Anything AR Archives - The K-Var Armory

The FM-AR: A Molot VEPR for 2020

In the gun world, Russia is best known for the classic AK-47 rifle, but one of the best rifles ever built comes from the Molot factory in Vyatskiye Polyany, and those rifles are called the VEPR.

Slings and Things for AR-15s

Tactical slings are primarily used to help carry a duty or combat rifle, allowing the operator to keep both hands free for other tasks. While its function may seem simplistic, choosing the right tactical sling and proper attachments requires navigating a myriad of options depending on your weapon choice, purpose, and types of mounting points available. [Read more…] about Slings and Things for AR-15s

Gun Test: Kel-Tec Model RDB17

The Kel-Tec RDB17 could be considered the working man’s bullpup. Nothing fancy, but it sure performs. The RDB17 is a no-frills bullpup that is very functional with a simplistic approach. It is constructed of two polymer halves that sandwich around a steel action and barrel. The gas piston system has a gas regulator, so a user can regulate the weapon to run on all sorts of ammunition and a suppressor. The gas regulator can be adjusted with the open mouth from an empty 5.56 NATO case. It’s click-adjustable and Kel-Tec recommends firing a round after adjusting the regulator to test reliability. It comes from the factory ready to run on standard M193-type ammo. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Kel-Tec Model RDB17

Review: Deadfoot Arms AR Folding Stock Adapter

Deadfoot Arms offers a folding stock adapter for the AR-15 platform that allows the stock to be folded to the side, yet the rifle remains fully functional. In fact, entire magazines can be fired while the stock is folded. The ability to fold the stock enables the rifle to be stored and transported in a small case. The compact form makes it especially suitable for service as a trunk gun. The ability to shoot while folded is valuable when time is critical and too limited to unfold the stock in an emergency. [Read more…] about Review: Deadfoot Arms AR Folding Stock Adapter

Colt AR-15: Trail-Dirty Deeds and Off-Road Shooting

K-Var Armory offers several variations on the Colt AR-15 rifle. While I have my favorites, any of the Colts will give long service in the harshest environments. It is like the old question, Do you know the difference between an elephant and an ant? An ant can ride an elephant. Many companies have done the AR-15, and some have done it well, but the Colt is still the one that all others are judged by. In fact, in my humble opinion, the Colt kicks most competitors in the teeth! [Read more…] about Colt AR-15: Trail-Dirty Deeds and Off-Road Shooting

.300 Blackout — Subsonic Success Tips

Understatement: .300 Blackout, aka: AAC, is a popular cartridge among AR-15 fans. I like it especially in the shorter guns, and, around here at least, it’s looked on as an effective Whitetail cartridge choice. Pretty much, it’s for those who want a bigger bullet in an AR-15 with a minimum of technical distractions (some call them problems). One reason for its popularity is the supersonic/subsonic option. I built a specialty AR-15 for home defense that I also featured in recent book project, and that was my choice. Reasons? Sure, it’s civil and effective. [Read more…] about .300 Blackout — Subsonic Success Tips

SHOT Show 2019 New Products Recap

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) 41^st Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT), wrapped up its four-day run with many successes. While the pain of a lackluster introduction of new firearms was felt by many, the industry showed it was laying the groundwork for the next generation with a record number of new exhibitors the Suppliers Showcase and an innovative Pop-Up Preview that proved to be a hit with buyers. [Read more…] about SHOT Show 2019 New Products Recap

SHOT Show — New Products 2019

The SHOT Show (Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade) in January of each year not only signals the beginning of a new year, but a whole round of product launches to fill our dreams, wish lists, and for a lucky few, gear closets and gun safes. Firearm sales have been rather lackluster as of late, so it is not much of a surprise that manufacturers focused more on expanding existing lines to include new colors and calibers more than completely new introductions. However, that is not to say the industry did not put out some new must-have models! On the other hand, the optics and accessories categories are teeming with new offerings to give your old gear a new look.
We scoured the SHOT Show floor for some of the best new offerings and will bring you a new list each day, so stay tuned. [Read more…] about SHOT Show — New Products 2019

The Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC)

The concept of the pistol caliber carbine, or PCC, is nothing new. In fact, early muzzleloading pistols often used the same caliber as their longer smoke-pole counterparts. The lever-action rifles used on the range by cowboys often chambered the same cartridge as their sixguns. Being able to share ammunition between the guns simply made logistical sense, and at the time, the power factor between the pistol and long gun was negligible. [Read more…] about The Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC)

Review: Smith and Wesson M&P10 .308 Rifle

For some of us, the watchword is ‘sometimes you need a .308.’ The .223/5.56mm platform is a wonderful close-quarters combat system and may be accurate at extended range. However, the punch needed for some chores just isn’t there. There are shooters who hunt medium-sized game, use a rifle for defense, or like long-range shooting and are limited by the .223 Remington cartridge. Most of us feel that jumping over the 6.8 or the .300 Blackout straight to a .308, such as the S&W M&P10, makes sense. [Read more…] about Review: Smith and Wesson M&P10 .308 Rifle

