Author Archives: Red Dot Shooters

Gucci Glock 45 [Full Build List]…

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gucci glock

I love Glocks…

To me, they’re like a blank canvas, and it’s really easy to create a customized Glock that looks super unique and performs at a high level…

Because of that, I typically like to transform my Glocks, and below you’ll find a complete breakdown of my Gucci Glock 45 Build…

Gucci Glock 45 Build – Complete Breakdown…

Let me start by saying that there is a lot more that I could do to this Glock, and perhaps I will change some things and/ or add to it in the future…

But for right now, here’s a complete breakdown of what I’ve done…

1. Glock 45

gucci glock kit

This gun started as a normal 9mm Glock 45. I like the compact slide and the full-size grip that the G45 offers because it feels really balanced in your hand and the full-size grip makes it easier to get a solid hold on the gun…

That makes this gun easier to shoot fast, and I also intend to get a holster for this gun, so I can work it into my carry rotation…

Click The Links Below To Get Best Pricing On A Glock 45:

Check Glock 45 Price At Palmetto State Armory

Check Glock 45 Price At Brownells

Check Glock 45 Price At GRITRSports

Check Glock 45 Price At Sportsman’s Warehouse


2. “X” Carry Slide Cut by Boogeyman Customs

gucci glock slide

I sent the slide of my Glock 45 off to Boogeyman Customs and the slide work package that I opted for is called the “X” Carry…

I got an RMR slide cut for my optic, and chose Graphite Black as the Cerakote color…

All the machining work done on this slide is extremely clean. I love the way it looks, and it allows me to mount my optic directly to the slide of my G45…

Click The Link Below To Check Out The “X” Carry Slide Work Package On Boogeyman Customs Website:

Learn More About The “X” Carry Slide Work Package Here


3. Holosun 407C

gucci glock reddit

I love the Holosun 507C and the Holosun 407C because they’re super durable pistol optics, and they’re much more affordable than many other options such as the Trijicon RMR…

They’re also packed with useful features like ultra-long battery life, Shake Awake technology (to save you battery life), a side loading battery tray (so you can change the battery without removing the optic from your slide), and a solar failsafe…

I also like the simple 2 MOA dot reticle found on the 407C because I find it to be fast and easy to acquire and very precise at the same time…

Click The Links Below To Get Best Pricing On The Holosun 407C:

Check Holosun 407C Pricing On Amazon

Check Holosun 407C Pricing On Optics Planet


4. Ameriglo (GL-429) Suppressor Sights

gucci glock 45

The back up sights I have on this build are the Ameriglo (GL-429) Sights. These sights are all black (so they don’t distract my attention from the target and the red dot), and they give me a lower 1/3 co-witness…

I like them because they’re simple and affordable, and they give me a reliable back up sighting system for my battery-powered optic…

Click The Link Below To Get Best Pricing On The Ameriglo (GL-429) Suppressor Sights:

Check Ameriglo GL-429 Suppressor Sights Pricing On Optics Planet


5. Streamlight TLR-1 HL

zev gucci glock

The light I chose for this build is the Streamlight TLR-1 HL…

It’s super bright at 1,000 Lumens and mounts easily onto the Glock 45’s rail…

Aside from providing illumination in low-light situations, this weapon light adds weight to the Glock’s frame and makes it a little easier to shoot.

Click The Links Below To Get Best Pricing On The Streamlight TRL-1 HL:

Check Streamlight TRL-1 HL Pricing On Amazon

Check Streamlight TRL-1 HL Pricing On Optics Planet

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Best RMR For A Glock [Top 6 List]

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best rmr for glock

Who doesn’t love a Glock…?

They’re awesome because they’re reliable, simple, and accurate handguns, and they’ve been getting the job done for decades at this point…

And with the introduction of the Glock MOS (Modular Optic System), you can get a glock slide right from the factory that is ready for an optic…

Now when it comes to handgun optics, the RMR is still the king…

Over the years its developed a well-earned reputation for ruggedness and reliability, and the battery will last you for (literally) years…

But all that being said, there are different variations of the RMR, and that begs the question… What’s the best RMR for a Glock…?

Well, in this post I’ll be answering that question for you, and I’ll be doing it by giving my list of the Top 6 best RMRs for your Glock…

This list will cover the full size RMR options that fit on double stack Glocks like the G17 and G19, and it will not cover smaller RMR options for slimline glocks like the G43, G43X, and G48 (go here if you need options for the slimline Glocks)…

Also, I will include 2 alternative RMR options on this list because I think they’re excellent optic options for a Glock as well…

By the end, you should have a clear understanding of what some of the best RMRs out there have to offer, and you should be able to determine which is going to work best for you…

Let’s get started!

Best RMR For A Glock – Top 6 List…

The best RMR for a Glock is the 3.25 MOA reticle variant. It’s the best because it offers all the durability and reliability of an RMR and the 3.25 MOA dot reticle is a fantastic size for fast reticle acquisition while still being small enough for precision aiming at small targets…

Below I’ll give you more detail explaining why I think the 3.25 MOA RMR is the best for your Glock, and I’ll also share with you 5 other fantastic options that you should consider…

1. Trijicon RMR Type 2 – 3.25 MOA Reticle (My #1 Pick!)

trijicon rmr

Out of all the RMR and RMR footprint sights, my #1 overall pick is the Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Reticle as this sight delivers everything you need to help you shoot faster and more accurately with your Glock. You see, out of all the RMRs out there, the 3.25 MOA dot reticle is my favorite because I find it to be the best balance between short, mid, and long-range targets…

At 3.25 MOA the dot is large enough that your eye can easily pick it up when you need to make quick shots up close, but at the same time, the dot is small enough that it allows you to aim with a great deal of precision at small targets or targets that are out at distance…

Also, whether you’re running a lighter caliber or heavy-hitting hunting and self-defense loads, the durable sight housing and patented force-deflective design make this RMR (and all other RMRs)  a durable, rugged, and reliable optic that won’t let you down no matter the scenario…

In addition to that, the tempered glass lens, true-color multicoated finish, and unlimited eye relief allows you to easily aim and gives you super-fast target acquisition. And you can easily transition from your peripheral vision back on to the target with little or no eye strain…

On top of that, this RMR is rated to be waterproof in up to 66ft of water. So it can easily handle any rainy or snowy conditions that you throw at it, and the battery will power the sight for around 4 years without you having to change it…

So whether you need an optic for local law enforcement, carrying concealed, hunting, or military use, the 3.25 MOA reticle RMR is a perfect match for your Glock and will give you years of superb service and fast and accurate shooting.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Reticle:

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2. Trijicon RMR Type 2 – 6.5 MOA Reticle

best red dot for glock 17 gen 5 mos

The number 2 spot on my list obviously goes to another Trijicon RMR sight; this time, it’s the Type 2 6.5 MOA reticle. Now there are several things to like about this RMR as well, and it has pretty much all of the same features as the number 1 option on my list (the 3.25 MOA Reticle)… 

For example, it’s extremely durable, has windage and elevation adjustments that can’t be bumped, has eight brightness levels for the LED, and 1x magnification. And all these features make this a strong, flexible, and durable sight for civilian, military, law enforcement, and hunting applications…

I also love the lightweight design (1.2 oz) which perfectly suits a Glock, and the other features that make it extremely durable like waterproofing to 66ft, shockproofing, and the rugged aluminum housing…

Now, as I said earlier, my favorite reticle size is the 3.25 MOA dot reticle, and that’s why it’s number 1 in my opinion.  But there are many phenomenal shooters who prefer the 6.5 MOA dot reticle RMR. They like it because the larger dot is just a bit quicker for your eye to pick up when you need to make a fast shot, and it’s also easier to track when you have to shoot multiple strings of fire quickly…

At range, the 6.5 MOA dot is obviously a little bit bigger than my preferred 3.25 dot reticle, but it’s still pretty useful when you need to make those precision shots. So overall, I think the 6.5 MOA Reticle RMR is also a great option, especially if you prefer to have a larger reticle.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Trijicon RMR Type 2 6.5 MOA Reticle:

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3. Trijicon RMR Type 2 – 1 MOA Reticle

best optic for glock mos

The third RMR on my list is the RMR Type 2 with a 1 MOA dot reticle, and this optic is perfect for longer-range and precision applications. Even though it can still provide you with super quick target acquisition (especially with a little practice,  this is a good option if you want good results on small and more distant targets…

It still features the robust aluminum site housing just as the other RMRs on the list, and the easy-to-use ergonomic buttons for fast brightness adjustment no matter the lighting conditions that you find yourself in. And it also has that patented RMR shape which deflects forces away from the sight lens for extreme durability (and is available in various color options to suit your personal taste or application).

It also has eight brightness settings, unlimited eye relief, and a true-color, multicoated lens that makes it a great optic for a Glock. Of course, it’s also waterproof down to 66ft, and the battery will give you around four years of life when used at setting 4.

So if you want to get maximum accuracy out of your Glock and are happy with a smaller dot on your optic, then the 1 MOA dot RMR is the optic for you.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Trijicon RMR Type 2 1 MOA Reticle:

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4. Trijicon RMR Dual Illuminated 9 MOA Reticle

best pistol optics

Number 4 on my list is the Trijicon RMR Dual Illuminated 9 MOA reticle, and there are several reasons why it’s a great RMR for a Glock. To start off, the multicoated true-color optics and unlimited eye-relief on this RMR make for extremely fast target acquisition (even under the toughest conditions like in CQB scenarios)…

This RMR is different from the others on the list because it uses a dual combination of a tritium-phosphor lamp with a 15-year warranty and fiber optic for illumination. This makes it offer high visibility in low-light conditions by using the tritium and then, when the conditions brighten up, the fiber optic adjusts automatically to give you excellent illumination…

The combination of the Tritium for low light scenarios and fiber optic for day light situations makes this RMR completely battery free, and that makes it just a touch more reliable than the RMRs I have listed above, which all offer you years worth of battery life, but that battery will eventually have to be replaced…

Now, because of the way this RMR is illuminated the reticle that you get is a 9 MOA green dot. First off, the 9 MOA dot is very fast and easy to pick up, and even though it is a fairly large dot size, it’s still going to be more precise than the fat front sight on your Glock…

In addition to that, the green reticle is just as quick and easy to pick up as a red reticle in my opinion, and there are some shooters who actually prefer it…

So all in all, I think this is an awesome RMR for your Glock is you want a battery free optic with a super fast, green reticle. 

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Trijicon RMR Dual Illuminated 9 MOA Reticle:

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5. Holosun HE508T-X2 (Awesome RMR Alternative)

best budget micro red dot for pistol

While not an actual RMR, the Holosun HE508T is an RMR alternative that you should consider for you Glock because it offers you several benefits. First of all, the 508T is housed in an extremely durable titanium sight housing, and it includes some of the best tech features a handgun optic has to offer… 

For example, with this optic you get 3 reticle options that you can choose from, the 2 MOA dot, the 32 MOA circle, and the Holosun Circle Dot reticle. Out of the 3, my favorite is the Circle dot reticle because it really helps you shoot fast and accurately at the same time, but I also like the simple 2 MOA dot reticle as well…

On top of that, this optic has 50,000 hours of battery life, a side-loading battery tray (so you don’t have to remove the optic from your gun to change out the battery),  ‘shake awake’ technology which saves you battery life, and a Solar Failsafe, which allows the red dot to remain illuminated even when the battery fails and automatically adjusts to lighting conditions, indoors or outdoors…

On top of all that, this optic comes in at a better price point than the RMR, and it features the RMR footprint, so it can be mounted on any Glock that can already mount an RMR. So I think the Holosun 508T is an amazing RMR alternative because it’s more affordable, offers you multiple reticles, and is loaded with several other useful features. 

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun HE508T- X2:

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6. Holosun 507C-X2 (Best Budget RMR Alternative)

best budget micro red dot for pistol

The last optic on my list is the Holosun 507C-X2. Similar to the 508T above, the 507C is an amazing alternative to the RMR for several reasons. First of all, the 507C is less costly (by some margin) than the Trijicon options and the 508T, and it has some outstanding features that make it tough to ignore…

With 50,000 hours of battery life, the Solar Failsafe feature, ergonomic design for easy battery access (no need to remove the sight from your gun), Lock Mode for preventing accidental operation, and 12 different brightness settings, two of which are night vision device compatible…

It also has the same 3 reticle choices as the 508T (the 2 MOA dot, the 32 MOA Circle, and the Circle Dot reticle), and just as I mentioned above, my favorite of the 3 is the Circle Dot reticle…

Now the main difference between the 507C and the 508T, is the shape and material used to construct the sight housing. Instead of titanium, the 507C’s sight housing is made from high quality aluminum, but because of the way it’s designed, it’s still a very durable optic. In fact, the 507C has developed a very strong reputation for durability over the past few years…

On top of all that, the 507C is IP67 rated for dust and water resistance, and the user programmable ‘shake awake’ function will help you save battery life. So all in all, this is a tough and rugged red dot sight, and because it is the least expensive option on this list, it’s a great option if you want to get a strong, reliable optic for your Glock and save a few bucks at the same time.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun HS507C- X2:

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Best HK VP9 Red Dot [Top 5 List]

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hk vp9 red dot

The HK VP9 is sometimes hailed as HK’s best pistol yet…

And it’s certainly an amazing pistol…

It’s accurate, it’s reliable, it’s ergonomic, and it also comes in optics-ready variants as well…

Now it’s no secret these days that adding a red dot onto your pistol can help you shoot faster and more accurately…

But the big question is… Of all the options, what’s the best HK VP9 red dot out there…?

