are doing along the timeframe that it took you to shoot the drill. My only complaint about the Mantis systems is that there is zero felt recoil. Maybe the next upgrade will have some sort of perceived recoil. Other than that, the Blackbeard X has a lot of good training options in it. 

  The Blackbeard X system is a really nice AR dry fire training aid. It gives the added feature of movement tracking. If you want one of the best dry fire training systems, you can’t go wrong with the Mantis Blackbeard X. Pair it with the Mantis Laser Academy and you get even more data. Plus it’s fun and you can compete with your friends. If you want an AR dry fire system, look into the Mantis Blackbeard X. It is a very useful tool to have.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

AR dry fire training system with built in analytics

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a dry fire training system for their AR15

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Trigger reset system

  • Battery pack - size of 30 round magazine

  • Includes Mantis X system in battery pack

  • Laser for use with training apps

  • App includes diagnostic tools and training aids

  • Motion based analysis of weapon movement

  • With or without Laser

  • Uses everything on your AR - sight, trigger, etc

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

No laser, IR laser, or Red laser 

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars from Harrison B. at Mantisx.com   

Excellent training tool. The resetting trigger lets you practice follow up shots and the built in Mantis allows you to track your split times. It isn’t inexpensive, but it’s cheaper than 1,000 rounds of ammo at current market value, and it allows for significantly more practice than that.

Link to other reviews:

American Gun Facts   

Price point:

MSRP = $299.00 - $349.00

$349 as tested with green laser

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Mantis

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Drop in system that uses your rifle

  • Movement tracking

  • Battery is same size as 30 round magazine

  • Training options in app

  • Laser can be used with other training systems

Cons:

  • Pricey

  • No recoil

  • Battery life isn’t as good as original Blackbeard

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Rough Cut Holsters   

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Kaiser X-7 Blackbird receiver set

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  When you think about lightweight AR’s, you usually don’t think of composite hybrids. Kaiser US is here to change that, and in a big way. Kaiser has plenty of experience in the hybrid AR market with great product success. Recently they introduced a new Titanium-Graphite composite AR15 receiver set called the X-7 Blackbird. The name pays tribute to the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, a composite plane that was way ahead of it’s time, thus similar to the X-7 Blackbird receiver set. After having Mike, from Kaiser, on the podcast, he offered to send me one of these hot new Blackbird receiver sets for review.

  Let’s talk a little about this Ti-Graphite composite. There are a lot of misnomers about composite, or plastic, receivers. Even though some of these are true, they do not apply to the Kaiser X-7 Blackbird, or any of Kaiser’s other receivers. This is because Kaiser engineered the composite receiver, so it is not just your everyday “polymer” like the others. It has more material in certain places to help with strength. But Kaiser doesn’t stop there. They wanted it to be stronger than the standard aluminum AR15 receivers. So they put titanium and anodized aluminum inserts into the places needing strength. For instance, some of these places are the threads for the buffer tube and the barrel nut threads. The Blackbird’s Ti-Graphite composite also adds in some more strength, simply because the titanium and graphite are molded into the composite. Another huge advantage to the Ti-Graphite composite is its lubricity and wear resistance. Essentially, it is so smooth that very little to no lubrication is needed. I still put some oil on the BCG, but it cycled smoothly without it. So what does this Ti-Graphite composite get you? It yields a super strong upper/lower receiver set that weighs in at 9 ounces stripped. For comparison, a standard stripped, forged AR15 lower receiver, without an upper, weighs 8.8 ounces.

   Besides the Blackbird being a super lightweight receiver set, it also has some other enhancements. Up first is its textured magwell. Not only is it textured on the side, but the front as well. This texture consists of raised rectangles. For those of us that grab the magwell with your support hand, this gives you a good, no slip, grip on the Blackbird. The magwell is also beveled to help get those magazines changed quickly. Next is the fit between the upper and lower receiver. It’s tight! I have never had a matched receiver set fit like this before, in a good way. I can push the receiver pins out, hold the upper, and shake it vigorously before the two halves come apart. If you are using the Blackbird for a precision style rifle build, this fitment would be perfect and would definitely help in the accuracy department.

  With the X-7 Blackbird being engineered differently, it has a few slight differences. All of them are good, just different. First, since the lower receiver is slightly wider than a standard aluminum one, at least in some spots, it can’t use standard anti-walk pins to hold the trigger in place. Standard trigger pins will work, but there is no reason to use them. Kaiser gives you their proprietary V2 anti-walk trigger pins, as well as the allen wrenches to install them. These V2 pins work for any trigger you wish to install into the Blackbird lower. It pretty much accepts any mil-spec or drop in AR trigger. The X-7 Blackbird also uses a proprietary port door on the upper receiver. As with the trigger pins, the lightweight port door assembly is also included. Most standard and ambi safeties will work with the Blackbird. I installed a Timber Creek ambi safety and it works well. Because the Blackbird is about weight, Kaiser also includes a skeletonized titanium grip screw for mounting your favorite grip. I went with the old A2 style grip, because it is one of the lighter weight grips around. The Blackbird upper receiver also does not have a forward assist. My guess is to save weight, since the forward assist isn’t always needed. The last two differences have to do with assembling the lower and upper. Instead of being able to put the rear takedown pin spring in normal, it now goes under the pistol grip, similar to the safety detent. I have zero problems with this, it's just different enough to mention. When installing a barrel and handguard onto the Blackbird, Kaiser recommends the use of a “reaction rod”. This prevents the upper receiver from being over torqued and damaged. They also only recommend 30 ft lbs of torque on the barrel nut as to not cause any unseen damage to the receiver.

  A little bit about the build with the X-7 Blackbird receiver set, is in order. I wanted to try and make this build pretty light, since the Blackbird is so light to begin with. I basically took an assembled AR pistol and took it apart, that way I could use the lightweight parts on the Blackbird. These consisted of a Faxon Lightweight 10.5” pencil barrel, a Walker Defense Titanium BCG, a Dark Hour Defense Magnesium handguard, and some other miscellaneous parts. What this gave me was an AR pistol that weighed 4.2 lbs without an optic. That is with parts that one can buy everyday, no custom special parts here. If you were to put a small lightweight red dot on it, it wouldn’t weigh much more. I did install a larger red dot, a finger stop, and a light. This only brought the weight up to 5.2 pounds, which is respectable with a light. It is possible to get the Blackbird to below 4 lbs without sights, I just haven’t tried to do it yet. One could put a shorter handguard and some titanium small parts to help reduce the weight even more. I am happy with how this build turned out. When you pick it up next to my decked out 11.5” SBR, it feels like it weighs nothing.

  How does it shoot? “Fantastic” would be the first word to come out of my mouth. The Ti-Graphite composite makes it so smooth. There really is barely any recoil, partly due to the Ti BCG and adjustable gas block. But It’s smoother feeling than when the same parts were in a standard aluminum receiver set. Double taps are super easy and quick to make. Essentially, this lightweight Blackbird receiver set makes an awesome place to start your lightweight AR build. I’m sure full Blackbird rifles will be available soon if building isn’t your thing.

  In the end, if you are looking at a lightweight AR15 receiver set, the Kaiser Blackbird can help you out. This Ti-Graphite matched upper/lower receiver set is one of the strongest and lightest ones around. The Blackbird is way lighter than its nearest, more expensive competitor. Don’t be scared by those who say “plastic” will break, they haven’t used the Blackbird and they probably haven’t ever heard of Kaiser US either. So, if you want one of the lightest AR’s around, start with the Kaiser X-7 Blackbird receiver set and don’t look back. You’ll be getting a quality product that will perform above your expectations.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Ultra lightweight AR15 receiver set

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a lightweight receiver set

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Titanium Graphite Composite Material

  • Titanium & anodized aluminum inserts at all critical wear points

  • Beveled mag well

  • Compatible with any Mil-Spec drop-in trigger

  • Compatible with all Mil-Spec and most aftermarket grips

  • X-7 Weight - 9 oz, for the complete receiver set

  • Non-Slip texture

  • Skeletonized Titanium Grip Screw included

  • Ejection Port Cover (EPC): Proprietary for X-7 EPC /Spring /Rods (Included)

  • V2 System: Anti-Walk Trigger Pins (included), Proprietary for X-7

  • Trigger Pin Screws and Allen wrenches included

  • No Forward Assist

  • Zero Corrosion

  • Impact Resistant

  • Maintenance: No Oil or Lubrication Necessary

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Midnight Grey

What others are saying?:

Could only find stuff on the Monarch series

Link to other reviews:

Only found Monarch series reviews    

Price point:

MSRP = $375.00

Retail = $356.00 at Rainier Arms

I need it now! Availability:

Kaiser US

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super lightweight

  • Smooth operation

  • Tight upper/lower fit

  • Unique look

  • Includes anti-walk pins, port cover, and titanium grip screw

Cons:

  • Price, but lightweight always costs money

  • Slightly wider, in some places,  than standard AR lower receivers 

Score: 9.00 Amazing

Favorite Link:  Blackout Defense 

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Unique ARs Handguard

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  When you think of AR handguards, you typically don’t think about exotic designs. Unique ARs is here to change your mind about that. They make AR handguards with intricate designs in, and on, them. Unique ARs will also do custom designs. What makes the Unique ARs designs even better, is that they are also very functional.

