AR-15

Daniel Defense @ TFB:

The requirements are specific and clearly written by people who actually use rifles. The Secret Service wants a rifle that's no taller than 8 inches without accessories, weighs no more than 8 pounds including suppressor, and measures no longer than 29 inches with the stock folded and suppressor attached. Barrel length must fall between 12.25 and 14 inches.

The Strike X-Logic Warpath compensator has two ports on each side and a single top port. This model also features a pin and weld hole at the bottom to allow increasing the legal barrel length to 16 inches when installed on 14.5-inch barrels. The thread pitch is 1/2x28. The overall length of this muzzle device is 2.06” and it weighs 2.5oz.

When it comes to precision gas guns chambered in 5.56 that blend boutique craftsmanship with practicality and affordability, the Munitionworks Mod J SPR continues to impress me even after 2 years of faithful yet abusive service in my hands. Building on my earlier impressions and 2 years of faithful service, this Part II review focuses on real-world use throughout the years and roughly 5,000 rounds, both at my regular range sessions, as well as my favorite training facility - Thunder Ranch. In addition to that, I’ve also recently been able to take some extended range testing at Leupold’s private range in the Oregon desert, where we got a good chance to test out some new ammo and push the rifle to its limits in terms of practical accuracy.  

I am sure that by the time this Photo Of The Day goes online, all of the Daniel Defense RIPTIDEs will have been sold, despite the price of $4,499. Built on the compact and fast-handling DD4 PDW P chambered in 300 Blackout, this gun features an exclusive Sandoflauge Cerakote finish, evoking a striking coastal-inspired aesthetic.

Reptilia has launched its new Reptilia Handguard, designed for AR-platform rifles. CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and finished with MIL-STD Type III hardcoat anodizing, the handguard is built for durability and performance. It features a proprietary barrel nut and turnbuckle system for secure attachment and consistent alignment, avoiding flex or shift during use. The design uses full-length M-LOK slots and anti-rotation tabs to support accessories like lasers, thermals, and optics, with a low-profile structure that maintains strength without added bulk.

The AR-15 market has expanded rapidly in the 21 years since the AWB expired. What was once a relatively limited space has expanded to cover all budgets and use cases. With hundreds of options for every budget and build, finding the right barrel can be difficult. Some people subscribe to the buy once, cry once philosophy and suggest spending top dollar on every barrel; however, I tend to find this disingenuous. Not every build needs to be match grade or able to survive a nuclear apocalypse. In this article, I will go over multiple categories and price ranges and showcase some solid barrel choices in each category. For the sake of consistency, all barrels in this article will be the 16” model.

Photo Of The Day, and we have the pleasure to discover Sharp Shot Studios work. Check out this sleek AR-15 build hovering above the river. This setup is built for performance, with a BCM 14.5” MK2 BFH upper paired with a SureFire Scout Pro light and Modlite OKW head for low-light dominance. The SureFire muzzle brake keeps the recoil in check, while the Radian Raptor LT charging handle and Sparrow Dynamics finger stop ensure smooth handling. BCM rail covers and a Stoic Solutions Barricade Bag (slim version) add some practicality. They look great for DMR/PRS.

Griffin Armament have released a new adjustable AR-15 gas block designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. With only two gas settings, this new gas block allows for quick adjustment of the system for shooting suppressed and unsuppressed. The adjustments are done from either side of the gas block by rotating the disc-shaped adjustment plate.

Reptilia would like you to meet their new Picker, a billet-machined, 7075-T6 aluminum ambidextrous safety designed to feel like a natural extension of your thumb, regardless of your dominant hand. Featuring a smooth 75/90° throw, MIL-SPEC compatibility, and precision anodizing to complement your favorite Reptilia accessories, the Picker ensures intuitive, single-handed operation for both left- and right-handed shooters.

Who doesn’t want a Personal Survival Weapon? The TROY Defender PSW is a compact carbine said to be designed for reliability and versatility in demanding situations. Measuring just 22 inches with the stock collapsed, it’s built for self-defense, predator control, or easy transport in tight spaces.

When it comes to mobile firepower, few tools have stood the test of time like the AR-15. In the wake of the Global War on Terror (GWOT), the concept of the “truck gun” evolved out of necessity. Military personnel and security contractors required weapons that offered both close-quarters agility and extended-range efficiency — a tall order for any firearm. The legendary AR-15 is the platform that has not only met these challenges but exceeded them. Eugene Stoner would be proud.

When it comes to the AR15 market, there are endless choices and out of every subcategory in the gun industry, the AR market is one of the most saturated. It’s hard to stand out, and when I review a particular firearm, it’s hard to see the differences between the various models on the market. The higher-end market is where you start to see some interesting variations where companies are trying different features to improve the weapon system as a whole.

I know what you’re thinking, not another AR-15 review, because that’s what I was (albeit very briefly) thinking as I sat down to write this, but my time with the new Springfield Armory Saint Victor 11.5” 5.56 Pistol has been positive enough to compel my hand, or hands in this case. As it was my first time shooting a Springfield AR, I set aside peer reviews from previous models and focused on my personal experience with this new pistol variant, one that I found very useful as a general setup for anyone looking for home defense or a great time at the range.

