Author: Durkin Tactical

One of the most popular firearms currently sold in the United States, AR-15s are also one of the most misunderstood. Misinformation has run rampant on various communication outlets, especially on the internet and in the news. Regardless of the origin of the myths about guns or the reasons behind the spread of misinformation, learning the truth behind AR-15s is important for responsible gun owners and other everyday citizens. We’ve laid out the top AR-15 myths to help sort fact from fiction with this iconic rifle.

Myth 1: “AR” Stands for “Assault Rifle”

Perhaps one of the most commonly perpetuated AR-15 myths is that the “AR” in AR-15 stands for “assault rifle” or “automatic rifle”. While the rifle is associated with these designations, neither of these are true. The “AR” actually stands for Armalite Rifle, the original manufacturer of the firearm. The number 15 refers to it being the 15th version of the original Armalite Rifle design.

Myth 2: The AR-15 is a Machine Gun

Another AR-15 myth is that the AR-15 is a machine gun or an assault rifle. A common misconception, AR-15s are not fully automatic, and they are not machine guns. In fact, civilian ownership of machine guns has been highly regulated since 1934. Federal law has prohibited the possession of newly manufactured machine guns since 1986.

Myth 3: They’re Fully Automatic Guns

AR-15s are not fully automatic; they’re semi-automatic. Unlike fully automatic firearms that fire multiple rounds when fired, the AR-15 can only fire one round when the trigger is pulled.

Myth 4: The AR-15 is a Weapon of War

This AR-15 myth isn’t quite true due to a technicality. No, the AR-15 itself isn’t designed for military usage. However, it’s the semi-automatic civilian counterpart of the M16, which is a military standard-issue burst-fire/automatic rifle. The M4 is the carbine-length version of the M16 (and, by extension, the AR-15), which means it has a 14.5-inch barrel compared to the M16’s 16-inch barrel. So while the official AR-15 isn’t a weapon of war, it is virtually identical to the M16 and M4 that are based on its design.

Myth 5: AR-15s Aren’t Good for Hunting

A common AR-15 myth that many believe that the rifle isn’t suitable for hunting. Thanks to their incredible customizability, AR-15s actually make for great hunting rifles. AR-15 owners can choose upper parts compatible with calibers typically used for hunting. The most popular hunting calibers are 5.56 Nato/.223, 6.5 Grendel, .450 Bushmaster, .300 Blackout, and .350 Legend. This versatility proves the myth about the gun to be false.

Myth 6: AR-15s Are Extremely Powerful Rifles

The AR-15 myth that they’re extremely powerful rifles is a routine misunderstanding. The AR-15 isn’t like what may be perpetuated in the movies or misinformation found online. AR-15s of any caliber are no more powerful than other rifles of the same caliber, debunking this common myth about the gun.

Myth 7: AR-15s Aren’t Good For Self-Defense

Another AR-15 myth is that many do not believe that the rifle is ideal for self-defense. In actuality, the versatility and lightweight design of AR-15s makes them an ideal choice for home self-defense. There are even AR-15 pistol kits that make the firearm a true leader among close-quarters weapons.

One of the most common myths about guns is that they are easily obtainable by anyone. The purchase of guns is regulated in the U.S., meaning one can’t buy an AR-15 online like they would a pair of shoes. Federal law requires background checks to be conducted on citizens that want to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer. Firearms purchased online need to be transferred to the purchaser by a licensed FFL dealer, who will still conduct a background check.

Myth 9: It’s Quick and Easy for Anyone to Build an AR-15

An AR-15 myth that is spread is that they’re quick and easy for any person to build. While they do have a modular design and are relatively easier than other firearms to replace the parts of, AR-15s are not toy building blocks. Build kits still require you to pay close attention to what you’re doing so you don’t make mistakes in the build process.

Myth 10: The .223 and 5.56mm are Interchangeable

This is a bit of a tricky one, as it’s not 100% false. .223 Remington is smaller than the 5.56 NATO. Since the 5.56 NATO is larger, that means it can’t be shot with an AR-15 chambered for the .223 — they aren’t interchangeable. However, a rifle chambered with 5.56 NATO can shoot both .233 Remington and 5.56 NATO rounds of ammo. There is also a new chamber called the .223 Wylde that is designed to fire both more effectively.