  Unique ARs sent me one of their stock design handguards. The name of this particular one is the “Filigree.” A Filigree’s definition is: “An intricate, delicate, or fanciful ornamentation”. This handguard is exactly that. I like to think of it as an old school scroll pattern. It is pretty cool looking, especially when color is added to it.

  This particular handguard is 15” long and free floats the barrel. Unique ARs does make shorter versions, but I do like longer handguards. It is a tube style handguard, with the Filigree pattern milled in. There are no rails or anything else on this “original” series handguard. However, on the top and bottom, there are threaded holes to mount Unique ARs picatinny rail sections, in case you need a section of rail. Unique ARs also offers a “slim” style of handguard, it has a full length top rail, if that’s what you are looking for.

  Installation of the handguard is pretty normal. So I won’t go into it too much. One will need the normal AR tools to do it. Plus you will need a low profile gas block to fit inside the tube. The inside diameter of the handguard is 1.75” and the outside is 2”’. This particular handguard weighs in at 15.9 ounces complete with the barrel nut and mounting hardware. So it’s not heavy, but not super light either.

  When you order a standard option handguard from Unique ARs, you can also order some add ons. The add ons include semi-custom cerakote in almost any color. Either one or two different color options. The Filigree handguard was sent with a single cerakote option. So the outside of the handguard is black, and inside the scroll work is lime green, or as I like to say, zombie green. It looks really good! I actually mounted it on my Spikes Zombie Lower rifle. The cerakote work, in the Filigree, really shows off the expert ability of the cerakoter’s over at Unique ARs. There is some pretty fine detail work that goes into it.

  Now for how it actually performed. I was really surprised at how grippy the handguard was. I can get a fantastic grip on it because of all the machine work. I thought it would be smooth, but no, it’s not. Because of the texture, this handguard works really well when moving from target to target. It is almost like having built in grip panels. The little bit of extra weight seemed to make the rifle feel more stable than it was when it had a carbon fiber one on it. This handguard makes the rifle look awesome.

  If you are in the market for something different, the Unique ARs handguard is it. With all the special designs and cerakote options, you will definitely have a “unique” AR. If you want something you designed, or just something not in their catalog, you can have it made by them. If you are building that true custom rifle, their handguard will make it “one of a kind”. As an added bonus, it actually will make the rifle perform better. Go check out Unique ARs, but I’ll warn you, it’ll probably end up costing you a few bucks.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Custom AR handguards

Target Market:

Those wanting a unique look to their AR

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Filigree Scroll pattern

  • 15” Free-float handguard

  • Made from 6061 T6 Aluminum

  • Inside diameter 1.75″

  • Exterior diameter 2″

  • Compatible with any mil spec AR-15 upper receiver or (DPMS Gen 1 Style) AR-10 upper

  • Mount accessories with Unique-ARs proprietary picatinny rail only

  • Weighs 15.9 ounces complete with barrel nut and hardware

  • Available in 9″, 12″, and 15″ lengths.

  • Custom cerakote available

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Too many to list

What others are saying?:

When I decided to build my first AR, I decided that it had to be different and not a typical build that I could just go grab off the shelf. I came across the Unique-ARs Freedom handguard and thought, “I have to have that on my build!”

When it came time to order I discovered that I could choose colors! But not just one color, two colors! After a bit of time sorting through the hundreds of colors, I found a color that would match my build perfectly. I placed the order and it arrived a week earlier than expected. It is the perfect finishing piece and definitely an eye catcher! Thanks a ton!

Joshua M. at Unique AR’s

Link to other reviews:

Gear-Report  

Price point:

MSRP = $285.00

Start at $185.00

Retail = $285 plus cerakote

I need it now! Availability:

Unique ARs

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Awesome designs

  • Fully Custom handguards available

  • Cut out patterns give a very good grip

  • Custom Cerakote colors

Cons:

  • Must use Unique’s picatinny rails if wanting a mounting platform

  • A little heavier than some other handguards

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research 

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Walker Defense Titanium BCG

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  Titanium bolt carrier groups (BCG) are one of the mysteries of the AR world. A few companies manufacture them, but what are they really for? I’ll try to answer that with the Walker Defense Research Titanium BCG.

  If you are looking at a Titanium (Ti) BCG, like the Walker Defense one, it is probably because of weight. Meaning you are trying to get the lightest possible parts around. The Walker Ti BCG weighs 7.8 ounces complete. A standard BCG weighs 11.8 ounces on my scale. That’s an off the shelf weight saving of 4 ounces. I know, that doesn’t seem like a lot, but when every ounce counts, that's a bunch. An important note is that the bolt is not titanium, it is 9130 steel with a Nickel Boron coating. The bolt is also magnetic partical inspected (MPI). A Ti bolt just doesn’t have the correct metallurgy to work, but for the carrier, it’s great. The Ti carrier, without the bolt, only weighs 5.7 ounces. 

  The Walker Defense Ti BCG is of the standard M16 profile. This is done so that it will work in almost every scenario, except piston guns. It is for direct impingement AR’s only. The M16 profile also gives the BCG strength and reliability. Cutting away material can weaken a BCG or make it not function correctly. Walker makes the BCG out of 6AL-4V grade 5 titanium. This even goes above my material knowledge, but I bet that they know what they are doing, especially since this titanium seems to be the standard for Ti BCG’s. An Ionbond Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) is then put on the carrier. This DLC coating gives the BCG a longer lifespan and makes it super smooth. Of course you need excellent machining to have a smooth coating, and the Walker Defense BCG definitely is machined super smooth. 

  Another reason for choosing a titanium BCG is for reduced recoil. The Ti BCG reduces recoil because there is less moving mass. This does come at a price. One also needs an adjustable gas block. This is a must for any lightweight BCG, not just the Walker Ti one. Then you have to tune the adjustable gas block. Good ones come with instructions on how to do this. Some might say that you can “tune” the Ti BCG by using heavier buffers and stuff. But a heavier buffer just adds more weight and more recoil. Isn’t one reason you would choose a Ti bcg is for weight? I can attest to the lower recoil of the Ti BCG. I have a Superlative arms adjustable gas block, tuned to eject the brass at about 3:30. According to the Mantis x, it reduced muzzle rise by over 50% and recoil width by over 80%. You can see in the short video that even with an A2 flash hider, there is hardly any recoil or muzzle climb. I could definitely feel the difference. 

  I was a little hesitant to try the Walker titanium BCG out. I just didn’t understand why I needed it. After using it thoroughly for some time, I can say it definitely makes the AR shoot so much smoother. All the claims are correct. Reduced muzzle rise. Reduced felt recoil. Faster follow up shots, due to those previously mentioned reductions. Yes, the BCG price can make you gasp a little. But in the end, it’s not much more expensive, if any, than other low mass BCG’s. Even some enhanced BCG’s are in the $250 range. The Walker Ti BCG also has forward assist notches, something a lot of the other lightweight carriers don’t have. For me, I just can’t get over how smooth the recoil impulse is with the Walker Ti BCG.

  Probably the last reason to choose Walker’s Ti BCG is durability. Titanium tends to be more resistant to heat and pressure. What do direct impingement guns have? Hot gasses being directly blown into the carrier. So anything that is more resistant to heat is a good thing. Walker also correctly stakes the gas key on, so it won’t be moving around causing problems. Just lube your Ti BCG as normal, and you should get a long life span from it. 