After five years of development and multiple live-fire prototypes, Spuhr has created a new patent-pending system that eliminates the play between AR-style upper and lower receivers. This long-standing issue has frustrated shooters looking for tighter lockup and improved consistency, especially in precision or professional use.

Luke C ( BallisticAviation) is at GunCon 2025 hosted by TheGunCollective, and in this video, he's speaking with the legendary Dave K from Hi-Point Firearms. Hi-Point made waves at SHOT 2025 by announcing their all-new AR-15 lineup with the announcement of the HP-15, which is set to be fully released in mid-July. In addition, sister company Inland Manufacturing has just unveiled their latest suppressor - the 5.7x28mm rated AM-22.

Steen Defense is a gun company based in Stockholm, Sweden. In case you haven’t heard of them before, is because they are a new company and this is the first time any magazine, newspaper or blog was allowed into their office. This article is an exclusive TFB interview, where I met with the founder André Steen to pick his brain about the background, the current state and the future of the company. We also got a first exclusive test fire of their latest prototype firearms.

Brian Stocks, based in Oregon, produces modernized, 3D-printed short A2-style fixed stocks for AR-15 rifles—specifically in 7.25", 7.5", and 7.75" lengths. Each stock is built to order using high-end printers and heat-resistant, impact-tolerant high-end filament materials. The proprietary fixed version includes a unique mini A2 buffer tube with rear threads, while the adjustable versions ship with a custom-position carbine buffer tube (positions like 1, 3, and 5 are common), castle nut, end plate, and sling mount (A2 loop or QD flush cup). Fitment is carefully controlled—Brian personally matches each stock with one of three mil-spec tubes to ensure proper tension and lock-up with every custom order.

In the world of AR-15s, there are almost limitless options for accessories and upgrades. With the market offering more options than ever before, now is a perfect time to explore what the best upgrades are when looking to elevate your current rifle to the next level. Let's look at some of the best AR-15 upgrades.

In my opinion, the single most important upgrade you can do to your otherwise working AR-15 is to improve the charging handle. There’s now a new option to consider, as Reptilia has released its latest accessory for the AR-15 platform: the Puller Charging Handle. It’s available exclusively through the company’s website, with a price of $99.95.

The pint-sized GOAT-15 Gen3 pistol from Mountain Billy Gun Lab, also known as the GOAT-15 ATOM, is an ultra-light, compact .22 LR pistol designed for precision, portability, and versatility. Built on a scaled-down AR-15 platform (20% smaller than standard), it offers familiar ergonomics, making it ideal for training new shooters, recreational plinking, or small-game hunting.

BallisticAviation  (Luke C.) is with Hoplopfheil at NRAAM 2025 in Atlanta, GA, speaking with Dave from Hi-Point firearms about a first for the company: AR-15s. Hi-Point's new HP-15 AR-15s will come in both 10.5" pistol and 16" rifle configurations and will be chambered in .300 BLK as well as 5.56. Best of all, Hi-Point's new line of AR-15s already has new configurations in the works and will be sold in either configuration for less than $500.

Do you have an AR lower lying around that’s just begging to be built? Do you want a better-than-mil-spec trigger, at a low price? If so, Axcess Triggers (a Timney company) may have you covered with their new line of three-piece AR Triggers.

Retro AR-15s are back—from clone builds to factory throwbacks like the Bushmaster M4A2 Patrolman's Carbine. I put over 1,000 rounds through this classic-style rifle at a Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Course to find out if old-school cool is actually worth it in 2025. Spoiler: I didn’t love it. But not for the reasons you think.

When it comes to the AR-15 and AR pistol market, there are almost limitless options and variations to choose from. For beginner shooters getting into the sport, it can be almost impossible to figure out what you want or need when it comes to an AR pistol. Everything from barrel length, furniture, and rail choice starts to come into play when looking for the best option. Everyone will land on a specific model for one reason or another, but let’s look at some of the best AR pistols on the market based on what the TFB staff uses on a daily basis.

Luth-AR has added two new options to its lineup of complete AR-15 uppers: the A1 Slick Side Modern Retro Upper and the A1 C7 Modern Retro Upper. Both are designed to replicate the classic look of Vietnam-era rifles while incorporating modern materials and performance updates.

Anyone who has built their own AR-15 will have inevitably come across the all-important task of choosing what barrel twist rate they’ll be using. When I built my first AR-15, I relied entirely on a diagram I found on 4chan’s weapons board, /k/, which mapped twist rates to bullet weights. The extremely rudimentary chart clearly identified what common barrel twist rates worked best with what bullet weights, but beyond that, it offered no scientific explanation or reasoning behind it.

Strike Industries has just dropped a practical new accessory for anyone still running a standard A2 birdcage flash hider—the A2 Blast Shield. Designed as a drop-in solution to reduce side concussion and redirect muzzle blast forward, this blast shield is geared toward both professional and civilian shooters looking to enhance comfort without replacing legacy muzzle devices. This product is clearly in high demand: Strike Industries has sold out of the first batch, and a second is on its way now.

While it sees less frequent use than the trigger, magazine release, or bolt catch/release (hopefully), the AR-15 charging handle ranks among the most deliberately chosen and commonly upgraded components selected by owners for their rifles. While the standard mil-spec configuration satisfies all basic and necessary functional requirements, it frequently lacks the refinements necessary or preferred by those in more specific situations, such as: