AR-15 Archives - Page 4 of 4

Which Caliber is Better? .223 Vs. 5.56

February 6, 2014 | 0 Comments

It occurs commonly when a buyer chooses an AR-15 for sale chambered for .223 caliber and expects to shoot 5.56 ammunition in it. After all, many manufacturers actually print both calibers on the rifles, and it is in the manual that came with the rifle. So it is okay, right?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. The 5.56 will fit into the .223 chamber but, beyond this, the 5.56 in a .223 chamber is going to create problems. The cartridges may look the same, but the 5.56 Mil-Spec is hotter ammunition than .223. That is to say, the 5.56 has a higher chamber pressure. The chamber on the .223 is actually smaller, though not enough to prevent it from being inserted. It is small enough that it prevents the 5.56 case from expanding as it would in a 5.56 chamber.

What’s The Problem?

The firing of 5.56 ammo in a rifle chambered for .223 causes primer blow back to enter into the receiver decreasing reliability, as well as an increase in failures to eject spent cases. That is due to the hotter load of the 5.56. You may even have to use a rod down the barrel to remove the casing. Firing Mil-Spec ammunition may also crack the receiver posing a real hazard to the shooter and everyone nearby. It is far safer and provides greater reliability to purchase an AR-15 for sale chambered for 5.56 caliber ammo to begin with.

Different Chambers

Technically, you can fire 5.56 ammunition in a rifle chambered for .223, but why ruin the rifle and endanger yourself and others? If you want to use 5.56 Mil-Spec, buy a rifle chambered for 5.56. Basically, there are three types of chambers for AR-15 family of rifles.

The first is the Mil-Spec 5.56 chamber used in the M16 and M4.
Second is the .223 chamber commonly found in the AR-15 rifles.
Third are the .223 Match chamber, commonly used in AR-15s by competition shooters.

The common .223 chamber are manufactured to Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute Specifications (SAAMI). This chamber is ever-so-slightly smaller and tighter than Mil-Spec 5.56 chambers.

Match Chamber

The match chamber is the preferred chamber for professional competition shooters. Match chambers are not chrome lined.

The preferred weight of ammunition for match shooters and snipers is 77 grains and above. This ammo is slightly longer and lighter than AR ammunition. Using this grain of ammunition is not a problem in a rifle with a match chamber, but if you try to use it in the common .223 chamber problems occur due to the extra length. The extra length causes spillage of powder on the receiver and magazine when ejecting an unspent cartridge. To avoid the problems that may cost you a competition, purchase a match caliber .223 AR-15 for sale.

Mil-Spec Chamber

Mil-Spec 5.56mm chambers are always chrome lined in M16s and M4s for military use and typically are for the AR-15 equivalents. The 5.56mm Mil-Spec is slightly larger than common .223 SAAMI spec. This is due to the 5.56mm Mil-Spec being loaded hotter and having a higher chamber pressure.

Whereas it is highly discouraged to use 5.56 in a common .223 chamber, it is allowable to shoot the .223 ammunition as well as the 5.56 out of a rifle chambered for the 5.56 caliber, without any of the reliability or safety concerns of a .223 chamber. Just keep in mind, the .223 ammunition may not provide quite the accuracy at long distance as the 5.56 ammo. The .223 caliber ammo is slightly smaller and doesn’t fire as hot or with as much pressure. Plus the bore of the 5.56 is slightly larger. This advantage prevents the problems that may occur when ejecting a live cartridge, as can occur in a rifle chambered for .223.

Which Chamber Should I Buy?

If you are considering the purchase of an AR15 for sale, you may be wondering which chamber you should buy. If you are only going to be firing SAAMI ammunition, you can choose a common .223 AR-15 for sale. You should not fire 5.56 in a common .223 chamber.

If you participate in competition shooting, do not choose the common .223 SAAMI chambered AR-15. You will need the .223 Match Chamber AR-15 for sale in order to efficiently fire the required ammunition.

Finally, if you ever plan to shoot 5.56 mm Mil-Spec, you should purchase an AR-15 for sale that is chambered in 5.56. With the rifle chambered for 5.56 ammo, you will have the option of firing .223 ammo safely. The 5.56 chamber is the only chamber with this versatility. So if you have any thoughts of ever having to fire 5.56 ammunition, be safe and take the path that covers your bases. Purchase the AR-15 for sale chambered in 5.56.

