If you want to win firearms & other cool accessories, check out these links. These sites are trusted & regularly update their giveaways.
1) The king of all the contests round ups is Weapons-Blog's site http://www.weapon-blog.com/contests/. The site currently has 13 handgun, 5 rifle, 1 shotgun, & 30+ accessory giveaways.
2) Botach Tactical has a weekly contest at http://www.botachtactical.com/giveaway.html.
3) Armslist.com has a monthly contest at http://www.armslist.com/contests/.
4) Gerber is always having contests on their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/GerberLegendaryBlades?sk=app_247062175344612.
Good luck everyone!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
What Can I Upgrade on My Glock & Why?
Millions & millions of people have come to enjoy the Glock in all of its calibers. So much so that it is almost a cult like status. People literally have told me that there is nothing that you can do to a Glock to make it better, that it is "Glock Perfection". I disagree because as all companies do, they stick standard parts in & let the aftermarket go buck wild. I'm going to talk about some of the upgrades that you can do to your Glock.
Before we get into the meat & potatoes of the upgrades, you have pay attention when purchasing. Glocks come in many calibers & in 3 sizes. The 3 sizes are Full-Size, Compact, & Sub-Compact. So when purchasing, make sure you choose the version for your Glock size & caliber.
One company, Lone Wolf Distributers, has taken the lead with Glock upgrades because they make quality parts & they can be trusted. But they are not the end-all, a lot of companies make quality parts.
Barrel
Lone Wolf Distributers make several styles of barrels.
1) Threaded Barrels are great if you want to mount a flash or sound suppressor to the Glock.
2) Ported Barrels are great because the external ports will not blacken the front sight & reduce muzzle climb by as much as 50%.
3) Extended Length barrels are at least 6" & they improve accuracy for target or competition.
4) Stock Length barrels are over 9" & the improve on the extended barrels for target or competition.
5) Conversion barrels allow the Glock to shoot a smaller caliber round & use all the magazines from that caliber.
Find them here
Trigger
The Glock trigger can be altered to fit different situations. Ghost inc makes a line of trigger connectors that provide these services.
1) Ghost inc 3.5lb Triggers are great because they reduce the force it takes to pull the trigger.
2) Ghost inc 3.5lb Rocket Triggers reduce the force it takes to pull the trigger by 60%.
3) Ghost inc 5.0 Tactical Triggers are great for self defense because the reduce over-travel. Over-travel is the unnecessary distance the trigger moves rearward after the Glock is fired. The reason this is important is because if the trigger is still moving rearward after firing, then its not resetting quickly. You can only re-fire after the trigger resets.
Find them here
4) Siderlocks are an actual trigger that have a push button safety. The push button can be placed on either side for left or right handed shooters. Find them here
Grip
The Glock has a slippery polymer frame which they have tried to improve on. The problem is if it is raining or your hands are wet, holding the firearm correctly becomes difficult. While there have been a few rubber wrap around grips, most choose to use a form of skateboard grip tape.
1) Talon Grips completely wrap the firearm's grip with either a granulite or rubber texture. They are fairly inexpensive & stick well. They do not leave a residue when removed. Find them here
2) Falcon Grips completely or partially cover the firearm's grip with a granulite. They are fairly inexpensive & stick well. They also do not leave a residue when removed. Find them here
3) Pachmayr Molded Grips are form fitted to the firearm. there is no need to put it on correctly or throw it away when it has worn smooth. They also reduce recoil. Find them here
4) Crimson Trace Laser Grips add the benefit of having an instant on laser. The laser is activated by grabbing the firearm which really is a plus. The grip does allow for holstering but if you pocket carry the width may not be convenient. While they are great, they also range in the $270+ bracket. Find them here
5) Skate board grip tape is extremely cheap & it is easy to make a cut out of the grip sides & back. A 5' roll usually goes for $5.
Magazines
The great thing about a Glock is that the magazines are interchangeable as long as its the same caliber or a different caliber with the appropriate conversion barrel. Glock really came through by designing a multitude of factory magazines. There are a few companies that make them but the majority of quality magazines are made by Glock.
1) Low Capacity Magazines hold 6 to 10 rounds depending on caliber size. These would be optimal for concealed carry situations.
2) High Capacity Magazines hold 11 to 17 rounds depending on caliber size. These magazines are both standard & a little more for Compact & Full Size Glocks. This could be just the extra magazines that you order for target practice.
3) Super High Capacity Magazines hold 17 to 33 rounds depending on caliber size. These magazines have no functional use except for show & blow. Showing off & blowing stuff away, which is a lot of fun. The 33 round magazine was originally built for the Glock 18 which is a 9mm Full Auto pistol.
4) Mag Wells are an extension to the entrance on the receiver. It bows out like an umbrella to facilitate reloading without looking. If the magazine is anywhere in the general area of the receiver, the mag well will funnel it in.
5) Mag Extenders add 2 rounds by simply replacing the magazine base plate.
Find them here
Magazine Release/Catch
A lot of people dislike how the hand has to move from its ready position inorder to firmly press the factory mag release. Lone Wolf Distributers made a simple & cheap extended mag release which sticks out just enough. They are made in multiple colors & materials to suit shooter's taste. Find them here
Slide Lock
The Slide Lock is what keeps the slide from flying off the receiver when the firearm is shot. It also is part of the disassembly process. The problem is that the factory slide lock is almost flush with the receiver & that you have to pull it down from both sides of the receiver. Lone Wolf Distributers made a simple & cheap extended slide lock which make it easy to pull it down because it sticks out an extra 3mm. They come in black or chrome. Find them here
Slide Stop
The Slide Stop is what keeps the firearm open for inspection or what gets depressed after the magazine har been reloaded. The problem is that a lot of shooters have short fingers & the placement of the slide release is inconvenient. Lone Wolf Distributers made a simple & cheap extended slide stop which make it easy to accomplish these tasks. They also come in multiple colors. Find them here
Conversion
A lot of shooters like to buy multiple Glocks. They'll have a 9mm, a .40 cal, a .357 sis, & a .45. While it would be awesome awesome to have that many Glocks, most of us cannot afford that kind of fun. What us poor folk do have is access to conversion barrels. Depending on which caliber you own, you can change it to a smaller one. If you chave a .40 cal, you can simply put a different barrel in the slide & change it into a 9mm or 357 sig. There are a few companies who make these barrels & there is no real benefit of choosing one over another except that Lone Wolf Distributers & Storm Lake are the lowest in price.
1) Lone Wolf
2) KKM
3) Storm Lake
Also, there is a company called Advanced Arms which makes .22LR conversion kits. These kits are a complete slide & barrel which replace the existing caliber. A full Review of the kit is here
Laser
Lasers can be placed multiple locations on the Glock. They substantially improve target acquisition, especially at night.
1) Crimson Trace Grip Lasers allow one to activate the laser immediately when held. They are fairly expensive & there are knock offs floating around. One benefit of the Crimson Trace models is that you're gonna get top quality, reliability, holster compatibility, & batteries for life. Find them here
2) Crimson Trace Trigger Guard Lasers activate with a press of a button. This laser may makes it difficult to use fitted holsters & even some pocket holsters. The benefit is that the unit isn't as thick as the grip holster. Find them here
3) Laserlyte Rear Sight Lasers activate with a press of a button. This option will keep your receiver & trigger guard clutter free but it is very ugly & it requires you to remove the factory rear sight. This laser is definitely not on my wish list. Find them here
4) Lasermax Guide Rod Lasers are my favorite because they are internal. There is no bulging grip, sight, or trigger assembly. It comes with its own slide lock which acts as the on/off switch. Find them here
Rail
Compact & Full Size Glocks have a built in rail in front of the trigger. Besides flashlights & lasers, here are some of the many zany things can be mounted to it.
1) Laserlyte Bayonets can come in handy when the zombie apocalypse comes & you run out of ammo. They even come in fluorescent Zombie Green. Find them here
2) Scope Mounts grip the rail & extend over the firearm in order to place a scope. These can even be used to physically attach the Glock to rifle. Find them here
3) RONI Pistol Carbine Conversion Kits hook onto the rail & converts the Glock into a short barreled rifle. (NFA Laws Apply) Find them here
Decorative
Many thing can be put on the Glock that are purely decorative. Sometimes these items are laser engraved with words, mottos, or drawings. They are also made in many colors like pink or orange.
The list is endless but here are some of the parts that can be changed.
1) Slide Cover Plates
2) Magazine Plates can be engraved or different colors.
3) Receivers can come in different colors like pink, for women.
4) Any part of the Glock can be colored with Duracoat or Cerakote.