  The Walker Defense Titanium BCG does everything a BCG should do and more. The “more” is why I really like it. It’s lightweight, reduces recoil, is durable, and has a standard M16 profile. Hopefully you have a better understanding of why you would want the Walker Ti BCG. So if you want that “lightweight everything”, or just a super quality bolt carrier, head over to the Walker Defense Research website and give them a look. Everything I have from Walker is top notch and is always made in the USA.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight M16 FA Bolt Carrier Group

Target Market:

Lightweight builds, competition shooters, or anyone wanting a high quality BCG

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Compatibility: M16/ M4 / AR-15 Direct Gas Impingement (not for use in piston guns)

  • Calibers: 5.56x45mm NATO / .223 Remington / .300 AAC Blackout

  • Profile: Full Auto Style Carrier w/ Properly Staked Gas Key

  • Carrier Material: 6AL-4V (Grade 5) Titanium

  • Bolt Material: 9310 Steel

  • Carrier Coating: Ionbond DLC (Diamond Like Carbon)

  • Bolt Coating: Nickel Boron

  • Firing Pin: Steel w/ Chrome Finish

  • Made in the USA

  • Weight: Carrier-only (titanium): 5.7 oz, Total (Carrier, Bolt, firing pin, etc.): 7.8 oz

  • Adjustable gas block is highly recommended 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Carrier only

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Walker Defense   

Surprisingly Good

When I decided to upgrade my mil-spec bolt carrier group ("BCG"), I did a lot of research. I found a review of the Walker Defense Research BCG on Pew Pew Tactical. I was impressed by the statistics . I there and when I went to the site, found the NERO, a three-d printed muzzle device. I was impressed by the willingness to explore new technologies. I bought both a NERO and this BCG. I have a JP captured spring and a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block. With the mil-spec BCG, I could only tune the rifle to 1.5 turns into bleed (22 clicks on the detentes). It was a good result. The Walker DR BCG allowed me to bleed off another 1.5 turns (28 clicks). Because of that, I have extremely little barrel movement and keep my targets well (understand that the NERO is not on this rifle so there is no effect--this is strictly the BCG. With less mass, there is less slam. Whenever I take it to the range, others notice the smoothness and my targets. I have offhanded 120 rounds at a session and it is only my wallet that caused me to hang it up in a session. Two other things to mention: 1) my clockworks stay noticeably cleaner because I am able to bleed off so much dirty gas; and 2) the coating quality goes all the way out to the edges. This second issue needs a bit more explanation. On the mil-spec BCG the edges wore nearly immediately. The quality of the finish is so good that the edges remain crisp at 1,250 rounds. I have no reservations about recommending this BCG. I would suggest that you take full advantage by getting an adjustable gas block as well. The two together really make the gun a sweet shooter. My sons have various ARs but they always find an excuse for shooting mine.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $359.99

Retail = $306.00 with “INSIDER15” discount code

I need it now! Availability:

Walker Defense Research 

Use “INSIDER15” FOR 15% OFF

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super lightweight

  • DLC coating on carrier

  • Nickel Boron coating on bolt

  • M16 Full Auto carrier specs

  • Super smooth operation

  • Less felt recoil

  • 100% Made in USA

Cons:

  • Price

  • Needs adjustable gas block

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link: JSD Supply  

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AR Gold trigger

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  Some time ago I was asked if I had ever used an AR Gold trigger. My answer was “no”, but I had heard they are pretty good. That led me to ask American Trigger Corporation if they would send one out for a full review. As one can guess, here I am with a full review of the Adjustable, curved, AR Gold trigger.

  When the AR Gold trigger showed up, I eagerly installed it into a lower receiver. The AR Gold comes in a nicely packaged box with some stickers and such. The packaging itself makes the trigger look like a finely tuned race car, which it kind of is. Since the AR Gold is a cartridge style AR-15 trigger, installation is very straightforward. 

  As mentioned, I opted for the adjustable version. Yes, a non-adjustable one is also available, its pull weight is set at 3.5 lbs. The adjustable one is also set at the factory to 3.5 lbs. I set mine a little lighter, down to 2.5 lbs. To adjust the AR Gold trigger, there are 2 set screws at the back of the trigger housing. Use the top screw. Clockwise will increase the sear tension, thus increasing the break weight of the trigger. Of course, turning the screw counter-clockwise will decrease the sear tension, lightening the trigger break. From ATC Gold’s website - “As you reduce the amount of spring tension on the sear, you WILL reach a point that the gun will not cock reliably when live firing – though it may still cock dry firing. On most AR’s this will occur somewhere between 3 and 2 lbs.” So go slowly with your adjustments. From my understanding, there is really no need to even go near the bottom screw on the trigger housing. I had no problems adjusting the AR gold trigger down to a measured 2.5 lbs, everything still safely checked out as normal. Individual results for the trigger adjustments may vary. ATC also designed this trigger from the ground up. It is not just a modified GI trigger in a drop-in cage. Which is really noticeable if you compare them side by side. 

  The trigger pull on the AR Gold is really good, but it may not be what you are used to. It is more like a really good 1911 pistol trigger pull. ATC has a good explanation on their website, but essentially it says “AR Gold is a single-stage with a slight bit of very light (8 oz.) of take up.” After the take up, you then hit the “wall,” this is where the actual pull weight is. Apply pressure and the trigger breaks super crisply. This is by far one of the crispest trigger pulls I have felt. When I measured it, at the bottom of the trigger shoe, the break only moved the trigger around 0.050”. So up higher on the trigger, the pull length is actually shorter. After the break, there is some slight over travel. Not a bunch, most people might not even notice it. Then there is the reset. The reset is short, essentially the same as the break of the trigger. But, the reset is not very positive. It didn’t seem to matter if the trigger was set to the factory 3.5 lbs, or the 2.5 lbs I set it at. I would have liked to see a more positive reset, but I could still shoot this trigger very fast. All kinds of “super fast” professional shooters use this trigger, so it’s not like the reset is slow.

  I chose the AR Gold with a curved trigger shoe. Why? Because I like the consistency that a curved trigger gives me. ATC also offers a flat style trigger shoe. I think the flat style looks better, but I’m about functionality. The AR Gold trigger shoe is pretty narrow. It doesn’t affect anything, it’s just notable compared to a GI trigger. The curve of the trigger feels very much like the curve of a GI trigger, at least to me. The trigger, as a whole, feels like an expensive watch. It functions superbly, but also looks elegant. 

  The AR Gold trigger could be used on just about any style of AR rifle. It is fast, has a great break, and is adjustable. So if you are just into backyard plinking, or full blown competition, the AR Gold might be something to look into. I’m probably going to stick it in a AR varmint rifle build, but what you do with one is really up to you. American Trigger Corporation did a great job making a 1911 style trigger for your AR. If you are into finely tuned race cars, or triggers that are similar, then you need to check out the AR Gold trigger.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable AR trigger with a super short break

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a top of the line AR trigger

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 3.5 lbs. (Adjustable Weight)

  • Drop Safe

  • Drop-In trigger module 

  • Includes .154” trigger pins

  • Short Reset

  • Short, Crisp break

  • Adjustable weight engagement and over-travel

  • Designed for AR-15 & AR-10 Platform (.223, 5.56, .308, 7.62, .300 BLK, 6.5 Grendal)

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Flat faced trigger

What others are saying?:

4 out of 5 stars at Brownells

EXCELLENT

Pricey yes, but a great trigger. A clean sheet design. Not a reworked set of standard parts but a whole new way of thinking. Pulls very light and crisp. Yet punches deep pits into the primers. Can't comment on long term results until much more "testing" is done. But so far, perfect reliability and function. Just wish they were a bit cheaper. Then they would be a 5 star rating!

Link to other reviews:

Western Shooter  

Price point:

MSRP = $279.00

Retail = $279.00 at Rainier Arms  

I need it now! Availability:

American Trigger Co. or Rainier Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super crisp Break - glass rod type

  • Adjustable

  • Thin trigger profile

  • Cartridge style drop-in installation

Cons:

  • Slower reset

  • Slight over-travel

  • Price

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Gun Guys Garage

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Expo Arms Patrol Series AR Upper

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  Expo Arms has recently gotten into the AR-15 upper receiver market. They have a few options for pistols, SBR’s, and standard AR configurations. This particular upper is their Patrol series with a 16” barrel and A2 flash hider. If you didn’t know, Expo Arms is the in-house brand for Primary Arms and is sold exclusively through them.

  The Expo Arms Patrol Series is an everyday use AR-15 barrelled upper receiver. These do not come with a bolt carrier group (BCG) or charging handle. However when you order the upper, Primary Arms gives some drop down menus with discounted add ons, such as a BCG. The Patrol Series comes with a bunch of good specs: A 5.56 chamber, 1:7 twist nitrided 4150 cmv barrel, mid-length gas system, A2 flash hider, T-marked upper receiver, and a 15” M-Lok handguard.

  Barrels are an important part of any AR system. On 16” barrels, like this one, I like mid-length gas systems. They are smoother feeling and put less wear on components then a carbine length gas system. Being that the barrel is also salt bath nitrided, it will have a good lifespan and keep corrosion away. Expo Arms uses a SOCOM profile on the barrel. I like the profile as it gives strength and consistency without being heavy. Of course the muzzle is threaded and comes with an A2 flash hider installed. The barrel consistently shoots under 1 MOA for me with 69 grain match rounds. 

