Small Issue

Barrel Nut Shims Part #: SAR1000

  So, in my last article I mentioned a small problem I had during assembly of my upper. I was installing the barrel nut and was having a problem getting it aligned with the gas port on the upper receiver. I tightened the barrel to 80 foot pounds and it still would not align properly. I tried a second barrel nut and had the same issue. I then began to wonder if there was a way to correct the issue without buying more barrel nuts.

  I figured there should be a way to shim the barrel nut. So, I started to search online for thin metal to make some shims with. I found thin sheets of metal, but I was really wanting something I would not need to cut to work. I did a new search for "barrel nut shims", and found that they are available.

  I located a set of barrel nut shims in stock on the Spike's Tactical website. I ordered a set of them and waited for them to arrive. Once they were here, I was eager to complete the assembly. So, off to the vice with tools and parts in hand. I tried the different thicknesses of shims in the kit till I found the one that would work. It took 66 foot pounds of torque to line up the barrel nut with the gas port.

  So, if you have an issue with a barrel nut or you need to set the torque for a quadrail handguard I suggest you look into the barrel nut shims from Spike's Tactical.

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.

I'm Back

  Well, it's been awhile since I've posted due to a move and waiting on parts. I did finally get those parts that I'd been waiting for.

  The Adam's Arms Mid-Length Piston Conversion kit came in with a bent rod. I contacted Adam's Arms and was sent a replacement. After three piston rods we finally got a straight one. They were very helpful in getting the part replaced.

  I finally assembled the upper receiver and decided on a Magpul MOE Mid-Length Handguard. I added Magpul rails to the sides and bottom of the handguard for future add-ons. I must say I was impressed with the weight. The UBR is quite heavy, but with the extra weight on the Spike's Tactical FN barrel it brought the center of gravity to right above the magwell. So, even with ammo in the rifle it is very well balanced.




Finished Piston AR-15

  I have not had time to test fire the rifle yet, and I did run into a small issue during assembly that I will write about in a future article. All in all, I must say it has been a good experience building this rifle and look forward to completing the other two at a later date.

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.

New Parts On The Way

  We finally have new parts on the way and will have more information up in the next week. Thanks to all those who have been waiting to see new stuff on the site.

  Now, for the parts on order. We are waiting for some forward assists, ejection port doors, and barrel nuts. They should be in sometime next week. The most awaited of the shipments is the Adam's Arms Mid-Length Piston Conversion Kit. I have looked high and low and finally found a seller online that had the Piston Kit in stock. I have also located some Aero Precision upper receivers and they are on their way as well. I will be reviewing the uppers for fit and finish when attached to the Spike's Tactical and Loki Weapons Systems lower receivers. These items are on the truck and on their way.

  We are looking forward to reviewing the parts on order and would like to hear from anyone else that has experience with any of the brands listed in our articles. Please, be sure to post in the comments section and visit us on Facebook. 

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.

Parts Availability

  I have been looking for parts for the AR15 and have noticed that parts are sold out in many of the usual places. In fact, many of the sites are taking backorders. I know that one of the locally run forum sites have had some group buys that have been waiting a few weeks for items that have been ordered.

  I'm not sure what has caused the problem with availability. Could it be that interest for parts has increased or has parts production slowed? If you are looking for an upper or lower receiver and want specific manufacturer labels or configurations, you may have to wait a few weeks for delivery. I do not believe this should dissuade you from ordering. I know that the parts will be delivered, but there may be a significant wait. Most online stores will not give estimates due to the fact that they are not sure when they will receive new inventory.

  I suppose the increase in interest or lack of inventory could be attributed to many factors. If anyone would like to give an opinion on the current parts on hand issue, please place it in the comments section below. Also, if you can find a site with stock on hand please post that as well.

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.

Lower Review

  I recently purchased a few lowers to start some AR15 builds. I purchased one Spike's Tactical (ST) and two Loki Weapon Systems (LWS) lowers. I also purchased Spike's Nickle Boron Battle Triggers, KNS anti-roll pins, buffer tubes, buffer springs, Spike's ST-T2 buffers, Magpul BAD lever, Magpul MIAD grip, Magpul AFG2, and a Magpul UBR stock.

Spike's Tactical Logo

Loki Weapon Systems Logo

Loki Weapon System Lowers

Spike's Tactical Lower

  I must say I have been equally impressed with both brands so far. The finish on the Spikes lower was flawless as was the finish on the two Loki lowers. I did damage the finish on all of the lowers during assembly, however, the affected areas are not noticeable. They were very small and I quickly repaired the damaged finish with a quick application of Birchwood Casey's Aluminum Black. One of the buffer tubes had a scratch on it out of the package. I was able to repair that tube as well. Gotta love that Aluminum Black.