Links
Lone Wolf Barrels
Ghost inc Trigger Connectors
Magazines
Talon Grips
Falcon Grips
Trigger Job
Siderlock
Pachmayr Grips
Crimson Trace Lasers
Lone Wolf Extended Slide Stops
Lone Wolf Extended Slide Locks
Lone Wolf Extended Magazine Release/Catch
Advantage Arms Conversion Blog
Storm Lake Conversion Barrels
KKM conversion Barrels
Lone Wolf Conversion Barrels
Laserlyte Rear Sight Laser
Lasermax Guide Rod Laser
Glock Factory Magazine Flashlight Holder
Rail Assisted Scope Mounts
RONI Pistol Carbine Conversion Kit
Laserlyte Bayonet
Cerakote
Duracoat
Slide Cover Plates
Before we get into the meat & potatoes of the upgrades, you have pay attention when purchasing. Glocks come in many calibers & in 3 sizes. The 3 sizes are Full-Size, Compact, & Sub-Compact. So when purchasing, make sure you choose the version for your Glock size & caliber.
One company, Lone Wolf Distributers, has taken the lead with Glock upgrades because they make quality parts & they can be trusted. But they are not the end-all, a lot of companies make quality parts.
Barrel
Lone Wolf Distributers make several styles of barrels.
2) Ported Barrels are great because the external ports will not blacken the front sight & reduce muzzle climb by as much as 50%.
3) Extended Length barrels are at least 6" & they improve accuracy for target or competition.
4) Stock Length barrels are over 9" & the improve on the extended barrels for target or competition.
5) Conversion barrels allow the Glock to shoot a smaller caliber round & use all the magazines from that caliber.
Find them here
Trigger
The Glock trigger can be altered to fit different situations. Ghost inc makes a line of trigger connectors that provide these services.
1) Ghost inc 3.5lb Triggers are great because they reduce the force it takes to pull the trigger.
2) Ghost inc 3.5lb Rocket Triggers reduce the force it takes to pull the trigger by 60%.
3) Ghost inc 5.0 Tactical Triggers are great for self defense because the reduce over-travel. Over-travel is the unnecessary distance the trigger moves rearward after the Glock is fired. The reason this is important is because if the trigger is still moving rearward after firing, then its not resetting quickly. You can only re-fire after the trigger resets.
Find them here
4) Siderlocks are an actual trigger that have a push button safety. The push button can be placed on either side for left or right handed shooters. Find them here
Grip
The Glock has a slippery polymer frame which they have tried to improve on. The problem is if it is raining or your hands are wet, holding the firearm correctly becomes difficult. While there have been a few rubber wrap around grips, most choose to use a form of skateboard grip tape.
1) Talon Grips completely wrap the firearm's grip with either a granulite or rubber texture. They are fairly inexpensive & stick well. They do not leave a residue when removed. Find them here2) Falcon Grips completely or partially cover the firearm's grip with a granulite. They are fairly inexpensive & stick well. They also do not leave a residue when removed. Find them here
3) Pachmayr Molded Grips are form fitted to the firearm. there is no need to put it on correctly or throw it away when it has worn smooth. They also reduce recoil. Find them here
4) Crimson Trace Laser Grips add the benefit of having an instant on laser. The laser is activated by grabbing the firearm which really is a plus. The grip does allow for holstering but if you pocket carry the width may not be convenient. While they are great, they also range in the $270+ bracket. Find them here
5) Skate board grip tape is extremely cheap & it is easy to make a cut out of the grip sides & back. A 5' roll usually goes for $5.
Magazines
The great thing about a Glock is that the magazines are interchangeable as long as its the same caliber or a different caliber with the appropriate conversion barrel. Glock really came through by designing a multitude of factory magazines. There are a few companies that make them but the majority of quality magazines are made by Glock.
1) Low Capacity Magazines hold 6 to 10 rounds depending on caliber size. These would be optimal for concealed carry situations.
2) High Capacity Magazines hold 11 to 17 rounds depending on caliber size. These magazines are both standard & a little more for Compact & Full Size Glocks. This could be just the extra magazines that you order for target practice.
3) Super High Capacity Magazines hold 17 to 33 rounds depending on caliber size. These magazines have no functional use except for show & blow. Showing off & blowing stuff away, which is a lot of fun. The 33 round magazine was originally built for the Glock 18 which is a 9mm Full Auto pistol.4) Mag Wells are an extension to the entrance on the receiver. It bows out like an umbrella to facilitate reloading without looking. If the magazine is anywhere in the general area of the receiver, the mag well will funnel it in.
5) Mag Extenders add 2 rounds by simply replacing the magazine base plate.
Find them here
Magazine Release/Catch
A lot of people dislike how the hand has to move from its ready position inorder to firmly press the factory mag release. Lone Wolf Distributers made a simple & cheap extended mag release which sticks out just enough. They are made in multiple colors & materials to suit shooter's taste. Find them here
Slide LockThe Slide Lock is what keeps the slide from flying off the receiver when the firearm is shot. It also is part of the disassembly process. The problem is that the factory slide lock is almost flush with the receiver & that you have to pull it down from both sides of the receiver. Lone Wolf Distributers made a simple & cheap extended slide lock which make it easy to pull it down because it sticks out an extra 3mm. They come in black or chrome. Find them here
Slide Stop
The Slide Stop is what keeps the firearm open for inspection or what gets depressed after the magazine har been reloaded. The problem is that a lot of shooters have short fingers & the placement of the slide release is inconvenient. Lone Wolf Distributers made a simple & cheap extended slide stop which make it easy to accomplish these tasks. They also come in multiple colors. Find them here
Conversion
A lot of shooters like to buy multiple Glocks. They'll have a 9mm, a .40 cal, a .357 sis, & a .45. While it would be awesome awesome to have that many Glocks, most of us cannot afford that kind of fun. What us poor folk do have is access to conversion barrels. Depending on which caliber you own, you can change it to a smaller one. If you chave a .40 cal, you can simply put a different barrel in the slide & change it into a 9mm or 357 sig. There are a few companies who make these barrels & there is no real benefit of choosing one over another except that Lone Wolf Distributers & Storm Lake are the lowest in price.
1) Lone Wolf2) KKM
3) Storm Lake
Also, there is a company called Advanced Arms which makes .22LR conversion kits. These kits are a complete slide & barrel which replace the existing caliber. A full Review of the kit is here
Laser
Lasers can be placed multiple locations on the Glock. They substantially improve target acquisition, especially at night.
1) Crimson Trace Grip Lasers allow one to activate the laser immediately when held. They are fairly expensive & there are knock offs floating around. One benefit of the Crimson Trace models is that you're gonna get top quality, reliability, holster compatibility, & batteries for life. Find them here
2) Crimson Trace Trigger Guard Lasers activate with a press of a button. This laser may makes it difficult to use fitted holsters & even some pocket holsters. The benefit is that the unit isn't as thick as the grip holster. Find them here3) Laserlyte Rear Sight Lasers activate with a press of a button. This option will keep your receiver & trigger guard clutter free but it is very ugly & it requires you to remove the factory rear sight. This laser is definitely not on my wish list. Find them here
4) Lasermax Guide Rod Lasers are my favorite because they are internal. There is no bulging grip, sight, or trigger assembly. It comes with its own slide lock which acts as the on/off switch. Find them here
Rail
Compact & Full Size Glocks have a built in rail in front of the trigger. Besides flashlights & lasers, here are some of the many zany things can be mounted to it.
3) RONI Pistol Carbine Conversion Kits hook onto the rail & converts the Glock into a short barreled rifle. (NFA Laws Apply) Find them hereDecorative
Many thing can be put on the Glock that are purely decorative. Sometimes these items are laser engraved with words, mottos, or drawings. They are also made in many colors like pink or orange.
The list is endless but here are some of the parts that can be changed.
1) Slide Cover Plates
2) Magazine Plates can be engraved or different colors.
3) Receivers can come in different colors like pink, for women.
4) Any part of the Glock can be colored with Duracoat or Cerakote.
Links
Lone Wolf Barrels
Ghost inc Trigger Connectors
Magazines
Talon Grips
Falcon Grips
Trigger Job
Siderlock
Pachmayr Grips
Crimson Trace Lasers
Lone Wolf Extended Slide Stops
Lone Wolf Extended Slide Locks
Lone Wolf Extended Magazine Release/Catch
Advantage Arms Conversion Blog
Storm Lake Conversion Barrels
KKM conversion Barrels
Lone Wolf Conversion Barrels
Laserlyte Rear Sight Laser
Lasermax Guide Rod Laser
Glock Factory Magazine Flashlight Holder
Rail Assisted Scope Mounts
RONI Pistol Carbine Conversion Kit
Laserlyte Bayonet
Cerakote
Duracoat
Slide Cover Plates
Sunday, May 20, 2012
AK47 vs AR15
Here is a side by side comparison on AK47 & AR15 tactical rifles. I have both & enjoy shooting both but there are some clear differences. I will discuss topics dealing with accuracy, dependability, extras, & who uses them. This is not "this gun is better than that gun" but it will show their strengths & weaknesses.
Who Made Them
AK47 -
Former Soviet Union tank driver, Mikhail Kalashnikov created the AK47 in 1947.
AR15 -
A chief engineer at ArmaLite, Eugene Stoner created the AR15 from a scaled down AR10 in 1960. This platform includes the M16, M4, C7, & C8.
Tolerances
AK47 -
The AK47 was designed to be loose on purpose. These loose tolerances make it where foreign materials do not interfere with the moving parts. This allows the rifle to shoot consistently without any lubrication or cleaning. Milled AK's are heavy & the stamped sheet ones are around 2.5lbs lighter.
