Why the AR-15 is Nearly Perfect for We the Militia and it Needs to Stay

"I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people, except for few public officials." (George Mason's Address to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 4, 1788)

The AR-15 in the US is incredibly popular, so much so that the phrase run-away success I believe is applicable. But why would a +60 year design be so popular in just one market and what would make this design suitable for We the People?

Patent number US2951424A was filed in 1956 for what would be the basis of the AR-15. For the most part, the patents for the basic AR-15 ran out a long time ago making the platform open. This, in my opinion, is the basis for why the AR-15 along with it's customizability and reasonably effective cartridge options and cost effectiveness makes for what is essentially the best rifle for the Universal Militia or We the People.

The AR-15 pattern rifle differs from other platforms in that the various parts are assembled in what we colloquially refer to as modular. Platforms such as the AK-47 and G3 based rifles use a one piece receiver with a barrel pressed into a trunnion that is then mounted in the receiver. The AR-15 uses a mating surface that is machined into the upper receiver that a barrel nut screws onto, locking the barrel into place. The lower receiver contains the trigger group and has the provisions for the stock and grip. 

In the event of a major failure, the weapon can be immediately taken down into it's halves and the impacted half and be swapped for a functional one. Repairs are also relatively easy enough, depending on the part, that many repairs can be made in field. 

Part of this capability is due to standardization. The AR-15 is a standardized platform and coupled with the fact that the patents ran out in the 1970's, just about any one can get into the AR-15 manufacturing game (just don't call it AR-15 since that's a Colt trademark). This has lead to reduced costs to a point that a decent, basic rifle could be had for under US$600 in 2019. This meant that had We the People bothered to stick with the militia system (instead of paying for the convivence of the very expensive Standing Army system we currently have), a fresh-faced young man on a budget could afford a rifle to be in compliance with the Militia Act of 1792. It also means that parts from the different manufacturers regardless of region should have a good chance of working in the event that needed parts must be sourced absent of your chosen builder or supply chain. 

In the United States, there are manufacturers of AR-15's in every major region and many sub-regions whether it be the Northeast, Mid Atlantic, Southeast, Southwest, Mid West, Pacific Northwest etc. This provides logistical diversity and protects We the People's ability to defend ourselves should an attack occur. Should an attacker, either foreign or domestic (such as a violent anti-gun political group), attempt to sabotage a region's manufacturing capabilities, a neighboring region will be able to pump needed supplies into the impacted area (or smuggled if you live in a Slave State like NY, NJ or CA). 

Generally speaking, the AR-15 platform is usually chambered in 5.56 NATO /.223 Remington/.223 Wylde. While .223 Rem / 5.56 NATO is not a very powerful cartridges compared to cartridges for hunting medium game such as 30-30 Winchester, it is capable of reaching out to 700 yards while staying supersonic. This may not present much kinetic energy at the target at this distance (under 200 ft-lbs with a 55 grain bullet) it definitely will generate the supersonic snap and keep enemy heads down. This allows your people to move in for flanking and engaging enemy infantry. At these distances, iron sights are hard to work with but since the AR-15 can accept modern optics such as the low power, variable optic type scope, we are able to more accurately deliver well aimed pills to the enemies of the Free People. Additionally, the smaller calibers use less raw materials and are produced in a major volume keeping costs down. That is not something you get with the larger old military calibers such as 30-06. It has yet to be observed with the proposed 6.8 cartridge the US Army is looking at though should a polymer case be used, the cost could be much lower. It would be interesting to see if a Militia specific polymer cartridge using the new 6.8 bullet be tailored to the AR-15 action in the event that the new cartridge is too long to fit into the AR-15.

In the end, while the AR-15 platform may not be perfect, the cost effectiveness of both the parts and manufacturing, the modularity of the platform, the open status of the patents, the utility of the platform in defensive, hunting and militia applications, the AR-15 has become a near perfect storm of a weapon system for the Free People's Universal Militia.

"The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the best and most natural defense of a free country."

- (Proposed Draft) James Madison: I Annals of Congress 434, June 8, 1789

Short Range Hunting Rifle - Same Job; New Tech or How an AR-15 is the Spiritual Successor to the Winchester 94

I starting hunting deer with a used, clapped out Winchester 94 built in the 1970's that I got running again and this year I replaced it with a brand new, high tech, custom built AR-15. 

