Meaghan takes you through why she’s a big fan of the AR platform.
The AR-15 (ArmaLite Rifle) is my favorite firearm platform. I prefer it over other rifles, handguns, and shotguns. I may be a little partial to it since it is the first firearm I ever shot. There are many reasons why people prefer the AR-15 platform over other platforms. In this article, I’ll share a few of my reasons why the AR-15 is my favorite.
Easy to Maintain
Whether you are looking to buy or build, you’ll need to know how to properly clean and maintain your firearm. Disassembling the AR-15 is straightforward. First, you’ll want to push out the two take-down pins to detach the upper receiver from the lower receiver. Next, on the upper receiver, pull out the charging handle and bolt carrier group (BCG). Clean all the BCG components, charging handle, and inside of the barrel and receiver with the cleaning product of your choice. I prefer using Breakthrough Clean Technologies Military-Grade Solvent. This formula is user-safe and odor-free.
Clean the barrel by using a bore snake, like Breakthrough Clean Technologies Battle Rope 2.0. If you have built-up carbon or lead deposits on the muzzle break, use a carbon remover like Breakthrough Clean Technologies Carbon Pro. I sometimes use a pick to help break up the lead deposits on the muzzle break – they are also available through Breakthrough Clean Technologies.
On the lower receiver, clean the area around the hammer and trigger since there may be some carbon build-up in that area. I sometimes run a dry cloth through the magazine well if I notice a lot of dust built up.
After all your components are cleaned to your satisfaction, put gun oil on all the upper receive components you just cleaned. I prefer to use Breakthrough Clean Technologies Battle Born High-Purity Oil. It is non-toxic and odorless. I also like to add some oil to the inside of the upper receiver because it’s a high-friction area. Once all the upper receive components are oiled, reassemble the gun parts, and reattach the upper to the lower by pushing in the take-down pins. Spread the oil around by pulling the charging handle a few times.
Easy to Use
The number one reason why I prefer the AR-15 is that it is easy to use. Fill a magazine with the appropriate ammunition. Load it into the magazine well on the rifle. Pull the charging handle. Aim. Flip the safety off. Pull the trigger. The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle, so you’ll have to pull the trigger for every shot you want to fire.
I prefer to use an AR-15 during shooting competitions because it is easy to use. The AR-15 is the typical choice for 3-gun/multi-gun competitions.
Customizable
A lot of people are drawn to the AR platform because of all the customizable options available. There is a huge variety of muzzle breaks, flash hiders, barrels, grips, stocks, etc. to choose from, from a variety of reputable companies. This allows you to pick and choose the components to meet your specific needs and desires.
Some companies, like Timber Creek Outdoors, offer anodized and cerakoted components. This allows you to add some flare to your build. Their Enforcer Kit provides a matching handguard, charging handle, forward assist, dust cover, pistol grip, trigger guard, safety, magazine release, takedown pins, quick-detach end plate, and buffer tube. A gas block and heat break are also included in the kit. I personally like their purple anodized finish.
Low Recoil
Regarding rifles, the amount of felt recoil is an essential factor for me. I personally don’t like going to the range with a rifle and leaving with a bruised shoulder. A factory-built AR-15 already has relatively low recoil. They typically come with an A2 flash hider. You can reduce the recoil even more by changing out the flash hider for a muzzle break specifically designed to reduce the felt recoil.
The R.A.G.E TCS Compensator by UM Tactical is my choice for a muzzle device on my AR-15. This muzzle device includes five adjustable tuning port washers that allow you to adjust the gases to best fit your requirements. By changing the washers, or even their location, you can change the gas direction.
Recap
Besides being easy to maintain, customizable, having low recoil, and easy to use, the AR-15 is also reliable. Because of this, more and more people are turning to the AR-15 platform for a home defense solution. It has less felt recoil than a shotgun, and it takes less training to become proficient than a handgun.
Hands down, the AR-15 is my favorite firearm. When I shoot my AR-15, I am comfortable and confident. I handle the firearm with ease, and I’m able to move relatively effortlessly with it. The AR-15 is a great firearm for all levels of shooters, and it is a great platform to start new shooters on.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Meaghan Roble is an anti-gunner turned gun activist. She is a USCCA certified instructor and an NRA-certified range safety officer. Meaghan is an A Girl & A Gun Chapter Facilitator and the Wisconsin State Director for DC Project. She owns her own Firearms Training & Education business, Roble Defense, and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with others.
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