AR15 -
The AR15 was designed with very tight tolerances. All the parts are precision made so there is immense friction when chambered & fired. If the rifle is not maintained regularly it will malfunction. AR's are extremely light to the point that it feels like a toy.
Accuracy & Feel
AK47 -
The AK uses the 7.62X39mm round. This round has a large diameter but a short length. This causes the round to fire slow & for short distances. This design was intentional because the fighting in WWII was close combat. Due to the size of the 7.62 & the loose tolerances of the rifle, it is accurate for about 300 yards. The groupings will usually not be extremely tight as well. There is significant recoil but several accessories help control it, especially the AK74 muzzle brake.
AR15 -
The AR uses the .223 Remington or the 5.56X45mm NATO round. This is a very high speed round that is accurate to around 600 yards. Adding the tight tolerances of the rifle ensure that any missed shots are all operator error. This accuracy eventually made the Russians adopt the 5.45X39mm round for the AK74 & AKM. Recoil is almost non-existant which makes it great for keeping the target in the cross hairs.
Accessories
AK47 -
As time goes on & the AK gains popularity, the number of accessories will increase. Currently the AK after market is filled with polymer & tactical furniture, folding stocks, side & top rails, & ultra-capacity magazines. While all these accessories are great, they do very little to improve the actual use of the gun. Adding a rail for a optic is great but the loose tolerances may make it hard to keep a zero. Also, the AK is heavy to start out with; Adding mounts, rails, optics, lasers, & flashlights will make it a chore to carry.
AR15 -
The AR has so many accessories that its ridiculous. One company, Magpul, is dedicated to art of the AR. They carry flip-up sights, an extended bolt release, & a multitude of tactical stocks. Many companies produce very intricate rail systems & free floating systems that sometimes cost more than the rifle itself. The tight tolerances help keep a zero on an optic. AR's can also be easily converted to fire other calibers as well.
Conversion
AK47 -
The AK cannot easily be converted to shoot a different caliber, nor is there a market for this.
AR15 -
There are so many calibers that can use the AR platform that it make me giddy. The AR can accept upper assemblies in .22LR, 9mm, .45ACP, 7.62X39mm (AK47), 5.45X39mm (AK74/AKM), 300 AAC Blackout, .458 SOCOM, 6.8X43mm Remington, & the .50 Beowulf. A full description of these conversions can be found here: http://gunsnpigs.blogspot.com/2012/05/ar-15-upper-conversions-22-9-458-762-50.html
Reliability
AK47 -
The AK has been proven to work in every environment that armies have placed it in. The actual testing of the AK included throwing sand, mud, & water into the bolt & chamber. It will fire if two conditions are met: The bolt carrier can be kicked open due to rust or debris & if you have a magazine with ammo.
AR15 -
The AR has been proven to work in most environments. It is prone to malfunctions in wet & colder areas. The tight tolerances also cause it to stop working when debris gets into the bolt assembly & chamber. The AR platform has improved its reliability over time put only a handfull of Desert AR's are able to match the AK's reliability.
Who Uses It?
There's a misconception that only U.S. uses the AR platform. In actuality over 90 countries use the AR & some of them are not our friends. Most of these same also countries use AK, including the U.S. which sometimes give them to their special forces. Many clandestine groups use AK's because they are cheap to get because The russians gave away millions of them during the Cold War.
AK Platform Countries: All Countries & Militant groups
AR Platform Countries (Colt Countries List): 90+ Countries
My Thoughts
I really enjoy shooting both style rifles. I personally do not care about the accuracy issue because I can't see past 300 yards & if i really needed to shoot something that far away, i'd use an AR10. Some people say "AK's are for anyone that can pick up a gun & AR's are for professional shooters"; This attempt at an insult only shows how unprepared that person is for a combat situation. The ability to pick up a gun & not have to be trained on it, not have to worry about cleaning or lubing it, not having to worry about it jamming is everything, & still be able to shoot tight groups at 300 yards makes the AK my personel favorite. The reason that the AR15 was given to the U.S. soldiers was because they wasted 100 million rounds early in vietnam war, using M16's. The accuracy issue is mute to me because long distance fighting died in WWI.
On the other hand, being able to convert the AR into another caliber to suit my needs is amazing. To be able to go from a .22LR to a .50 Beowulf makes it a powerful tool. You can go from target practice, to sniper, to blowing up engine blocks with the same rifle. Plus the fact that the rifle is so light, even with all those accessories on it.
Who Made Them
AK47 -
Former Soviet Union tank driver, Mikhail Kalashnikov created the AK47 in 1947.
AR15 -
A chief engineer at ArmaLite, Eugene Stoner created the AR15 from a scaled down AR10 in 1960. This platform includes the M16, M4, C7, & C8.
Tolerances
AK47 -
The AK47 was designed to be loose on purpose. These loose tolerances make it where foreign materials do not interfere with the moving parts. This allows the rifle to shoot consistently without any lubrication or cleaning. Milled AK's are heavy & the stamped sheet ones are around 2.5lbs lighter.
AR15 -
The AR15 was designed with very tight tolerances. All the parts are precision made so there is immense friction when chambered & fired. If the rifle is not maintained regularly it will malfunction. AR's are extremely light to the point that it feels like a toy.
Accuracy & Feel
AK47 -
The AK uses the 7.62X39mm round. This round has a large diameter but a short length. This causes the round to fire slow & for short distances. This design was intentional because the fighting in WWII was close combat. Due to the size of the 7.62 & the loose tolerances of the rifle, it is accurate for about 300 yards. The groupings will usually not be extremely tight as well. There is significant recoil but several accessories help control it, especially the AK74 muzzle brake.
AR15 -
The AR uses the .223 Remington or the 5.56X45mm NATO round. This is a very high speed round that is accurate to around 600 yards. Adding the tight tolerances of the rifle ensure that any missed shots are all operator error. This accuracy eventually made the Russians adopt the 5.45X39mm round for the AK74 & AKM. Recoil is almost non-existant which makes it great for keeping the target in the cross hairs.
Accessories
AK47 -
As time goes on & the AK gains popularity, the number of accessories will increase. Currently the AK after market is filled with polymer & tactical furniture, folding stocks, side & top rails, & ultra-capacity magazines. While all these accessories are great, they do very little to improve the actual use of the gun. Adding a rail for a optic is great but the loose tolerances may make it hard to keep a zero. Also, the AK is heavy to start out with; Adding mounts, rails, optics, lasers, & flashlights will make it a chore to carry.
AR15 -
The AR has so many accessories that its ridiculous. One company, Magpul, is dedicated to art of the AR. They carry flip-up sights, an extended bolt release, & a multitude of tactical stocks. Many companies produce very intricate rail systems & free floating systems that sometimes cost more than the rifle itself. The tight tolerances help keep a zero on an optic. AR's can also be easily converted to fire other calibers as well.
Conversion
AK47 -
The AK cannot easily be converted to shoot a different caliber, nor is there a market for this.
AR15 -
There are so many calibers that can use the AR platform that it make me giddy. The AR can accept upper assemblies in .22LR, 9mm, .45ACP, 7.62X39mm (AK47), 5.45X39mm (AK74/AKM), 300 AAC Blackout, .458 SOCOM, 6.8X43mm Remington, & the .50 Beowulf. A full description of these conversions can be found here: http://gunsnpigs.blogspot.com/2012/05/ar-15-upper-conversions-22-9-458-762-50.html
Reliability
AK47 -
The AK has been proven to work in every environment that armies have placed it in. The actual testing of the AK included throwing sand, mud, & water into the bolt & chamber. It will fire if two conditions are met: The bolt carrier can be kicked open due to rust or debris & if you have a magazine with ammo.
AR15 -
The AR has been proven to work in most environments. It is prone to malfunctions in wet & colder areas. The tight tolerances also cause it to stop working when debris gets into the bolt assembly & chamber. The AR platform has improved its reliability over time put only a handfull of Desert AR's are able to match the AK's reliability.
Who Uses It?
There's a misconception that only U.S. uses the AR platform. In actuality over 90 countries use the AR & some of them are not our friends. Most of these same also countries use AK, including the U.S. which sometimes give them to their special forces. Many clandestine groups use AK's because they are cheap to get because The russians gave away millions of them during the Cold War.
AK Platform Countries: All Countries & Militant groups
AR Platform Countries (Colt Countries List): 90+ Countries
My Thoughts
I really enjoy shooting both style rifles. I personally do not care about the accuracy issue because I can't see past 300 yards & if i really needed to shoot something that far away, i'd use an AR10. Some people say "AK's are for anyone that can pick up a gun & AR's are for professional shooters"; This attempt at an insult only shows how unprepared that person is for a combat situation. The ability to pick up a gun & not have to be trained on it, not have to worry about cleaning or lubing it, not having to worry about it jamming is everything, & still be able to shoot tight groups at 300 yards makes the AK my personel favorite. The reason that the AR15 was given to the U.S. soldiers was because they wasted 100 million rounds early in vietnam war, using M16's. The accuracy issue is mute to me because long distance fighting died in WWI.
On the other hand, being able to convert the AR into another caliber to suit my needs is amazing. To be able to go from a .22LR to a .50 Beowulf makes it a powerful tool. You can go from target practice, to sniper, to blowing up engine blocks with the same rifle. Plus the fact that the rifle is so light, even with all those accessories on it.
Friday, May 18, 2012
What Do Bullet Numbers Mean?
When you are new to firearms & trying to decide which one to buy, a question may pop into your head. What do all these boxes of ammo mean? There's 7.62X39mm, .45ACP, .223 Remington, .22LR, & thousands more. Well, you're gonna find out today!
Bullets were originally lead pellets that were propelled by black powder. The first cartridge was produced in 1857, but it wasn't until the 1870's that cartridges came into their stride. Thanks to Colt Firearms we got the .45 Long Colt. A bullet is the metal piece that is propelled by the gun powder. Cartridges & rounds are the same thing, which is the bullet, shell casing, primer, & powder.
Some rounds have an standard (American) measuring number versus a metric number. A good example is the .45 Long Colt which is called 11.58X32mm in the metric system.
Some rounds are named after the company or the type of gun it will be used for. For example, the 6.5mm Arisaka round was designed for the Imperial Japanese rifle in WWII. Also, the .22LR was designed for long rifles. The .223 Remington was designed by Remington but can be used in any firearm of that caliber.
Long range rifles like long heavy ammo such as the .308 Winchester. In close combat situations one would want a lighter, shorter round like the .223 or the 5.56X45mm Nato. The German's invented the first automatic machine rifle called the Sturmgewehr which shot a 7.62X33mm round. It was later blown away by the Russians's 7.62X39mm AK47 round.
So what does 7.62X39mm mean?
The 7.62 means that the bullets diameter is 7.62 millimeters wide
The 39mm means that the round is 39 millimeters long from base to tip
So what does .223 Remington mean?
The .223 means that the bullets diameter is .223 inches wide.
The Remington stands for what company designed the round.
The round is 45 millimeters long, but that information is not associated with the name.
So what does .308 Winchester mean?
The .308 means that the bullets diameter is .308 inches wide.
The Winchester stands for what company designed the round.
The round is 51 millimeters long, but that information is not associated with the name.
So what does 9X19mm Parabellum mean?
The 9 means that the bullet diameter is 9 millimeters wide.
The 19 means that the bullet is 19 millimeters long.
The parabellum means "To Prepare for War" in latin. It was named by its creator Georg Luger.
The round is often referred to as 9mm or 9mm Luger.
So basically the round will be measured in inches or millimeters & have some name attached to it.
What Is Grains & What does it Matter?
Grains is the actual weight of the bullet. So if you're shooting .223 Remington 55 grain versus 45 grain, the 55 grain will shoot slower but retain its trajectory farther. Lower grain equals faster initial speeds & shorter distances. For example Hornady Manufacturing makes a 9mm target round that weighs 90 grains. They also make a personal defense round that weighs 124 grains. The difference is that the 124 grain bullet will be slower & not pass through an attacker, a couple walls, a window, & hit little Joey in the ass.
So if i'm going to put ammo in a firearm that was going to be used for defensive purposes, I would definitely look for a higher grain count.
The most important thing is that the ammo you buy matches your gun. just because 7.62 is .308 doesn't mean that you can put a 7.62X39mm round into a .308 rifle.
Prepping 101
A lost of people are embracing the idea of prepping for a bleak future. The thought of worldwide war, famine, natural disasters, & financial turmoil has really taken root. So much so that now there are tv shows, groups, & new industries cashing in on people. I'm gonna do a quick post on what one basically needs to be prepared for one of these horrible scenarios.
Regardless of the disaster, you're either going to stay in a predetermined location or you're going to travel. So I will discuss both. Remember that you can throw tons of money at this & not have to do anything but most of us have bills.
Safe House Prepping (Take advantage of all the space available)
Protection -
If you & your family are going to stay at home or in a safe house, you will need to be protected. In most disaster scenarios there will be no electricity to power an alarm & no police to come to your rescue. The best way to protect your family is with .22LR pistols & rifles. The reason I recommend .22LR firearms is because both the firearms & the ammo are cheap. A 100 round box of AR 15 ammo can set you back $40 while you can get a 1000 rounds of .22LR for the same price. Also make sure to get extra magazines & train your family on firearm safety. You can always use the firearms that you currently have but it will cost more to stock up.
Food -
The big question is how good do you want to eat. You can go out & buy tons of great tasting food or you can get tons of survival food bars. I am not talking about MREs. Everyone will obviously stock up on their favorite canned meals but eating good every meal is impractical & unnecessary. Most processed foods are the reason for improper BM which will quickly consume your toilet paper stash. Most food bars taste good & provide between 2400 & 3600 calories. Cultivate a garden if possible. I'm a vegetarian so I basically can eat grass all day...lol. If you get hungry for fresh meat you can always hunt but be careful not to attract unwanted visitors.
Water -
I literally hate bottled water; The whole idea of it pisses me off. I watch these preppers hoarding bottled water & it makes me sick. They are losing valuable space in their home, spending too much money, & bottled water isn't good for you. I recommend clearing out at least one room for multiple 50 gallon food safe barrels & fill them with tap water. The real investment value comes from getting good water filters. Berkley makes great filters that can be purchased separately from their units. Just youtube how to DIY a berkley filter & you'll save tons of money. Remember, the water is for drinking, showering, general hygiene, washing clothes, & cleaning. Adding a rain catcher will also prove itself invaluable.
Clothing -
This one is easy. Buy durable weatherproof clothing & tons of it. You will lose weight so getting some belts might not hurt. For children always buy bigger clothing.
Medicine -
Medicine is very important to have; An infection can be a death sentence. Cover all the bases such as headaches, infections, fungal, burn cremes, bandaids, penicillin, colloidal silver, allergy, skin cream, pain killers, & specialized medicines. FYI, vaginal cremes like vagisil are awesome for fungal infections. You get a very powerful creme in a large quantity for very little money. If anyone suffers from strokes, asthma, heart issues, diabetes, cholesterol, etc.. Please also don't forget to get things like antacids. Having reflux in the middle of a hot night is not a pleasant experience.
Hygiene -
If you skimp on hygiene you will be sorry. No one will want to be near you if you havent had a shower or wiped your ass in days. Also not observing proper hygiene will cause excessive bacteria & viral growth on your skin which is very bad. You definitely need a waste disposal plan because keeping it near can cause illness. Having multiple shower bags are great for economizing water & keeping everyone clean. You can't keep showering when the bag runs out. Toilet paper is worth its weight in gold. Keeping a high fiber diet will assist in not having to use so much paper. Make sure to also have toothpaste, deodorant, body powder, lotion, etc...
Information & Entertainment -
For information I would recommend investing in a tablet like a kindle or iPad. You can save tons of books, movies, games, & apps on an iPad which would help the time go by easier. A lot of books or videos about survival would be invaluable, especially if it all was in the palm of your hands. Books on medicine & emergency treatment, plants to eat, outside survival, & anything that you fell could give you an upper hand. Now you can even get texts books which can aid in educating your children. Getting solar or crank powered chargers is a must as well as a protective case. For larger electrical devices, such as a tv & bluray player, you may need a generator to power them. Board games also help keep things fresh.
Tools -
Recommended tools are a generator, lithium-ion drills, hammers, screw driver & punch sets, saws, machetes, tons of slow burning candles, shovels, vice grips, solar powered chargers, knives, fire starter, super glue, crank powered flashlights, lighters, & tons of duct tape.
Alcohol -
Don't buy alcohol, make it. I'm not talking about distilling moonshine & blowing up your house. Simply grab a large container & fill it with this ratio:
One gallon of water - One kilo of sugar - One packet of fast acting yeast - One can of fruit concentrate.
Let it sit for about 2 months & stir it every once in a while. After those 2 months you'll have delicious cider. You can make one gallon, five gallons, or even fifty gallons. There is no limit.
Mobile Prepping (No space available)
Protection -
The best way to protect you & your family on the go is with .22LR firearms. The reason I recommend them is because both the firearms & the ammo are cheap. Another reason is that these firearms & ammo are also very light. You may not know how long you'll be traveling so everything has to be light.
Food -
When mobile, food bars are the only feasible option. They provide between 2400 & 3600 calories & are light. If you get hungry for fresh meat you can always hunt but be careful not to attract unwanted visitors.
Water -
When on the go it would be wise to get a berkley portable water filter, some water treatment tablets, some 64oz water pouches, & a rain catcher. This way you'll have water when you need it & a way to purify water when you find it.
Clothing -
Make sure you have durable weatherproof clothing. There's plenty of outside clothing that is very compact & will keep you warm.
