The All-New Bravo Zulu From Bushmaster Firearms
One of the reasons the AR-15 has become so incredibly popular with the American public is because of the wide variety of options available within the same family of rifles. Since their reintroduction, Bushmaster Firearms has been kicking out quite a few AR-platform options. The newest to come to market, with five distinct configurations, is the Bravo Zulu. From California compliant to SBR versions, you’re sure to find one that fits your purpose.
POTD: The Smith & Wesson 2A Limited Edition M&P15
The first online photograph is said to have been published by Tim Berners-Lee in 1992. It’s uncertain how many were actually able to see the image at that time, but it probably wasn’t too big of a crowd. TFB’s Photo Of The Day is hopefully a lot more popular. Here we do our best to focus on interesting high-quality images with a focus on firearms of all sorts. We have seen the theme before, but it’s certainly worth another look.
Runnin Guns: The Great Geissele Fed Gun Bucket
Every community has its hot-button words. Words that when they pop up in a headline or, say, a patent, rational minds storm out the door; any willingness to ask clarifying questions in tow. In this community, two of those words are “Database” and “Government”. I witnessed some of this reactionary fervor start to simmer recently when someone was rummaging around on google patent search and turned up this filing from Geissele:
Stickthison Texas Drops New Unity AR Full-Size PVC Patch
Patches are somewhat of a novelty within the firearms community. Most reputable companies and outfits (TFB included) will often generate some patches to give out to customers or supporters and people generally tend to like to stick them on their gear, bags and even patch walls. Maybe patches just aren’t your thing but that doesn’t mean that people haven’t found ways to take patches well beyond their original intent. Stickthison Texas has just dropped their latest novel patch offering – a 15″ Wide Unity AR Full-Size 3D PVC Patch.
CMMG Introduces the FourSix in 4.630mm
If you’ve ever wished you could have an AR chambered in 4.6×30mm then CMMG have you covered. They have announced the introduction of the FourSix, based on their Mk4 platform, it chambers the round developed for Heckler & Koch’s MP7. So if you thought the recent run of new pistols and carbines chambered in FN’s 5.7mm round was too mainstream then the Banshee MK4 FourSix might be the gun for you!
POTD: The VCD10 by Verney-Carron Defense
Photo Of The Day, and it’s time for a rather unusual firearm. At least it’s the first time we have it featured in any of our POTDs. The VCD10 is a semi-automatic precision rifle made by Verney-Carron Defense in France. The design of the VCD10 is inspired by the AR10 and promises a 1 MOA accuracy.
POTD: The Haenel CR223 with TopShot Competition Shooting Team
TFB has been running our very special Photo Of The Day for years, sharing great photos from around the world and the world of firearms. The subject of today’s photos is the German TopShot Competition Shooting Team and the Haenel CR223s they use for IPSC shooting competition. The sight above is made by Steiner Optics.
Brownells Launches the Interactive "How to Build an AR-15" Video Series
With increasing restrictions in regards to firearms on YouTube and other social media platforms, new gun owners and those who are interested in building out their first AR are finding it harder and harder to find reliable and simple instructions for their first AR-15 build. Brownells and the living legend Roy Hill are excited to announce the introduction of the Brownells “How to Build an AR-15” interactive video series that gives you easy-to-follow directions and expert advice throughout your AR-15 build process.
TFB Review: Riflespeed Adjustable Gas Control System
The concept of the adjustable gas block isn’t anything really new or novel in the world of firearms. In fact, adjustable gas blocks have been used in firearms since as early as the 1930s with the Legendary M1 Garand rifle being one of the first military issue rifles to feature an adjustable gas system. Today, adjustable gas blocks are looked at as somewhat of a niche item, but one with a lot of purposes and a lot of capability when it comes to ammunition and accessory selection. Adjustable gas blocks can be beneficial in a number of ways but they usually necessitate the need for your handguard or forend to be short enough to give you access to the adjustment knob. The Riflespeed Adjustable Gas Control System essentially fixes that issue and the folks who run the company were kind enough to send me over one of their Gas Control Systems for testing and evaluation. Today we’ll go over my experiences with the product and where I think an item like this comes into play within the modern firearms world.