Why do you need an AR-15? Because it does all the jobs a long gun really needs to do; put food on the table, defend the home and defend the Heartland from all threats foreign and domestic and do it in a way that is cost effective. 

BUT YOU CAN"T HUNT WITH AN AR-15!1!!! Blah blah blah.

Yes you can but just because you don't understand what's going on, doesn't mean you can't hunt with an AR-15. Firstly, bullet selection is the most important part of this discussion. While you can go hunting with full metal jacket bullets, you really shouldn't. In Georgia, you legally can't, therefore necessitating that we choose a cartridge that has suitable bullet designs. Thankfully, that's pretty much most commercially available cartridges, including .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO, on the market which has a loading using either a hollow point or soft point bullet. 

Next, we need to identify what we are doing with the gun. In this case, we want to hunt deer and since most of my shots are under 120 yards, I have no need for a rifle that shoots further. That statement right there is what makes the Winchester 94 in 30-30 an American mainstay for hunting. The Model 94 has been around since 1894 and there are several companies making surrogates such as Marlin, Mossberg and Henry. Why does Winchester and friends continue to sell lever action rifles in 30-30? Because 30-30 works great for deer in short ranges and people LOVE level action rifles. ROMANCE!

Since those parameters of sub-150 yard range and 30-30 level performance is achievable we just need to find something that isn't 30-30 that is close. In 2018, Olin released a new cartridge called 350 Legend. Both cartridges operate around the 2200 FPS range with bullet weights around the 150 to 170 grain range. This should put us in the 1600 to 1800 ft-lbs of energy range. 

 

350 Legend on the left with 30-30 on the right.

Ultimately, the 350 Legend has a very similar ballistic performance envelope compared with 30-30. The differences are that the 350 Legend is a .35 caliber or 9mm bullet to 30-30's .308 caliber bullet and that 30-30 has a much larger case but the pressure rating is much lower than 350 Legend at 42,000 PSI vs 55,000 PSI chamber pressure. This means that the 350 Legend can have a shorter, smaller case for the same performance of the 30-30. Thankfully, Olin (who owns Winchester) was able to package the 350 Legend into an over all length that makes it work in the AR-15's magazine and action. This is how we are able to use the AR-15 platform for taking deer as a dead replacement for the Model 94. There are other cartridges such as 300 HAM'R but since 300 HAM'R isn't as widely offered, 350 Legend seems to make more sense. 

I added a few extra requirements that my replacement build needed to achieve. It needed to be lighter than or equal to the Winchester in it's in-field weight which is 8.5 lbs, It needed to be able to host my silencer and be able to use modern scopes such as the low power, variable optic type scope. It needed to be more ergonomic and finally, not too expensive. 

The AR-15 easily can be built with all of those accessories to reach well into the 9 lbs range so I started looking for lightweight parts to reduce the build weight. When I built out the upper receiver and added the scope, the weight was right at 5 lbs. When I added the original A2 style stock I have for another build, I ended up right at 8.5 lbs. Changing over to lower with a CAR stock brings the weight down a little but we can do better. Thankfully, Lancer has options for carbon fiber handguards and the awesome dudes at InRange TV worked with KE Arms to put together a lower receiver and stock combo that weighs under 2 lbs.  With the WWSD (What Would Stoner Do) KP-15 lower and stock we reduced weight even more. Sadly, no one is making a 350 Legend barrel in a sporter profile so I had to use a standard profile barrel. 

I was able to build this rifle to just at 7.6 lbs with scope but without the Dead Air Wolfman silencer and 8 lbs with the silencer using a fixed mount. I'd say I nailed the weight part. 

In the end, I was successful in assembling a replacement for my Winchester 94 with an AR-15 for hunting deer. I haven't been able to tune AR or do any real testing or corrective action as ammo is so incredibly expensive right now. The best I could do was zero the current Primary Arms LPVO it has on top. It is an absolute struggle to find any usable ammo let alone any ammo loaded for hunting. I'm still waiting for the Federal Fusion 160 grains to become available but when they do, I'll be stocking up for testing.

Carbine Build - #ProjectCarbine

The main focus of this build was to create what I call the 'Cool-Guy' AR15. Initially, the project started off as a buildup of a cheap DPMS Oracle, however, after examination of the parts list on the DPMS, I determined that the 4140 steel barrel and commercial spec buffer tube were not 'Cool-Guy' enough for this build. Therefore, replacements were needed. In essence, the parts that needed to be good such as the barrel and action should be of excellent quality where the rest can be re-purposed from existing parts. As the project progressed, the idea, while satirical, ended up being to build a legitimate firearm that I could grow into as I become more proficient with a rifle. 

When I found out that the Oracle had a commercial spec buffer tube, I opted to re-assign the built DPMS lower to another project. I pulled a stripped Anderson lower from inventory and assigned it to the build.  I had set it aside until I could source all the parts I wanted. I had the 4140 barrel and carbine length gas system stripped from the Oracle's upper. I later removed the ejection port cover and forward assist from the upper in preparation for Cerakote finishing. I chose a Geissele MK8, 13 inch rail to act as a free-float handguard and rigid mounting point for any accessories such as a weapon light and front sight. During the planning phase, I setteled on two options for barrels but I knew it was going to be a mid-length gas system and 14.5 inch barrel. I ended up choosing the Faxon Firearms GUNNER 14.5 inch barrel with mid-length gas system. I had initially considered the FN-made, Spikes Tactical "machine gun" barrel but the cost vs benefit of the double chrome lined FN barrel vs the Faxon QPQ didn't pan out for me; I opted for the Faxon for it's QPQ finish and price. Prior to Cerakote-ing the receivers and rail, I knew I wanted and an adjustable, low profile, gas block. After searching and searching, the only suitable option came from Superlative Arms as the barrel requires a .625 inch gas block, something difficult to find in the adjustable form. Given that the barrel is under the 16 inch minimum for Title 1 firearms, I had Moss Pawn and Gun do a pin and weld using a Surefire WARCOMP to keep everything Title 1. I'm not ready to do tax stamps for firearms just yet. While the barrel was getting a pin-and-weld, I had GA Firing Line complete the Cerakote job. Both of them completed their tasks quickly and with quality results.

The Cerakote job is excellent. I ended up with Cerakote's SIG Dark Grey (H-210Q) and I really like the way it looks and feels. It's very modern looking. I've already been putting the durability to the test.

Things are happening in Yettiland. #projectpdw #projectcarbine #cerakote #gafiringline #gunsofinstagram #deadairsilencers #nfa #guns #freedom #9mm #556 #silencer #silencershop #taxstamp #stampcollector #geissele #andersonmanufacturing #sigdarkgrey #h210q #2a #secondamendment

A post shared by Ian Kocher (@der.yetti) on Mar 22, 2018 at 12:25pm PDT

Once I had the upper assembly completed, I topped it off with Magpul MBUS Pro sights because I love them. I also added a few MAGPUL MLOK accessories. With a fully built upper, I pulled the DPMS lower assembly off of ProjectBasic for testing. Once, initial testing was complete, I began sourcing the lower parts needed. I built out the Cerakoted Anderson lower with a standard Anderson parts kit but used a Geisselle Super Dynamic 3 Gun flat shoe trigger. The stock I used was a Magpul MOE-SL mil-spec I had in inventory; a temporary solution until I settle on the stock I want. During testing, I found I had trouble seeing the narrow and dark front sight post initiating a purchase of Blitzkrieg Component's bright yellow / green replacement front post. They also have a tritium front post.

For the final touches I scooped up a Midwest Industries cantilever, QD mount for use with a Primary Arms 1-6 Gen 3 with the ACSS reticle. It wasn't necessary but I had the fine folks at 42 North gun shop lap the mount rings and level the scope. They have done a ton of small stuff to help me get this rifle to a place where I am happy.

The build has run flawlessly so far allowing me to declare this rifle as mechanically complete. The only parts missing from the upper are a Radian RAPTOR-SD charging handle, a bolt carrier group of my choosing and a Surefire SOCOM-556 RC suppressor. I'm considering replacing the Magpul MS3 sling with a Slingster and adding a Surefire WARDEN to the mix. I will look to picking up a Bravo B5 SOPMOD Enhanced stock but we will see.

So far, I am ecstatic about how this build has turned out. It seems to shoot well enough and the trigger break is so clean and I'm running the default 4 lbs spring. The rifle isn't exhaustively heavy with everything. I haven't really been able to do any real shooting with it but as soon as I am able, I will stretch this baby's legs. I have no real changes I'd like to make!

