Managing Editor
With demand low and manufacturers having ramped up supply to meet the demand of the last panic buy, now is the best time in over a decade to buy, build, or upgrade a modern sporting rifle. Stock is plentiful and prices are some of the lowest we have seen in a long time. Here are some modern sporting rifles and accessories available at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse.
Ruger AR-556Featuring an aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum forging upper and lower, the AR-556 provides a lightweight frame with proven strength. The bolt is machined from 9310 alloy steel and is shot peened and pressure (proof) tested to ensure strength, structural integrity and durability and is mated with a cold hammer-forged 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel with ultra-precise rifling to give the AR-556 exceptional accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning. The 1:8” twist rate stabilizes bullets from 35 to 77 grains and the 5.56 NATO chamber allows the use of both 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem. ammunition. M4 feed ramps provide improved operational reliability and the matte black oxide finish reduces glare and offers corrosion resistance. The patent-pending barrel nut and delta ring make swapping the handguard a breeze and can be replaced with a free-float or Mil-Spec barrel nut. And it is made in America and backed by the second-to-none Ruger customer service.
LWRC M6ICI have built dozens of guns with LWRC parts and they have never let me down. The fit and finish of this gun give it the appearance of a hand-built rifle and the fact that it was based on LWRC’s entry into the Army SOPMOD4 trials to replace the venerable M4 means that it is rugged and light. It features a short stroke piston system for cleaner operation and the trigger, BCG and chamber are nickel boron coated for smoother operation and enhanced reliability. The adjustable compact stock has plenty of real estate where it needs it for a great cheek weld, but gets out of the way for operation in tight confines and to reduce weight. The 16.1-inch cold hammer forged barrel incorporates spiral fluting to reduce the weight of the barrel by 20 percent and just looks cool. It has one of the best out of the box two-stage triggers I have seen from a factory AR. A monoforge upper combines the top of the handguard to the upper receiver for greater strength and allows optics to straddle the receiver and barrel for use of scout scopes and electronics that need to be further forward. This rifle is for the real high-speed, low-drag operator and will handle anything the average user can throw at it, even in austere environments.
Springfield Saint AR15The Springfield Saint is the next generation of defensive rifles. Purpose-built for defensive use, the Saint incorporates lessons learned in battle to provide a rifle that is supremely reliable and simple to use. A special Accu-Tite receiver mating system is incorporated to eliminate play in the pins and stabilize the platform. The 16-inch Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel features a 1:8 twist rate to handle a wide range of bullet types. The operation of the M16 bolt carrier group is managed by a mid-length gas system paired with a heavy tungsten buffer, resulting in an exceptionally smooth action. A good shot starts with the trigger, so that’s why the Saint AR15 features micro-polished and Nickel Boron treated components. An all new, exclusive Bravo Company PKMT KeyMod handguard packs heat shields and flexible attachment points into a slim and easy to handle form factor. The Bravo Company buttstock is rattle-free and complemented by a Bravo pistol grip designed to improve defensive performance.
LWRC M6IC Complete LowerThe same reliable and dynamite lower receiver as the full LWRC rifle, the complete lower provides a builder with the option to marry this excellent trigger to the barrel and upper of their choice. Cerakoated in Flat Dark Earth and equipped with a Magpul MOE pistol grip and a Magpul PRS stock, this lower receiver gives the builder the foundation for an amazing precision rifle system.
Mission First Tactical Tekko 13.5-inch Free-Float Keymod HandguardThe 13.5-inch handguard from MFT is Cerakoated in FDE or black and pairs well with the LWRC lower. It features a free-float rail that pairs with a standard barrel nut, rather than going the route of using a proprietary barrel nut, as many free floaters do. A two-piece shell wraps around the nut and screws on the handguard, clamping the whole thing together. A patent pending mounting, indexing and lock-up system ensures proper fit and alignment. The Tekko gives the user a larger range of modularity with offset mounting positions as well as the traditional 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. The monolithic style top rail eliminates the gap between the receiver and rail.
Inforce WMLx – Gen.2 Tactical LightWith a directed 800 lumen high-intensity beam, the WMLx is the second generation of the rugged and dependable Inforce rifle-mounted line. Featuring a low profile, integrated mount that doesn’t require tools to attach or remove from your MIL-STD-1913 rail, the WMLx is equipped with a safety switch to prevent accidental activation. The wide and easy to access switch pad can be operated easily, even with gloves, by a simple tap. The WMLx features three modes; constant, momentary and strobe.
5.11 VTAC Double Point SlingKeeping your rifle handy and also integrating a shooting stabilizer requires an adjustable sling. Designed with input from Delta Force Sgt. Major Kyle Lamb, the VTAC two-point sling from 5.11 Tactical easily allows rapid transition from use of the rifle to storage on your body for transport or performing other tasks. A simple pull of the drawstring on the heavy Nylon webbing expands or contracts the length of the sling to allow it to be snugged to the body without flopping around.
Wheeler Engineering AR15 Armorer’s Professional KitFor those of you building or upgrading your modern sporting rifle, the Wheeler Engineering AR15 Armorer’s Professional Kit provides every tool you can imagine to work on or build MSRs. With an armorer’s vice to firmly hold your rifle to Delta Series tools to fully disassemble your rife and quality punches, wrenches, picks and cleaning supplies, this kit is a must-have for anyone who is serious about building, upgrading or maintaining their MSR.
Magpul PMAG Gen. M3I have tried a lot of different magazines and one that has never let me down is the Magpul PMAG. The Gen. M3 version of this workhorse is made from a more durable polymer, is slimmer for use with multiple magazine pouches and will work with a wider variety of rifles. The self-lubricating anti-tilt follower directs force in four directions for more reliable feeding and less failure and jams. The steel spring is GI-Spec. and provides years of work without compression issues. A snap-off cover protects the first round in the stick and also keeps debris from entering the magazine. The entire magazine can be disassembled without tools for cleaning and maintenance.