KE Arms WWSD Rifles are Back in Stock and Shipping from Brownells
If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on one of KE Arms WWSD rifles then you’re in luck. Brownells has just announced that the KP-15 equipped WWSD 2020 rifle is currently in stock and ready to ship straight from their warehouse to your FFL. The WWSD was a pretty monumental release for KE Arms back at the end of 2020 and although I have had two of their lowers for close to a year, I still haven’t been able to acquire all the parts to build out a complete rifle. If you’ve been struggling like I have to get all the correct parts for the build, maybe it’s time to just bite the bullet and purchase the completed rifle.
TFB Armorer's Bench: Tips and Tricks – AR15 Gas Blocks
Welcome everyone to the TFB Armorer’s Bench! As mentioned in the little blurb, this series will focus on a lot of home armorer and gunsmith activities. In this article sponsored by Wheeler, Tipton, Caldwell, and Frankford Arsenal, I decided to go over a broad spectrum article regarding AR15 Gas Blocks. I recently saw that someone reached out asking for this sort of thing and I am happy to put together a list of Tips and Tricks as well as some extra information along the way. Let’s jump into Tips and Tricks – AR15 Gas Blocks!
TFB Review: Palmetto State Armory 10.5″ Battlelink Pistol
AR pistols have become one of the most popular firearm trends in the United States over the last decade or so and I am not immune from the craze myself. While I fully understand the benefits, practicality, and reliability that a standard 16″ or 20″ AR rifle platform offers, there is just some enigmatic draw that AR pistols have that draws me into them. Palmetto State Armory recently sent me over one of their 10.5″ Battlelink AR pistols for testing and evaluation and aside from an LPVO and a sling, I kept the pistol as-is for the entirety of this review. Today we’ll see what PSA is offering with the Battlelink package, how well it came constructed, and how it performed on the range in a variety of tests.
TFB Review: Palmetto State Armory AR-15A4
I love a true AR-15 rifle. The classic 20″ barrel with a rifle-length gas tube and rifle recoil system is a joy to shoot. One of my perpetual favorite rifles is an FN M-16A4 Military Collector model topped with a 3.5x ACOG. That rifle accompanies me on almost every range outing. When the opportunity came to test a similarly-configured PSA gun I jumped at the chance. For convenience, in this I will be referring to this rifle as an AR-15A4 after the similarly-configured Colt AR-15A4.
FN America – New FN 15 TAC3 AR-Style Rifles
FN America is headquartered in McLean, VA, with manufacturing operations in Columbia, SC. Altogether FN America, LLC, is the U.S. subsidiary of the Belgium-based FN Herstal, S.A. Today we’re going to have a look at the new FN 15 TAC3 line of carbines with new configurations, new colors, finishes and other features like an ambidextrous charging handle and selector.
TFB Review: Bourne Precision Fury AR-15/AR-10 Charging Handle
When it comes to hunting and shooting modern sporting rifles (commonly referred to as AR-15/AR-10 rifles) most of the essential components that make up these firearms are merely an after-thought. That is, unless they fail you. If shooters allow their rifle to get too dirty or they are “too cheap” when it comes to purchasing ammunition, one failure they can realize is rounds getting stuck in a chamber. A reliable charging handle can often remedy that though. Likewise, if your optic takes up too large of a footprint on the top of your receiver, a well-designed charging handle can allow you to still safely and effectively manipulate your rifle. So, it is no wonder that aftermarket companies like Bourne Precision look to so deliberately craft charging handles like the Fury they offer. Today, we are going to see how the Bourne Precision Fury AR-15/AR-10 Charging Handle stacks up in some testing out at a flat range as well as out of a helicopter! Let’s dive in.