  As you can see in the pictures the AR15s are not yet complete. I have a Kie's Nickle Boron bolt and a Spike's FN made 16" Mid-Length 5.56 NATO caliber barrel to go on the first of the complete builds. I plan to use Aero Precision (AP) uppers for all the builds that require one. I have read good things about them and there are rumors that AP makes all of Spike's upper and lower receivers. I have read other reviews from users that have used the AP upper with a ST lower and were very impressed with the fit and finish of the parts.

  I have not fully decided on the stocks for the two Loki lowers just yet. I do like the Magpul UBR. Aside from the extra weight of the UBR, the stock is very solid in feel and function. I read an article about a drop test done on the UBR and they stated they dropped it 3 feet over 200 times with an 8 pound AR mockup attached. The UBR did not break or show signs of damage that would hinder the function of the stock. It took a 10 foot drop to break it. No word on how many times it was dropped from 10 feet. Although I would not repeat the test on my own AR15 I do respect the findings. From the feel of the stock I can say I believe the article. So, if weight is not an issue, I would go with the UBR. However, I want my builds to differ slightly.

  I plan to build at least one piston system AR15. I have not decided if they will all be piston. I want to build one chambered for 6.8 SPC ammunition. The 6.8 SPC will probably be on the Spike's lower due to the heavier and more solid feel of the UBR stock. The Loki lowers may be 5.56 and 5.7 respectively. I like the look and function of the AR57 upper and the fact that it comes complete. It looks just different enough that I think I would like to try it.

  The AR15 is a very adaptive platform, with the change of the barrel, bolt, and magazine, you can fire a very wide range of calibers. If you change out the barrel, bolt carrier group, and magazine you can fire 22LR. So, from the ultra cheap ammo to the ultra expensive ammo, you have your choice. You can build an AR15 as a pistol, a short barreled rifle, or just a rifle with a 16 inch barrel or longer. Whatever your desire, the AR15 can satisfy.

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.

Assault Rifles and the AR15

  In this article I would like to take a look at the differences between an assault rifle and a semi-auto rifle as it is applied to the M16 and AR15 weapons systems. They look very similar on the outside, in fact many of the parts are interchangeable. However, if you look very close you will see some differences.

  The M16 Assault Rifle

  The M16 has an extra pin in the lower receiver that is part of the fire control group. The fire control group is the trigger, disconnector, auto sear, hammer, and safety selector. The M16 can fire a single shot, burst, or full auto depending on the parts used and the position of the selector. The M16 is an assault weapon due to the fact it can fire more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger.

  The AR15 Semi-Automatic Rifle

  This is important to remember and why the AR15 is not an assault weapon. The AR15 can only fire a single shot with each pull of the trigger, making it a semi-auto rifle. It does not have an auto sear. The safety selector only has two positions, safe and fire. Most parts can be purchased without any special licenses. However, if you need to purchase a receiver or a complete AR15 online, you will need to have it sent to a Firearms Dealer that has a valid Federal Firearms License.

Complete AR15 Lower Receiver

  Any of the parts of a firearm that have a serial number need to be sent to an FFL Dealer before they can be transferred to you. Be sure to check all your local laws before purchasing any firearms or parts.

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.

Safety First

  Welcome to AR-15 Tech blog.

  In the coming months we will have more information about the AR-15 weapons platform. Our hope is to educate people about safety and products for the AR-15 rifle. We will also like to get suggestions for articles from our readers, so please feel free to comment on any article at any time.

  Please enjoy our first article.

  The first thing we need to focus on is safety. Every firearm should be treated as though it is loaded at all times. I think this is a rather smart way of training your thought process on any firearm. If you always think of the weapon as loaded, it will eventually become second nature to do the things necessary to maintain a safe environment.

  We are all aware of the dangers of any firearm to the owner or a bystander when things do not go as planned. This is why it is very important to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction away from things you do not want to damage or harm. As a side note for those that are new to firearms, the muzzle is the end of the barrel where the bullet exits. In future articles we will go into more detail about the cartridges that are used in the AR-15.

  As always with any firearm the primary safety is you. Only place a finger on the trigger when you intend to fire. The secondary safety is always part of the firearm and should be engaged when the weapon is not being fired. Some pistols do not have a conventional safety, like the Glock for example. They are referred to as passive safeties. A passive safety is automatic and is always engaged until pressure from the trigger mechanism releases it. An active safety is on or off and the position is determined by the user. The safety on the AR-15 is an active safety. The M-16 safety is an active select fire type of safety. With select fire you have the options of safe, fire, and full auto or three round burst depending on the type of internal parts that are used.

  In future articles we will take a more in depth look at each part of the AR-15 and its function. There are many parts of a functioning AR-15 and even more options to choose from than some other rifles. Those options is what makes the AR-15 such an excellent platform and the pride of many private and military users.

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.