#thisdayinhistory in 1775, the British rode to Lexington, Massachusetts to confiscate arms and gun powder from ‘rebels.’ This resulted in the battles at Lexington and Concord kicking off the #AmercianRevolution This is my rifle. #freedom #2a #projectcarbine #ar15 #thepewpewlife #secondamendment #ar #556 #acss #1776 #rifle #pewpewlife

A post shared by Ian Kocher (@der.yetti) on Apr 19, 2018 at 3:14pm PDT

Finally done. #projectcarbine #guntree #rangedayfriday #2a #pewpewlife #secondamendment #ar15 #thepewpewlife #556 #gafiringline #42northgunrange #mosspawn #cerakote #primaryarms #acss #lancerl5awm #magpul #midwestindustries #surefire #geissele #freedom #faxonfirearms #blitzkriegcomponents #cheaperthandirt

A post shared by Ian Kocher (@der.yetti) on Apr 20, 2018 at 5:24pm PDT

Long Range Project - Thoughts on Phase 2

I know the project hasn't been going on for very long but since starting I've learned a little something in regards to the gear.  I definitely have WAY more to learn in general. I'd say that I'm consistently (at least minimally) achieving the goals I had set for Phase 1. I still want to improve my skills and solve my issues (like solve my stringing issue). As a result I've been spending more time thinking about Phase 2.

A good example of the lessons I've learn might be that .308 Winchester in a light weight rifle isn't great for the kind of target shooting I am typically doing. Another might be related to patience; try having some. And that a heavy trigger really sucks. Applying what I'm learning to developing the next rifle will help make sure I build it to exactly, or close to, what I'm looking for in that rifle. From there, the process should repeat itself into the next build. Another example could be as I've shot the Ruger American Rimfire, I'm looking for any issues related the way the gun is set in the rests I use. For example, I've moved the front bag rest from mid-front part of the rifle stock rearward. Instead of the bag being just forward of the receiver I'm trying it where the bag is just in front of the magazine release so the rifles mounting points are totally resting on the bag. My thinking is to help keep any pressure off of the fore-end of the stock and away from the barrel. I don't know if there needs to be any pressure but this should help keep it off. Adding a folded scarf to lift the rifle up has helped with my seating position but the best option would be to replace the stock. Having one custom made will help the most.

Having the right stock seems to be one of the options/solutions that keeps coming up. Issues with weight (too much or too little) appears to be very important when it comes to application and enjoyment of the use of whatever firearm. A light weight rifle (less than 7 lbs.) chambered in .308 Winchester makes for a rifle that is fine for carrying around but the recoil is pretty gnarly. The recoil isn't so bad that shooting said rifle completely sucks to be behind but it's just enough that extended shooting sessions are unpleasant. By adding additional weight to the stock you can absorb some of the recoil without having to make changes to the barrel or receiver (such as adding a muzzle break to the barrel). Yes a good pad will also help but you can add that to the new stock for additional performance and comfort.

Of course, it's possible to add too much weight to a rifle for it's application. Said light weight rifle may not be so pleasant to shoot often like a target rifle but the gun is easier to carry when walking to a preferred hunting location. The felt recoil may be more than desirable but you only have to deal with it on the few shot(s) you take when bagging your game. Its a trade off. Since I seem to be more sensitive to a rifle's recoil, I think the best option for me when I go to build the long range rifle will be to have a heavier rifle to suck up that excess recoil. I'm thinking around 10 to 15 lbs. If I need to reduce the felt recoil any further then I'll see about adding a muzzle break.

All that said, I think, however, I may end up building a different Phase 2 rifle. Originally, I had intended to build a general purpose rifle that would be 90% target rifle and 10% deer hunting rifle. After an experience at the range I'm beginning to lean more toward something in .223 Remington and for-going the hunting asspect. A friend of mine purchased a Savage 10/110 Trophy Hunter XP for use as a target rifle. I had a chance to try it out while at the range. The rifle was a good shooter even using cheap ammo (PMC) at 200 yards. It had a great trigger (the Accu-Trigger) and a nice stock. The recoil was pretty negligible. Based on this experience I'm now leaning toward building a rifle in .223 Remington as a 100% target rifle. Originally, I had intended to build something in .308 Winchester for it's wide range of abilities, availability and to teach myself recoil management for larger cartridges. I will still build a rifle for these reasons but it will end up being an additional Phase 2 rifle. The low recoil of .223 Remington really has me sold.