Strike Industries: NEW AR Multi-Angle Pistol Grip (MAPG)
The grip angle on an AR-15 is as personal as the underwear you wore to the range. Everyone likes something different for the stance they use, purpose of the firearm, and general comfort. Now available from Strike Industries, the AR Multi-Angle Pistol Grip (MAPG) allows users to adjust the angle of their grip on the fly.
TFB Review: Meopta Meopro Optika6 1-6×24 RD FFP LPVO Riflescope
Review of the Meopta Meopro Optika6 1-6×24 RD First Focal Plane riflescope with the MRAD reticle. Sometimes reviews take months to prepare, sometimes they just appear by pure chance. This is a case of the latter. As I visited a dealer, he showed me the scope in question, and he had my attention straight away.
The New LevAR Ratcheting Charging Handle from Springfield Armory
I’ll admit it. I’ve succumbed to the temptation to buy some pretty cheap ammo over the last year and a half and while I’d like to say that most of that ammo would run fine through all of my ARs, it sometimes just isn’t the case. Removing a stuck casing can be a bit of an ordeal sometimes and while mortaring your AR is a viable method of clearing it, it’s not always optimal, and sometimes it can damage your rifle if done improperly. Cue in the new Springfield Amory LevAR ratcheting charging handle. The new charging handle works like a traditional charging handle but also features a new ratcheting feature that aids in clearing your firearm with stubborn or stuck cases.
New REDACTED Upper and Lower Receivers from Zev Technologies
If you’re looking for a new receiver set to start your next AR build, you might want to consider the recently released Zev Technologies REDACTED upper and lower receiver set. While most of you will know Zev Technologies for their handguns, they have now added the new REDACTED receiver sets to the AR-15 market. The new receiver sets are said by Zev to have maximum compatibility with mil-spect and aftermarket parts and accessories while still offering superb strength and versatility for the AR-15 platform.
The New 450 Bushmaster Rifle from Bushmaster Firearms
The 450 Bushmaster is a straight-walled 45 caliber rifle cartridge featuring a rebated rim and intended for use in the AR-15 platform with little more than a barrel and bolt change. Inspired by Jeff Cooper, the 450 Bushmaster has gained a popular following for its heavy-hitting nature against large game animals and for its wide variety of projectiles making it popular with reloaders. Bushmaster firearms have just announced the introduction of the new 450 Bushmaster rifle built exclusively around the 450 Bushmaster round.
Are Aluminum Magazines Still the Best Fit for the AR-15 Platform?
Over the years, I have gone through many magazines. Some have been tossed away while others have been in my collection for longer than I can remember. Despite the fact that I probably have more magazines than I could ever use, I still continue to buy more, experiment with new brands and styles, and even buy more of the ones that I already have. There is a great amount of variety when it comes to AR-15 magazines and in general, it’s really not hard to find a good magazine. However, with options come arguments about what is better and why. About 5 years ago, TFBTV presenter Alex C stated his case as to why he didn’t use Magpul PMAGs. At the time I thought nothing of it since I didn’t own the type of guns he had access to and generally didn’t run into the same problems as he did. However, some recent research and experience have changed my mind about how I look at AR-15 magazines, and perhaps what I’ve found might change your mind as well. Can we truly answer the question about which AR-15 magazines are the best fit for your AR-15?
POTD: The Heckler & Koch HK416D in 6.8mmx43
Each day a different image from the World of firearms. We call this POTD, short for Photo Of The Day, and it is our daily article series where we go to great lengths trying to find the most interesting pictures for you out there. Today the image itself is very basic, but it shows another gem from the Heckler and Koch Gray Room: The Heckler & Koch HK416D in 6.8mmx43.