Medicine -
Medicine is very important to have; An infection can be a death sentence. Cover all the bases such as headaches, infections, fungal, burn cremes, bandaids, penicillin, colloidal silver, allergy, skin creme, pain killers, & specialized medicines. FYI, vaginal cremes like vagisil are awesome for fungal infections. You get a very powerful creme in a large quantity for very little money. If anyone suffers from strokes, asthma, heart issues, diabetes, cholesterol, etc.. Please also don't forget to get things like antacids. Having reflux in the middle of a hot night is not a pleasant experience.
Hygiene -
When traveling it may be beneficial to know which leaves you can wipe your ass with, just saying. A shower bag would be great to have because they are light & will fold nicely. You just hang it from a tree when you find a water source. Of course toothpaste, body powder, & shampoo will make the experience tolerable.
Information & Entertainment -
For information I would recommend investing in a tablet like a kindle or iPad. You can save tons of books, movies, games, & apps on an iPad which would help the time go by easier. A lot of books or videos about survival would be invaluable, especially if it all was in the palm of your hands. Books on medicine & emergency treatment, plants to eat, outside survival, & anything that you fell could give you an upper hand. Getting solar or crank powered chargers is a must as well as a protective case.
Tools -
Recommended tools are a map, light weight sleeping cover, multi-tool, compass, crank powered flashlight, fire starter & lighters, knife, machete, light weight cooking pan/pot, light weight utensils, plate & cup. Gerber sells a whole line of survival gear which can get you headed in the right direction. Having a bicycle & air pump could also help you gain serious ground & out run potential threats.
Other Stuff -
Do not forget to get bug spray or your life will suck. Dengue, lyme disease, & malaria will kill you. Having lotion with a high SPF to protect your skin will help as well.
Women
Do not forget that women have feminine needs. Now these may not be necessarily survival based, you would be a fool to deny them. Women require douches, vaginal cremes, hair care, cosmetics, & other stuff that frankly scares me. If at a safe house then it really doesn't matter how much she has but if traveling, the amount must be kept to a minimum. Don't laugh because right now there are guys trying to figure out how to carry all their firearms & ammo in a bug out bag. We all have different priorities, but refusing to accept a few of a woman's wants will make sure that your sheets are cold.
Pets also have needs so don't forget about them!
These are just a few staring points for prepping. Obviously everyone will do things differently but the important thing is to be prepared.
Gerber Survival Site:
http://www.gerbergear.com/Survival
Berkley Water Filters:
http://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/
Amazon Survival Accessories Link:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=survival
Regardless of the disaster, you're either going to stay in a predetermined location or you're going to travel. So I will discuss both. Remember that you can throw tons of money at this & not have to do anything but most of us have bills.
Safe House Prepping (Take advantage of all the space available)
Protection -
If you & your family are going to stay at home or in a safe house, you will need to be protected. In most disaster scenarios there will be no electricity to power an alarm & no police to come to your rescue. The best way to protect your family is with .22LR pistols & rifles. The reason I recommend .22LR firearms is because both the firearms & the ammo are cheap. A 100 round box of AR 15 ammo can set you back $40 while you can get a 1000 rounds of .22LR for the same price. Also make sure to get extra magazines & train your family on firearm safety. You can always use the firearms that you currently have but it will cost more to stock up.
Food -
The big question is how good do you want to eat. You can go out & buy tons of great tasting food or you can get tons of survival food bars. I am not talking about MREs. Everyone will obviously stock up on their favorite canned meals but eating good every meal is impractical & unnecessary. Most processed foods are the reason for improper BM which will quickly consume your toilet paper stash. Most food bars taste good & provide between 2400 & 3600 calories. Cultivate a garden if possible. I'm a vegetarian so I basically can eat grass all day...lol. If you get hungry for fresh meat you can always hunt but be careful not to attract unwanted visitors.
Water -
I literally hate bottled water; The whole idea of it pisses me off. I watch these preppers hoarding bottled water & it makes me sick. They are losing valuable space in their home, spending too much money, & bottled water isn't good for you. I recommend clearing out at least one room for multiple 50 gallon food safe barrels & fill them with tap water. The real investment value comes from getting good water filters. Berkley makes great filters that can be purchased separately from their units. Just youtube how to DIY a berkley filter & you'll save tons of money. Remember, the water is for drinking, showering, general hygiene, washing clothes, & cleaning. Adding a rain catcher will also prove itself invaluable.
Clothing -
This one is easy. Buy durable weatherproof clothing & tons of it. You will lose weight so getting some belts might not hurt. For children always buy bigger clothing.
Medicine -
Medicine is very important to have; An infection can be a death sentence. Cover all the bases such as headaches, infections, fungal, burn cremes, bandaids, penicillin, colloidal silver, allergy, skin cream, pain killers, & specialized medicines. FYI, vaginal cremes like vagisil are awesome for fungal infections. You get a very powerful creme in a large quantity for very little money. If anyone suffers from strokes, asthma, heart issues, diabetes, cholesterol, etc.. Please also don't forget to get things like antacids. Having reflux in the middle of a hot night is not a pleasant experience.
Hygiene -
If you skimp on hygiene you will be sorry. No one will want to be near you if you havent had a shower or wiped your ass in days. Also not observing proper hygiene will cause excessive bacteria & viral growth on your skin which is very bad. You definitely need a waste disposal plan because keeping it near can cause illness. Having multiple shower bags are great for economizing water & keeping everyone clean. You can't keep showering when the bag runs out. Toilet paper is worth its weight in gold. Keeping a high fiber diet will assist in not having to use so much paper. Make sure to also have toothpaste, deodorant, body powder, lotion, etc...
Information & Entertainment -
For information I would recommend investing in a tablet like a kindle or iPad. You can save tons of books, movies, games, & apps on an iPad which would help the time go by easier. A lot of books or videos about survival would be invaluable, especially if it all was in the palm of your hands. Books on medicine & emergency treatment, plants to eat, outside survival, & anything that you fell could give you an upper hand. Now you can even get texts books which can aid in educating your children. Getting solar or crank powered chargers is a must as well as a protective case. For larger electrical devices, such as a tv & bluray player, you may need a generator to power them. Board games also help keep things fresh.
Tools -
Recommended tools are a generator, lithium-ion drills, hammers, screw driver & punch sets, saws, machetes, tons of slow burning candles, shovels, vice grips, solar powered chargers, knives, fire starter, super glue, crank powered flashlights, lighters, & tons of duct tape.
Alcohol -
Don't buy alcohol, make it. I'm not talking about distilling moonshine & blowing up your house. Simply grab a large container & fill it with this ratio:
One gallon of water - One kilo of sugar - One packet of fast acting yeast - One can of fruit concentrate.
Let it sit for about 2 months & stir it every once in a while. After those 2 months you'll have delicious cider. You can make one gallon, five gallons, or even fifty gallons. There is no limit.
Mobile Prepping (No space available)
Protection -
The best way to protect you & your family on the go is with .22LR firearms. The reason I recommend them is because both the firearms & the ammo are cheap. Another reason is that these firearms & ammo are also very light. You may not know how long you'll be traveling so everything has to be light.
Food -
When mobile, food bars are the only feasible option. They provide between 2400 & 3600 calories & are light. If you get hungry for fresh meat you can always hunt but be careful not to attract unwanted visitors.
Water -
When on the go it would be wise to get a berkley portable water filter, some water treatment tablets, some 64oz water pouches, & a rain catcher. This way you'll have water when you need it & a way to purify water when you find it.
Clothing -
Make sure you have durable weatherproof clothing. There's plenty of outside clothing that is very compact & will keep you warm.
Medicine -
Medicine is very important to have; An infection can be a death sentence. Cover all the bases such as headaches, infections, fungal, burn cremes, bandaids, penicillin, colloidal silver, allergy, skin creme, pain killers, & specialized medicines. FYI, vaginal cremes like vagisil are awesome for fungal infections. You get a very powerful creme in a large quantity for very little money. If anyone suffers from strokes, asthma, heart issues, diabetes, cholesterol, etc.. Please also don't forget to get things like antacids. Having reflux in the middle of a hot night is not a pleasant experience.
Hygiene -
When traveling it may be beneficial to know which leaves you can wipe your ass with, just saying. A shower bag would be great to have because they are light & will fold nicely. You just hang it from a tree when you find a water source. Of course toothpaste, body powder, & shampoo will make the experience tolerable.
Information & Entertainment -
For information I would recommend investing in a tablet like a kindle or iPad. You can save tons of books, movies, games, & apps on an iPad which would help the time go by easier. A lot of books or videos about survival would be invaluable, especially if it all was in the palm of your hands. Books on medicine & emergency treatment, plants to eat, outside survival, & anything that you fell could give you an upper hand. Getting solar or crank powered chargers is a must as well as a protective case.
Tools -
Recommended tools are a map, light weight sleeping cover, multi-tool, compass, crank powered flashlight, fire starter & lighters, knife, machete, light weight cooking pan/pot, light weight utensils, plate & cup. Gerber sells a whole line of survival gear which can get you headed in the right direction. Having a bicycle & air pump could also help you gain serious ground & out run potential threats.
Other Stuff -
Do not forget to get bug spray or your life will suck. Dengue, lyme disease, & malaria will kill you. Having lotion with a high SPF to protect your skin will help as well.