So, to introduce the new Phase 2 rifle build; Phase 2b.

The new Phase 2 rifle will be purely for use as a mid range (100 to 400 yards) target rifle with low recoil. It COULD be used for hunting small game like ground hogs/other varmints but that would be rare. This may end up being the centerfire rifle that I'll spend the most time with at the range (other than my .22). While it will be chambered in some .223 based cartridge, I haven't decided on whether I want .223 Remington or .223 Wylde or just have a 5.56 NATO spec chamber. I also need to figure out what action I want to use; bolt action or semi-auto. I will choose the chambering based on the action I go with.

If I go with bolt action, I think a Savage will be on the menu and chambered in just .223 Remington. This would be like that 10/110 I shot but I could also look at something like the Remington 700. If I choose a semi-automatic rifle I have to choose based on what's not on Maryland's hate/ban list. Thankfully, heavy barrel (or H-BAR) AR's are still legal and can be built as of this writing.

If I go down the semi-auto path, the rifle will likely be an AR platform rifle and will be based on either 5.56 NATO or .223 Wylde chamber specs. If you're not familiar with .223 Wylde, .223 Wylde is more of a chamber specification than it is an actual cartridge. .223 Wylde chambers are designed to take advantage of .223 Remington's accuracy potential while maintaining compatibility with 5.56 NATO spec ammo. If you're not familiar, 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem are dimensionally similar (if not the same) cases but 5.56 NATO has a higher pressure rating and slightly different chamber specifications making 5.56 NATO un-usable (or unsafe to use) in rifles chambered in .223 Remington, however, rifles with 5.56 NATO spec chambers can safely fire .223 Remington spec cartridges. Basically, you would be able to use el cheap-o mil-spec/surplus ammo but still have a rifle capable of excellent accuracy when using match grade .223 Remington ammo. I would suggest checking out this PDF from JP Enterprises about their .223 Wylde reamer for details on .223 Wylde. Thankfully, modifying, replacing the barrel or even the upper receiver with a .223 Wylde chamber can be easy so I'm not totally worried about making sure that I have the correct chamber out of the box. Most AR-15 barrels are offered in the 5.56 NATO spec.

As for the options for building an AR, I'm looking at picking up a built upper receiver (possibly this one from Model 1 Sales) then piecing together the rest of the rifle. The complete upper I'm looking at is Model 1 Sale's Varmint upper half. It has a 24 inch heavy bull barrel with a twist rate of either 1-in-8 or 1-in-9 per the customer's specification. I'll probably choose the 1-in-8 so I can run heavier bullets. I can choose various options such as fore-ends/rails, sights, carrying handles and chromed BCGs just to name a few. It comes with the bolt carrier group but I have to supply the lower receiver and parts related to the lower. Some of their other kits have every thing you need, including the trigger pack but you need to provide a striped lower receiver. You can buy the stripped lower from your LGS since that's the serialized part then you use all the included parts to build a complete rifle. It's a really nice idea.

Figuring out what lower receiver should be pretty easy but finding one that's available in the state may be difficult. In any normal state I would be able to hit up any LGS and order one or have any one I want shipped into an LGS for transfer from an online retailer. But since this is Maryland I may end up running into some unknown hurdle requiring me to buy a specific lower other than which ever one I may want. The likelihood is that I will have to buy just a straight-up stripped lower receiver then build it up as an HBAR, which is fine.

Whatever gun I choose it will end up being more expensive than what I had originally intended for this Phase but given the modular nature of the AR-15, purchasing the parts over time will make this process easier on the wallet. I will also be able to configure multiple complete uppers for other uses such as a National Match config.

I think I'm pretty much set on building a AR-15 HBAR for the Phase 2b rifle. I can pretty much guarantee I will build an AR in the future regardless of whether it's part of this project or not, so why not make it part of this project.

Oh and I have access to a Savage Axis XP. I'm not all that interested in it anymore. It's not accurate enough and it's too light weight for my purposes. It probably makes for a better hunting rifle but its definitely not a target rifle.


*** BTW, not that this has come up but just in case anyone is wondering I am not plugging these products for profit or personal gain, or being solicited/paid by/getting kick backs from any of the companies I've listed. If I'm talking about the product, it's because I'm looking at it as part of this project. I will put disclaimers in the article if I do get anything from some company and I talk about it in an article.