GrabAGun is your source to buy guns online. Our extensive inventory includes a very large selection of the AR-15 for sale and AR15 accessories. Check out our blog post of must-have accessories for your AR-15. Whether you require an AR-15 for sale for competition shooting, hunting, or other uses; GrabAGun has the weapon you require.

Great AR-15 Optics for Customization

January 20, 2014 | 0 Comments

Personalizing the Ar-15

Any gun owner’s list of things to do should include plenty of shooting, cleaning your gun, and familiarizing yourself with your gun. Knowing your weapon from the inside out provides you with a better understanding of how it works. Many AR-15 owners learn their guns’ ins and outs by upgrading it or even building an AR 15 from scratch.

Tricking out an AR 15 for sale means using AR-15 accessories to enhance its form or function. The sheer amount of compatible and aftermarket parts make the AR 15 one of the most easily customized guns available. It is truly a firearm you can personalize and make your own to the exact degree that you desire.

Optics and Scopes for the AR-15

One of the most common accessories AR-15 owners will want is optics such as rifle scopes or sights. With so many choices available, making a choice can be intimidating and there simply isn’t a “one scope fits all needs” option out there. A good guide to choosing optics is by making a selection according to how you will use it. Let’s look at a few of the most popular AR-15 optics for sale.

Leupold Mark 4 HAMR

leupold mark 4 hamr ar15 scope
The tough, compact and combat-ready Leupold Mark 4 HAMR is designed for precise mid-range distance and rapid target acquisition in bright daylight, low light, and at night. Leupold is a great brand with many optics options available depending on what you are looking for. GrabAGun’s great price is well below retail.

Leupold Mark AR 3-9×40

Another popular Leupold scope is the Leupold Mark AR 3-9×40. 2-9x. This scope is a great choice when you need a bit more magnification at the upper end and don’t expect close range firing. It is ideal for hunting or plinking at medium ranges. GrabAGun has great savings on all kinds of optics and scopes!

Laser Sights

If you have ever had to climb a tree because a wild boar is after you or get on top of a car while the bumper is being tore off by the dynamite porky, you will learn to appreciate lasers in low-lighting conditions as an assist in the take down of boar before they get out of the darkening woods. You can’t hunt after dark in many states, not even the vermin. Yet hogs and coyote often come no sooner than late afternoon and disappear just after the sun rises in many locations, providing a very narrow window of opportunity with wooded areas already darkening.

With so many great optics available, applying your intended use and considering your budget is the best guide for choosing optics. Tactical lights are also a great product useful for vermin control, and you will find the laser a great assist in low light conditions. Many people may prefer just having a red dot sight for easy-to-use fast acquisition as well.

AR-15 Accessories at GrabAGun

GrabAGun stocks picatinny rails, AR trigger assemblies, mounts, AR-15 upper receivers, lower receivers, and gun magazines. Browse our site often as new stock arrives several times a week, and feel free to give us a call for questions or inquiries into an item not shown. If you are looking for specific guns for sale or a specific brand of AR-15 for sale, but don’t find it listed on our site, give us a call. That is one of the GrabAGun advantages, our stock isn’t limited to what we carry. If the desired firearm is available, we will find it and apply the GrabAGun discount for you.

Which is Better? The AK47 Vs. The AR15

January 15, 2014 | 0 Comments

AK-47 and AR-15’s | Head to Head

There are fans on both sides of the AK-47 vs. AR-15 debate. Depending upon the intended use, each gun has its advantages. When making the decision as to purchase the AR 15 for sale vs. the AK47 for sale on today’s market there are several factors to be considered. One way of looking at it is that you are comparing the larger 7.62 × 39 caliber to the smaller 5.56 × 45 and .223 caliber.

Caliber is Important

Unlike the 5.56 caliber, the 7.62 caliber is able to penetrate a concrete block, or as much 0.5 inch steel plate, depending upon the ammo used. The 7.62 is going to do more damage.

All 10 bullets of both the AK and the AR 15 penetrated both sides of a truck, but only the 7.62 ammo went completely through two plywood walls of a garage. As for the 5.56 ammo, 7 of 10 shots fired entered the first wall and fragmented after passing through both sides of the trucks metal body. The results of this demonstration was in the fragmentation of the AR15 in the first wall with only three entries of ten into the second, whereas all 10 shots of the AK47 went clean through everything.