Well in this post, I’m going to answer that question, and I’ll be doing that by giving you my Top 5 list of the best red dot sights for the HK VP9…

By the end, you’ll have a good understanding of some of the best red dot sights that are currently available…

And you should have all the information you need to determine which red dot is going to work best for you…

Let’s get to it!

Best HK VP9 Red Dot – Top 5 List…

The best HK VP9 red dot sight is the Trijicon RMR Type 2. It’s the best because it’s built to be extremely durable, and it has a very long battery life that can last for several years. It also comes in a variety of different reticle options, and the RMR’s footprint is the mount popular mounting footprint when it comes to pistol optics…

Below I’ll share with you more information as to why I think the RMR is the best red dot for the VP9, and I’ll also supply you with 4 other amazing options that you should consider…

1. Trijicon RMR Type 2 (Best Overall Pick)

vp9 optics

When picking an HK VP9 red dot sight, very few (if any) are better than Trijicon’s RMR Type 2. I like it because it’s available in various MOA reticle options, it’s built to be extremely rugged and reliable, and it has the most common mounting footprint when it comes to pistol optics. So the RMR sits at the top of my list for a whole number of handguns including the HK VP9…

Now some of the features that you get with the RMR include, eight daylight brightness settings, two night settings that are night vision compatible, and a battery life that will last you for four years if you have the brightness set between levels four and eight…

As far as toughness goes, the RMR’s military-grade forged aluminum housing is as tough as they come, and it’s specifically designed to divert forces away from the important parts of the sight if dropped. In fact, the horned top of the RMR has been patented by Trijicon so that no other mini reflex sights can currently use the design…

Now the sight window on the RMR is well-sized and makes it very easy to aim and pick up your target (which allows you to shoot very quickly) and as I mentioned earlier, there are a number of different reticle options that you can get for the RMR…

The two most popular options are the 3.25 MOA dot reticle and the 6.5 MOA dot reticle, and out of the two, my favorite is the 3.25 MOA dot because it’s very quick and easy for your eye to pick up and at the same time, small enough that it allows you to aim with a great deal of precision at small targets in the distance…

Last, like I already mentioned, the RMR footprint is the most common optic mounting footprint for handguns, and this is an important feature because it means that mounting the RMR onto your VP9 will be extremely simple. So whether you have an optic ready VP9 or are planning to get your slide milled for an optic, the RMR will be very easy to mount on your gun…

So all in all, the Trijicon RMR is the best red dot sight for the HK VP9 in my opinion because of its rugged construction, reliability, and well-earned reputation for just getting the job done over a span of several years.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Trijicon RMR Type 2:

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2. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

best red dot sight for hk vp9

The next red dot for the HK VP9 on my list is the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. Lightweight, tough and rugged, this red dot is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and tested more than 5000 times on the Punisher (which is Leupold’s recoil machine). This sight proves that you can get exceptional quality, reliability, and performance in a very small package…

Now the 2.5 MOA reticle gives you fast acquisition without obscuring the target, and the huge sight window gives you a wide field of view when you take aim. And that makes this sight ideal for pressure situations and suitable for military, concealed carry, civilian, or law enforcement applications…

Another feature that I really like is that the side battery cover allows you to easily swap your battery when needed without having to remove and re-zero your sight…

In addition to that, the battery life on high-intensity is about 300 hours and you get around 1600 hours on low-intensity. Admittedly, that’s nowhere near the battery life that you get with the RMR, but Leupold does include a battery-saving function in this sight, which I’ll discuss in a moment… 

The DeltaPoint Pro also has eight different brightness settings and Motion Sensor Technology that saves you battery life when detecting no movement after five minutes…

Last, Leupold uses their custom blend of gas and in-house seal design to ensure that the DeltaPoint pro won’t fog up or leak in the rain, and it’s waterproofed to 33 ft just in case you need to take it for a swim…

So all in all, the DeltaPoint Pro is an extremely rugged sight with a huge sight window, and it would pair really nicely with any serious handgun, including the HK VP9.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro:

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3. Holosun HE508T-X2 

best optics for hk vp9

Another good option for your HK VP9 is the Holosun HE508T-X2, and with several impressive features, it’s not hard to see why Holosun is giving the big boys in the optics market a good run for their money…

Firstly, this is one of the few sights with multiple reticle options built into it. You can actually change between having a 2 MOA dot reticle, a 32 MOA ring reticle, or the Holosun Circle dot reticle which is my favorite because it helps you shoot extremely fast and accurately…

In addition to that, the reticle image is bright, crisp, and clear (thanks to the multicoated lens), and the twelve brightness settings will accommodate light at any time of the day, with two of those settings being night-vision compatible…

Now, the battery life that you get with the 508T is an impressive 50,000 hours, and the ‘Shake Awake’ feature ensures that you don’t waste your battery when the sight is not in use. On top of that, the Solar Failsafe ensures that the 508T stays powered up even if the battery fails…

Last, the ‘T’ in 508T actually stands for titanium which is what this optic’s sight housing is made from. So it’s incredibly rugged and reliable, and I would say it’s almost on par with the durability that you get with the Trijicon RMR (just at a much more affordable price point). In all, this is an excellent affordable, and feature-packed option for your HK VP9.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun HE508T-X2:

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4. Trijicon SRO

hk vp9 red dot ready slide

The Trijicon Special Reflex Optic or SRO comes in at number 4 on my list, and there are a number of reasons why it’s a fantastic optic for the HK VP9. First off, it offers handgun shooters a larger sight window than its older brother (the RMR), but it still fits the RMR footprint in terms of mounting and useability…

Now to be clear, the SRO is not intended to replace Trijicon’s RMR offerings, it’s just intended to provide different benefits than the RMR provides. Even though it is a little larger, the extra size doesn’t hinder carry-and-draw functionality, but it does add a little bit of additional field of view for the shooter…

Seeing more is always a benefit when you’re trying to shoot, especially with speed, and that larger sight window that you get with the SRO is awesome…

In terms of the reticle, the SRO is available in 1 MOA, 2.5 MOA, and 5 MOA versions (my favorite is the 2.5 MOA versions), and it’s powered by one CR2032 battery, which will run for about 3 years on the middle brightness settings and that you can change out without having to remove the sight for your gun…

Now even though the SRO is not quite as tough as the RMR, it’s still a Trijicon and it’s still incredibly durable. So if you like the RMR, but just wish it had a little bit larger sight window so you could track the dot faster while shooting, then the SRO is going to be perfect for your VP9.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Trijicon SRO:

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5. Holosun 507C-X2 (Best Budget Option)

holosun vp9

Market disruptor Holosun has come up with another winner here, and when it comes to an HK VP9 red dot sight, this little powerhouse is certainly a heavyweight contender at a budget price point…

To start off, the 507C is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and weighs in at a paltry 1.5oz. Because it’s made from aluminum, it’s probably not going to be quite as rugged as its titanium cousin, the Holosun 508T, but even though that’s the case, the 507C has built up its own solid reputation for durability over the years…

Now, like the 508T model that I mentioned above, the 507C has 12 brightness modes, two of which are night-vision compatible, and a battery-saving Shake Awake feature. It also has the Solar Failsafe to ensure that the red dot will operate even if the battery does run down, and it has a side-loading battery tray, which means that you can change out the battery without removing the optic from your gun…

Its also waterproof and fog proof, with a multicoated lens that gives you a crisp and clear view, and the three reticle options that Holosun is now famous for which are the 2 MOA dot, the 32 MOA Circle, and the Holosun Circle Dot reticle (which, again, is my favorite because it helps you shoot fast and accurately)…

It also has an RMR footprint so that it will fit the VP9 easily, and overall, it’s just a feature-packed, high-performance red dot sight that comes in at a great price. So I think it’d be a wonderful optic for a VP9, and it won’t break the bank either.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun 507C-X2:

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EXPS2 Vs EXPS3 [Which EOTech Is Right For You…?]

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exps2 vs exps3

EOTech makes some pretty awesome optics

I like them because they’re super rugged, and they generally have features that are pretty innovative…

And that really makes them stand out from the crowd in the world of tactical carbine optics…

They’re also extremely high-quality, and without a doubt two of their most popular offerings are, the EXPS2 and the EXPS3…

ImageProducts
exps2 vs xps2EOTech EXPS2 – Click Here To Get Best Pricing (Over 188 Customer Reviews!)
exps3-4EOTech EXPS3 – Click Here To Get Best Pricing (Over 232 Customer Reviews!)

But that leads us to the big question… Which of these two EOTechs is better…?

Well, in this EXPS2 vs EXPS3 comparison, I’m going to answer that question for you, and I’ll be doing that by examining how these two optics stack up against each other in several categories…

So if you’re in the market for an excellent holographic optic for your rifle and want to know which of these two fantastic sights is right for you…

Stick around as I break it all down for you, and by the end, I’ll tell you which of these two sights I prefer and you should have all the information you need to determine which is going to work best for you…

Let’s get started!

EXPS2 VS EXPS3 – Which EOTech Is Right For You…?

The EXPS2 and the EXPS3 are both manufactured by EOTech, with the EXPS3 having night vision capability and additional water protection with an increase in its submersible rating. Additionally, because the EXPS2 has no night vision settings and is not quite as waterproof as the EXPS3, it comes in at a slightly lower price point…

Below, I’ll give you more detail explaining the key differences between these two optics, and I’ll start by going over the technical Specs…

EXPS3 VS EXPS2 – Features and Specifications…

As I mentioned before, EOTech (the same company) manufactures both products, and in comparison, their specifications are pretty similar…

That being said, however, there are differences in some of the features that they offer you… 

The EXPS2 Specs…

The EOTech EXPS2 Holographic Sight is compact and uses holographic technology which allows you to aim while keeping both eyes open…

It comes with a red holographic reticle which is designed for close to medium-range encounters…

exps 2 tan

In addition to that, it has easily adjustable brightness buttons and a quick-detach lever…

It’s powered by a lithium 123 battery, and I recommend you check out the features outlined in the table below for more of its technical specifications. 

The EXPS3 Specs… 

The EOTech EXPS3 Holographic Sight was launched in 2012. It’s a night vision compatible optic and offers both-eyes-open shooting with a higher base…

It comes with easily adjustable side buttons, and the quick-detach lever allows for quick and easy mounting and removal…

In addition, its NV compatibility is ideal for night hunting or close engagements with moving targets. See the table below for more detail.

FeatureEXPS3EXPS2
Night Vision CompatibilityYesNone
OpticsHolographyHolography
Magnification1x (none)1x (none)
Night Vision Brightness SettingsTen settings for Gen I through IIINone
Day-light Brightness Settings20 settings20 settings
Operation Time600 continuous hours at a nominal setting600 straight hours at a nominal setting
Adjustment (per click)Approx 0.5 MOA (1/2″ at 100 yds) when zeroingApprox 0.5 MOA (1/2″ at 100 yds) when zeroing
Adjustment Range+/-40 MOA travel+/-40 MOA travel
Water ResistantSubmersible to 33 ft. depthSubmersible to 10 ft. depth
Mount1” Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail1” Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
Eye ReliefUnlimitedUnlimited
Field of View(100 yds): 30 yds (28 m) at a 3” eye relief(100 yds): 30 yds (28 m) at a 3” eye relief
Optical SurfacesAnti-reflective coating on external surfacesAnti-reflective coating on outer surfaces
Power SourceOne 123 lithium batteryOne 123 lithium battery
Weight11.2 oz (317.5 g)11.2 oz (317.5 g)
Size3.8”L x 2.3”W x 2.9”H (96.5 x 58.4 x 73.7 mm)3.8”L x 2.3”W x 2.9”H (96.5 x 58.4 x 73.7 mm)

EXPS2 And EXPS3 Night Vision…

Night vision brightness settings can be useful for a variety of reasons…

For example, this feature is ideal for transitioning from day-light to low or no lighting conditions in a hunting or tactical/self-defense setting

Now the overall cost of the optic does go up with that additional feature, but the NV-capable model (the EXPS3) gives you that option if you have night vision equipment and want to pair that equipment with the optic on your carbine or rifle…

EXPS2: Again, the EXPS2 has 20-day-light settings, which allows you to really dial in the brightness to your liking during the daytime…

This model does NOT include night vision brightness settings, and if you do not intend to use your optic at night with NV equipment, this might be the better option for you because it comes in at a lower cost than the EXPS3…

EXPS3: The EXPS3 is night vision capable with included NV brightness settings to quickly transition between high and lower brightness scenarios…

exps3 night vision

Those additional 10 NV brightness settings compliment the default 20-day-light settings very well, and it greatly expands the capability of the optic…

For example, if you were to move in a building from a floor (daylight) to the basement (darkness), you could press one button and be on an appropriate NV setting…

EOTech XPS2 Vs XPS3 Submersibility…

If you live in a typical wet environment or plan to use the sight in rainy or wet conditions, the good news is that both of these sights have a very strong waterproof rating…

EOTech XPS2: The EXPS2 is rated to be waterproof in up to 10 feet of water. It can easily handle rainy, snowy, or any other wet conditions…

EOTech XPS3: The EXPS3 has even more water protection than the EXPS2 with its waterproof rating at 33 feet of water… 

So if you want a more waterproof and a slightly more durable optic, the EXPS3 is probably the right option for you…

EXPS2 And EXPS3 Reticle Options…

Each of these sights comes with the standard reticle of your choice…

And because these are holographic sights, the red dot reticle is a hologram with no parallax and no fish bowl effects on the edges…

In addition to that, the reticle is magnifiable without the dot changing size. So with either of these optics, you get a very clear and clean image with a large field of view while you’re shooting…

EXPS2: The EXPS2 is available in two reticle options…

  • Eotech One Dot Reticle – This 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dot provides three usable aiming points. This model code will end in -0.
  • Eotech Two Dot Reticle – This two-dot reticle pattern is visible with or without magnification and offers an additional long-range, aiming dot (below the center dot). This model code will end in -2.

EXPS3: The EXPS3 has three reticle options available…

  • Eotech One Dot Reticle – This 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dot provides three usable aiming points. This model code will end in -0.
  • Eotech Two Dot Reticle – This two-dot reticle pattern is visible with or without magnification and offers an additional long-range, aiming dot. This model code will end in -2.
  • Eotech Four Dot Reticle – This ballistic reticle is compatible with certain calibers and speeds. This model code will end in -4 (It’s awesome with a magnifier).

Out of all of these reticle options, my favorite is the 68 MOA ring with a 1 MOA dot inside it…

This Circle Dot Reticle is what Eotech is famous for, and it’s a fantastic reticle because it helps you shoot fast and accurately at the same time…

exps3 vs xps3

The big 68 MOA ring allows you to shoot at large targets up close with blazing speed…

And the small 1 MOA dot in the center allows you to aim with a great deal of precision at small targets that are off in the distance…

So as I said, this is my favorite reticle option offered by Eotech, and it comes on both the XPS2 and the XPS3.

EXPS3 And EXPS2 – What’s Included In The Box…?

It’s always nice to know what comes in the box when you purchase a new piece of gear…

And that’s probably why unboxing videos are so popular on YouTube…

So here’s a list of what you get with both of these sights from Eotech…

Inside the EXPS2 box:

  • The Eotech Exps2 Holographic Day Sight 
  • Your Choice of Reticle
  • CR123 Battery
  • Product Registration
  • Warranty Card
  • Quick-Start Guide
  • Protective Case

Inside the EXPS3 box: 

  • Eotech Exps3 Holographic Weapon Sight
  • Your Choice of Reticle
  • CR123 Battery
  • Product Registration
  • Quick-Start Guide
  • Warranty Card
  • Protective Case

EOTech XPS2 Vs XPS3 – Final Thoughts…

So in the end, both of these holographic sights are excellent because they’re both extremely durable and reliable…

In addition to that, they both have amazing reticle options and a large sight window that gives you a huge field of view when you’re shooting…

That being said, the EXPS3 has night vision capabilities because of the included NV brightness settings, and it also has extra water protection with a more robust waterproof rating…

On top of that, we also have to factor in that those extra features do add a little bit of extra cost to the optic, which makes the EXPS2 less expensive…

So which of these two optics do I prefer? I prefer the EXPS2…

exps2 night vision

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The EXPS2 (Over 188 Customer Reviews!):

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I prefer the EXPS2 for a few reasons. First of all, the EXPS2 is extremely rugged and reliable just like the EXPS3 and it comes with the Circle Dot reticle which, as I mentioned earlier is my favorite…

It also has a fairly strong waterproof rating, even though it is less than the EXPS3, and for my purposes, I don’t really need NV capability because I keep a white light on all of my rifles…

Oh, and it’s the less expensive optic as well…

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Click The Button Below To Learn More About The EXPS3 (Over 232 Customer Reviews!):

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Now if you have a need for NV capabilities on your optic (or if you just want to have those capabilities) then feel free to go for the EXPS3 because it’s still an amazing holographic sight…

You won’t go wrong getting either of these two optics because they’re both made by EOTech, and they’re both premium holographic sights that are bet-your-life reliable.

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Best Ruger Mark IV Red Dot [Top 5 List]

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ruger mark iv red dot

The Ruger Mark IV is a blast to shoot. It’s simple to clean, economical to feed, and completely dependable…

However, if you want to get the most out of your Ruger Mark IV, you’re going to want to put a quality red dot sight on it…

And that begs the question… What is the best Ruger Mark IV red dot sight…?

Well, in this post I’ll be answering that question for you, and I’ll be doing that by giving you my top 5 list of the best Ruger 22/45 red dot sights that are currently available…

By the end, you’ll have a good understanding of what some of the best red dot options are for your Ruger, and you should have all the information you need to determine which red dot is going to work best for you…

Let’s get started!

Best Ruger Mark IV Red Dot – Top 5 List…

The best Ruger Mark IV red dot is the Holosun 507C X2. It’s the best because it’s extremely durable, and it also comes loaded with useful features such as a multiple reticle system, which allows you to choose the best reticle for you and the Solar Failsafe…

In additon to that, the 507C also has Shake Awake technology and super long battery life, which will give you confidence that you can reliably use the sight on your Ruger Mark IV without the worry that it’ll die on you in the middle of a trip to the range…

Below, I’ll give you more detail explaining why I think the Holosun 507C is the best option for the Mark IV…

And I’ll also share with you 4 other amazing red dot sights that you should consider…

1. Holosun HS507C-X2 (Best Overall Ruger 22/45 Red Dot)

best red dot sight for ruger mark iv

The Holosun 507C X2 is an improved version of their well-liked 507C red dot, and it’s the best overall pick for a reflex dot sight to increase your Ruger Mark IV handgun performance and accuracy… 

These reflex sights from Holosun include multi-coated lenses and a red circle/dot reticle and are built for clear views in any setting. They also have limitless eye relief so that they’re extremely easy to use, whether you’re training at the range, shooting competitions, or defending others in the field…

Compared to its predecessor, this open reflex sight features a few improvements, such as the Lock Mode to avoid accidentally pressing the brightness buttons and an ergonomic button arrangement for simple access. In addition, the Holosun HS507C X2 Reflex Sight has a battery life of up to 50,000 hours (5 years), which is cool because you won’t have to change out batteries very often…

Additionally, it has a Solar Failsafe that keeps the red dot sight active in the event of a battery failure, and it automatically adjusts brightness according to lighting conditions. Plus, the Shake Awake function turns off the LED during periods of inactivity and turns it back on again as soon as it senses motion, which saves you even more battery life…

Furthermore, you can choose from 3 awesome reticle configurations, including Holosun’s famous Circle Dot Reticle (which is my favorite) and 12 brightness levels, two of which are compatible with night vision equipment, to best match your reticle to the lighting conditions around you…

So to sum it all up, I think the Holosun 507C is the best red dot sight for the Ruger Mark IV because it’s packed with useful features and it’s fairly affordable considering the quality level that you get.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun HS507C-X2:

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2. Trijicon RMR Type 2 (Best For Durability)

best ruger mark iv upgrades

Next, we have the close runner-up to the Holosun, the Trijicon RMR Type 2, which is well known to be one of the most durable red dot sights for smaller firearms… 

Now, this updated red dot pistol sight, known as the “Type 2,” is more durable than the fashion-forward original RMR and it offers many more customization choices. So whether it’s for serious use in the line of duty or just for plinking at the range, it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to switch to a reflex sight for their Ruger Mark IV…

Furthermore, it features a unique design that deflects stresses and absorbs impacts away from the lens, which makes it extremely durable. And in terms of materials, it’s constructed from 7075-T6 aluminum which gives it a very rugged and lightweight sight housing… 

Now the RMR can be had in a number of different types and reticle sizes, but my favorite is the 3.25 MOA reticle version because it’s very quick and easy for your eye to pick up, and it also allows you to aim with a lot of precision at the same time…

On top of that, the electronics in the new RMR ‘Type 2’ have been updated and enhanced, and intensive testing has shown that they are very reliable when placed on pistols like the Ruger Mark IV (and other small weapons). 

Last, the RMR Type 2 has features like the button lock-out mode and power-saving capabilities, and it’s simply the best pistol optic when it comes to reliability and durability…

So I think it’s a fantastic optic for a Ruger Mark IV because it won’t break down on you when you’re shooting, and it will help you shoot faster and more accurately…

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Trijicon RMR Type 2:

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3. Crimson Trace RAD Pro (Best New Optic In Its Price Range)

ruger mark 4 red dot co witness

The Ruger Mark IV is an ideal match for the Crimson Trace RAD Pro Electronic Sight, a full-size Open Reflex Sight for full-frame handguns. And given all the features this bad boy has, it is unquestionably among the top options in its price range…

The RAD Pro sports a recessed, completely multi-coated lens with a large rapid acquisition window and a red 3 MOA reticle. The Crimson Trace Radiant Ambient Light Sensor, included with the RAD Pro, automatically changes the brightness of the aiming dot to the ambient lighting environment, making your Ruger Mark IV a jack of all trades…

Furthermore, the reflex sight automatically activates when the motion sensor detects the weapon’s movement and goes off after two minutes of no movement (so it saves you battery life which is already impressive at 40,000 hours)…

Not only that, but the RAD Pro also has manual power and Auto Shutoff functions that let you turn the sight on or off using the side brightness controls… 

The Mark IV would fit it like a glove since it also has an extra Low Profile Pic Rail that can be used to attach your RAD Pro, and the angled sight housing gives the RAD Pro a cool look and makes it incredibly strong and impact-resistant…

So all in all, the Crimson Trace RAD Pro is a new pistol optic on the block, but because of the durability, super long battery life, excellent 3 MOA dot reticle, and cool looks, it’s sure to be an extremely popular pistol red dot… and it just had to be on this list for a Mark IV.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Crimson Trace RAD Pro:

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4. Holosun HS407C-X2 (Best High-Value Optic)

vortex venom ruger mark iv

Holosun’s HS407C-X2 is another great option for the Ruger Mark IV. Yes, this is Holosun’s second appearance on the list since they’re such an innovative company that makes high-quality and affordable red dots…

Now, just as with the HS507C-X2, the HS407C-X2 from Holosun is an open reflex optical sight that attaches easily to a Ruger Mark IV and provides you with a wide field of view that will improve your accuracy and speed up target acquisition…

The HS407C-X2, like the 507C-X2, is powered by a large capacity lithium-ion battery with a battery life of up to 50,000 hours (5 years) and with Solar Failsafe technology. In fact, the 407C is like the 507C in all ways except 2…

First, it only has a 2 MOA dot reticle, rather than the Multiple Reticle System featured on the 507C, and because of that, it comes in at a lower price point…

So if you want all the quality of the 507C, and are happy with a simple 2 MOA dot reticle, then the 407C is a great option for you because it will allow you to save a few bucks and still get an amazing red dot for your Mark IV… 

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun HS407C-X2:

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5. Swampfox Liberty (Best Budget Option)

cheap red dot for ruger mark iv

Finally, we have the affordable Swampfox Liberty – another excellent partner for the Ruger Mark IV in my opinion. The Liberty is Swampfox Optics‘ second-generation open reflex sight, and it’s designed for fun at the range and even more serious uses like concealed carry and law enforcement duty use…

The Liberty is a strong little red dot, and it’s packed with useful features. It has a durable 7075 aluminum sight housing, around 4,000 hours of battery life, Shake ‘N Wake technology (which saves you battery life), and a compact profile…

The Liberty comes with a 3 MOA dot reticle, which is a size that I like because I find it to be both fast and accurate, and another cool thing is that you can get this optic in a red reticle version or a green reticle version…

Of the two, I prefer red because it’s just quicker for my eyes to pick up, but there are many phenomenal shooters who prefer green over red. It’s a personal preference kind of thing, but I like that you have both options with the Liberty because it allows you to get the color that works best for you…

Last, the Liberty is the most affordable optic on my list. There are other red dots that come in at a lower price point than the Liberty, but I find that many of them lack durability and can easily break on you…

So if you want to go the budget route when putting a red dot on your Mark IV, I highly recommend the Swampfox Liberty because you’ll get a strong and high-quality optic at that affordable price point.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Swampfox Liberty:

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Best M16A4 Clone [Top 7 List]…

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m16a4 clone

The M16A4 is a badass rifle for many reasons…

It’s a really smooth shooter because it features that rifle-length gas system…

And in a world full of AR-15s that look like M4 clones (which are also cool), it’s nice to see something that looks cool, stands out from the crowd, and gives you that extra velocity from a 20-inch barrel…

Now sadly, as civilians in the US, we can’t really get our hands easily on select-fire M16s…

But luckily for us, we can still either pick up or build an M16A4 clone

And in this post, I’m going to share with you my Top 7 List of the best M16A4 clones that are currently on the market…

In the end, you’ll have a good understanding of the options that are out there, and you should have all the information you need to determine which clone is going to work best for you…

Let’s get started!

Best M16A4 Clone – Top 7 List…

The best M16A4 clone is by far the FN M16 Military Collector Rifle. FN currently produces the M16A4 for the US Military, and this rifle is built to the exact same standard with the only exception being that it’s a semi-automatic rifle only…

The following will give more detail explaining why the FN M16 Military Collector Rifle is the best clone of the M16A4…

And I’ll also share with you several other fantastic options if you’re looking for a clone of the M16A4…

1. FN M16 Military Collector Rifle (My #1 Pick!)

best m16a4 clone

As I mentioned above, the best M16A4 clone is, hands down, the FN M16 Military Collector Rifle, and there are a number of reasons why…

First of all, FN is the company that currently manufacturers M4s and M16s for the US Military, and this is essentially the same rifle as those being issued with one major difference… it’s a semi-automatic rifle rather than a select-fire rifle…

Other than that, everything about this rifle is exactly the same as the M16s you would find in a military armory, and all of the components meet or exceed military specifications…

FN is known for their barrels, and the barrel that you get with this rifle is extremely high quality. It’s made from 4140 Alloy steel, and it features a 1:7 twist rate, just as the actual M16A4 does. In addition to that, the bolt and carrier are High Pressure Tested and Magnetic Particle Inspected to ensure that the steel doesn’t have any cracks or weak spots that will create failures…

On top of that, with this rifle, you get a MaTech adjustable rear sight and a Knights Armament RAS quad rail which are both correct if you’re building a clone of the M16A4…

So like I said, there is no clone closer to the M16A4 than this rifle because it’s made by FN, and it’s built to the same standards and with the same materials. It even has a bar code on the right-hand side of the lower receiver just like the military rifles do! The ONLY difference is that is a semi-automatic rifle for the civilian market.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The FN M16 Military Collector Rifle:

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2. Colt AR15A4 .223 Rem/5.56 NATO 20-Inch Semi-Automatic Rifle

Can a civilian own a M16A4

FN is not the only manufacturer that has supplied M16s and M4s to the US military. In fact, for a long time, it was Colt who held that illustrious military contract, and just like Colt’s LE6920 is a civilian version of the M4, the Colt AR15A4 is also an incredibly faithful and high-quality M16A4 clone…

Now the AR15A4 is a little bit more bare-bones than the FN clone, but it also comes in at a better price-point, and again, it also has Colt’s lineage of making M16s for the US Military just like the FN does…

With the AR15A4, you get a 20-inch chrome-lined barrel with a 1:7 twist rate, and all of the internal components meet or exceed military specifications…

You also get a standard M16A2 handguard, which I still think looks cool, but if you want to, you can replace it with the Knights Armament Quad Rail. Aside from that, you get a removable carry handle, and underneath is the optics rail that an M16A4 should have…

All in all, this rifle is very similar to the FN clone in how close it is to an actual M16A4 because both FN and Colt have made M16s for the US Military for a long time.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Colt AR15A4 .223 Rem/5.56 NATO 20-Inch Semi-Automatic Rifle:

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3. STAG 15 Retro 20″ Rifle W/ Chrome Phosphate Barrel

Is M16A4 better than M4A1

Another fantastic civilian clone of the M16A4 is the Stag 15 Retro 20-inch Rifle. Now, Stag doesn’t have any military contracts as far as I’m aware, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t build extremely high-quality and reliable AR-15s

In fact, I think you get a lot for your money when you go with a Stag 15, and their 20-inch Retro rifle is no different. For starters, with this rifle, you get a 20-inch chrome-lined barrel that is made from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium and has a 1/7 twist rate…

Aside from that, the bolt is made from Carpenter 158 steel and the carrier is built from 8620 steel and is also chrome-lined so it meets military specifications…

In fact, all the parts that come on this rifle meet mil-spec standards, and just as with the Colt AR15A4, it comes with A2 handguards which you can easily swap out for a Knights Armament Quad Rail if you want to, and a detachable carry handle, so you can easily mount an optic on the top rail…

All in all, the Stag 15 Retro is another high-quality option if you’re looking for a clone of the M16A4.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The STAG 15 Retro 20″ Rifle W/ Chrome Phosphate Barrel:

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4. M16A4 Clone PSA PA-15 20” Nitride Rifle-Length Classic AR-15 Rifle (Awesome Budget Option!)

m16a4 clone psa

Another fantastic option, especially if you’re looking for a clone of the M16A4 on a budget is the PSA PA-15 20” Nitride Rifle-Length Classic AR-15 Rifle…

This rifle features a 20-inch barrel that’s made from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel, has a 1/7 twist rate, and has a Nitride finish. Now the Nitride or Melonite finish is not Mil-Spec, but in many ways, it’s a better finish, and I don’t think that’s a negative for this rifle at all…

Now the Bolt that you get is made from Carpenter 158 steel and shot-peened (to harden the surface), and that is Mil-spec along with the 8620 steel carrier which is chrome-lined and has a properly staked gas key (so that it doesn’t come loose when you’re firing)…

Just as with many other rifles on this list, the PSA PA-15 comes with an A2 handguard and a detachable carry handle with an optic rail underneath. You can easily drop on a Knights Armament Quad Rail if you want to, and mount an optic of your choice…

All in all, this is a very well-built rifle that comes in at a more affordable price point than many other 20-inch AR-15s, and I think it makes for a fantastic M16A4 clone.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The PSA PA-15 20” Nitride Rifle-Length Classic AR-15 Rifle:

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M16A4 Clone Build Kits…

Another great option is to build your M16A4 clone from a ready-to-go kit, and to do that, the only additional part that you’re going to need is a quality AR-15 lower…

Now there are a ton of great lowers out there, but one that I think might go well with an M16 clone is the PSA Stealth Lower…

PSA Stealth Lower

Is M16A4 a real gun

I love the PSA Stealth Lower for a number of reasons, but it’s especially good for clone builds because it is ‘stealth’…

All that means is that it doesn’t have any logo on it, which is good because a flashy logo can distract from the aesthetic of your clone…

In addition to that, the PSA Stealth Lower is made from Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum (so it’s extremely strong), and it’s also pretty affordable.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The PSA Stealth Lower:

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5. PSA 20″ Rifle Length 5.56 NATO Nitride A2 Freedom Rifle Kit

m16a4 clone parts

This is an awesome kit from PSA because it allows you to build out your clone of the M16A4 with your own choice of lower…

Building out an AR-15 is a fun experience, but it’s also important for an AR owner because it teaches you how the rifle works, and how you can fix issues and/or replace parts when necessary…

Another benefit is that you can usually get these kits and a stripped lower for much less cost than a fully built factory rifle…

Now with this kit, you get some very high-quality components. The barrel is made from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium (so it’s a very strong barrel) and it has a 1/7 twist rate…

In addition to that, the bolt that you get is made from Carpenter 158 steel and shot-peened, and the carrier features a parkerized finish. The rest of the components are all of good quality, and overall, this is a fantastic option if you want to save some money and build your clone yourself.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The PSA 20″ Rifle Length 5.56 NATO Nitride A2 Freedom Rifle Kit:

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6. Del-Ton Pre-Ban Government Profile Rifle Kit

m16a4 build kit

This kit from Del-Ton would be a great match with the PSA Stealth lower, and it would allow you to easily build an M16A4 clone VERY affordably…

Now, many of the components that you get in this kit are not going to be Mil-Spec, but that doesn’t mean that they’re bad or that they won’t work…

In general, Del-Ton builds pretty solid budget AR-15s. So if you choose to go with this kit, you’ll be able to build your clone from the ground up (which is always fun), and you’ll have a reliable M16A4 clone that will cost you a lot less than all of the complete rifle options.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Del-Ton Pre-Ban Government Profile Rifle Kit:

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7. Mix And Match Your Choice Of Upper And Lower

Number 7 on my list is to share with you a few of the best uppers and a good quality lower that will allow you to create your own clone…

This is another way of getting some high-quality components into your M16A4 clone and saving some money at the same time!

M16A4 Clone Uppers…

1. Aero Precision AR15 20-Inch 5.56 Complete Upper Receiver

aero precision upper

Aero Precision makes some extremely high-quality AR-15s and parts especially considering the amount of money that you pay for them, and this complete upper from Aero is perfect if you’re putting together an M16A4 Clone on a budget…

First of all, the barrel that you get with this upper is very high quality. It’s made from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium (which is probably the best barrel material that you can get), and it features a 1:7 twist rate just like a real M16A4…

On top of that, it comes with a detachable carry handle so you can easily mount an optic onto your rifle, and it comes with the classic M16A2 handguards which you can replace if you’d like to…

It does not come with a bolt carrier group or charging handle, but if you’re in need of a good BCG you can check out these, and a Mil-spec charging handle is extremely easy to find and affordable…

All in all, I love Aero Precision AR-15s, and this would make a wonderful upper for a clone of an M16A4.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Aero Precision AR15 20-Inch 5.56 Complete Upper Receiver:

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2. Colt M16 R0901 5.56 Complete Upper Receiver

m16a4 build list

As I mentioned earlier, FN and Colt are two manufacturers that have actually produced M16s for the US Military, and this upper from Colt is about as correct as you can possibly get if you’re trying to clone an M16A4…

This Colt upper is completely mil-spec in terms of the materials used and the how it’s built, and if you go with the M16 handguard option, all you have to do is pin it onto a good mil-spec lower and you can have yourself a very accurate clone of the M16A4 at a lower price-point than you would by going with the complete FN or Colt rifles…

Overall, I think this is another fantastic option, and it definitely should be included in this list.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Colt M16 R0901 5.56 Complete Upper Receiver:

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3. PSA 20″ CHF 1:7 A2 Rifle Length Premium Upper

palmetto state armory upper

Palmetto State Armory is usually known for their budget AR-15s and AR parts, but they actually have a premium line of ARs that are extremely high quality as well. And I think this CHF Premium A2 upper from PSA is another great option to consider if you’re putting together your own M16A4 clone…

Let me get right to the point, the barrel that you get with this upper is actually made by FN for PSA. We’ve already talked about how FN is the manufacturer that actually supplies M16A4s for the US Military, and with this upper, you’re getting the exact same barrel that goes into real M16A4s…

FN barrels are famous for their quality, and the barrel on this upper is cold hammer forged (CHF) which is a process that makes it incredibly strong (FN actually makes machine gun barrels for M240s using this process)…

In addition to the cold hammer forged barrel that you get with this upper, you also get a mil-spec upper receiver and A2 handguards. So overall, if you pin this upper onto a good mil-spec lower, you’ll have a great rifle that looks like an M16A4, and you’ll actually have the exact same barrel that is used in the real M16A4s (which is pretty cool).

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The PSA 20″ CHF 1:7 A2 Rifle Length Premium Upper:

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4. Del-Ton Pre-Ban Government Profile Flat Top Upper (Awesome Budget Option!)

m16a4 clone handguard

I introduced you to the Del-Ton complete rifle kit earlier in this list, but I wanted to make sure you were aware that you could just get the Del-Ton complete upper receiver as well…

This is another fantastic option for a clone of the M16A4 particularly if you’re on a budget. The barrel that you get with this upper is 20 inches long and it is constructed from Chrome Moly Vanadium (so it’s very strong)…

This twist rate on this upper’s barrel is 1/9 twist which is not correct for an actual M16A4 (it should be a 1:7 twist), but that’s not a change that anyone will be able to recognize when looking at your clone, and your rifle will still shoot accurately and reliably…

Aside from that though, this upper comes with a bolt carrier group that is High Pressure Tested (HPT) and Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI) to ensure the steel is strong and doesn’t have any weak points, and it also comes with a Mil-spec charging handle and A2 handguards…

So this is another wonderful upper that will allow you to create a clone of the M16A4, and it’s an extremely affordable option as well.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Del-Ton Pre-Ban Government Profile Flat Top Upper:

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M16A4 Clone Lower…

There are several fantastic complete lower receivers that you can use along with any of the uppers that I’ve listed above, but one that I particularly like is the PSA complete lower…

PSA AR15 Complete A2 Rifle Lower Receiver

m16a4 clone lower

This is a fantastic lower for an A4 clone because it already comes with the A2 stock that you need and the A2 grip…

It’s also a strong lower receiver that is made from 7075 T6 aluminum (which is mil-spec), and it comes with a mil-spec PSA trigger…

All you need to do is pin one of the upper that I mentioned earlier onto this lower, and you’ll have your own custom-built clone of the M16A4!

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The PSA AR15 Complete A2 Rifle Lower Receiver:

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Leapers UTG AR15 A2 Fixed Stock Assembly

m16a4 clone reddit

If you have an M4 lower that you’d like to use for your clone, it’s actually very easy to swap out the adjustable stock and buffer tube…

And the Leapers UTG A2 fixed stock is an excellent option to get the look that you need for a clone of the M16A4. I like the Leapers stock because it’s fairly affordable, and it’s also durable…

It also comes with the extension and recoil spring that you need for the A2 stock as well. So again, it’s a great option if you need to change out a collapsible stock on a lower with a full-length M16A2 stock.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Leapers UTG AR15 A2 Fixed Stock Assembly:

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M16A4 Clone Rail – Knights Armament RAS

m16a4 clone rail

Many of the options I shared with you in this list of M16A4 clones come with A2 handguards, and if you want an updated clone of the M16A4, then the correct rail that you’ll need is the Knights Armament RAS rail…

It’s a very rugged rail, and it’ll give your clone that upgraded look that you might be going for…

It’ll also allow you to easily mount a vertical foregrip, a light, and a laser if those are accessories that you want to include in your clone.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Knights Armament RAS:

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M16A4 Clone Optic – Trijicon ACOG 4×32 USMC Rifle Combat Optical Sight

m16a4 clone acog

The last piece of the puzzle when it comes to cloning the M16A4 is going to be the optic, and for that, you’re probably going to want to go with the Trijicon ACOG 4×32 USMC Rifle Combat Optical Sight…

This is the rock-solid scope that is used on the Marine Corps M16A4s, and it’s built to Trijicon’s extremely high standards with super clear glass, long eye relief, and a battery-less illuminated Chevron reticle…

It’s pricey, but it’s an amazing optic, and if accuracy is important to you for your clone of the M16A4, then this is the optic to go with…

(It’s a perfect match with the FN M16 Military Collector Rifle or The Colt AR15A4!)

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Trijicon ACOG 4×32 USMC Rifle Combat Optical Sight:

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Radical Firearms Review [Is It The Right AR-15 For You…?]

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radical firearms review

You can really get a lot for your money when it comes to AR-15s these days

And that’s a great thing because ARs are accurate, reliable, ergonomic, fast, and incredibly fun to shoot…

That being said, not all AR-15s are made equal, and that’s especially true when it comes to affordable or ‘budget’ ARs…

So in today’s post, we’re going to discuss one of the most popular budget AR-15s that is currently available… the Radical Firearms FR16…

And in this Radical Firearms review, we’re going to examine how the FR16 stacks up to its competition and see if it’s truly worth the affordable price that you pay for it…

In the end, you’ll know exactly what the Radical Firearms FR16 has to offer, and you should be able to determine if it’s the right AR-15 for you…

Let’s get started!

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Radical Firearms Review – Is It The Right AR-15 For You?

Radical Firearms AR-15s are well-built, affordable rifles. They feature a forged 7075 T6 aluminum upper and lower, upgraded furniture, and a mid-length gas system. They also have a good reputation for reliability and a limited lifetime warranty that applies to the original purchaser of the gun…

Watch The Video Below:

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Radical Firearms FR16:

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Upper Receiver…

The Radical Firearms upper receiver is a very high-quality AR-15 upper. It’s constructed from Forged 7075 T6 aluminum, which is a very strong material and meets military specifications…

Not all budget AR-15s use forged 7075 T6 aluminum in their uppers, so it’s nice to see that Radical Firearms is using a very robust aluminum…

On top of that, with the Radical Firearms FR16, you get a forward assist and a dust cover…

Some budget AR-15s will omit these two features, and there are many people who claim that they’re not important to the AR design or that they’re never used…

I disagree with that idea because I use both of these features, and I like to have them on all of my AR-15s…

Last, the FR16’s upper comes with M4 feed ramps which will help your AR-15 feed rounds more reliably, especially if you’re shooting a lot of rounds fast…

And you get an optic rail, which is pretty standard on AR-15s these days, but it’s an important feature because it will allow you to easily mount a red dot or scope onto your rifle.

Barrel And Chamber…

When you’re AR-15 shopping, you always want to make sure that you’re rifle is chambered in 5.56 Nato (or .223 Wylde) and not chambered in .223 Remington…

The reason why is because ARs chambered in .223 Remington cannot safely fire 5.56 Nato rounds…

However, ARs chambered in 5.56 Nato or .223 Wylde can fire 5.56 rounds or .223 Remington rounds without any problems at all…

The Radical Firearms FR16 is chambered in 5.56 Nato, and again, that’s a good thing because it will allow you to fire 5.56 Nato and .223 Remington rounds safely from your gun…

radical firearms fr16 review

Now the barrel on the FR16 is 16 inches long and made from 4140 Chrome Moly Vanadium…

4140 Chrome Moly Vanadium is a strong barrel material and for a budget AR-15 like the RF16, I think it’s a good choice because it helps keep the cost of the rifle down while still adding a lot of strength to the barrel…

On top of that, the barrel that you get is Melonite finished which is a very strong finish, and it will help protect the inside and outside of your barrel from corrosion…

I also like that you get a SOCOM barrel profile with the RF16 because it’s a little bit heavier profile than a government profile barrel, and SOCOM barrels can tend to be a little more accurate as well…

Last, I like that the FR16’s barrel features a 1:7 twist rate. Many budget AR-15s feature a 1:9 twist rate, which typically shoots light bullets well but has problems stabilizing heavy bullets…

The 1:7 twist rate is generally considered to be better than a 1:9 twist rate, and it does an excellent job at stabilizing heavy bullets.

So overall, I love that the Radical Firearms AR is chambered in 5.56 Nato, and I think the barrel is very good quality.

Gas System…

The Radical Firearms FR16 features a mid-length gas system, and this is pretty unusual when it comes to budget AR-15s, which typically feature a carbine-length gas system…

Now, carbine-length gas systems can run great on ARs, but generally, a mid-length gas system will run a little bit smoother and create a little bit less recoil on the shooter…

So it’s nice to see that the FR16 gives you a mid-length gas system because it’s an upgrade that will make your rifle shoot a little bit smoother.

Muzzle Device…

The muzzle device that comes with the FR16 is an A2 Flash Hider. The A2 flash hider is a good muzzle device because it does a fine job at flash suppression and offers a little bit of muzzle compensation as well…

I don’t think there’s any reason why you need to change out the A2 flash hider that comes on the FR16 with another muzzle device unless that’s something you want to do (I love personalizing my AR-15s with different accessories)…

radical firearms vs diamondback

And because the barrel features a 1/2×28 thread pitch, you can easily install another muzzle device (again, if you want to) or screw on a suppressor if you have one.

Bolt Carrier Group…

Radical Firearms doesn’t really share much information about who makes their bolt carrier groups, but I have heard that Azimuth Technology makes BCGs for Radical Firearms…

If that’s the case, you’re getting an extremely high-quality BCG with your AR-15…

Now, I can say for certain that the FR16’s BCG does feature a full-auto profile, and it has a melonite finish, which as I mentioned before is an excellent finish…

The bolt is also Magnetic Particle Inspected to ensure that there are no cracks or weak spots running through it, and the carrier is made from 8620 Tool Steel and is case hardened…

So overall, I think the BCG that you get with the FR16 is strong and made from high-quality materials.

Rail/Handguard…

The rail that you get with the FR16 is very exciting in my opinion. Radical Firearms calls it their RPR rail which stands for ‘Radical Parallelogram Rail’, and there are several things that I like about it…

First of all, the RPR features M-LOK slots in the 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock positions. So you can easily mount things like lights, lasers, vertical foregrips, and any other accessories you can think of…

radical firearms ar15 review

In addition to that, it’s a fairly lightweight rail, which is important because it makes the rifle handier and easier to manipulate when you’re shooting…

On top of that, the handguard portion of the rail is rectangular rather than circular, which is why it’s called the RPR rail…

This is a very unique design choice among AR-15 rails in general, but I really think it’s ergonomic and feels great…

Other characteristics of the RPR rail that I like are that it’s a full 15-inch rail (so it fully covers your 16-inch barrel), it has anti-rotation tabs (so it mounts very securely and won’t turn), and it free-floats your barrel (which is good for accuracy)…

So all in all, I think the RPR rail is fantastic, and it’s a massive upgrade over the plastic M4 handguards that you often find on budget AR-15s.

Radical Firearms Lower Receiver Review…

Radical Firearms lower receivers are very good quality. They’re constructed from forged 7075 T6 aluminum, which is a very strong material, and they feature Type III Anodizing. They also include fencing around the magazine release, and a standard mil-spec magazine well

In the following sections, we’ll discuss the components that are included with the FR16’s lower receiver.

Trigger…

The trigger that comes with the FR16 is a standard mil-spec trigger. It’s a single-stage trigger, and with the right amount of practice, you can shoot very quickly and accurately with it…

I don’t really see a need to change it, but of course, if you want to, you can easily upgrade it with one of any number of high-quality AR triggers that are currently available…

That said, I don’t think you need to change it because it works reliably, and as long as you do your part with marksmanship fundamentals, it’ll get the job done.

Pistol Grip…

The pistol grip that you get with the FR16 is the Mission First Tactical (MFT) grip, and there are a few reasons why I think it’s a big upgrade over the A2 pistol grip that is commonly found on budget AR-15s…

First of all, it has no finger ledge, which is a big deal for me. I can’t stand the finger ledge that comes on A2 pistol grips because my third finger always sits right on top of it (and that’s the case with a lot of other shooters as well)…

radical firearms good or bad

So having it completely removed on the MFT grip is a great benefit for me because I can quickly shoot the gun without having to shift my fingers around on the grip beforehand…

Another problem I have with the A2 grip is that it’s very skinny. The MFT grip that you get with the FR16, does a much better job at filling your hand and is just more ergonomic in general…

Last, I like that the MFT grip sits at a more 90 degree angle than the A2 grip. For me, it’s just a little bit more natural of an angle, and I find that it makes for a more comfortable experience when you’re shooting the gun.

Stock…

The stock that you get with the FR16 is the Mission First Tactical Minimalist stock, and again, it’s a huge upgrade over the plastic M4 stock that comes with most budget AR-15s…

To begin, the MFT Minimalist stock is much stronger than the plastic M4-style stocks, which I have seen break before…

In addition to that, the Minimalist stock is extremely lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh down your gun and make it unwieldy, and it has a comfortable rubber butt-pad which fits my shoulder like a glove…

Last, the MFT Minimalist has a QD sling swivel, so you can quickly attach and detach a sling, and it’s adjustable for 6 different positions depending on the length of pull that’s comfortable for you…

So all in all, the MFT Minimalist is one of my favorite AR-15 stocks, and I love that Radical Firearms chose it for this rifle.

Safety…

The safety is another area in which the FR16 is upgraded over most other budget AR-15s…

It features an ambidextrous safety rather than a standard mil-spec right-handed safety…

radical firearms lower receiver review

And here’s the cool part, the safety lever on the right side of the gun is shortened so that it doesn’t interfere with your trigger finger if you’re a right-handed shooter…

Having a long ambi safety has created problems for me as I right-handed shooter in the past. So it’s nice to see that you get an ambi safety that won’t create ergonomic problems for right-handed shooters as well.

Magazine & Mag Well…

The Radical Firearms AR-15 comes with one 30-round magazine. I recommend that you get at least 4 more, because I think 5 magazines per gun is a minimum of what you should have (remember, magazines can break and it’s good to have extras)…

Aside from that, the magazine well that comes on the Radical Firearms lower is a standard mil-spec mag well…

There’s nothing special about it, but because it’s a standard AR mag well, you can easily load and unload your rifle very quickly with it.

Mag Release & Bolt Release…

One of the reasons why AR-15s are so popular is that the platform is inherently ergonomic, and that’s certainly the case with the magazine release and bolt release that come on the FR16…

There’s nothing special about them, but there doesn’t need to be because you can quickly drop mags when you need to and drop the bolt when you reload with the standard AR controls.

Shootability And Accuracy…

The FR16 is an accurate gun because it features a fairly well-built barrel, and the AR-15 platform is inherently accurate…

On top of that, the free floated rail that you get with this gun allows the barrel to do its thing without anything touching it, and that usually translates to better accuracy as well…

radical firearms review reddit

When it comes to shootability, the FR16 is a reliable AR-15, and because it has that mid-length gas system (rather than a carbine-length system) it’s also a pretty smooth-shooting AR-15 too.

Radical Firearms AR15 Accessories…

I love the rail, the grip, and the stock that come with the FR16, so I don’t think that there are many accessories that you need to upgrade on it…

That being said, it does come with a standard mil-spec charging handle which works ok but is typically a part that I replace on my ARs…

I like charging handles that have a large lever because they make clearing malfunctions and even some types of reloads much easier…

Aside from that, I do recommend putting either a red dot or a scope on your FR16 because having an optic will allow you to shoot faster and more accurately.

Radical Firearms Warranty…

Radical Firearms AR-15s come with a limited lifetime warranty, which is fantastic…

So if you’re the original owner of the Radical Firearms AR (or any of their products) and there’s an issue where something stops working or breaks…

…Radical Firearms is more than likely going to take care of you and fix the problem.

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Radical Firearms AR 15 Review – Final Thoughts…

To sum it all up, Radical Firearms AR 15s are very good guns for the money. They have a Forged 7075 T6 aluminum upper and lower receiver (which are both very strong), a 4140 CMV steel barrel, and a mid-length gas system (which makes them reliable and smooth shooters)…

On top of that, with the FR16 you get an awesome free-float M-LOK rail (unlike many other budget ARs), an upgraded stock and pistol grip, and an ambidextrous safety…

All of that is included, and the price of the rifle is still extremely affordable…

radical firearms ar 15 review

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Radical Firearms FR16:

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So I highly recommend the Radical Firearms FR16 because I think it’s definitely a quality AR-15 and right now, it’s one of the best ARs you can get for the money!

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Diamondback AR-15 Problems? [Is The Diamondback AR-15 Good Or Bad…?]

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diamondback ar-15 problems

The AR-15 is often called ‘America’s Rifle’, and there are a number of reasons why…

The AR platform is inherently accurate, ergonomic, and easy (and fun!) to shoot…

On top of that, it’s an extremely customizable rifle, and there are many AR-15s that are being built and sold at incredibly affordable price points…

One of these AR-15s is the Diamondback DB15…

And one of the questions that I often see asked is this… What are the Diamondback AR-15 problems…?

Well in this post, I’m going to explain if the Diamondback DB15 does have any major problems by giving you a thorough overview of the AR parts used to build it…

In the end, you’ll know whether the Diamondback AR-15 is good or bad, and you should be able to determine if it’s the right AR-15 for you or not…

Let’s get straight to the point…

Diamondback AR-15 Problems? – Is It A Quality AR-15…?

The new line of Diamondback AR-15s don’t really have any problems. These AR-15s are not over-gassed, and they’re assembled with high-quality parts. Additionally, the fit and finish on these AR-15s is very good, and even though they come with a number of upgraded components, they are set at an affordable price point…

Watch The Video Below:

Click The Links Below To Learn More About The Most Popular Diamondback AR-15s:

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diamondback ar-15 good or badDIAMONDBACK DB15 5.56 NATO (FULLY UPGRADED RIFLE) – Get Best Pricing Here!
diamondback db15 upgradesDIAMONDBACK DB15 5.56 NATO (STANDARD RIFLE) – Get Best Pricing Here!
is diamondback a good ar brandDIAMONDBACK DB15 5.56 NATO (BUDGET RIFLE) – Get Best Pricing Here!

The following will give you more detail regarding the quality of the different components that you get with the Diamondback DB15…

Upper Receiver…

The actual upper receiver on the Diamondback AR-15 is made from Forged 7075 T-6 Aluminum, which is a very strong material, and it makes the upper extremely rugged…

Now there are some budget ARs that use inferior aluminum in their uppers, so it’s nice to see that Diamondback is using high-quality aluminum in the DB15…

In addition to that, this Diamondback upper features an optic rail on top. This is a pretty standard addition to AR-15s these days, but it’s important because it will allow you to easily mount a red dot or a scope onto your AR.

Barrel And Chamber…

The barrel is one of the most important parts on an AR-15 because it can affect reliability and (of course) the accuracy of your gun…

And it’s also a place where many manufacturers of budget ARs will attempt to cut costs…

That’s not the case with the Diamondback DB15 because it features an incredibly high-quality barrel…

who makes the diamondback ar-15

First of all, the barrel that you get is made from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel, which is a very strong and high-quality barrel material

On top of that, the barrel features a 1/8 twist rate which, again, is nice to see on an affordable AR-15 because many of them come with a 1/9 twist rate…

And the reason why that matters is because a 1/8 twist can usually fire both heavy and light bullets very accurately, whereas a 1/9 twist generally has problems firing heavy bullets accurately…

Last, the most common version of the DB15 is chambered in 5.56 Nato, and you definitely want a rifle that is chambered in 5.56 Nato (or .223 Wylde) and NOT chambered in .223 Remington…

The reason why is because an AR-15 chambered in .223 Remington cannot safely handle the pressure of 5.56 rounds…

However, rifles that are chambered in 5.56 Nato (or .223 Wylde) can safely fire 5.56 rounds or .223 Remington rounds…

So all in all, I’m very impressed with the barrel that you get with the DB15 because even though it’s an affordable gun, it has some pretty cool upgraded features.

Gas System…

The DB15 comes with a Mid-Length gas system. Once again, most budget AR-15s will feature a Carbine-Length gas system which will work reliably…

But the advantage that you get with a Mid-Length gas system is that it generally makes you’re AR-15 a little smoother and softer-shooting than a Carbine-Length system…

Now I have seen reports online of the DB15 being over-gassed, but that has not been the case with the DB15s that I’ve seen which all eject brass-cased rounds in the 3 to4 o’clock position, which is what you want…

So, I think that the DB15 is gas correctly, and I like that it has a Mid-Length gas system because it makes the gun a smooth shooter.

Muzzle Device…

The muzzle device that you get with your Diamondback AR-15 will be dependent upon which version you choose to go with…

If you choose to go with the Standard Rifle or the Budget Rifle, then you’ll get Diamondbacks’s CNC DBSB IV Flash Hider, which I think looks really cool and does a good job hiding flash when you fire in lowlight conditions…

I do think it’s a slight upgrade over an A2 ‘birdcage’ flash hider, which is what you’ll find on most budget AR 15s, and I think that it gives a unique look to the Standard DB15 as well…

is diamondback a good ar brand

Now if you go with the Fully Upgraded DB15 then you’ll get the Diamondback CNC Muzzle Brake, and it’s an awesome muzzle device…

It keeps the gun incredibly flat when you’re shooting, and it allows you to fire shot after shot very quickly and very accurately…

Last, the threading on the DB15’s barrel is 1/2×28 so if you don’t like the flash hider or the Fully Loaded DB15’s muzzle brake, you can easily replace it with a muzzle device of your choice.

Bolt Carrier Group…

The bolt carrier group or BCG is another incredibly important part of an AR-15…

It’s often called the heart of the rifle, and you really want to make sure that you get quality components within the BCG to keep your gun running reliably (without any parts breaking)…

The Diamondback DB15 comes with a very strong and high-quality bolt carrier group…

First of all, the carrier itself is made from 8620 steel which is a very strong steel and meets military specifications…

On top of that, the BCG is shot-peened which is a process used to harden the surface layer of the steel, and the bolt is Magnetic Particle Inspected to ensure that the steel doesn’t have any weak points or cracks in it…

So overall, the DB15’s BCG is made from very strong components which should give it a very long life, and it’s also inspected to make sure that the quality level is there.

Rail/Handguard…

The rail that you get with the DB15 will also depend on which version you choose to go with…

The Standard Rifle and the Budget Rifle come with Diamondback’s 15-inch V Rail…

diamondback db15 black gold review

This is a pretty good rail because it free-floats the barrel to allow for more accuracy, and it’s also fairly lightweight because most of the top picatinny rail is removed (except for in the places that you need it for backup iron sights)…

In addition to that, it locks onto the barrel nut very securely, and it features M-LOK slots on both sides and on the top and bottom which will allow you to easily mount lights, lasers, vertical foregrips, and any other accessories you can think of…

Now if you go with the Fully Loaded DB15, then you get Diamondback’s S Rail which I think is even cooler…

First of all, the S Rail free-floats the barrel, has M-Loks slots for accessories, and locks onto the barrel nut very securely as well…

best ammo for diamondback db15

The difference is that it’s built to be a little more lightweight than the V Rail…

This balances the gun a little bit better when you’re shooting, and out of the two rails, it’s the one I think looks better and performs a little bit better as well…

That being said, the V Rail is a fantastic rail for a budget or even mid-range AR-15 because it’s strong, fairly lightweight, and goes the full 15 inches on a 16-inch barreled AR.

Lower Receiver…

The lower that you get with the Diamondback DB15 is unlike any that I’ve seen on an affordable AR-15…

First of all, it’s made from Forged 7075 T-6 Aluminum which, as I said when discussing the upper, is very strong and high-quality aluminum…

But it also has a very unique mag well (which is awesome and we’ll discuss in a little bit) and an enhanced trigger guard with lightening cuts…

I really like the enhanced trigger guard because it’s enlarged (just in case you need to shoot with winter gloves on), and the lightening cuts lighten up the lower without taking any strength or reliability away…

So it’s not the typical run-of-the-mill lower that most AR-15s have, and the unique features actually do enhance the performance of the gun.

Trigger…

The trigger that you get with the DB15 also depends on which version you choose to go with…

The Standard Rifle and the Budget Rifle both feature a typical mil-spec AR-15 trigger…

You can shoot well with it and it’s reliable, but it’s not really different from any other mil-spec triggers that are on the market…

diamondback db15 trigger upgrade

That being said, if you go with the Fully Loaded Rifle, you get a Flat-Faced CMC 3.5lb Single Stage Drop in Trigger, and it’s incredible…

It’s my favorite trigger for any AR-15 because it’s reliable, and the clean and light break helps you shoot faster and more accurately…

So to sum up this section, the mil-spec trigger that you get with the Standard DB15 is fine (and you can upgrade it later if you want to)…

…but I love that the Fully Loaded Rifle comes with the CMC 3.5lb trigger, and I don’t think they could have made a better choice for the upgraded version of this rifle.

Pistol Grip…

Just as with many other accessories included on the DB15, the pistol grip that you get will depend on which version of the rifle you choose to go with…

The Standard Rifle and the Budget Rifle both come with a Magpul MOE K2 Grip

I love Magpul grips in general, and ever since the K2 grip came out, I prefer it over the standard MOE grip because it sits at a more 90 degree angle which feels a little bit more comfortable for me…

It’s a huge upgrade over the standard A2 grip that comes on many budget AR-15s, which I can’t stand because it’s too skinny and the finger ledge always gets in the way when I try to shoot…

Now, the Fully Loaded Rifle comes with the Magpul MOE K2+ grip which I like even better than the regular K2…

It has the same angle as the regular K2 grip which, again, I find to be very comfortable to use…

diamondback ar-15 accessories

But in addition to that, it also has a rubber over-mold around it, and I like the rubber over-mold for 3 reasons…

First, it gives you great traction when you’re shooting, which helps you shoot faster…

Second, it feels more comfortable that a naked plastic grip, and third, I shoot in the Nevada desert and the rubber grips don’t get scorching hot when sitting in the sun the way plastic grips do…

So, both grips are good, but I do prefer the K2+ for those reasons, and since the K2+ is only around 20 bucks, you could easily upgrade the Standard or Budget Rifle with it on your own.

Stock…

Once again, the stock that you get with the DB15 will depend on the version that you choose to go with…

The Standard Rifle and the Budget Rifle both come with the Magpul CTR stock, which is a fantastic stock…

It’s a huge upgrade over a standard M4-style stock (which many budget rifles come with) because it’s a lot stronger, and you also have the ability to lock the stock into place so it doesn’t rattle around at all…

The Fully Loaded DB15 comes with the Magpul ACS stock which is also a fantastic stock because it’s very strong and locks into place…

Many people also find the ACS to be more comfortable than the CTR to form a cheek weld on when you’re shooting, but for me, they’re both equally comfortable and I like them both.

Safety…

The safety that comes on the Diamondback AR-15 is a standard AR-15 safety. It works just fine, and I don’t see any reason to change it…

That being said, you can upgrade it to a 45-degree throw safety or add an ambidextrous safety to the gun pretty easily if you want to.

Magazine & Mag Well…

With the Diamondback AR-15 you get 1 30-Round Magpul PMAG. I love PMAGs because they’re strong and reliable, but you will want to pick up some more on your own (I recommend at least 5 Mags per gun)…

Now the mag well that comes on the DB15 rifle is really cool. First of all, it’s flared out which helps funnel your mags into the gun easier, and that can be helpful when you’re trying to reload in a hurry…

But on top of that, it’s cut in a way that removes a lot of unnecessary material from the lower (which, again, helps you reload easier and faster)…

diamondback db15 vs ruger ar-556

And it also saves some weight on the gun (I like lightweight rifles because they’re faster into action and handier)…

Last, I should also mention that the DB15’s unique mag well gives the gun a really cool look…

It’s the type of thing that you usually find on ARs that cost over 2,000 bucks, but with the DB15 you’re getting that kind of unique look (which also adds function) at an affordable price point.