There are countless AR-15 myths that are spread by word-of-mouth, the internet, and other forms of communication. To prevent the spread of misinformation, it’s vital that we’re made aware of the myths about guns. Separating fact from fiction is paramount to addressing the misconceptions that many have about AR-15s in the U.S. and abroad.

Learning how to clean a gun for the first time is a critical part of gun maintenance that every gun owner needs to know. The more you handle and use the firearm, the more it will need to be cleaned. 

The cleaning process is also an easy way to familiarize yourself with your firearm. If you are familiar with your firearm and how it works, you will have the confidence to make alterations or upgrade your pistol.

Importance of Regular Gun Maintenance

Don’t make the mistake of assuming the only reason you need to clean your gun is to keep it shiny. If you spent the day at the range and you used corrosive ammo, make sure you clean your gun as soon as possible. While you won’t cause immediate damage while firing, the salts found in corrosive ammo can cause permanent damage if left alone. 

No matter what type of ammunition you use, fouling buildup is another hazard you want to prevent. If you never clean your gun, you are putting yourself at an increasing and dangerous risk of jams and misfires.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you can learn how to clean a gun, you need to have the correct supplies on hand.

• Solvent
• Lubricant
• A dry rag or old t-shirt
• Cleaning rods
• Cloth cleaning patches
• Boring brush (make sure it fits your barrel!)
• A small utility brush or toothbrush
• Cotton swabs
• A safe place to put small parts
• A flat surface*

* Make sure the surface you use is something you don’t mind damaging or has something protective on top. Some of the cleaning supplies can cause damage to surfaces if spilled. We recommend purchasing one of our various build mats.

Step 2: Unload the Firearm

Every guide on how to clean a gun should follow proper safety practices. Remove the magazine and make sure you thoroughly inspect the weapon to verify it is not loaded. Once you’re done, go ahead and check it again. Relying on the safety is not good enough for preventing accidents. You want to be absolutely certain that all ammunition has been removed.

Step 3: Disassembly

There are a few ways you can approach disassembly. Consulting the owner’s manual for their instructions is the easiest way to learn how to clean a gun. A simple field strip does not require any special tools and is often all you need to get rid of dirt, grime, and buildup. There should still be some small parts, so make sure you have a safe place for them. You don’t want anything rolling away.

If your firearm is extremely dirty or you just haven’t done it in a while, you may need to completely disassemble the weapon. Consult the owner’s manual for instructions or find someone familiar with the process who can teach you how to do it.

Step 4: Clean the Barrel

Grab the cleaning rod and boring brush. Attach the boring brush (which should fit your barrel) to your cleaning rod. Apply your solvent to the brush and push it all the way through the barrel. Go ahead and let the solvent sit; we’ll come back to it later, as this is an important step when learning how to clean a gun.

Step 5: Clean the Rest of the Firearm

This is where the utility brush and cotton swabs are going to be useful. Remove any debris hiding in the action, receiver, bolt, chamber, and frame. Depending on how far you disassembled your weapon, there may still be some small parts you need to watch for.

If you come across a heavy spot of buildup, apply some cleaner and allow it to sit for a few minutes if necessary so you can wipe it away. Then use a dry cloth to wipe everything down.

Step 6: Return to the Barrel

Remember how we mentioned the solvent was part of an important step to do when learning how to clean a gun? Here’s where we come back to it. Now that the solvent has had time to work its magic, return to the barrel. Use the rod to run some cleaning patches through the barrel. The first cloth will probably be filthy. Try a second one. If it doesn’t look much better, you may need some additional cleaner. Keep going until it’s as clean as you can get it.

Step 7: Lubrication

You’re almost done learning how to clean a gun! You want to add lubricant to metal-on-metal surfaces and moving parts — emphasis on parts. You don’t want any oil on the outside or handle, which could make the weapon difficult (and dangerous) to hold. It doesn’t take much, so be cautious not to go overboard.

NOTE: Do not apply lubricant to the inside of your barrel!

Step 8: Reassembly

At this point in the process of learning how to clean a gun, your firearm is ready for reassembly. Put it back together and dry-fire it to make sure it is functioning properly. Give it one final wipe-down with a clean cloth.

Build Your Own

Now that you know how to clean a gun, you can use your newfound knowledge of firearm disassembly and reassembly to customize your weapon! At Durkin Tactical, we have high-quality and American-made build kits for rifles and pistols. A build kit is great for swapping parts on an existing weapon or finishing a build with a serialized stripped lower receiver you already have. Putting it together yourself gives you a unique familiarity with your weapon from the very beginning. Shop now to start your own build!

When it comes to firearms, you can never have enough experience. Whether it’s learning 5 simple gun safety rules or getting comfortable enough to do alterations on your AR or pistol, you’ll never regret knowing more about safety and care of your weapon.

But when you’re starting out, knowing all the ins and out of the rules of firearms safety can seem daunting. Instead of overloading new gun owners with information, we want to help you learn what not to do. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, it’s always good to remember our top 5 gun safety rules and 8 mistakes new gun owners often make.

 Top Safety Rules

Before we get into the mistakes new gun owners make, it’s important to know some crucial rules of firearms safety.

1. Always treat your firearm as if it was loaded. There are so many tragic stories about people thinking the gun was not loaded, and the trigger gets pulled. You never know who had the gun last and if they left any bullets in the chamber, so better safe than sorry and always act like your firearm is loaded. 
2. Point your weapon in a safe direction, away from people. Accidents happen and guns can misfire, so when you have a firearm in your possession, be sure to point it away from people and in the safest direction possible. 
3. Don’t put your finger on the trigger until you’re ready to fire. There is no need to have your finger on the trigger before shooting, so keep it on the outside guard while you’re waiting to fire. 
4. Know your target and what lies beyond it. If you’re unsure of what you’re shooting at or what’s behind it, don’t shoot. This one may not seem like it needs to be on a list of 5 gun safety rules, but there are too many stories of people lacking confidence in their target and surroundings and tragic accidents happening. 
5. Wear proper protective gear. Whether you’re at a range or in the woods, wearing the proper protective gear, like goggles and ear protection, goes a long way in keeping you and others safe. 

Mistakes to Avoid

Now that we know the most important rules of firearms safety, we can go over some of the most common mistakes new gun owners make.

1. Storing your firearm in an unsecure location. 

Firearms should always be stored in a secure, locked location. Your secret hiding place is probably not-so-secret, and chances are, kids or guests will be able to find it or accidentally stumble upon it. Whether you’re keeping your firearm in a non-disclosed location or are open about where you have it stored, lock it away and make sure only those who are knowledgeable about firearms have the key.

2. Forgetting to put the safety on. 

This one can’t be hammered home enough, and it’s even in our top 5 gun safety rules. Always check your safety, even if you’re confident that it’s on. And be sure to leave it on until you’re ready to fire. 

 3. Trying to multitask. 

Operating a firearm requires a tremendous amount of mental focus. Don’t try to take calls, text, or multitask while having a firearm in your possession. There are a lot of rules of firearms safety, and remembering them all does not provide much room for multitasking.

 4. Being overconfident in your knowledge and abilities. 

There’s always something to learn, in life or with firearms. After you’ve mastered the 5 gun safety rules, there are still many tips and tricks to learn. Cleaning, maintenance, magazine loading, fixing gun jams, and more are just some of the more advanced components of gun ownership. Even experts are extremely cautious and know there’s always more to learn.

 5. Not studying your weapon and getting to know it well. 

If you’re going to be firing a weapon, be sure to study it before you operate it. Get to know where the safety is, how the trigger feels, adjust the sights as needed, and any other nuances to the firearm.

 6. Using it for something it was not intended to be used for.

You’d be surprised, but this needs to be included in the rules of firearm safety. Never use your weapon for anything other than what it was intended to do. A firearm is not a hammer, doorstop, or any other blunt object. Treating a firearm like anything other than that is dangerous and violates the 5 gun safety rules to live by.

 7. Not dressing for the activity and weather.

It’s important to be comfortable when you’re using a firearm. If the weather is cold, dress accordingly. If it’s hot, don’t wear a tank top and shorts, but wear loose-fitting pants and a shirt made of breathable fabric. The rules of firearm safety also require you to have proper protective gear. Goggles and ear protection are the basics, but there’s more you can incorporate to stay extra safe while shooting.

 8. Forgetting the top 5 gun safety rules.

The most important of all, never forget the 5 gun safety rules. Remind yourself of them every time you use your firearm.

Now that you know how to handle your firearm, it’s time to build one. Durkin Tactical has years of expertise and knowledge to provide you with the tools and resources for your next build. Whether you’re looking for an AR-15 build kit or want to know the most important rules of firearm safety, we’re here to lend you our services. Shop now!

Whether you’re going for a quick hunt or embarking on an extended trip, being prepared for any mishap or emergency is a great way to reduce your chances of running into trouble. Packing a kit of essential survival gear and equipment will make sure you can enjoy the wilderness safely. 

Durkin Tactical has rounded up our best outdoor survival equipment recommendations to ensure that your next hunt will be a safe and successful one. Read on and get ready to add these must-haves to your cart. 

Complete Adventure Medical Kits 

Increase your chances of living to tell the tale of your epic hunt with a well-stocked medical kit. An expertly assembled medical kit is an essential piece of wilderness survival gear and contains all of the equipment you’ll need if you run into trouble while enjoying the hunt. This will be an organized array of first aid supplies for injuries ranging from knife cuts and bone fractures to tick bites. 

These compact kits are light enough to carry with you while hunting, ATVing, fishing, or heading out on a hike. For even more preparation for the unexpected, consider a medical trauma kit specifically created for more serious injuries. 

Clothing & Gear That Works Hard For You 

It’s crucial to dress for success when you head out into the wilderness. Your clothing is the barrier between you and the outdoors, so plan for any possible inclement weather and ensure that you’ll be ready for both cold and hot temperatures. 

Opt for clothing made of comfortable materials that don’t absorb moisture, ensure your clothes allow you to move freely, and always pack a hat for sun protection. With all of the right clothing and gear in your wilderness survival gear kit, you’ll be equipped to tackle any sudden shift in weather with ease. 

A Reliable Knife 

A reliable survival knife is an essential wilderness gear and equipment must-have and is an incredible way to stay prepared for the expected and unexpected when out in the wilderness. This essential piece of outdoor survival equipment can help you cut ropes, sharpen sticks, defend yourself, skin a fish, and give you an upper hand while hunting. 

You’ll need a knife that’s high-quality, sharp, comes with a protective sheath, and is the right size for your wilderness kit. If you want a jack-of-all-trades tool rather than something strictly for bushcraft and hunting, try out a multi-tool knife. These come with essentials like tweezers, scissors, and a bottle opener built in.

Water Purification & Filtration System

You can survive without food for a few days in the wilderness, but water purification equipment is a survival gear must-have to ensure your safety and health. Your hydration requirements will depend on your hunting trip itinerary and the outdoor temperature, but the general requirement is three liters per day for each individual. Devices like water purification straws and water filtration bottles feature built-in purifying technology and can help you avoid the struggle of carrying tons of heavy water. Just fill your device up with water from your nearest clean water source and hydrate as needed. 

Communication & Navigation Tools

To stay on track in the wilderness, you’ll need survival gear and equipment that keeps you oriented and prepared in any situation. We suggest bringing multiple navigation devices so you’ll have backups should something go wrong. If your phone dies, use a dedicated GPS. If that breaks, use a map. You’ll be ready for anything and always ready to find your way back home. For extra protection, opt for a satellite communication device with the ability to track your location and send an SOS message without an internet connection. It’s one of those things that is better to have and not need it than to need and not have it.

Trust Durkin Tactical For High-Quality Equipment to Enhance Your Hunt 

It’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected, and high-quality wilderness survival gear and equipment is the best way to ensure you’ll be safe and healthy while enjoying your hunt. You need gear you can trust, and Durkin Tactical only offers reliable equipment, gun parts, and gun build kits that deliver peace of mind and the best possible performance. 

Our competitive prices mean you can stock up on all of your outdoor survival equipment essentials and our wide selection of products ensures you’ll find whatever you’re looking for. Order today and don’t forget to take advantage of our military, firefighter, and first responder discounts. 

