AR-15

For 25 years, Daniel Defense has built a reputation on the kind of hardware that ends up in special operations kits. To mark that milestone, the company is reaching back to one of its rarest chapters, a handguard so obscure it borders on myth. The GL/SSC, short for Grenade Launcher/Sound Suppressor Capable, was a slightly shortened version of the legendary RIS II rail, purpose-built for 12.5-inch barrel setups while retaining full M203 grenade launcher mounting capability.

Three brands walked into a gun store. The result is one of the more complete truck gun packages to hit the market in a while. VKTR Industries, Exigent Defense, and Shark Coast Tactical have teamed up on a bundle they're calling the Kentucky Truck Gun, an exclusive collaboration available only through Shark Coast.

I have never really been a huge piston-driven AR-15 fan. The extra weight, complexity, and lack of real benefit for me as a fairly low-volume civilian shooter left me convinced that a well-built direct impingement rifle still offered the best balance for people like me. So when Franklin Armory offered to send out one of their OPS-16 rifles, I figured it’d be another chance to reaffirm my somewhat anti-piston-AR stance. This fairly new rifle is intended to be used with Franklin’s Binary system, but I’ve decided to abscond with the BFS and instead review the standard, 16-inch 5.56 rifle configuration, which uses a low-profile, self-regulating Osprey Defense piston system that aims for cleaner operation and suppressor compatibility without the usual adjustments or swapping out of other components.

VKTR Industries is making its patented ambidextrous lower receivers available as stand-alone products for the first time, opening them up to shooters who previously could only get one by purchasing a complete VKTR rifle. The VK1 Complete Lower is now available to dealers, distributors, and the law enforcement market.

“Okay, What do I do?” When you can’t nuke the xenomorphs from orbit, it’s time to pull out your M41A Pulse Rifle equipped with the Manticore Ripley Rail. (over/under pump action 30mm grenade launcher sold separately)

Magpul has announced the release of a new color option, Modified Coyote Brown (MCB), across a selection of its existing AR-platform accessories. First shown earlier this year at SHOT Show 2026, the new finish is now available on multiple products through Magpul’s website and retail channels.

Welcome back to TFB’s   Small Business Spotlight! In this weekly column, we take a look at small firearm-related businesses. Today’s company is Mountain Man Defense, a manufacturer of AR-15 pattern rifles from Billings, Montana.

Sturm Ruger & Company has announced a new 250th Anniversary Series of firearms, marking the United States semiquincentennial with a range of limited-production models. Each firearm in the series is marked “Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty,” echoing Ruger’s earlier Bicentennial commemorative releases from 1976. The lineup spans multiple product families, including the 10/22 rifle, LCP MAX pistol, Ruger American Gen II rifle, Mark IV 22/45 pistol, Super Wrangler revolver, and an AR-pattern lower receiver.

Rock River Arms has introduced a new Retro A1 Carbine SBR, a short-barreled rifle built around a classic AR-15 configuration with modern manufacturing. The new model features a 10.5-inch chrome moly barrel with a CAR-length gas system and is chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington. It is built on the company’s forged LAR-15M lower receiver and paired with an A1-style carry handle upper, maintaining a traditional fixed-sight setup.

The modern shooter can be relegated into two primary categories: the professional and sports shooter. There is a bifurcation between the two groupings based on effectiveness in combat vs functionality for competition. The Forward Operating Grip (FOG) by Contour Tactics looks to blur the lines of both with a product that has a place in both worlds.

Steen Defense introduced its long‑requested MCRC (Multicaliber Combat Rifle Compact), a compact 5.56×45mm NATO carbine developed as a reinforcement weapon for users who do not primarily serve in front‑line combat roles. Intended for police and military personnel who need more capability than a service pistol or submachine gun can provide, the MCRC is said to fill a niche few manufacturers address in this caliber and size category - at least within Europe.

What sets the Omni Buster apart from some competitors is that the gas mitigation is truly ambidextrous. Breek Arms specifically calls out that it works "without relying on unidirectional features that favor a single shooting orientation." A lot of suppressor-ready charging handles on the market redirect gas effectively for right-handed shooters, but leave lefties dealing with the same problem from the other side. If Breek's design actually delivers symmetric gas management, that's a meaningful differentiator.

Folding stocks on rifles have been both misused and misunderstood for decades. While the AK possesses one of the most iconic folding stocks, the AR15 has long suffered from an inability to yield. Folding the stock has been the unobtanium of the AR world since its conception. No longer, Dead Foot Arms has found the secret to folding under pressure, but without compromising form or function.

Wilson Combat is expanding its WC-15 line of AR-15 pattern rifles with the addition of the new Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). This rifle is advertised as a purpose-built platform engineered for shooters who demand accuracy, reliability, and refinement in every shot. Let’s take a look at the specs and features of the new Wilson Combat Designated Marksman Rifle.

In the world of AR15s, the sky truly is the limit with almost endless options for every budget. As of the time of this writing, there are complete rifles available online starting at $349.99. With such a wide variety of pricing, looking at some of the most expensive options can seem wild. I never understood why the HK line of rifles was drastically more expensive than other options on the market. I decided to take the plunge and purchase one so we can find out what the buzz is all about with this German tank of a rifle. Let's take a closer look at the Heckler & Koch MR556 A4 rifle.

The AR-15 has become the most prolific modern rifle in America—and for good reason. Its modularity, accuracy, ergonomics, and proven track record make it a top choice for self-defense, competition, and professional use. But among all the possible configurations, there’s endless debate over which build is truly “best.” There is personal conjecture from both professionals and content ninjas alike. Today is an examination on the original modern-day patrol carbine, the MK12 SPR; more than a precision weapon, the SPR is the do-all shooter; the SPR is the multi-tool of ARs.

Magpul has some new releases for 2026, including additional color options. Unlike past years, Magpul is not announcing as many new items at SHOT but will be announcing them over the course of the year as they are ready to be released. So while there are a few things to go over today, you will have to stay tuned to see what Magpul is dropping later in the year.

Badger Ordnance has released its long-anticipated Condition One Charging Handle (C1CH), bringing the company’s well-known Condition One design philosophy to one of the most heavily used control surfaces on the AR-15 platform. Known for its precision machining and duty-focused components, Badger Ordnance approached the charging handle with the same emphasis on strength, ergonomics, and real-world performance that has defined its optics mounts and accessories.

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.