Just this past fall I saw on the news that a hunter had killed two deer with one 7.62 shot as the bullet passed through the first and entered a second killing both. Luckily he wasn’t at the end of his seasons bag limit as it was caught on film. Never under estimate the power of these guns, or of any gun for that matter. It is a gun owner’s responsibility to know the proper use and handling of a gun, as well as knowing a guns range.

Applications of the AR-15 Vs. AK-47

For the gun with the tightest grouping, the longest range, one you can trick out to the max, or use in competitive shooting; choose the AR. But if you want a rifle for self-defense and the greatest reliability, choose the AK 47. Practice makes perfect and the more familiar you are with any gun, the greater your accuracy will be. Using a good grade of ammo for sale will also help.

The AK vs. AR debate includes suitability for home defense. I personally would never shoot either inside of my home. They are simply too powerful with the ability to pass through an assailant or the walls. Either could also pass through an exterior wall and into a neighbor’s house. I prefer the AR-15 as a coyote gun and the AK is one of my if-crap-hits-the-fan guns.

Hunter’s use both guns with success and there is no shortage of either in the woods come deer season. Ultimately, my advice is to shoot both weapons before making a decision. Both are great guns and, if you can afford it, purchase one of each. I have seen accurate hunters take a deer in one shot with a .22 rifle. It’s just proof to the old saying that “a good gun can’t make a good hunter out of a bad one.”

Weight of The AK47 vs. AR15

Another factor to consider in the AK-47 vs. AR 15 decision is weight. The heavier AK 47 for sale is manufactured out of steel, whereas most AR’s are manufactured from mostly aluminum. Due to their larger size, the AK-47 ammo will add more carry weight than the AR-15 ammo for sale, another reason that many choose the AR over the AK.

Guns For Sale at GrabAGun

GrabAGun has guns for sale including a wide variety of the AR-15 for sale as well as the AK-47 for sale. We carry a large inventory of gun parts and accessories, conversion kits, slings, fine optics, and other tactical gear.

We work hard to provide you with the guns and gear you want. With the GrabAGun difference we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the gun you want, even if we do not stock it in our regular inventory. Our gun sales include any available gun with the GrabAGun discount price applied.

Piston vs Gas Impingement AR-15

December 15, 2013 | 0 Comments

Once you have made the decision to purchase an AR-15 you may be wondering which of the two AR-15 operating systems to choose, either a gas piston system, or one with the direct impingement system (DI/DGI). There are pros and cons to both systems, and ultimately it becomes a matter of personal choice. The following provides an overview that may assist you in making your choice between the two systems when purchasing an AR-15 for sale.

Gas Piston System

Pros

The AR-15 for sale in newer models includes an AR-15 operating system with a gas piston system. Gas piston systems run cleaner and cooler, contributing to longer service life and less breakage from heat and the resulting wear and tear. This is due to their generally requiring less lubrication. The need for more lubrication in turn contributes to the presence of more grit and grime.

Gas piston systems are by far considered to be the more reliable of the two, especially when chambered with 5.56 NATO in short barrel receivers.

In general, the gas piston system runs a wider variety of ammo with fewer problems than the direct impingement system.

Excluding the proprietary gas piston system, components in general among most major manufacturers are MIL-SPEC and will interchange with the direct impingement system variant weapons.

Cons

Many AR-15 parts may be proprietary and not user friendly, or available for user replacement. The gun may have to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair, replacement or upgrades. If you plan to provide your own repairs and upgrades its best to know before you buy a specific brand or gun with a gas piston system, whether or not you will be able to do so.

Guns with a gas piston system are generally heavier than those with direct impingement, which can be another important factor when considering which of the two AR-15 operating systems to go with.

Carrier tilt wear is more likely due to the torque caused by the piston. Some manufacturers have already addressed this issue in their line of guns for sale.
If you use your AR a lot, chances are at some time down the road you will have parts to wear and break.

If sending your gun to the manufacturer or a shop for repair is a something you would prefer not to do, consider that with many gas piston systems you may have no other option when dealing with a proprietary component or AR-15 parts.
Finally, therea are a limited number of brands offering the AR-15 for sale with a gas piston system though this will certainly improve in time, hopefully providing better selection between the AR-15 operating systems.

Direct Gas Impingement

Pros

The standard AR-15 utilizes what is commonly referred to as the direct impingement gas operation system. Replacement parts are more readily available, especially with MIL-SPEC AR systems. DI/DGI systems have greater interchangeability between brands providing greater availability of AR-15 parts.