Women
Do not forget that women have feminine needs. Now these may not be necessarily survival based, you would be a fool to deny them. Women require douches, vaginal cremes, hair care, cosmetics, & other stuff that frankly scares me. If at a safe house then it really doesn't matter how much she has but if traveling, the amount must be kept to a minimum. Don't laugh because right now there are guys trying to figure out how to carry all their firearms & ammo in a bug out bag. We all have different priorities, but refusing to accept a few of a woman's wants will make sure that your sheets are cold.
Pets also have needs so don't forget about them!
These are just a few staring points for prepping. Obviously everyone will do things differently but the important thing is to be prepared.
Gerber Survival Site:
http://www.gerbergear.com/Survival
Berkley Water Filters:
http://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/
Amazon Survival Accessories Link:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=survival
Thursday, May 17, 2012
AR 15 Upper Conversions .22, 9mm, .45, 300, .458, .50
So one day you go to your local gun store or ammo supplier to pick up some .223, but they're out. No biggie except its starting to seem like there's almost never any .223 around. The reason is .223 is always the first ammo to disappear from store shelves during a time of change. Well there an easy way to get your shooting fix & still use your favorite rifle.
The answer is to change or convert your existing AR 15 upper into a different caliber. This can be easily done & undone in seconds. All you have to do is drop the magazine, ensure no rounds are in the chamber, push both take down pins, & replace with a new upper. Here are some of the different calibers that can be added:
Note that when purchasing these conversion kits that the price quoted includes the bolt-carrier assembly (unless not needed), charging handle, & sights. The manufactures will also have a plethora of additions & modifications you can make to the upper that will shoot the price up.
.22 Long Rifle
The .22LR conversion is special because its the only the upper doesn't have to be changed. In this case you could purchase a CMMG .22LR conversion kit that only replaces the bolt-carrier assembly & the magazine.
These can be found for as little as $140 to $300+.
You will lose a hair on accuracy versus a dedicated .22LR upper which normally go for $400+. The stainless steel models are recommended just because they'll stand up to moisture better than the regular steel. Many companies manufacture the quality dedicated uppers but i'd only recommend the CMMG for the bolt kit.
The magazines available for .22LR upper/kit are 10 rounds, 26 rounds, & 30 rounds. Add in the fact that this caliber is extremely inexpensive.
9mm Luger
Being able to use the same ammo in both a handgun & a rifle would be convenient. Well, several companies decided that AR 15's should be able to shoot 9mm ammo. This conversion requires a 9mm upper & magazine. Model1sales, Rock River Arms, Lone Wolf, CMMG, & a few others build this conversion. The kit will set you back at least $600.
The magazines available for 9mm upper are 10 rounds & 32 rounds. A rifle, a handgun, & one caliber of ammo makes for a good day.
.45 ACP
Same as above. Being able to use the same ammo in both a handgun & a rifle would be convenient. Well, several companies decided that AR 15's should be able to shoot .45 ACP ammo. This conversion requires a .45 ACP upper & magazine. The kit will set you back at least $700. It is manufactured by Olympic Arms.
The magazine available for .45 ACP upper is 18 rounds. A rifle, a handgun, & one caliber of ammo makes for a good day.
7.62-39mm (AK47)
Why carry two rifles when you can carry one? In this scenario your AK gets a tactical build. The AR 15 is missing one thing, Power. By adding the 7.62 upper kit your rifle will live up to its true potential. Many would say that firing 7.62 from an AR 15 is sacrilegious but I completely disagree. These uppers run $500+ & are produced by Model1sales, Yankee Hill, Bushmaster, Precision Weapons Systems, & others.
Note that the reliability of the AK platform will not cross over to the AR platform. AR's are precision machines with extremely tight tolerances whereas the AK's have very loose tolerances.
The magazine for the 7.62-39mm is 30s round & is shaped like the AK47 banana clip.
5.45-39mm (AK74)
I don't see a big demand for this conversion. It is too similar to 5.56 NATO ammo because the Russians wanted to improve their accurace & distance. The AK74 & AKM belong to a great platform but spending $400+ for a 5.45 upper may be pushing it. There is a demand for these though.
The magazines for the 5.45-39mm upper are 10 rounds, 30 rounds, & 45 rounds.
.458 SOCOM
Do you want to spend a $1+ per round & be assured that anything down range from you will be annihilated? If so, the .458 SOCOM is the conversion to get. These run $700+ will kick a little. There can be purchases from Rock River Arms, Red Jacket, & Teppo Jutsu.
The .458 SOCOM will fit into any standard .223/5.56 magazine. A 30 round AR 15 magazine will accomodate 10 .458 rounds.
6.8-43mm Remington
The 6.8 was originally made by Remington for special forces because of problems they were facing with the 5.56 Nato. The switch was short lived & the 6.8 became a civilian hunting round. A lot of times the round will not exit the animal so it has gradually been ignored. The go for $400+.
The magazines available for the 6.8-43mm are 10 rounds, 15 rounds, 25 rounds, & 30 rounds.
300 AAC Blackout
Many would love to shoot an AR 10 but can't justify spending $1200+ on another rifle. Well the people at Advanced Armament came up with a solution. They cut the tip off a .223 casing & put a .308 bullet on it. The 300 AAC ammo is accurate, silent, & powerful. The ammo usually runs 0.80¢ to $1 per round though. When joined with a suppressor, the ammo is more silent than a .22LR. The 300 AAC can range from $320 to $1000+ from DSArms, Advanced Armament, or Model1sales.
For the 300 AAC conversion you can either replace the barrel & front sight or get a separate upper. It will also use the same bolt-carrier assembly & magazines. I put up a previous post on how to do this specific conversion is here: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4671581336335862057#editor/target=post;postID=109008702501325361
.50 Beowulf
A .50 caliber upper, nuff said.
The .50 Beowulf ammo is decently priced compared to the more expensive .458 SOCOM & 300 AAC Blackout. The uppers usually go for $700+ through Impact Arms & Alexander Arms.
The magazines available are 4 rounds, 7 rounds, & 10 rounds.
.308 Winchester (AR 10) - Why can't it be converted?
Unfortunately the .308 Winchester cannot be used in the AR 15 because of round's length. For this reason the 300 AAC was invented. The AR 10 is mainly a sniper gun in my opinion because its ammo can go extremely far without losing acquisition.
Other Tidbits
A lot of times when looking at conversion uppers you may notice that they have short barrels. This means that they are an NFA weapon & require the ATF $200 Tax Stamp.
I mentioned above that these prices are for the bare bones unit, so make sure you know what you're getting before you buy.
AR 15 Uppers come in 3 sizes (non-NFA). Carbine length is around 16", Mid-length is around 18", & Rifle length is around 20". The benefit to carbine length is that its very maneuverable & light. Rifle length AR's on the other hand are more accurate & are easier to handle.
I'm sure there are other calibers but these are the most common.
DS Arms Uppers:
http://www.dsarms.com/Lowers%20&%20Uppers/products/59/
Olympic Arms:
http://olyarms.net/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=76&Itemid=5
Rock River Arms Uppers:
http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.Search%20Results
Model1sales Uppers:
http://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=300
Yankee Hill Uppers:
http://yhm.net/index.php?keyword=upper&SUBMIT.x=0&SUBMIT.y=0&main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1
Red Jacket Uppers:
http://www.redjacketfirearms.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=8&Itemid=2
Impact Arms Uppers:
http://www.impactguns.com/ar15-uppers.aspx
Alexander Arms:
http://www.alexanderarms.com/index.php/products/50-beowulf/9-uncategorised/117-50-beowulf-upper-receivers.html
Buying an NFA Weapon:
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4671581336335862057#editor/target=post;postID=2171069518306984106
The answer is to change or convert your existing AR 15 upper into a different caliber. This can be easily done & undone in seconds. All you have to do is drop the magazine, ensure no rounds are in the chamber, push both take down pins, & replace with a new upper. Here are some of the different calibers that can be added:
Note that when purchasing these conversion kits that the price quoted includes the bolt-carrier assembly (unless not needed), charging handle, & sights. The manufactures will also have a plethora of additions & modifications you can make to the upper that will shoot the price up.
.22 Long Rifle
The .22LR conversion is special because its the only the upper doesn't have to be changed. In this case you could purchase a CMMG .22LR conversion kit that only replaces the bolt-carrier assembly & the magazine.
These can be found for as little as $140 to $300+.
You will lose a hair on accuracy versus a dedicated .22LR upper which normally go for $400+. The stainless steel models are recommended just because they'll stand up to moisture better than the regular steel. Many companies manufacture the quality dedicated uppers but i'd only recommend the CMMG for the bolt kit.
The magazines available for .22LR upper/kit are 10 rounds, 26 rounds, & 30 rounds. Add in the fact that this caliber is extremely inexpensive.
9mm Luger
Being able to use the same ammo in both a handgun & a rifle would be convenient. Well, several companies decided that AR 15's should be able to shoot 9mm ammo. This conversion requires a 9mm upper & magazine. Model1sales, Rock River Arms, Lone Wolf, CMMG, & a few others build this conversion. The kit will set you back at least $600.