  Expo Arms uses their own T-marked upper receiver. This is a standard forged version made from 7075-T6 aluminum. It has a round style forward assist and a standard mil-spec port door. The whole upper is nicely machined and anodized. 

  To cover the barrel, and give you something to hold onto, is the 15” M-Lok handguard. This is a very nice, useful, no frills handguard. It runs a full top rail that is not sharp. The sharp parts of the rail have been deburred slightly. Along the other portions of the handguard are M-Lok slots. These M-Lok slots are every 45 degrees around the handguard, not just the standard of every 90. It’s a clamp on style handguard, but also has some anti-rotation tabs to keep it from rotating. I’ve never had a problem with these style handguards rotating on me, but the tabs are a nice addition. I really liked the Expo Arms handguard, I’d even consider it as a stand alone item. 

  If you’re looking for a good quality AR upper, the Expo Arms Patrol series might just be it. It has a lot of nice features for the price. In fact, I am still amazed at the 0.75” group I shot with it. Definitely go check out the Expo Arms series of stuff over at Primary Arms. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality 5.56 AR Upper receiver at a fair price

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a 16” AR upper

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 7075-T6 forged aluminum MIL-SPEC upper

  • 5.56 NATO chamber

  • T-Marked

  • 16" Patrol Series Nitride barrel

  • 41V50 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel barrel

  • SOCOM barrel contour 

  • Mid-Length Gas System

  • 1:7 Twist Rate

  • 15" Expo Arms Patrol Series M-LOK Handguard

  • A2 Flash Hider

  • No BCG or Charging handle

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Various

What others are saying?:

Nothing as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $349.99

Retail = Check Primary Arms for sales

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Nitride Barrel

  • T-Marked upper

  • M-Lok handguard

  • Full top rail

  • Accurate

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come with BCG or CH (options are available)

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Nero Review

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Dark Hour Defense MAGNESIUM DARKLITE handguard

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  As one may have heard, I was building out a lightweight AR pistol and was in need of a lightweight handguard. Along comes Dark Hour Defense with their Magnesium Darklite M-Lok handguard. If you haven’t heard of Dark Hour Defense, they are a sister company of V Seven Weapon Systems. Dark Hour Defense is more of the “not as fancy” line, but still using the same technology and quality of V Seven. This makes the Dark Hour products more cost effective for the end user. 

  I decided on the Darklite handguard in the 9.2” length. I chose this length because I was using a 10.5” pencil barrel. Essentially, I didn’t want the handguard to extend over the muzzle, but also wanted it to cover the gas block. The 9.2” Darklite turned out to be just perfect. Dark Hour also has a 7.1” as well as sizes out to 18”. Outside diameter on them is 1.5”s wide and 1.97”s tall. The 1.97” height is due to the full length top rail. Inside diameter is 1.3” wide and 1.55” tall. 

  The Darklite handguard is super light! The 9.2” comes in weighing 4.23 ounces, on my scale, without any hardware. The barrel nut adds in another 1.13 ounces. Add in some mounting screws and the total weight is 5.64 ounces. I will mention that the weight listings on the Dark Hour Defense website are really close to the actual weight I measured. To get this lightweight handguard, Dark Hour uses an aluminum magnesium alloy that is 30% lighter than standard 6061 aluminum. It appears to be just as strong, if not stronger. Remember, this handguard also has a full top picatinny rail. The barrel nut is made from 7068 aluminum, which is harder and stronger than 7075 aluminum, but weighs less than steel by a good margin. All one needs to really know is that these are super light and strong.

  The Darklite handguard is pretty normal in other aspects except one. As noted before, it is running a full top picatinny rail. The M-Lok slots are at 3,6, & 9 o’clock. As of now, it is only available with M-Lok, because that’s the standard in my opinion. Instead of anodizing, Dark Hour uses a plasma deposition coating that gives a “tough ceramic-like coating with superior wear resistance compared to anodizing.” I’ll agree, this E-Cote finish, as they call it, is super tough. I haven’t even scratched it. Also, I had a QD point mounted to it and when I removed it, you couldn’t even tell it was on the handguard. It didn’t even leave a chip or indent. I kind of wish the Darklite had a QD point built in. That way I could connect a sling without adding the weight of the QD mount. The black color of this E-Cote finish matches the rifles anodizing very well and I like the durability of it.

  Installation of the Darklite handguard is pretty normal also. Install the barrel nut with the supplied wrench. YES, it includes a wrench! This is one of my favorite things. Every other manufacture, please do like Dark Hour Defense and include a barrel nut wrench with your handguards. The barrel nut may or may not need shims, mine was on the tight side without them, but still in specifications for torque. When installing the handguard tube, you may need to tap it on with a rubber mallet, or heat it up slightly. It is a nice snug fit. I just tapped it on and it worked fine. Dark Hour also includes a locator pin, so if your upper has this provision , you can use it for added rotational stability. I didn’t use the pin and have not had any problems with the handguard rotating. Lastly, install the 6 torx screws to spec, and off to the range you go.

  As usual, I’ve been trying to use the Darklite as much as possible. I really like it, but I like slim handguards, and at 1.5”s, it is just perfect. The Darkilite is a no frills, super lightweight handguard. They smoothed it all out and put angles and radiuses where they needed to be, like on the muzzle end of the handguard. The top rail portion is even pretty smooth, which is not an easy task with all those slot cuts. The price won’t kill your wallet either. At $195 for the 9.2”, it’s a great deal. Yes, longer ones cost more, but they are still a reasonable option for what you are getting. 

  The Dark Hour Defense Magnesium Darklite handguard is well worth checking out. You are definitely getting a quality lightweight handguard at a reasonable price, at least in the lightweight product category. I think Dark Hour Defense will be doing some more nice stuff in the future. Definitely keep your eye on them for cost effective lightweight products. You can check them out at https://darkhourdefense.com/

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Ultra Lightweight AR15 handguard

Target Market:

Those wanting a strong, lightweight handguard

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Aluminum Magnesium alloy

  • E-cote black finish

  • Length: 9.2"

  • Width: 1.5"

  • Height: 1.97"

  • Weight: 4.2 oz

  • ID of 1.3"(left to right) & 1.55" (top to bottom for gas block clearance)

  • 7068 Aluminum barrel nut

  • Includes barrel nut wrench

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Various lengths

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publication

Link to other reviews:

Same as above

Price point:

MSRP = $195.00

Retail = $189.15 at Optics Planet

I need it now! Availability:

Dark Hour Defense

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super light

  • Full top rail

  • All sharp edges are deburred

  • E-cote finish

  • Small Diameter

Cons:

  • No QD mounting points

Score:  9.00 Amazing

Favorite Link:  Atibal Optics

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VZ Grips - AR Grip

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  VZ grips has been making handgun grip panels for eons. They also make rifle grips for AR’s and SCAR rifles. The rifle grips are made from VZ’s durable G10. Being that VZ is a sponsor of the Gun & Gear Review podcast, they graciously sent one of the AR grips with their Gen 2 Stipple pattern. Besides the Stipple pattern, VZ makes AR grips with 6 other textures, all of them have various color options available.

  With all the various color combinations available from VZ, I opted for the grip in all black. I mainly chose black because it would go with whatever rifle or pistol I chose to install it on. As previously mentioned, VZ does also offer two-tone grips and they are made from the same proprietary G10. These color options and patterns can give the VZ AR grip a fantastic look.

  The Stipple gen 2 pattern I opted for is VZ’s most aggressive grip texture, at least in their AR style grips. The Stipple pattern resembles a good stippling job. But, VZ’s stippling is done on a 4-axis CNC machine that cuts out the desired pattern. The pattern wraps around the grip for 270 degrees, however the front of the grip is not patterned. The Stipple pattern is sharp. If you have soft hands, this grip pattern will probably be way too aggressive for you. I would say it is almost too aggressive for me, but only almost. It is also super grippy. Wrap your hand around this thing and it is not moving. It doesn’t matter what kind of grime, oil, blood, or sweat you get on your hands, this Stipple pattern will give you a great grip! I am super satisfied with the texture.

  I first mounted the VZ Stipple grip on an AR pistol. I did this because I wanted to try it out on something different. This allowed me to shoot one handed with the Stipple pattern grip. The grip performed well in this application and didn’t feel overly aggressive. I then proceeded to try it on a rifle. Same thing, the grip performed well. I preferred using it on the standard rifle, as the grip angle seemed very comfortable with either the stock collapsed or extended fully. This says a lot for the 17 degree grip angle that VZ uses on this grip. The grip did feel a little odd when using it on the pistol, as a shallower grip angle would have worked a little better for me. But that’s no fault of VZ Grips.

  VZ has done a great job with the Stipple Gen 2 AR grip. I really like the super aggressive texture, some people might not, but VZ makes other textures that are more suitable for the less aggressive crowd. If you want to feel secure using your rifle in all circumstances, then definitely look into the Stipple pattern grips. VZ has definitely created a great AR grip.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

G10 AR grips

Target Market:

Those wanting indestructible, various grip texture, and various color grips for AR rifles 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 270 degrees of machined texture

  • Machined from a solid piece of G10

  • 17 degree grip angle

  • Standard Length of 4" over all

  • 3.6oz

  • Sharp Stipple pattern texture

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Lots of different color and texture options here - https://vzgrips.com/shop-all/rifles/ar15-grips/

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at VZ Grips

This grip is incredible. Very aggressive. If you have thin skin, you better throw some gloves on. This thing is the real deal. 10/10 I recommend. And will use VZ on all future builds

5/5 stars at VZ Grips

I’m very please with this grip. I ordered the red and black full-size stippled grip and it looks fantastic. As another reviewer noted the texture is VERY aggressive. There is little to no chance of it sliding around in your hand. I imagine it would be great for active competitive shooting. I ended up carefully sanding some of the sharper points down just a bit and it’s much more pleasant on bare hands. A quick wipe with my cleaning rag and you can’t even tell they’ve been sanded. I’m quite pleased and would highly recommend!

Link to other reviews:

I couldn’t find any worth while

Price point:

MSRP = $85.00

Retail = 15% off using code “GGR15”

I need it now! Availability:

VZ Grips

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Stipple pattern is super sharp and grippy

  • 17 degree grip angle

  • Color options

  • 1 piece design

  • Various grip patterns

Cons:

  • Some options can be too aggressive

  • More expensive than other grips

Score: 8.50 Great

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RMT Nomad Trigger

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  The trigger market is flooded with good AR triggers. To stand out, you need to think outside the box. RMT Triggers has done just that with their Nomad trigger. The Nomad has a pivoting and rotating trigger shoe. Yes, the trigger actually pivots to fit to your finger placement on the shoe.

  As mentioned, the first noticeable difference in the Nomad trigger is its moveable trigger shoe. The trigger shoe is free floating, so to speak. It will pivot and rotate up to 6 degrees off of center. This will place the trigger shoe exactly where it needs to be on your finger. If your finger is a little short or long, it rotates to give your finger pad a perfect contact point on the trigger face. Maybe you don’t have a perfect grip on the rifle, the Nomad will also pivot for better finger pad contact. 

  The Nomad uses a flat face trigger. This works very well with the pivoting system. I typically don’t prefer flat faced triggers, but the Nomad is really nice. It’s called a flat trigger, but in reality, it has an ever so slight curve to it. This very slight curve might be why I like it more than other flat faced triggers.

Notice that the trigger is pushed out toward the edge of the trigger guard, due to it’s pivoting system

  When I, and others, first felt the Nomad trigger we thought it was a little odd. This was because of the noticeably left and right movement. This completely went away when we shot the actual Nomad. When shooting a rifle with the Nomad trigger in it, you don’t even notice that the trigger pivots and rotates to fit you. The Nomad just does what it does, adjusts to you and how you shoot. The trigger is also very fast to use!

  Now that the exotic parts of the Nomad are out of the way, it is still a drop in trigger. The Nomad is your typical cartridge style AR trigger. This makes installation super easy. Just remove the old trigger, pull the grip off, slide out the safety, then drop the Nomad in. The trigger comes with a set of anti-rotation pins, which are needed for installation and are something I recommend for cartridge style triggers. So the pins being included is a bonus in my eyes.

Notice how trigger is rotated.

  Besides the free adjusting trigger shoe system, the Nomad is a good feeling trigger. As mentioned before, I like the shape of the trigger shoe. The pull has a tiny bit of pre-travel, followed by a fairly short break , with little to no over-travel. Total trigger travel is around 0.125” measured at the bottom of the trigger shoe. My only complaint with the Nomad is its gritty pull. When pulling the trigger slowly, you can feel the grittiness in it. It hasn’t gone away either, even with over a thousand trigger presses, thanks to the Mantis Blackbeard. The Nomad is still a very fast trigger to shoot. When pulling the trigger at anything other than a slow pace, the grittiness is not noticeable. Part of the reason the trigger is fast is its great reset. The other reason is its 3 lb pull weight. I can shoot the Nomad on par with my other “fast” triggers. I don’t even notice the pivoting shoe when shooting fast or slow. The Nomad I received consistently has a pull weight of 3lbs 2ozs. 

  I’ve put a bunch of time in on the RMT Nomad trigger. I’ve had other people try it out. In the end, everyone seemed to like it. I think RMT has a really good idea going with the Nomad trigger. It may seem a little expensive, but you're getting a quality trigger PLUS something that can help you pull that trigger, wherever your finger decides it wants to be placed on it. At first the RMT Nomad may seem odd, but give it a chance, and you will see what it is all about. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

AR pivoting shoe trigger

Target Market:

Those wanting a good trigger that adjusts to their finger placement

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 6 degrees rotation & pivot

  • Short Reset

  • Non-adjustable 3 lb pull weight

  • Cartridge style

  • Anti-rotation pins included

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Soon to be non-pivoting trigger

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Opticsplanet.com

Red's Review of RMT Triggers Nomad Trigger

Fascinated by the concept, but skeptical at first. Buddies tried to convince me to go with something else, cause they thought “it would exacerbate bad habits.” Now here I am having the last laugh. Shooting this trigger compared to my buddies, my groupings are significantly tighter, and now they want one! Definitely worth every penny. I still shoot well with other triggers, I just shoot even better with this one. If you are looking for the competitive advantage, this trigger gives you it!

Pros:

  • Crisp break

  • Short reset

  • really well made

  • The trigger adapts to me

  • No need for finger gymnastics or awkward gripping

  • improved my groupings

Link to other reviews:

Gun Mag Warehouse

Price point:

MSRP = $299.00

Retail = $279.99 at Optics Planet

I need it now! Availability:

RMT Triggers or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Trigger adjusts to user

  • Short 3 lb pull

  • Extremely Fast

  • Great short reset

  • Drop in - cartridge style

Cons:

  • Gritty when pulling slow

  • Price

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

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Blackout Defense Zero Trigger

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  When people that have been shooting for a while ask me for the best upgrade, I usually tell them a good trigger. For newer shooters, it’s dry fire practice, but that’s a different story. Since I’m on the trigger subject, Blackout Defense has come out with their Zero trigger for the AR15 and AR10 platforms. Blackout Defense sent me a curved shoe trigger with a 3lb pull. This is one of the best single stage triggers I’ve had the pleasure of using.

  When you first see the Zero trigger, you don’t really notice anything different about it. The differences are on the inside, and become quickly apparent, more on that later. First off, it’s a cartridge style “drop in” trigger assembly. This makes installation easy. I’d recommend the anti-walk pins, as I would with any cartridge style trigger. They just give that little bit of added security, even if it’s just in my mind. As mentioned, I opted for the curved trigger. The curve is not near as much as a stock GI trigger. I would call it a short radius, but it’s appears to be a pretty standard profile for aftermarket triggers. I really like the curved profile, it works really well for me. If you don’t like curved triggers, they make it in a flat profile too. For me, the curve gives a consistent finger placement, so the felt pull is always the same.

  Now for the Zero trigger internals. What makes the Zero trigger so unique is its ability to completely remove pre-travel and over-travel. So much so, that the total trigger movement can be set to 0.078”. Part of this is accomplished by a curved or cupped trigger tail. This “cup” allows the tail to cradle the safety drum. To fully adjust, or get rid of, the pre and over travel. Hardened set screws are installed on the bottom of the trigger housing, both at the front and the rear. From Blackout Defense’s website - “The bottom of the Zero™ trigger housing features threaded holes that straddle both the front and rear of the trigger tail.  Hardened set screws are provided and can be installed through these threaded holes to finely tune the trigger location and push it into contact with the safety.” The trigger tail riding on the safety drum is what eliminates the pre-travel and is adjustable through the rear set screw. The over-travel is then adjusted with the front set screw. Once set, red loctite is recommended to keep them from moving. My only complaint about this process is that it is tedious work. Mainly because you have to pull the trigger out, turn the set screw a tiny amount, then reinstall the trigger and try it again. Be patient, it could take a while. The Zero trigger is so well made, that these tedious adjustments aren’t really needed for a great trigger pull. I just needed to see how it was done, as it is an option. The trigger will fit in any mil-spec lower, but if you don’t want to take the trigger in and out to adjust it, Blackout Defense’s lower receiver has 2 small holes in it, so that you don’t have to take the trigger out for this adjustment. The Zero trigger also has two different finish options for the internal components. Either Black Nitrided, or NP3. Both finishes help with lubricity and corrosion resistance. After factory setting the trigger pull weight, Blackout Defense then arc welds these set screws to make sure that they never come out of the factory adjustment. Note: these are different from the set screws used to adjust the pre and over travel, these are the ones the factory uses to adjust the pull weight (see inside the trigger housing picture). As you can see, those two screws aren’t ever moving.

