History of Firearms & Guns For Sale

history of firearms and guns

Gun History

Did you know? Guns didn’t always look like they do now. The first known “gun” was a bamboo tube using gunpowder to propel a spear and appeared in China at about 1000AD. The Chinese invented gunpowder in the 9th century.

The Fire Lance

The fire lance was an early form of a firearm. It consisted of a black-powder filled tube attached to the end of a spear and used as a flamethrower. Occasionally, the barrel held shrapnel and would fly out with the flames. Over time, the amount of saltpeter was increased to provide a greater explosive force and metal replaced paper and bamboo barrels as a direct need of increased explosive force.

The Projectile

Later, the projectile replaced shrapnel and more fully filled the metal tube. This provided the metal barrel, high nitrate gunpowder, and a projectile occluding the muzzle which allowed the powder charge to provide a guns propellant potential.

Gunpowder & Handheld Cannons

Gunpowder came to Europe by the 13th century. The oldest known firearm in Europe was found in Otepaa, Estonia and dates to 1380 or earlier. In Italy during the late 13th century, Italians developed small portable handheld cannons, creating the first smooth-bore personal firearm.

During the early years of the modern age, these personal hand held cannons developed into the flintlock rifle, which then evolved into the breech loader and lastly into the modern automatic weapons of today.

Fixed Ammunition & Civil War

The paper cartridge was developed in 1586 and, by 1850, brass was used for fixed ammunition. Repeating firearms was the next innovation with repeating revolvers. The first successful rapid-fire firearm was the Gatling gun, invented by Richard Gatling and used by the Union forces during the American Civil War. At the time, it required four men to operate it and subsequent upgrades saw it used in the Spanish American War. However, its unreliability on the battlefield resulted in its retirement.

Guns in America

America and guns grew up together. The advances in firearms at the hands of Americans grew faster than what came before. American gun legends were born and American ingenuity had begun with a rapid succession in inventions and innovations that would change the world.

Through the ages, guns have grown increasingly sophisticated and continue to do so year after year. From a bamboo tube “gun” to modern firearms able to acquire targets, the ages offer a peek into the future.

Guns For Sale at GrabAGun

GrabAGun is your source for online guns for sale. We offer an extensive line of firearms in pistols for sale, shotguns for sale, rifles for sale, AK-47 for sale, and the AR-15 for sale.

Which Caliber is Better? .223 Vs. 5.56

.223 vs 5.56 AR-15 For Sale

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.

Which is Better? The AK47 Vs. The AR15

ak47 vs ar15

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.

AR-15 for Sale | Unmatched Versatility

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

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.

Firearms For Sale at GrabAGun

GrabAGun are gun dealers who are hunters and gun enthusiasts dedicated to providing quality guns for sale, gun accessories and parts at a reasonable price to our fellow gun enthusiasts.

We offer pistols for sale, revolvers, and shotguns. Accessories, parts and supplies are available, including magazines, and holsters.

We offer semi-automatics rifles, bolt action rifles, lever action rifles, revolving cylinder rifles and single shot rifles in over 70 brands, as well as the AR-15 for sale in an impressive lineup of brands.

In addition, we stock AR-15 accessories and AR-15 parts including AR uppers and AR lowers, as well as everything else needed to fully customize an AR-15 to suit your individual needs. We offer conversion kits for many firearms, configurations as well as other caliber weapons.

GrabAGun provides one of the most extensive inventories of shotgun brands available on the internet. Whether you are looking for semi-automatic shotguns, pump-action shotguns, over and under shotguns, side-by-side shotguns, single shot shotguns or lever action shotguns, you will likely find it on our site. GrabAGun also offers tactical shotguns, parts and accessories.

GrabAGun customers receive the benefits of our dedicated customer service agents who will locate any available gun that we don’t stock and provide the value price we are known for.