Maintenance, as well as upgrading with a wide variety of available AR-15 accessories is easy and quick for anyone with a working knowledge of guns. You don’t have to send your AR to gun shops or the manufacturer for repair.

DI/DGI AR’s are generally lighter, lacking the extra weight of the piston and need for an extra thick barrel or other upgrades necessary due to the increased torque of the gas piston system.
The large variety of AR-15 parts available from a large number of manufacturers makes upgrading the AR with the DI/DGI easy without having to send it to a gun shop or the manufacturer.

Cons

DI/DGI systems generally tend to be less flexible in the variety of ammo that can be used without issues occurring.
In the DI/DGI system gases are blown back into the chamber providing the rifles cycling action. The downside is this cycling action contributes to a dirty gun, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance than gas piston systems.

The DI/DGI when used with a short barrel receiver and a suppressor, or in dusty conditions, is more prone to jamming than the gas piston system. There again, requiring more cleaning and maintenance.

In summary, gas piston systems are more maintenance free with a potentially longer service life, but are you willing to send your AR to the manufacturer or a shop for repairs and upgrades? Parts are not widely interchangeable between brands utilizing the gas piston system with few brands available currently. When considering this system, it is best to find out in advance if the brand of your choice has user-friendly parts or requires a professional. Many manufacturers increasingly require all guns be sent to them for any repair due to safety reasons, and will not sell parts even to a gunsmith. This is especially true with the proprietary parts of the gas piston system. Know before you buy.

Direct impingement systems on the other hand are generally easy for user repairs and upgrades. Many parts are typically interchangeable between brands and with wide availability. The DI/DGI system is lighter in weight but will require more frequent routine cleaning and maintenance as well as after a heavy day of firing at the range.

As with any firearm it comes down to personal habit and preference. Your best option is always to fire weapons of both systems on a range before you buy, if at all possible.

GrabAGun is the premier online gun store. We have both firing systems available in our inventory of AR-15’s for sale.

AR-15 for Sale | Unmatched Versatility

November 20, 2013 | 0 Comments

The greatest appeal of the AR-15 is its versatility. It can be modified, customized, assembled from scratch and rebuilt with only a few basic tools and very little knowledge.

A desirable gun to begin with, possessing the reputation of extreme accuracy as well as a semi-automatic feed gas system. It is the legendary versatility of the AR-15 that takes the definition of custom to a whole new level.

Like the Presidents Limo, the AR-15’s features don’t end at basic construction. Its versatility allows for the equivalent of having 14+ weapons within one.

By simply exchanging the barrel and the receiver, the AR-15 can fire 16 different calibers and sizes of ammo from a .22 LR to the .50BMG.

Easily customized, the AR-15 adapts to a personal defense weapon at less than 36 inches to a sniper rifle of over 50 inches with the power to reach out and touch someone (or a trophy Buck) at an average accuracy range of 547 yards and firing 700-950 rounds/min. The magazine capacity is a standard 30 rounds, but gun magazines are available of up to 100 rounds.

There are hundreds of aftermarket AR-15 accessories available for use with a modular accessory rail. A few of the available AR 15 accessories are lasers, night vision, scopes, AR uppers, and AR lowers for a large variety of calibers. As if that wasn’t versatility enough, the AR-15 lower receiver can be used as a trigger mechanism for single shot or side-fed upper receiver platforms and can be used to fire a number of larger calibers, including Crossbow bolts.

These features account for the strong popularity even when compared to other assault rifles for sale.

GrabAGun can provide you with the AR 15 accessories such as, AR-15 lowers, AR-15 uppers, and many more accessories for customizing the AR-15. Shop online to view our large assortment of the AR-15 for sale as well as an extensive inventory of AR-15 accessories and AR 15 parts.

AK-47 For Sale

November 15, 2013 | 0 Comments

AK-47 for Sale

The AK-47 and M16 are the two most common ARs for sale worldwide. It has been estimated that 100 million AK-47 type weapons have been manufactured throughout the world. One of the most widely produced firearms among ARs, the lighter weight stamped-steel AKM version is the most common type of AK-47 for sale today.

In comparison, the M16 has the better range and accuracy of 500 yards and up to 3000 yards, with its lighter, higher velocity 5.56×45mm cartridge, whereas the AK has an effective to maximum range of 380 yds. to 2500 yds. The AK-47 however, has the better penetration with a heavier 7.62×39mm cartridge.

Long known for its reputation of reliability, the AK-47 malfunction rate is 1-1000 rounds fired. It functions in a dirty environment with little to no maintenance, one of the reasons for its popularity. Reliability was further increased in the newer AK versions with stamped receivers, but accuracy is slightly reduced in the trade off due to its reduced weight.

The AK-47 has a standard magazine capacity of 30 rounds, with 10, 20 and 40 round boxes available. Drum magazines are also available with 75-100 round drums.

AK-47 Modern Variants

Modern variants of the AK-47 for sale today (7.62×39mm) are available in the following models:

AKM- The stamped and riveted sheet metal provides a lighter weight of 6.5 lb. Available with under-folding stock (AKMS), night scope rail (AKMN or AKMSN), and slotted flash suppressor and night rail scope (AKML or AKMSL). This model accounts for the majority of AK styled guns for sale in today’s market.
RPK- This version is a hand-held machine gun sporting a longer barrel and bipod.
Low-Impulse AK Variants 5.45×39mm
AK-74-Assault rifle with a side-folding stock. Available with a night scope rail in version AK-74N.
AKS-74U- A compact carbine available with a night scope rail in AKS-74UN.
AK-74M/AK-101/AK-103-Updated AK-74 with scope rail and side folding stock
AK-107/AK-108- These models sport balanced recoil
AK-105/AK-102/AK-104-Modernized carbine models
RPK-74M/RPK-201/RPKM and RPK-203-Light machine gun models

Produced by more than 30 manufacturers worldwide, the AK-47 and its variants are used by more than 105 countries.

With a very low production cost, available gun accessories for customization, and as one of the most budget friendly AR’s for sale; the AK-47 and its variants will undoubtedly continue to evolve and grow in popularity.

Get an AK-47 for sale online from GrabAGun today! Shop an AK-47, AR-15 for sale, AR uppers, AR lowers, and AR accessories.

AR-15 for Sale – What else is there to know?

November 14, 2012 | 0 Comments

AR-15’s are as diverse as they are impressive. Their universal acclaim and widespread popularity have turned a single, semi-automatic rifle into an entire line of weapons, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Knowing there’s an AR-15 for sale is only the tip of the iceberg. Before making a purchase, do a little research to find out more about the gun you’re about to purchase. You’ll be glad you did. Here are a couple of things to consider before buying your first AR-15 rifle.

Picking a Barrel Length

Deciding on a barrel length is an important first step before purchasing a rifle. If you walk into your local gun shop, chances are they’ll have at least one AR-15 for sale and it’ll probably have a barrel length of 14 1/2 or 16 inches. This length, although popular for its maneuverability and light weight, carries some baggage along with it. First of all, it’s important to note that the AR-15 was originally designed with a 20-inch barrel in mind. This length not only provides a more pleasant overall experience but also helps to reduce internal pressures by lengthening the distance between the gas port and the chamber.

If maneuverability is of tantamount importance to you, then it’s probably best to choose the AR-15 for sale with the 16-inch barrel. Crossing the 16-inch threshold to a length like 14 1/2 inches doesn’t just open you up to increased multi-level government regulations and a two hundred dollar tax, but all rifles with a barrel length under 16-inches come with a permanently attached muzzle device. This may not seem like much in the short-term, but it makes customizing your rifle more of a hassle in the long-term.

Accessories For The AR-15

Another thing to consider before making your purchase is available accessories. Chances are, when you imagined using your new rifle, it had a little more than just a stock and a barrel. Fortunately, most stores that have AR-15’s for sale will also carry useful accessories like magazines, gas systems, and stocks. Factoring these extra costs into your decision will leave you with fewer surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.

Assembling The AR-15

A final consideration is your form of purchase, and I don’t mean cash, credit, or debit. There are three mainline ways of purchasing your new AR-15: fully-assembled, an upper and lower, or part-by-part. In the past, it was possible to significantly lower your cost by buying each piece and assembling your weapon by hand. However, a recent rise in competition amongst major manufacturers has driven down prices, making that approach slightly obsolete.

AR-15 From GrabAGun

You’ve officially decided; it’s time starting looking for an AR-15 for sale. Keeping these tips in mind could save you time and significant quantities of cash. Government regulations and myriads of rifle permutations can make buying your first AR-15 a bigger task than you first realized. In the end, the most important thing to remember is that all AR 15 rifles are not created equal. Take your time and make your decision by perusing the GrabAGun site. A little research upfront can go a long way.