  Two different trigger pull weights are available from the factory. Either a 4.5lb pull or a 3lb pull weight. I opted for the 3lb pull weight. When I measured it, it is consistently under the 3lb mark. Anywhere from 2-¾ lbs up to just shy of 3 lbs. Follow that up with the super short pull and the super crisp break, it feels like less. The reset on the Zero trigger is also great. Super crisp and tactile. The reset impressed me for a 3lb pull weight trigger.

  The Zero trigger has me sold. It is one of the best single stage AR triggers out there, at least in my opinion. It works spectacularly when shooting fast. I can consistently shoot a rifle bill drill (6 shots, A zone hits, 7yds) 0.25-0.30 seconds faster then when I use the same upper with different triggers. It works really well for precision shooting also. Having that short crisp pull allows me to not disturb the rifle when pulling the trigger slowly. Does it help my groups? Who knows, but I do know it’s easier for me to not move the rifle.

  While running the Zero trigger, I put a lot of time into dry fire. Well, maybe not dry fire, but the Mantis Blackbeard. This gave me the thousands of trigger pulls I needed to really fall in love with Zero trigger. The trigger never had a single hiccup, either dry fire or live fire. The super fast reset and crisp break made it a dream to use with the Blackbeard system. 

  When it comes to aftermarket triggers, the Zero trigger is a gold mine. This trigger does everything I want in a good AR trigger. Yes, the light, short pull may not be for everyone, but if you are looking for a super fast trigger, it might just be for you. Having the ability to have ZERO take up and overtravel really makes the Zero trigger shine. If you are looking for a great trigger for your AR, I would definitely give Blackout Defense a call. They are super helpful if you need any questions answered about the Zero trigger, or any of their other products.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

AR15 trigger with zero take up and overtravel

Target Market:

Those wanting a great, fast trigger for their AR style firearms

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Single stage drop in trigger for AR-15

  • Short reset design

  • Fits any MIL-SPEC AR-15 lower receiver

  • Trigger and Disconnector: A2 Tool Steel

  • Black Nitrided trigger 

  • Black Nitride disconnector

  • Hammer: S7 Tool Steel

  • Black Nitrided hammer

  • Balck anodized aluminum housing

  • Hardened set screws to adjust pre and over travel

  • 0.154” pin diameter

  • Curved trigger tail

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

4.5 lb, NP3 finish, Straight bow, AR10’s

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars - Charles @BlackoutDefense

SPOOKY PERFECT TRIGGER

I shot National Match Competition on the USMC Shooting Team at Quantico “back in the day”. We fired highly-tuned M-14’s built by amazing craftsman.

Everyone was obsessed with trigger performance.

This is the trigger we were always chasing, only better.

First, there really is no takeup. Apply 4.5lbs with absolutely zero creep. The trigger breaks clean, moves about .05″ and stops.

Release the trigger and it resets: click. Press again. Zero creep, breaks at 4.5lbs, and stops dead. All. Day. Long. Absolutely consistent. It’s uncanny.

After the Marines, I worked my entire career with High Tech CNC manufacturers. So, I know what it takes to make something great: engineering, equipment, people, and quality control. It takes them all.

Hats off to Customer Service too: fast, friendly, efficient, responsive and effective. Thanks.

Does this sound like a paid endorsement? It isn’t. I paid full retail for the NP3 All with Trigger Pins direct from the Blackout Defense webstore.

I am just an ex-Jarhead who knows that you (often, hopefully) get what you pay for. In this case, I got more than I thought was even possible. Nice upside surprise.

To my fellow trigger-obsessed perfectionist, you won’t be disappointed.

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog

Price point:

MSRP = $204.99

Retail = $199.00 at Optics Planet 

I need it now! Availability:

Blackout Defense

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • 3lb pull weight

  • Zero take-up and overtravel

  • Super short pull length

  • Great reset

  • Drop-in style

  • Crisp, Clean break

  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Set Screw adjustment

Score: 9.00 Amazing

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Midwest Firearm Solutions X-wing Themed Cerakote

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  Usually when I think of Cerakote, I think camouflage, or something like that. Well, cerakote can be anything you can think of. Midwest Firearm Solutions is just one of those places that can make your cerakote dreams come true. I gave them the task of figuring out how to make an AR pistol look like an X-Wing from the Star Wars franchise. They managed to do it!

  If you are new to firearms coatings, I’ll try to give you a quick rundown. Cerakote is a thin film coating. Because of this, it lends itself well to firearms. It does this because it doesn’t build up like typical paints. This helps to keep all of the firearms parts working as they should. Another advantage of Cerakote is its chemical resistance. So gun cleaning solvents and such won’t cause it to melt off. It is abrasion and wear resistant. A good thing for moving firearm parts. Lastly, it adds a level of corrosion resistance that is better than most factory firearm finishes. Plus it looks cool.

  Midwest Firearm Solutions coated the entire AR pistol to look like a X-Wing fighter from Star Wars movies. They started with a Snow White base coat. Added on some Graphite Black to give the pistol a “blasted” look, typical of the X-Wings you might see. The top rail portion is Cerakoted NRA Blue and it matches the striping of the fighter well. There are some yellow accent colors on the “nose” of the forearm, as well as the buffer tube and magazine. These are in Corvette Yellow. The small parts of the AR, including the barrel, are coated in Gunmetal Gray. They also did some small “rebel” markings in Firehouse Red. When seen, side by side next to a X-Wing picture or model, you can definitely tell that Midwest Firearm Solutions did some stellar work!

 Being that the AR is cerakoted, I am sure the finish will hold up well. Even though I try to be gentle with this firearm, it has been used. So far, not even a minor scratch in the coating. If I do scratch it up, this design lends itself to not show imperfections because of the “blasted up” look.

  When doing patterns with spray on coatings, there can be some problems that arise. The most notable, to me, is seam lines. These happen where the pattern changes. Midwest Firearm Solutions does not have this problem. Their attention to detail provides beautiful, seamless, transitions between colors and patterns. The quality of the coated small parts is excellent also. The Gunmetal Gray, of the small parts and barrel, really stands out. This color gives it almost a sparkled industrial look. You really have to see it to understand.

   The X-Wing gun, as I call it, is really only for fun. Having firearms coated can be that way. Or you can go for something that is actually useful, like certain types of camouflage. Another option is just to restore an old firearm to like new standards. The days of only having one color are gone, unless that is what you are looking for. Midwest Firearm solutions can supply you with a fantastic coating. Either simple, or out of this world.

  Midwest Firearm Solutions is a top notch Cerakote applicator. This X-Wing gun turned out awesome. So good that I might need a themed pistol to go with it! MFS also does laser engraving along with tons of other stuff. Check out their website at https://www.midwestfirearmsolutions.com/ to see all the great stuff they have to offer.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Custom Cerakote coatings

Target Market:

Anyone wanting to change the look of their firearm

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Customer designs ideas are unlimited

  • Durable

  • Chemical resistant

  • Protects firearm from the elements

  • Various color options

  • Thin film - doesn’t build up and stop firearm from working

  • Cerakote trained and certified

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Pretty much anything you can imagine

What others are saying?:

From FaceBook

Tristan did a fantastic job with the cerakote for my slide. Wouldn’t go anywhere else for the quality, price, and friendliness!

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found, but lots of mini reviews at Cerakote.com

Price point:

MSRP = $600.00

Retail = Base rifle color - $225, Each additional color - $65 each, small parts are extra

I need it now! Availability:

Midwest Firearm Solutions

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Certified Cerakote applicator

  • Can do almost any idea you have

  • Looks amazing

  • Cerakote seams are almost not noticeable

Cons:

  • Cerakote jobs like this aren’t cheap

Score: 9.00 Amazing

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Favorite Link:  Axeon Optics

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Strike Industries "Strike Mag"

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  Strike Industries has been hitting a home run in the aftermarket parts game. They continually bring out new products. Of those new products is the Strike Mag. The Strike Mag is a 32 round magazine for the AR-15 rifle.

  As with a lot of Strike Industries products, the Strike Mag has a semi-futuristic look. The way the magazine’s lines flow, just gives it that kind of look. Of course looks aren’t everything. So they gave the magazine an anti-tilt follower. Some anti-slip grip texture on the front and rear to aid in inserting and removal of the magazine. There are also some raised “dot matrix” textures on the front sides to aid in the aforementioned. And of course, it holds 32 rounds of 223/5.56 for only a little bit added in overall length.