The magazines available for 9mm upper are 10 rounds & 32 rounds. A rifle, a handgun, & one caliber of ammo makes for a good day.
.45 ACP
Same as above. Being able to use the same ammo in both a handgun & a rifle would be convenient. Well, several companies decided that AR 15's should be able to shoot .45 ACP ammo. This conversion requires a .45 ACP upper & magazine. The kit will set you back at least $700. It is manufactured by Olympic Arms.
The magazine available for .45 ACP upper is 18 rounds. A rifle, a handgun, & one caliber of ammo makes for a good day.
7.62-39mm (AK47)
Why carry two rifles when you can carry one? In this scenario your AK gets a tactical build. The AR 15 is missing one thing, Power. By adding the 7.62 upper kit your rifle will live up to its true potential. Many would say that firing 7.62 from an AR 15 is sacrilegious but I completely disagree. These uppers run $500+ & are produced by Model1sales, Yankee Hill, Bushmaster, Precision Weapons Systems, & others.
Note that the reliability of the AK platform will not cross over to the AR platform. AR's are precision machines with extremely tight tolerances whereas the AK's have very loose tolerances.
The magazine for the 7.62-39mm is 30s round & is shaped like the AK47 banana clip.
5.45-39mm (AK74)
I don't see a big demand for this conversion. It is too similar to 5.56 NATO ammo because the Russians wanted to improve their accurace & distance. The AK74 & AKM belong to a great platform but spending $400+ for a 5.45 upper may be pushing it. There is a demand for these though.
The magazines for the 5.45-39mm upper are 10 rounds, 30 rounds, & 45 rounds.
.458 SOCOM
Do you want to spend a $1+ per round & be assured that anything down range from you will be annihilated? If so, the .458 SOCOM is the conversion to get. These run $700+ will kick a little. There can be purchases from Rock River Arms, Red Jacket, & Teppo Jutsu.
The .458 SOCOM will fit into any standard .223/5.56 magazine. A 30 round AR 15 magazine will accomodate 10 .458 rounds.
6.8-43mm Remington
The 6.8 was originally made by Remington for special forces because of problems they were facing with the 5.56 Nato. The switch was short lived & the 6.8 became a civilian hunting round. A lot of times the round will not exit the animal so it has gradually been ignored. The go for $400+.
The magazines available for the 6.8-43mm are 10 rounds, 15 rounds, 25 rounds, & 30 rounds.
300 AAC Blackout
Many would love to shoot an AR 10 but can't justify spending $1200+ on another rifle. Well the people at Advanced Armament came up with a solution. They cut the tip off a .223 casing & put a .308 bullet on it. The 300 AAC ammo is accurate, silent, & powerful. The ammo usually runs 0.80¢ to $1 per round though. When joined with a suppressor, the ammo is more silent than a .22LR. The 300 AAC can range from $320 to $1000+ from DSArms, Advanced Armament, or Model1sales.
For the 300 AAC conversion you can either replace the barrel & front sight or get a separate upper. It will also use the same bolt-carrier assembly & magazines. I put up a previous post on how to do this specific conversion is here: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4671581336335862057#editor/target=post;postID=109008702501325361
.50 Beowulf
A .50 caliber upper, nuff said.
The .50 Beowulf ammo is decently priced compared to the more expensive .458 SOCOM & 300 AAC Blackout. The uppers usually go for $700+ through Impact Arms & Alexander Arms.
The magazines available are 4 rounds, 7 rounds, & 10 rounds.
.308 Winchester (AR 10) - Why can't it be converted?
Unfortunately the .308 Winchester cannot be used in the AR 15 because of round's length. For this reason the 300 AAC was invented. The AR 10 is mainly a sniper gun in my opinion because its ammo can go extremely far without losing acquisition.
Other Tidbits
A lot of times when looking at conversion uppers you may notice that they have short barrels. This means that they are an NFA weapon & require the ATF $200 Tax Stamp.
I mentioned above that these prices are for the bare bones unit, so make sure you know what you're getting before you buy.
AR 15 Uppers come in 3 sizes (non-NFA). Carbine length is around 16", Mid-length is around 18", & Rifle length is around 20". The benefit to carbine length is that its very maneuverable & light. Rifle length AR's on the other hand are more accurate & are easier to handle.
I'm sure there are other calibers but these are the most common.
DS Arms Uppers:
http://www.dsarms.com/Lowers%20&%20Uppers/products/59/
Olympic Arms:
http://olyarms.net/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=76&Itemid=5
Rock River Arms Uppers:
http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.Search%20Results
Model1sales Uppers:
http://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=300
Yankee Hill Uppers:
http://yhm.net/index.php?keyword=upper&SUBMIT.x=0&SUBMIT.y=0&main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1
Red Jacket Uppers:
http://www.redjacketfirearms.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=8&Itemid=2
Impact Arms Uppers:
http://www.impactguns.com/ar15-uppers.aspx
Alexander Arms:
http://www.alexanderarms.com/index.php/products/50-beowulf/9-uncategorised/117-50-beowulf-upper-receivers.html
Buying an NFA Weapon:
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4671581336335862057#editor/target=post;postID=2171069518306984106
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Getting a Concealed Handgun License in Texas?
Thinking about getting a Concealed Handgun License in Texas? Well, its very easy to do but certain requirements have to be met steps have to be followed.
Before discussing all the facets of acquiring a CHL you need to know if you are even eligible.
TEXAS CONCEALED HANDGUN LAWS GC §411.172. 3***
Why & Why Not
The majority of people do not see a need to be armed. They feel it is dangerous, that it invites aggression, & that it is unnecessary because of who they are or where they live. Well those people are absolutely RIGHT. Yes I said right, carrying a firearm does invite trouble because the carrier is more willing to confront a situation than if unarmed. Guns are dangerous & many innocent family members are shot do to poor holstering & improper securing.
I carry a gun because of one simple fact; I want to live. No one besides my mom is going to give their life for me. No one is going to come to my rescue. The only person who has the ability to save my life is me. I will do everything in my power to protect myself & anyone that i'm with from serious injury or death. Carrying a firearm is insurance. One may never use it but if u don't have it & need it...well, your life maybe over.
Texas Crime Rates
2010
25,145,561 Residents
113, 231 Violent Crimes
951,246 Property Crimes
1,249 Murders
7,622 Forcible Rapes
32,843 Robberies
71,517 Aggravated Assaults
228,597 Burglaries
654,626 Larceny Thefts
68,023 Vehicle Thefts
Steps to get a CHL
The first step is to go to https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/chl/ & submit an application. If you are active military the application is free. If you're a veteran with an honorable discharge then you only pay $70. Everyone else pays $140. The application will ask you for your social security number, drivers licence information, current address, employment, email, & credit card. All fees are non-refundable.
Once the application is finished, you'll be directed to make an appointment with L-1 Services. The state of Texas no longer accepts fingerprint cards so L-1 handles them electronically. The fingerprinting takes about 2 minutes & there are hundreds of locations. The cost is roughly $11.
The reason I recommend taking the class after the online application is that a lot of CHL training centers provide the rest of you're stuff in the price of the class. I went to & highly recommend (DFW) Texas Handgun Academy for my CHL & they provided the:
2 passport photos.
passport photos holder.
Certificate of Completion (Form CHL-100).
Photo Holder/ID Signature (Form CHL-6).
Large brown envelope to mail forms to DPS.
They also go over everything to make sure that everything is correct.
At the Range
The class is roughly 8 hours of reading & videos. You may also hear 911 tapes of people getting murdered. The majority of stuff may be common sense but its that little bit that you didn't know that could keep you out of jail. Remember, killing someone is murder no matter the reason. The class also includes time for you to qualify on the firing range. If you test with a revolver then you will only be able to carry a revolver. If you test with a semi-automatic (Glock, 1911) then you can carry any handgun including revolvers. You need to bring an unloaded handgun that is at least able to fire a .38 caliber, so 9mm & 45's are welcome. If you don't have a firearm then you can bring a friends or rent one from the Trainers. Also needed is 50 rounds to qualify with.
The range time is to make sure that you can fire safely & accurately at different distances.
Waiting Game
Once the class is completed, then everything is mailed to the DPS where it can take from 30 to 120 days. It all depends on how accurate the initial application is. Any errors can double the time. I received min in 62 days & thats because of multiple holidays. I now people who had to wait over 4 months for theirs. The DPS website can track the progress but it is usually 2 weeks behind. It may say processing & the CHL is in your mailbox. It is very frustrating but you can always call the DPS & get an accurate status. This is a great time to figure out what type of gun holster you're gonna need. You will probably go through several before you find the one that combines great concealment, accessibility, & comfort.
I GOT IT, now what?
Now you can legally carry as many handguns as your body will let you! Just some things to remember, printing is not a crime but it is a "concealed handgun license". If a reasonable person can decipher that you have a gun then you may need to rethink your gun placement. This does not mean if a police officer or fellow CHL holder sees it. Police officers have been trained to spot weapons & fellow carriers have walked in your shoes & remember the obstacles. I personally carry in a pocket holster or my belly band.