Is a Daniel Defense AR-15 Worth the Money? The DDM4 V7 Review
In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves reviews the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7, including a mini torture test of this premium AR-15. With an MSRP of $1,800 to $2,000, this review raises the question: Is this Daniel Defense AR-15 actually worth this amount of money? Really, is any super-premium $1,500 to $2,000 AR-15 such as options from Bravo Company, Noveske, LMT, and other top-tier manufacturers justified for the price they command? Are you just paying for a brand name, or are you getting something else? Those questions answered, plus a good old fashioned Office Space style beatdown, plus James in the shower. Yes, James in the shower. It’s business as usual on TFBTV.
SAINT Victor Pistol Now Available With Magpul BTR Brace
Due to the still-growing popularity of AR pistols, some manufacturers are putting out new variations of their existing pistols. Changes between versions can range from caliber to furniture and sights. Now two of the industry’s most prolific companies, Springfield Armory and Magpul, have teamed up. Springfield Armory’s already successful SAINT Victor pistol is now available with Magpul’s BTR Arm Brace, creating a compact and capable package.
The FRT-15 Story: An Interview with Rare Breed's President Lawrence Demonico
In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves interviews Lawrence Demonico, the president of Rare Breed Triggers. Rare Breed Triggers manufactures the FRT-15 trigger, a “forced reset” trigger that permits an FRT-15 owner to shoot a semi-automatic AR-15 as fast as humanly possible while still fitting within the definition of a semi-automatic. However, Rare Breed Triggers has found itself in litigation with the BATFE over the trigger. Tonight, we talk with Lawrence Demonico about the FRT-15, Rare Breed’s struggles with the ATF, what’s happened so far, and what might happen in the future.
New Lantac Dragon Muzzle Brake with Dead Air KEYMO Mounting System
Muzzle brakes are quite useful out on the flat range during a competition or just casual shooting for making faster follow-up shots but they don’t often make you any friends on the firing line. Lantac is proud to introduce their latest addition to the Dragon Muzzle Brake lineup with the new Dead Air KEYMO mounting system that is used with the Dead Air Wolfman suppressor. This new mount claims to reduce muzzle recoil to zero and with improved accuracy even with full-auto fire.
TFB Review: Sharps Xtreme Performance Bolt Carrier Group
Using patented technology, the Sharps Xtreme Performance Bolt (XPB) aims to improve your AR-15’s overall reliability under hard use. This isn’t just another mil-spec bolt carrier group (BCG). Patented asymmetric bolt lugs are designed to cut through heavy fouling, and the XPB’s parts are all made from S7 tool steel. In order to see how tough the XPB really was, I dreamed up a steel-cased torture test, and Sharps Rifle Company kindly sent a couple versions of the XPB over for review.
Modern Lever-Action PCC by British Southern Gun Company
Combining modern firearm designs and layouts with a lever-action mechanism always results in some of the most unusual hybrids of the firearms world. We’ve earlier seen a couple of such guns – the Red Ryd-AR, a lever-action AR-15 made by American BrickWurX Manufacturing, and the belt-fed bullpup lever-action rifle designed by British ADF Projects and Designs. Today we’ll travel across the pond again to take a look at another such firearm – the 9mm lever-action carbine recently introduced by the British Southern Gun Company (SGC).
FN America AR15 Barrels Now Available Through Primary Arms
With ammunition starting to show back up on shelves and hunting season just around the corner, maybe it’s time to build yourself another AR15. Primary Arms is now offering a full lineup of FN America AR15 barrels chambered in 5.56. FN America’s barrels are solid quality and each made from 41V50 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel. The new barrels are available now from the Primary Arms website and are in stock at the time of writing.
NEW Brownells Super Duty AR-15 Rifle
AR-15 is the quintessential American rifle. For years the AR-15 has been a reliable, modular, and capable platform for every American gun owner to work off of for a variety of reasons. Brownells has just announced an exclusive new rifle – the Brownells Super Duty AR-15 Rifle. The new rifle comes right from the factory with a ton of features that modern shooters are after, and quality parts and components from some of the most reputable names in the business.