Tricking Out Your AR-15

While it is unlikely that your AR-15 will ever see combat, that does not mean it shouldn’t be considered something worthy of betting your life on. Firearm prices are currently down, so now is the time to buy the AR you have had your eye on, or stock up with a few bargain deals and build them with your favorite accessories. Here are a few ideas to start your upgrade list. [Read more…] about Tricking Out Your AR-15

Adding a Precision Stock to Your AR-15

Precision stocks allow you to shoot better—by that I mean not only more accurately but also more comfortably and at longer ranges. Being comfortable means less effort to send one on target at long range. Two precision stocks, the Magpul PRS Gen3 and the American Built Arms USS, are good examples of precision stocks purpose-built to hang off your AR’s receiver extension or buffer tube. [Read more…] about Adding a Precision Stock to Your AR-15

Adjustable Gas Block — Tune Your AR-15

This last weekend, I provided a buddy a side-by-side comparison of his standard AR and one of my AR-15s with an adjustable gas block. His actual quote was, “Holy crap! When can you do that to mine?” Your first experience with an adjustable gas block will be an enlightening one. [Read more…] about Adjustable Gas Block — Tune Your AR-15

Review: IWI Galil ACE Pistol and Rifle

At the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade show (SHOT) 2013, I first met the team at IWI (Israel Weapons Industries) U.S. At that time, IWI’s headquarters in Pennsylvania was relatively new and it was still trying to sort out supply chain issues with demand for their product being at an all-time high. IWI’s parent company in Israel has been around since the 1930s, but the only gun I had shot of IWI’s before 2013 was the UZI (and an early U.S. import of the Galil 5.56). [Read more…] about Review: IWI Galil ACE Pistol and Rifle

Scratch That AR Itch — Build Your Own!

One of the coolest things about the Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR), built on the well-known AR-15 platform originally designed by Eugene Stoner, is the fact that the system is largely modular and can be assembled and modified by anyone possessing some basic tools and a bit of mechanical aptitude. Happily, for firearms enthusiasts, “easy to assemble” also translates to “easily customizable.” The concept has been so successful that the AR-15 and its countless variants have earned the names, The Swiss army knife of guns, frankengun, LEGOS for adults, and others. [Read more…] about Scratch That AR Itch — Build Your Own!

Review: Balios Lite Gen 2 AR Pistol

The Balios Lite Gen 2 AR Pistol is exceptional for tactical performance. The lightweight, maneuverable platform is perfect for short- and mid-range shooting. Hitting targets on the move with accuracy and limited recoil gives you a major tactical advantage in the field. [Read more…] about Review: Balios Lite Gen 2 AR Pistol

Crimson Trace LiNQ: Your AR’s Best Friend

A few weeks ago, as I worked up my personal go-anywhere-do-anything rifle, I elected to mount the new Crimson Trace LiNQ system from Crimson Trace. The LiNQ is a true wireless activated combat light and laser system. The system isn’t overly complicated—even less so if you do not use all of the features but concentrate on the modes that suit your needs. [Read more…] about Crimson Trace LiNQ: Your AR’s Best Friend

Video: PR-01 Precision Picatinny Quad Rail Handguard System Installation

The PR-01 Precision Picatinny Quad Rail Handguard System provides a superior platform for a wide range of attachments, including optics, flash lights, lasers, forward grips, and other accessory options. This amazing Quad-Rail system was designed to exceed the stringent military requirements. [Read more…] about Video: PR-01 Precision Picatinny Quad Rail Handguard System Installation

Review: Windham Weaponry SRC-308

I was excited to test the new Windham Weaponry WW-308 (MSRP $1,708, but K-Var’s price is under $1,250). I have shot 223/5.56 AR-15s ever since I was 13 years old, but had never really had a chance to try out the AR-15s big brother (often referred to as the AR-10). The real treat was trying this rifle platform out with Windham Weaponry, a company rich in AR-15 history. [Read more…] about Review: Windham Weaponry SRC-308

Review: IWI Tavor X95 Bullpup

At the 2013 SHOT Show, I first met the team at IWI US (Israel Weapons Industries). Even though its parent company in Israel has been around since the 1930s, the only gun I had shot of its was the UZI and an early U.S. import of the Galil 5.56. At SHOT Show 2013, I first put my hands on its unique rifle, the Tavor. The Tavor is categorized as a bullpup rifle (the fire control group is located “way” behind the trigger). Needless to say, being a fan of the AR and AK, I was intrigued by the Tavor. I bought three of them to test and see if they could live up to the hype. [Read more…] about Review: IWI Tavor X95 Bullpup