Where Can't I Go?
Schools or school buses
"PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.06, PENAL CODE (TRESPASS BY HOLDER OF A LICENSE TO CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN) A PERSON LICENSED UNDER SUBCHAPTER H, CHAPTER 411, GOVERNMENT CODE (CONCEALED HANDGUN LAW), MAY NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN."
Links
Texas Handgun Academy
http://www.texashandgunacademy.com/chl.html
CHL FAQ's
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlfaqs.htm
DPS CHL Application
https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/chl/
Concealment Clothing
http://www.blackhawk.com/catalog/Apparel,22.htm
http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Tactical_Concealed_Carry_Clothing.shtml
L-1 Identity Solutions
http://www.l1id.com/
Before discussing all the facets of acquiring a CHL you need to know if you are even eligible.
TEXAS CONCEALED HANDGUN LAWS GC §411.172. 3***ELIGIBILITY
(a) A person is eligible for a license to carry a concealed handgun
if the person:
(1) is a legal resident of this state for the six-month period
preceding the date of application under this subchapter or is otherwise
eligible for a license under Section 411.173(a);
(2) is at least 21 years of age;
(3) has not been convicted of a felony;
(4) is not charged with the commission of a Class A or Class B
misdemeanor or an offense under Section 42.01, Penal Code, or of a
felony under an information or indictment;
(5) is not a fugitive from justice for a felony or a Class A or Class
B misdemeanor;
(6) is not a chemically dependent person;
(7) is not incapable of exercising sound judgment with respect to
the proper use and storage of a handgun;
(8) has not, in the five years preceding the date of application, been
convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or an offense under
Section 42.01, Penal Code;
(9) is fully qualified under applicable federal and state law to
purchase a handgun;
(10) has not been finally determined to be delinquent in making a
child support payment administered or collected by the attorney
general;
(11) has not been finally determined to be delinquent in the
payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller, the tax
collector of a political subdivision of the state, or any agency or subdivision
of the state;
(12) has not been finally determined to be in default on a loan
made under Chapter 57, Education Code;
(13) is not currently restricted under a court protective order or
subject to a restraining order affecting the spousal relationship, other
than a restraining order solely affecting property interests;
(14) has not, in the 10 years preceding the date of application,
been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct violating a
penal law of the grade of felony; and
(15) has not made any material misrepresentation, or failed to
disclose any material fact, in an application submitted pursuant to
Section 411.174 or in a request for application submitted pursuant to
Section 411.175.
if the person:
(1) is a legal resident of this state for the six-month period
preceding the date of application under this subchapter or is otherwise
eligible for a license under Section 411.173(a);
(2) is at least 21 years of age;
(3) has not been convicted of a felony;
(4) is not charged with the commission of a Class A or Class B
misdemeanor or an offense under Section 42.01, Penal Code, or of a
felony under an information or indictment;
(5) is not a fugitive from justice for a felony or a Class A or Class
B misdemeanor;
(6) is not a chemically dependent person;
(7) is not incapable of exercising sound judgment with respect to
the proper use and storage of a handgun;
(8) has not, in the five years preceding the date of application, been
convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or an offense under
Section 42.01, Penal Code;
(9) is fully qualified under applicable federal and state law to
purchase a handgun;
(10) has not been finally determined to be delinquent in making a
child support payment administered or collected by the attorney
general;
(11) has not been finally determined to be delinquent in the
payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller, the tax
collector of a political subdivision of the state, or any agency or subdivision
of the state;
(12) has not been finally determined to be in default on a loan
made under Chapter 57, Education Code;
(13) is not currently restricted under a court protective order or
subject to a restraining order affecting the spousal relationship, other
than a restraining order solely affecting property interests;
(14) has not, in the 10 years preceding the date of application,
been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct violating a
penal law of the grade of felony; and
(15) has not made any material misrepresentation, or failed to
disclose any material fact, in an application submitted pursuant to
Section 411.174 or in a request for application submitted pursuant to
Section 411.175.
Why & Why Not
The majority of people do not see a need to be armed. They feel it is dangerous, that it invites aggression, & that it is unnecessary because of who they are or where they live. Well those people are absolutely RIGHT. Yes I said right, carrying a firearm does invite trouble because the carrier is more willing to confront a situation than if unarmed. Guns are dangerous & many innocent family members are shot do to poor holstering & improper securing.
I carry a gun because of one simple fact; I want to live. No one besides my mom is going to give their life for me. No one is going to come to my rescue. The only person who has the ability to save my life is me. I will do everything in my power to protect myself & anyone that i'm with from serious injury or death. Carrying a firearm is insurance. One may never use it but if u don't have it & need it...well, your life maybe over.
Texas Crime Rates
201025,145,561 Residents
113, 231 Violent Crimes
951,246 Property Crimes
1,249 Murders
7,622 Forcible Rapes
32,843 Robberies
71,517 Aggravated Assaults
228,597 Burglaries
654,626 Larceny Thefts
68,023 Vehicle Thefts
Steps to get a CHL
The first step is to go to https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/chl/ & submit an application. If you are active military the application is free. If you're a veteran with an honorable discharge then you only pay $70. Everyone else pays $140. The application will ask you for your social security number, drivers licence information, current address, employment, email, & credit card. All fees are non-refundable.
Once the application is finished, you'll be directed to make an appointment with L-1 Services. The state of Texas no longer accepts fingerprint cards so L-1 handles them electronically. The fingerprinting takes about 2 minutes & there are hundreds of locations. The cost is roughly $11.
The reason I recommend taking the class after the online application is that a lot of CHL training centers provide the rest of you're stuff in the price of the class. I went to & highly recommend (DFW) Texas Handgun Academy for my CHL & they provided the:
2 passport photos.
passport photos holder.
Certificate of Completion (Form CHL-100).
Photo Holder/ID Signature (Form CHL-6).
Large brown envelope to mail forms to DPS.
They also go over everything to make sure that everything is correct.
At the Range
The class is roughly 8 hours of reading & videos. You may also hear 911 tapes of people getting murdered. The majority of stuff may be common sense but its that little bit that you didn't know that could keep you out of jail. Remember, killing someone is murder no matter the reason. The class also includes time for you to qualify on the firing range. If you test with a revolver then you will only be able to carry a revolver. If you test with a semi-automatic (Glock, 1911) then you can carry any handgun including revolvers. You need to bring an unloaded handgun that is at least able to fire a .38 caliber, so 9mm & 45's are welcome. If you don't have a firearm then you can bring a friends or rent one from the Trainers. Also needed is 50 rounds to qualify with.
From a distance of 3 Yards:
From a distance of 7 Yards:
From a distance of 15 Yards:
|
The range time is to make sure that you can fire safely & accurately at different distances.
Waiting Game
Once the class is completed, then everything is mailed to the DPS where it can take from 30 to 120 days. It all depends on how accurate the initial application is. Any errors can double the time. I received min in 62 days & thats because of multiple holidays. I now people who had to wait over 4 months for theirs. The DPS website can track the progress but it is usually 2 weeks behind. It may say processing & the CHL is in your mailbox. It is very frustrating but you can always call the DPS & get an accurate status. This is a great time to figure out what type of gun holster you're gonna need. You will probably go through several before you find the one that combines great concealment, accessibility, & comfort.
I GOT IT, now what?
Now you can legally carry as many handguns as your body will let you! Just some things to remember, printing is not a crime but it is a "concealed handgun license". If a reasonable person can decipher that you have a gun then you may need to rethink your gun placement. This does not mean if a police officer or fellow CHL holder sees it. Police officers have been trained to spot weapons & fellow carriers have walked in your shoes & remember the obstacles. I personally carry in a pocket holster or my belly band.
Where Can't I Go?
Schools or school buses
Government buildings or meetings
Polling places, courts, & court offices
Race tracks, high school, college or professional sporting events.
Airports (except when checking firearm for travel).
1,000 feet of the premises of a facility carrying out an execution on the day of an execution.
Where alcohol is sold, if more than 51% of their revenue is from alcohol consumption.
Hospitals or nursing homes
Amusement parks
Places of worship
Anywhere you see this sign in 1" bold type against a contrasting background, in both english & spanish, & must be located at all public entrances:
"CONFORME A LA SECCIÓN 30.06 DEL CÔDIGO PENAL (TRASPASAR PORTANDO ARMAS DE FUEGO) PERSONAS CON LICENCIA BAJO DEL SUB-CAPITULO H, CAPITULO 411, CODIGO DE GOBIERNO (LEY DE PORTAR ARMAS), NO DEBEN ENTRAR A ESTA PROPIEDAD PORTANDO UN ARMA DE FUEGO."
Links
Texas Handgun Academy
http://www.texashandgunacademy.com/chl.html
CHL FAQ's
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlfaqs.htm
DPS CHL Application
https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/chl/
Concealment Clothing
http://www.blackhawk.com/catalog/Apparel,22.htm
http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Tactical_Concealed_Carry_Clothing.shtml
L-1 Identity Solutions
http://www.l1id.com/
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