  Some other features of the Strike Mag are really useful too. The first of which, the magazine has been designed to help prevent over-insertion. It has 2, what I like to call “bumps”, on the front and rear of the magazine, just below where a fully inserted magazine rests inside the magwell. These “bumps” help to stop the magazine from over-insertion when slamming in the magazine on a locked back bolt. I have seen this happen with other magazines and it essentially takes the rifle out of use until one can literally pry the over inserted magazine out. Another feature is the magazine base’s shock cord channel. This channel lets the shock cord, on many magazine carriers, fit snugly over the magazine. It keeps the shock cord from sliding side to side. It works extremely well on my plate carrier pouches.

  What does the extra 2 rounds get you? Unfortunately, it does make the magazine slightly longer. About ¾” longer than a standard GI magazine and ½” longer than a Gen. 3 Pmag. This has pluses and minuses. One plus is: If you stack magazine pouches, the Strike mags can be used to offset the magazines. Maybe put them closest to a plate carrier or chest rig so the back magazines are easier to grab. A minus is: They are longer. I didn’t really notice the extra length when shooting or reloading the AR.

  Luckily I received the Strike mag before the crazy ammunition prices, just barely. So I was able to run quite a few rounds through the mag. Just as I expected, the magazine ran great! I have had zero malfunctions when using it. I ran lots of cheap steel cased ammunition through it too. The magazine was tried in 5 different AR’s, from a 7.5” to 16”’er’s. It even drops free from my AR that has a slightly tight magazine well. So, I would say it is a good magazine, one you should probably check out. And yes, it does insert fully, when loaded with 32 rounds, on a closed bolt.

  Strike Industries has been coming out with top notch products. The Strike Mag is one of them. It holds 32 rounds instead of the normal 30 and functions great. Plus it is 100% made in the U.S.A. Go check out the Strike mag, or any of Strike Industries other stuff. I think you’ll be surprised at all the firearm accessories they have. 

  Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

32 round AR 15 magazine

Target Market:

Anyone wanting an extra 2 rounds in their standard capacity AR magazine

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 32 round capacity

  • -223 Remington/5.56 NATO AR-15/M4/M16 compatible magazine

  • "AccuRamp" first round feed tray design

  • Anti-tilt follower

  • Enhanced geometry with anti-slip finger grooves

  • Magazine base shock cord channel to help provide additional retention

  • Lightweight high-strength polymer

  • Tool-less disassembly of magazine

  • Made in the U.S.A.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

10 round version for restrictive states

What others are saying?:

Nothing as of this review

Link to other reviews:

None found

Price point:

MSRP = $16.95

Retail = $15.95 at Primary Arms

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms or Strike Industries

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Capacity

  • Shock cord channel

  • Functions as expected - very well

  • Designed with over insertion protection

Cons:

  • A little longer than a standard 30rd magazine

Score: 8.50 Great

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Favorite Link:  Matador Arms

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Nightstick LGL-170 Weapon Light

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  If you are into any type of self defense long gun, then you could probably use a weapon mounted light. Nightstick, a division of Bayco products, has brought out some nice lights in this category. One of those lights is the LGL-170. This is their top tier weapon mounted light, coming in at 1500 lumens.

  Now I know that you just can’t judge a light on Lumens alone. You need the Candela rating also. Well the LGL-170 produces 23,148 candela. In easy to understand terms, the lower the candela rating, the more “flood” like the beam output will be. The higher the candela, the more “spot” like the beam will be. At 23,000 candela, I found the Nightstick to be a good combination of the two. It produces a wider beam then some other weapon lights on the market, but yet still gives plenty of throw to see down range. Nightstick rates it at a 304 meter beam distance. All I know is that I can make out targets at 200 yards with the naked eye, in essentially complete darkness. This also translates into being able to see “threats” out to 200 yards.

Closest target stand is 50 yds, next is 100, and farthest is 200 yds

Steel gong and swinger rack (slightly left of center) is at 200 yds. Click image to make larger

  Nightstick includes everything needed to get started with the light. In the box are 2, yes 2, 3400mah 18650 rechargeable batteries, with a charger of course. Standard and off-set picatinny mounts. An optional 6” cabled pressure remote pad, with an on/off button. The pad can be used with a supplied hook & loop, or a slide in, picatinny rail adapter. Also for the pressure switch, is a wire management picatinny clamp. Nightstick also makes a low profile angled mount adapter for KeyMod or M-lok. I used the M-lok one to mount the light closer in toward the handguard. This makes it easy to use, with just my thumb, for activation. I thought the cable management clamp was a nice added benefit to the package, even though I ended up not using it.

   In the standard configuration, the LGL-170 is your basic weapon light. The tail switch is pressed slightly to use the momentary on function. Or pressed completely to turn it on or off. There is a nice positive click when turning it on or off. One feature I really like in a weapon light, is full lumens all the time. No strobe, or low power to get me distracted under stress. The LGL-170 does this. It’s either on or off, nothing else, always at full power. 

  Since most of the features are listed below, I won’t go over most of them here. But, there are a couple I am going to mention. Having a way to use another power source is always a good idea. So Nightstick made the LGL able to use 2 CR123 batteries as an option. The output is cut down to 1200 lumens, but it’s way better than zero! Plus, you probably have some rolling around in your range bag, at least I do. The next feature is the light’s weight. It comes in at 7.5 ounces with the battery. It’s a little heavier, by 0.5 ounces, than some other lights, but that’s not a deal breaker. When you have a light mounted on the end of a rifle, it makes the rifle swing differently from target to target. Something I noticed when moving the rifle. Also, you just added a ½ lb to that lightweight rifle. But in this case, I’d rather have the ½ lb and be able to see my targets.

  As with most products, there always has to be something questionable. The only part I really don’t like about the light kit is the picatinny switch mount. This picatinny mount, for the pressure switch, is a clip on a piece of plastic. You then slide the pressure switch into this mount. The part that mounts to the rail actually holds on okay, but could be torn off under extreme use. But even worse, is that the pressure switch just slides into the rail adapter, and doesn’t stay. Yes, I know that I could use glue or hook & loop to fix this, but it was kind of annoying. On the other hand, the pressure switch, itself, is awesome.

After a couple months of use, I ran into a problem. The light was not staying bright. After 45 seconds of being on, the output had dwindled down to almost nothing. Cycle the switch, and it would get real bright and then dim down in a minute again. I contacted Nightstick and they immediately sent a new light kit. Yes they sent the whole kit and told me to only return the light and the pressure switch. So I gained two 18650 batteries and a charger in the deal. When I asked them what had happened to the light, they said it had a programming error and were very thankful for me in helping them find the problem. Every company has something go wrong from time to time, I suspect mine was a one off problem, knowing that they have these lights in many law enforcement departments and that they have been tested by those departments. How they react to the problems is what really counts. So far, the new light is working as expected. If anything goes wrong again, I’ll update this review.

  The “unrated” light output is what really shines. In my house, bouncing the light off of the hardwood floor, will literally let you see everything in the living room and kitchen, with ease. Anything you directly point the light at, is bright as day. Real world use, I did get the 1.5 hours of constant on run time. I didn’t expect the full run time at highest output, but I was pleased with how long the light was bright for. In fact, even when it nears the auto shut off from low power, the brightness was still real bright. I’d guess somewhere in the 1000 lumen range.

  I can say that the Nightstick LGL-170 is a useful weapon light. It’s bright. The battery lasts a decent time and it comes with everything that you might need to attach it to your weapon of choice. I have some other Nightstick products. This LGL-170 is right up there in quality and function. If you are in the market for a weapon light or something else, that lights up your world, go check out the Nightstick line of lights.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

1500 lumen LED weapon light

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a bright, decent weapon light for their rifle or shotgun

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 1500 Lumen output for 1.5 hours

  • 23.148 Candela

  • Length: 5.5 in (140 mm)

  • Width: 0.9 in (23 mm)

  • Weight: 7.5 oz (213 g)

  • Diameter: 0.9 in (23 mm)

  • Head Diameter: 1.5 in (38 mm)

  • Tail cap and 6" Remote Pressure Switch included

  • Momentary or constant-on function

  • Standard and offset Picatinny rail mounts

  • Sharp focused beam for distance illumination

  • 6061-T6 aluminum housing w/Black type III hard-anodized finish

  • Beam distance rated at 304 meters

  • IP-X7 Waterproof

  • Impact & chemical resistant

  • Serialized for personal identification

  • (2) 18650 batteries, single charger and 2' USB cable (included)

  • Will work with 2-CR123 batteries - output reduced to 1200 lumens and 21,278 candela

  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars on Optics Planet

Very well made light

The light is well made and super bright with no strobe function though ...also the mounts are very solid and screws come with thread locker applied which is a nice touch and shows some forward thinking by the manufacturer.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found at the time of this writing

Price point:

MSRP = $249.00

Angle mount = $24.00

Retail = $199.45 at Optics Planet

I need it now! Availability:

Optics Planet or other online retailers

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Everything is included

  • Bright

  • Real nice pressure switch

  • Run Time

  • Customer Service

Cons:

  • Candela output

  • Mount for pressure switch

  • Weight

Score: 7.00 Good

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Favorite Link:   Atibal optics





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JL Billet Angled Free Float Handguard

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  JL Billet has been making accessories for the AR market for some time. As their name indicates, most of their parts are machined from billets of metal. A billet is basically just a raw chunk of metal. I was in need of a handguard for my pistol build. They had just what I was looking for in their 7.3” angled M-Lok handguard.