Mag Release & Bolt Release…

The mag release and the bolt release that come on the DB15 are just standard AR-15 controls which is perfect in my opinion…

These ergonomic controls are part of the reason the AR-15 is so great, and they can both be manipulated very easily to get your gun reloaded and back into action quickly.

Shootability And Accuracy…

The Diamondback DB15 is an accurate AR-15. Part of the reason for that is that the AR-15 platform is inherently fairly accurate from the start…

But keep in mind that the DB15 has a very well-built barrel, which is always important to accuracy, that features a 1/8 twist rate…

diamondback db15 review

On top of that, the DB15 has a free-float rail. So you have nothing touching the barrel when you’re shooting which had the potential to mess with the barrel harmonics…

In addition to that, the DB15 is gassed correctly, and the mid-length gas system actually makes it a pretty smooth-shooting AR-15.

Diamondback AR-15 Accessories…

Since the DB15 is an AR-15, the sky is the limit when it comes to accessories because you can easily change out the rail, the stock, the grip, and pretty much any other part…

That being said, because these rifles come set up really well from the factory, there are not a lot of accessories that I would recommend…

One area that you could improve the gun is to get an upgraded charging handle, and there are tons of great options out there (including one here)…

But aside from that, you should choose either a red dot or a good scope to mount as your optic…

And put a weapon light of your choice on the rail, and your Diamondback AR-15 is good to go in my opinion.

Is The Diamondback AR-15 Good OR Bad?

The Diamondback AR-15 is a good rifle because it’s accurate, reliable, and built using high-quality components such as the 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel barrel and the 8620 steel carrier. It also comes with some truly unique features such as the quick-reload mag well and free float M-LOK rail…

Click The Links Below To Learn More About The Most Popular Diamondback AR-15s:

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diamondback ar-15 good or badDIAMONDBACK DB15 5.56 NATO (FULLY UPGRADED RIFLE) – Get Best Pricing Here!
diamondback db15 upgradesDIAMONDBACK DB15 5.56 NATO (STANDARD RIFLE) – Get Best Pricing Here!
is diamondback a good ar brandDIAMONDBACK DB15 5.56 NATO (BUDGET RIFLE) – Get Best Pricing Here!

I Highly Recommend it, if you’re in the market for a budget or mid-range AR-15.

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Trijicon SRO Vs RMR [Which Optic Is Right For You…?]

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trijicon sro vs rmr

It’s easier than ever to mount an optic onto your handgun…

And that’s definitely a good thing because a red dot can help you shoot faster and more accurately than you can with iron sights…

And when it comes to pistol optics, I think Trijicon is still king…

The reason why is because their two most popular handgun red dots, the Trijicon RMR and the Trijicon SRO, are outstanding…

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trijicon rmr vsTrijicon RMR – Click Here To Get Best Pricing (Over 1,422 Customer Reviews!)
trijicon sro vsTrijicon SRO – Click Here To Get Best Pricing (Over 465 Customer Reviews!)

So in this Trijicon SRO Vs RMR comparison, we’re going to examine how these two amazing optics stack up against each other in the following categories…

  • Durability And Toughness
  • Lens Clarity And Reticle
  • Size Comparison
  • Battery Life And Brightness Settings
  • Footprint And Accessories
  • Price Comparison

In the end, I’ll tell you which of these two red dots I prefer, and you should have all the information you need to determine which optic is going to work best for you…

Let’s begin!

Trijicon SRO Vs RMR – Quick Summary…

The Trijicon SRO was designed for competition use while the RMR was designed to be an extremely rugged reflex sight. Because of this, the SRO has a larger sight window than the RMR; however, the RMR is a much more durable optic…

The following will give you much more detail about how these two fantastic sights compare

Trijicon SRO Vs RMR Durability And Toughness…

Trijicon RMR

The RMR is an incredibly durable little red dot sight. RMR actually stands for ‘Ruggedized Miniature Reflex’ sight, and the Type 2 version definitely lives up to its name…

Now, the Type 1 RMRs were also very rugged, but they weren’t designed to be used on handguns and sometimes would have battery connection issues…

trijicon sro vs rmr durability

Those issues are completely gone with the RMR Type 2, and as I said, the sight is built to be extremely rugged…

For starters, the sight housing is made from forged aluminum, which is a very strong material…

On top of that, the RMR has Trijicon’s patented square top with horns, and this makes the optic extremely resistant to impacts…

It’s also waterproof in up to 66 feet of water, and it can easily handle the recoil from being mounted on a handgun slide, on a high-powered rifle, or on a shotgun…

All in all, the RMR has a legendary reputation for reliability and ruggedness at this point, and I think it certainly lives up to that reputation.

Trijicon SRO

The SRO is also a fairly durable little red dot sight. It has a sight housing that’s made from forged aluminum as well, and it’s waterproof in up to 10 feet of water…

Also, because the SRO was designed to be a handgun optic from the start, it can easily handle the recoil from being mounted on a pistol slide…

sro vs rmr durability

And even though it hasn’t been around as long as the RMR, it’s still a Trijicon sight

And Trijicon is known for making extremely durable optics, even some that are used in the U.S. Military.

Durability And Toughness Conclusions…

When it comes to durability and toughness, the clear winner between these two sights is the Trijicon RMR

The RMR has a patented square top which is specifically designed to make the sight more durable, and the SRO has a rounded top which is an inherently less durable design (though it has other advantages which we’ll get to)…

On top of that, the RMR is also waterproof in up to 66 feet of water, and the SRO is waterproof in up to 10 feet…

Now, 10 feet isn’t a bad waterproof rating, but it’s obviously much less than the 66 feet of the RMR…

Last, the RMR has been around for a longer time, and it has developed a well-deserved reputation for toughness…

So I think it’s pretty clear that the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the more durable sight, and it’s going to easily take the win in this category.

Winner: Trijicon RMR

Lens Clarity And Reticle…

Trijicon RMR

The lens clarity that you get with the Trijicon RMR is pretty good. There is a blue-ish tint that you’ll notice when looking through the glass, but that’s actually something that you’ll find on all Trijicon red dot sights…

You see, Trijicon actually puts that blue tint there on purpose because it helps illuminate the reticle easier and gives you greater contrast when looking through the optic…

trijicon rmr versus sro

I do prefer a more clear lens when I can get it, but the blue tint is easy to ignore, and it doesn’t affect how I aim and shoot at all…

Now, the field of view that you get when looking through the RMR is also good…

It’s not as large as some other sights out there, but I think it’s certainly easy to see your target (and what’s around it) when you’re aiming, and I don’t have any problems using it…

Now when it comes to the reticle, there are several different versions of the RMR, but the two most popular options are the 3.25 MOA dot version and the 6.5 MOA dot version…

Out of the two, I prefer the 3.25 MOA dot because I find that the dot is very quick and easy for your eye to pick up, but also small enough that it allows you to aim precisely at small targets or targets that are out at distance…

That being said, many shooters like the 6.5 MOA dot because the larger dot is a little easier to track when you’re shooting.

All in all, both reticle sizes will work well, but as I said, I prefer that smaller dot because I like to have more precision when aiming.

Trijicon SRO

The Trijicon SRO really shines in this category, and there are a number of reasons why…

First of all, the clarity that you get with the SRO is good. It’s basically the same as the clarity that you get with the RMR because you still have that blue tint which is easy to ignore when you’re shooting…

That said, the sight window on the SRO is massive, and it gives you a huge field of view when you’re aiming…

sro vs rmr reddit

Seeing more when you’re shooting is always a benefit, and having that large sight window makes you very confident as you aim and fire, especially when you’re trying to shoot at speed…

Now when it comes to the reticle, you can get the SRO with a 1 MOA dot, a 2.5 MOA dot, or a 5 MOA dot…

The 1 MOA dot is a little too small for my preference, and my favorite out of these options is the 2.5 MOA dot version…

I find that anything in the 2 to 3.5 MOA dot size range is kind of the sweet spot for me because I find them to be very easy for your eye to track and small enough that they give you a high level of precision when you’re aiming…

All in all, the combination of the SRO’s massive sight window and a 2.5 MOA dot reticle is an ideal setup when you’re trying to shoot your pistol fast and accurately.

Lens Clarity And Reticle Conclusions…

So in this category, both the RMR and the SRO have a good level of lens clarity…

In addition to that, they both have a reticle that falls into my sweet spot of 2 to 3.5 MOA when it comes to dot size…

That being said, when it comes to the size of the sight window that you get, and then the field of view, the SRO is far superior to the RMR…

This is no surprise because while the RMR was built to be super rugged, the SRO was built for accuracy and speed, especially in shooting competitions…

So it’s no surprise that the SRO has a massive sight window, and that makes it the clear winner in this category…

Winner: Trijicon SRO

Size Comparison…

Trijicon RMR

As I mentioned earlier, the Trijicon RMR was designed to be an extremely rugged sight that is miniaturized or compact…

It has a height that measures in at 1.0 inches. In addition to that, the width measure in at 1.2 inches, and the length comes in at just 1.8 inches…

rmr vs holosun

On top of that, the overall weight of the Trijicon RMR is just 1.2 ounces. So all in all, it’s an extremely small and lightweight optic.

Trijicon SRO

The Trijicon SRO is also a relatively small optic, but it’s slightly different from the size of the RMR…

The SRO has a height that measures in at 1.4 inches. Additionally, it has a width that measures in at 1.3 inches, and the length comes in at 2.2 inches…

rmr vs sro for carry

On top of that, the overall weight of the SRO comes in at 1.6 ounces. So to sum up this category, the RMR is more compact than the SRO in every dimension, and it’s also more lightweight.

Winner: Trijicon RMR

Battery Life And Brightness Settings…

Trijicon RMR

The battery life that you get with the RMR is ultra long. It takes 1 CR2032 battery, and that battery is able to power the sight for around 4 years on setting number 4…

That’s exactly the kind of battery life that I like to see on red dot sights because it means that you can leave the optic on at all times (so that your gun is always at the ready), and not have to worry about the battery dying on you at the wrong time.

trijicon rmr vs holosun 507c

The one downside when it comes to changing the RMR’s battery is that it is located on the bottom of the optic…

So it will be necessary to remove the RMR from your handgun’s slide in order to swap out the battery…

That being said, the battery life on the RMR is super long. So changing out the battery is something that you’ll only need to do once a year or maybe even once every 2 years…

Now with the RMR you get a total of 8 brightness settings. The settings on the mid to high end are very bright, and you’ll have no problems seeing the reticle even on a bright sunny day…

In addition to that, you do get 2 night vision settings on the low end, and you can use those if you want to do some night shooting and have NV equipment to utilize with them…

All in all, the RMR has fantastic battery life, and the brightness settings allow you to dial in the reticle illumination level to exactly what you need depending on the ambient lighting conditions that you’re shooting in.

Trijicon SRO

The battery life that you get with the Trijicon SRO is also super long. It also uses 1 CR2032 battery, and the battery is able to power the sight for up to 3 years…

That’s not quite as long as the battery life that you get with the RMR, but 3 years is nothing to sneeze at…

trijicon sro vs mro

…and it will allow you to keep your optic turned on at all times which means that you’ll be able to use your handgun in a moment’s notice should you need to.

Now, a major difference between the RMR and the SRO is that the SRO has a top-loading battery compartment, and the advantage that you get here is that you can swap out the SRO’s battery without the need to remove the optic from your gun’s slide…

That’s a big time-saver, and it’s a feature that I wish the RMR has as well…

Now with the SRO you also get a total of 8 brightness settings, and these 8 settings are exactly the same as those that are found on the RMR…

So you’ll have no problem seeing the SRO’s reticle (even on a sunny day), and you’ll also have the 2 night vision settings which you can use if you have NV equipment and want to do the dance in the dark.

Battery Life And Brightness Conclusions…

Ok, so in this category, the RMR has an extra year of battery life over the SRO…

But at the same time, the SRO has a top-loading battery compartment (whereas the RMR is a bottom loader)…

It’s a tough one, but I think that these two characteristics kind of balance each other out…

So for this category, I’m going to call it a draw…

Winner: Draw

Footprint And Accessories…

Trijicon RMR

The RMR became a popular choice for a handgun optic early on, and because of its ruggedness and reliability, many people have had their pistol slides specifically cut to mount the RMR…

Because of this, the RMR footprint is the most common footprint in this full-size pistol optic class (many other optics like Holosun also use an RMR footprint)…

rmr vs holosun

And that means that it’s really easy to get the RMR mounted onto your gun…

For example, if you have an optics ready pistol from the factory, chances are that an adapter plate to mount the RMR will be included with your gun…

On top of that, there are tons of places that will mill your pistol’s slide specifically for the RMR, and there are also a lot of aftermarket slides that are already cut for the RMR footprint…

On top of that, if you want to use the RMR as a super small optic for a carbine or shotgun, there are an endless number of mounts being produced for the RMR footprint…

So in the end, the RMR is awesome because it (of course) has the RMR footprint, and that makes it really easy to mount it onto a handgun or a carbine or shotgun.