  The design of the JL Billet angled handguard is pretty straightforward. The front of the handguard is angled rearward, thus the name. There is a full picatinny rail along the top. It has 3 full M-Lok slots on the sides and 2 full M-Lok slots on the bottom. The 2 bottom M-Lok’s are not usable to me, because the base of the gas block is too close to allow the M-lok hardware to be installed. Yes, the base of the gas block clears the handguard, but not by much. On the 45 degrees are triangle shaped lightening holes. JL Billet also put lightening slots under the picatinny rail. 

  JL Billet also machined in quick disconnects for QD slings. On the rear of the handguard, closest to the receiver, is where they are located. One on each side. They are not just the, “hey let’s drill a hole in the handguard” stye, instead they are the real raised kind. One of the key features on the QD mounts, is how they are non-rotating. Once the QD is installed in the cup, it only rotates slightly, not all the way around. There are 4 basic positions to install the QD in. I loved this for the simple fact that it is more like a fixed sling point, but still rotates slightly.

  Construction of the handguard is a little non-standard. Instead of using an extrusion and then machining it, JL billet machines the handguard out of a single piece of 6061-T6 aluminum. It produces a really nice handguard, but adds to the cost. They then anodize it black. They will also sell the handguards “in the white,” or non-anodized. If you know that you are going to have the build Cerakoted, this is a nice option.

  Installation of the JL Billet handguard is pretty straight forward. The barrel nut uses an 1-⅛” wrench, which they sell for $15 if you don’t have one. The barrel nut is aluminum and you torque it down to 45 ft/lbs. You don’t have to index the barrel nut or use shims. The aluminum helps make the assembly lighter. I didn’t have any problems screwing on the barrel nut and torquing it down. Then just slide the handguard on. Install the little metal key and clamp screws. The key indexes in the barrel nut. Line the rail up with the receiver and then tighten the clamp screws to 90 in/lbs. See, easy. JL billet doesn’t use any type of anti-rotational “wings” or timed barrel nuts. The clamping force from the precision machined barrel nut, and inside handguard are sufficient. This also allows the handguard to be used on “non-standard” style billet receivers.

  Like previously mentioned, I installed this on an AR pistol. Having the barrel free floated is almost the standard today and I like that aspect of the JL Billet handguard. The angled front looks nice and keeps the front of the firearm from catching on stuff. It’s a short handguard, so flex is not a problem. At 1.55” outside diameter, it fits my hand nicely, but I tend toward smaller diameter handguards anyhow. Everything about this handguard works well.

  JL Billet did a great job with their handguards. I have seen some of their other stuff, and it looks nice also. If you are looking at handguards, or any other AR part, go give JL Billet a look.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Free Float M-Lok AR handguard

Target Market:

AR builders or those wanting a M-Lok handguard

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Continuous top rail

  • 6061-T6 aluminum

  • Hard Coat Anodized

  • M-Lok slots

  • 2 QD mounts

  • 2 5-slot M-Lok Picatinny rails included

  • 1.36” Inside Diameter

  • 4.9 ounces - handguard only

  • Approximately 8 ounce complete

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different lengths

What others are saying?:

Paul P. at jlbillet.com 5/5 stars

Great finishing touch

The light weight, design, and easy installation make this a great handguard for my 9mm build.

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog

Price point:

MSRP = $154.95

Retail = $148.46 on Optics Planet

I need it now! Availability:

JL Billet or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • M-Lok

  • Angled front

  • No timing of barrel nut

  • QD sockets

  • Billet Machined

Cons:

  • Aluminum barrel nut

  • Bottom M-Lok slots are useless on this build

Score: 8.00 Great

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Favorite Link:   Gun and Gear Cult






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Tactical Kinetics AR15 Barrel

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Tactical Kinetics is an aftermarket or OEM barrel manufacturer. I had not heard of them until I talked with them at Triggrcon. They produce all of their barrels, in house, from start to finish, in Tennessee. Currently they are offering AR15, AR10, and Glock style barrels. I was sent a 7.5” AR15 barrel for review, partly because that was the length I was looking for.

  What drew me to Tactical Kinetics was the all in house manufacturing. In my opinion, other barrel manufacturers buy barrel blanks, and then machine them for the intended purpose. Tactical Kinetics starts with a bar of raw steel, either 4150V grade Mil-spec B-11595E Chrome Moly Vanadium (CrMoV) or 416R stainless steel. They precision air-gauge and button rifle the barrels for accuracy. Drill appropriate size gas holes in them, if needed. Then thread, profile and heat treat them as needed. All in the USA.

  As mentioned, I received a 7.5” barrel from Tactical Kinetics. It is beautiful, to say the least. Superbly machined and Black Nitride coated. It came in a medium profile and chambered in .223 Wylde, with a 1:7 twist. It is made from 4150 CrMoV steel. Because it is a 7.5” AR barrel, it has the gas port drilled for a pistol length gas system and uses a 0.750 diameter gas block. The barrel is not dimpled or drilled at the gas block. The barrel extension is also installed, as it should be. The barrel extension is the M4 style. Being a .223 barrel, the muzzle is threaded ½-28. There is not a recessed, or target crown on the muzzle, most likely because the intended use is to screw a muzzle device on it anyhow.

  I installed the Tactical Kinetics barrel in an AR15 pistol. Installation was easy, as expected. I did use a Velocity Precision adjustable gas block. Mainly because this pistol may get suppressed. I first ran the gas block wide open, just to see how the pistol worked. Because Tactical Kinetics drills the proper gas port size, the pistol ran flawlessly with a standard buffer weight and BCG. I then adjusted down the gas block. I was pretty happy with the way the barrel helped make the pistol function.

  I may have been made fun of, but I did check barrel accuracy at 100 yards. So I mounted up a 3x9x40 scope and headed out to the range. Yes, it looked like a sci-fi weapon, but what else was I suppose to do to check the accuracy. Well, as expected, the barrel shoots. I was consistently getting 1.5” to 2.5” groups, off of a rest, with cheap plinking ammo. I did also shoot some 75 grain reloads I had, they shot a ¾” 3 round group, and then the flyer opened it up to 1.6” 5 round group. For a 7.5” 223 barrel, I couldn’t be happier with the accuracy. What am I really going to shoot at 100yds with a super short barrel anyhow? I even ran some 50 grain loads through the barrel to see if maybe they wouldn’t stabilize, but they shot fine.

  The short barrel makes for a real nice maneuverable rifle. I also put this barrelled upper on my SBR. Wow, what a dream this thing is to move from target to target. Then, I shot a steel plate match with a .22lr conversion kit in the Tactical Kinetics barrel. It also shot great with the slightly smaller .22lr bullets. What can I say, I like this barrel.

  Just because this is a short AR barrel, don’t rule out Tactical Kinetics for your next barrel purchase. They machine them from start to finish and even have reasonable prices. I’m happy with the performance of this barrel. Go give them a look at https://www.tacticalkinetics.com/

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

In house made AR barrel

Target Market:

AR builders or OEM manufacturers 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • SAAMI spec .223 Wylde chambering

  • 1 in 7 twist rate

  • Button rifled

  • 7.5”

  • Pistol gas length

  • Uses .750” gas block

  • Medium profile

  • M4 extension

  • Black Nitride coated

  • 4150 CrMoV steel

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different Lengths, chamberings, and profiles. Also Glock barrels

Link to other reviews:

Gun World

Price point:

MSRP = $92.00

Retail = $87.00 at Tactical Kinetics

I need it now! Availability:

Tactical Kinetics

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • 100% made in house

  • .750 gas block diameter

  • 1:7 twist

  • .223 Wylde chambering

  • Accuracy

  • Proper gas port size

  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Non recessed crown

Score: 8.50 GREAT

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Favorite Link:   Black Bag Resources

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