Trijicon SRO

When Trijicon created the SRO, they understood just how popular the RMR’s footprint had become…

And because of that, the SRO has the same footprint as the RMR…

trijicon sro vs holosun 509t

This was a really smart choice because, just like with the RMR, it makes the SRO really easy to mount on your pistol, carbine, or shotgun…

That being said, the only thing you should be aware of is that the SRO is a slightly bigger optic than the RMR…

This means that even though it shares the same footprint as the RMR, not every RMR mounting system will work with it…

That being said, most of them will, and you shouldn’t have much of a problem getting the SRO mounted onto your gun.

Winner: Trijicon RMR

Price Comparison…

Unfortunately, when it comes to comparing the prices of these red dots, I can’t give you exact numbers because the prices change all the time due to fluctuations in the market…

That being said, I typically see that the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is around 40 to 50 bucks less expensive than the SRO…

That’s not a super huge difference in price considering that these are both premium optics that come with premium price tags…

But if you are on a budget and price is a big factor in terms of helping you decide between the two (price is often a big factor for me!), then the Trijicon RMR is definitely going to be the less expensive option.

Winner: Trijicon RMR

Trijicon RMR Vs SRO – Final Thoughts…

So to sum it all up, in the Durability And Toughness category, the clear winner was the RMR because its patented square top design is super strong…

In the Lens Clarity And Reticle category, the SRO came out ahead because of its massive sight window…

In the Size Comparison, the Trijicon RMR was, again, the winner because it’s a little bit smaller and more lightweight than the SRO…

In the Battery Life and Brightness Settings category, I called it a draw because the RMR has longer battery life but the SRO has a top-loading battery compartment…

In the Footprint and Accessories category, I gave the win to the RMR because, even though they both have the RMR footprint, the SRO may not fit all available mounting systems (because of its larger size)…

And last, in the Price Comparison, the RMR is usually found to be a less expensive optic by around 40 to 50 dollars…

So which of these 2 sights do I prefer? I prefer the Trijicon RMR

trijicon rmr

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I prefer the Trijicon RMR for several reasons. First of all, it sets the standard for durability when it comes to handgun optics…

You can really put it through some tough use, and it going to keep working for you because of its extremely rugged design…

On top of that, the sight window is still large enough to get a solid sight picture (with a good field of view)…

And even though I wish it had a top-loading battery compartment, its battery life is super long (at 4 years), so you won’t have to change the battery that often…

In addition to all that, the RMR will cost you less money than the SRO, and saving money is always a big factor for me…

Now if you prefer the SRO because it has that massive sight window (which is awesome!), then feel free to go for it because it’s still an amazing sight…

trijicon sro review

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You won’t go wrong with either of these two fantastic pistol optics because they’re both made by Trijicon, and they’re both extremely reliable, high-performance optics!

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Toolcraft BCG Review [Top 6 List Included…]

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Toolcraft BCG Review

There are a lot of choices when it comes to finding a quality bolt carrier group…

But the truth is that not all BCGs are made equally…

Some are built to a higher standard than others, and because of that, they end up making your AR-15 run more reliably over the course of thousands of rounds…

And the big question for today’s post is this… Does Toolcraft make good bolt carrier groups that you can rely on?

Well, in this Toolcraft BCG review I’m going to answer that question, and explain why Toolcraft BCGs are a high quality addition to your AR…

On top of that, I’m going to share with you my Top 6 List of the best Toolcraft BCGs, which will show you what exactly separates some of the most popular Toolcraft BCG offerings…

By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of why Toolcraft BCGs are a good option, and you should be able to determine which one is going to work best for you…

Let’s get started!

Toolcraft BCG Review – Is It Right For You?

Toolcraft BCGs are made using extremely high-quality materials and machining standards. Their carriers are built from a propriety 8620 steel which is extremely robust, and because their carriers can last thousands of rounds, they’re backed up with a Lifetime Warranty…

For more detail on specific Toolcraft BCGs, I recommend you check out my Top 6 List of the best Toolcraft BCGs below…

Best Toolcraft BCG – Top 6 List…

1. Toolcraft Nickel Boron BCG – Premium 5.56 w/ Logo (My #1 Pick!)

toolcraft nickel boron bcg

The Toolcraft Nickel Boron BCG is currently my favorite of all the bolt carrier groups that Toolcraft produces, and there are several reasons why I like it…

First of all, I love the Nickel Boron coating. It’s an extremely durable finish, and it also adds lubricity to the BCG which will help your AR-15 run smoother and more reliably even if the BCG is starting to run dry (I still recommend that you properly lubricate your AR-15!)…

On top of that, the Nickel Boron coating makes your BCG extremely easy to clean. You can usually just wipe the carbon off with a dry rag, lubricate it, and have your AR-15 clean and ready to go in a very short period of time…

Now in addition to that Nickel Boron coating (which also looks great and adds a touch of personality to your AR) the carrier that comes with this BCG is made from Toolcraft’s proprietary blend of 8620 steel which is extremely strong (according to Toolcraft it’s even better than Aircraft Quality 8620 steel!)…

Additionally, the bolt that you get with this BCG is made from Carpenter 158 steel which is an extremely strong material and meets military specifications, and it’s also shot-peened (which hardens the outer layer of the bolt) and Magnetic Particle Inspected (which checks for cracks and weak-points in the steel)…

Aside from that, this Premium BCG features a properly staked gas key, a tool steel extractor, and an extractor o-ring insert (which will help your AR extract rounds more reliably)…

So all in all, this is a fantastic BCG because it’s built to be super strong and reliable and that Nickel Boron coating makes it run smoothly and easy to clean as well.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Toolcraft Nickel Boron BCG – Premium 5.56 w/ Logo (Over 470 Reviews!):

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2. Toolcraft 5.56 Phosphate MPI Full-Auto BCG (No Logo)

toolcraft bcg 158

Another amazing bolt carrier group is the Toolcraft 5.56 Phosphate MPI Full Auto BCG with no logo. This bolt carrier group is awesome because it’s a super strong, no frills BCG that just gets the job done…

First of all, the Phosphate finish is very durable and does a great job at resisting corrosion (it’s also a Mil-Spec finish). On top of that, with this BCG you get that same super strong, proprietary 8620 steel carrier (again, better than aircraft-grade 8620 steel), and the carrier and gas key are chrome lined which makes them very easy to clean…

Additionally, you get a Mil-spec Carpenter 158 steel bolt which is shot-peened (to harden the surface) and Magnetic Particle Inspected to ensure there are no weak points or cracks in the steel. The gas key is also properly staked, so it can never loosen up while you’re shooting your AR, and the carrier features a full auto profile which also meets military specifications…

Last, this carrier does not have a logo on it. I personally, don’t care if my bolt carrier groups have a logo on them or not, but if you like your gear to be super minimal, then this is a strong and reliable BCG option for you.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Toolcraft 5.56 Phosphate MPI Full-Auto BCG – No Logo (Over 195 Reviews!):

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3. Toolcraft Nitride Full-Auto BCG (w/ Logo & Carpenter 158 Bolt)

toolcraft vs aero bcg

Number 3 on this list of fantastic BCGs is the Toolcraft Nitride Full Auto BCG, and there are a number of reasons why I like it. To begin, this BCG features a Nitride finish, which is a very strong finish that will resist corrosion and add a little bit of lubricity to the carrier as well…

On top of that, the Nitride finish makes the carrier smooth and easy to clean, and because this finish doesn’t require a chrome lined carrier or gas key, it’s typically less expensive than BCGs with other finishes and coatings…

Now as usual, the carrier that comes with this BCG is made out of Toolcrafts propriety 8620 steel (which, again, is extremely strong), and the bolt that you get is made from Mil-Spec, Carpenter 158 steel…

You also get a properly staked gas key with Grade 8 fasteners, so you’re gas key won’t come loose when shooting, and the bolt is shot-peened and Magnetic Particle Inspected to ensure that the steel is even and strong all the way through…

All in all, this is a strong BCG with a very popular Nitride finish, and because the price is so affordable, it’s a great choice if you’re on a budget.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Toolcraft Nitride Full-Auto BCG w/ Logo & Carpenter 158 Bolt (Over 75 Reviews!):

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4. BLEM Toolcraft 5.56 Phosphate MPI Full-Auto BCG (No Logo)

toolcraft nib bcg review

Number 4 on this list is a fantastic option if you’re on a budget, and it’s the BLEM Toolcraft 5.56 Phosphate MPI Full-Auto BCG with no logo. First of all, let me explain what BLEM means…

It stands for the word “blemished”, and all it means is that the BCG has a cosmetic blemish, which has no impact on the function or performance of the part. That being said, because it does have a cosmetic blemish, it is sold at a discounted price…

So it’s a great way yot get a high-quality BCG at a reduced price. Now as I mentioned earlier, this particular BLEM is the Toolcraft Phospate BCG. And as with all the Toocraft BCGs, the carrier is made from Toolcraft’s proprietary 8620 steel (which is super strong), and of course, it has a phosphate coating which is Mil-spec and will do a great job at resisting rust or corrosion…

On top of that, the carrier and the gas key on this BCG are chrome-lined which makes them easy to clean, and the gas key is properly staked according to military specifications (so the fasteners won’t back out on you when you’re shooting)…

The bolt that you get is made from Carpenter 158 steel, and it’s also shot-peened (to harden the surface) and Magnetic Particle Inspected to check for cracks or weak spots in the steel.

Last, I should mention that I personally purchase BLEM parts all the time, and most of the time, I can’t even find the cosmetic blemish on them because it’s so small. And even if you are able to spot it, a part that’s mostly internal (such as a BCG) is probably the best place to hide a cosmetic blemish…

So as I said, going with a BLEM BCG is a great way to get a strong and reliable BCG, and this one has a Mil-spec finish and very high-quality steel components.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The BLEM Toolcraft 5.56 Phosphate MPI Full-Auto BCG w/ No Logo (Over 32 Reviews!):

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5. Toolcraft Nickel Boron BCG (Premium 5.56 w/ No Logo)

toolcraft chrome bcg

Number 5 on this list of awesome Toolcraft bolt carrier groups is the Premium Toolcraft Nickel Boron BCG with no logo, and here’s the deal, this is a very similar bolt carrier group to the first one I put on this list. The only difference is that this one doesn’t have Toolcraft’s logo on it. I’ll address whether or not that’s important to me in a moment, but first, let me remind you of the main features you get with this awesome BCG…

You’ve probably guessed it by now, but I love Toolcraft’s Nickel Boron coating. It’s a tough finish that resists rust and corrosion extremely well, and I love that it adds lubricity to the BCG and makes it extremely quick and easy to clean…

Aside from that, with this BCG you get Toolcraft’s special 8620 steel in the carrier, and a Carpenter 158 steel bolt that is shot-peened and Magnetic Particle Inspected, so you can be sure that the strength and quality level is there…

The gas key is also hardened (for more durability), and properly staked to prevent it from rattling loose, and the extractor that you get is made from tool steel and comes with an o-ring insert to help your AR -15 reliably extract rounds…

Now, does it matter if your BCG has a logo or not? For me, I don’t really care either way, I just go for the one that has a better price at the time. That being said, there are some shooters who like to go super minimal when adding parts or accessories to their ARs, and if that’s the case for you, you’ll love this BCG because it is super clean without any logo that might distract from the aesthetic you’re going for.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Premium Toolcraft Nickel Boron BCG w/ No Logo (Over 25 Reviews!):

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6. BLEM Toolcraft Nitride BCG (No Logo & Carpenter 158 Bolt)

toolcraft dlc bcg

The last bolt carrier group on my list is the BLEM Toolcraft Nitride BCG with no logo, and again, this is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a great BCG on a budget…

Like I mentioned earlier, the BLEM designation only means that this BCG features some cosmetic blemish somewhere on it. These blemishes are usually very hard to find, and they do not affect the function or performance of the BCG at all…

And this is a great BCG if you like the Nitride finish that Toolcraft offers. Again, Nitride is a very strong finish that will easily resist rust and corrosion on your BCG, and it also adds a little bit of lubricity to your bolt carrier group as well (although be sure to lubricate it still!)…

Aside from that, this BCG features Toolcraft’s super strong 8620 steel in its carrier, and the bolt is Carpenter 158 steel which is Magnetic Particle Inspected. On top of that, the gas key is properly staked, and again, because this is a BLEM BCG it’s being sold at a discount even though it functions perfectly well…

So this is another great option, especially if you’re on a budget, and even though it might have a blemish somewhere on it, I think you’ll be very happy with how it performs.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The BLEM Toolcraft Nitride BCG w/ No Logo (Over 5 Reviews!):

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