If you’re the proud owner of an AR-15, you most likely have some aspects of the rifle that you love, and others that you’d like to modify. Every rifle owner is different, but the great news is that your AR-15 was designed to be an extremely customizable firearm. With virtually endless personalizations and upgrades available, you’re able to build out your ultimate AR-15 that is perfectly suited to you and your unique preferences. That’s why we’ve rounded up the hands-down best AR-15 upgrades and accessories for you to get started.

Slings & Sling Mountings

Looking for more options when it comes to carrying your rifle? Your rifle’s sling may be an often overlooked upgrade, but it’s one of the bestAR-15 accessories to make carrying your rifle easy. The best sling is one that’s quick to adjust and features a two-point configuration, allowing you to carry your rifle in any position and offering enhanced stability for your rifle when you’re taking a shot. Switch between over your shoulder, across your back, or across the front of your body and carry in comfort.

Barrels

Barrels are hands-down one of the best AR-15 upgrades you can invest in, but choosing the right one is crucial. You’ll want a barrel with a consistently machined bore to ensure that your bullet is launched the same way every time, and one that is heavy enough to heat slower and help absorb more recoil. When it comes to material, stainless steel and carbon steel barrels are reliable, consistent barrels that can improve your accuracy. Opt for a shorter barrel if you use your AR-15 as a home defense rifle, or go for a middle-length, highly maneuverable option if you want your rifle to be more versatile.

Sights

Sights are obviously extremely important when it comes to accurately shooting your rifle, making them one of the best AR-15 upgrades when you’re looking to enhance your gun’s performance. Red dot sights work well for fast target acquisition, holographic sights provide a larger field of view while minimizing parallax distortion, and flip-up iron sights adaptability.

Handguards & Rail Systems

If you want to improve your grip, provide extra ventilation points to prevent heat build-up, and additional space for accessories, then handguards and rail systems may be the best AR-15 upgrade for you. Free-floating handguards and rail systems made of durable yet lightweight aluminum are a great premium option, while drop-in handguards are a slightly more affordable upgrade.

Rail systems will grant you the freedom to mount essentials like flashlights, fire grips, and lasers to your rifle, giving you an extra edge when you need it. Both handguards and rail systems are quick upgrades that are simple and straightforward, making them one of the best AR-15 accessories.

Trigger Guards

Trigger guards are one of the best AR-15 upgrades to help you ensure your safety and comfort, and there are so many great, enlarged trigger guard options on the market to choose from. Enlarged trigger guards are always a great option as they can comfortably fit a gloved finger while maintaining comfort and precision, as opposed to smaller trigger guards which can lead to cramped fingers after a long shooting session.

Muzzle Brakes & Compensators

Muzzle devices like brakes and compensators are a great way to reduce the toll shooting your rifle can take on your shoulder and upper body, as well as increase your shooting dexterity. You’ll have plenty of options when it comes to these impact-reducing muzzle devices, and they’re one of the best, easy to install AR-15 upgrades that can make quite the difference to your rifle.

Muzzle brakes are great for improving your speed and accuracy as they help with muzzle climb and maintaining control of your weapon. Add a muzzle brake and continue shooting with minimal readjustments. Muzzle compensators serve a similar purpose — they ventilate upward at the muzzle, helping to push downward and give your rifle’s muzzle vertical stability.

Achieve Your Ultimate Custom Firearm with Durkin Tactical

Equipped with these great upgrade ideas, trust Durkin Tactical as your destination for the best AR-15 upgrades, accessories, parts, and complete kits you can get for the money. Whether you’re looking to upgrade and personalize your existing rifle, or planning to build out a new one using one of our famous rifle build kits, Durkin Tactical brings you a wide selection of carefully sourced, high-quality, reliable products at the best possible value for your money.

Our competitive pricing and high performance standards ensure that you’re always getting the best bang for your buck, while our exclusive wholesale program and military and first responder discounts can help you save even more.

It’s that time of year again, and you’re probably wondering what Christmas gift to get the gun loving guys or gals in your life. Whether your gun lover is a hunter, a casual gun owner, a former military man, or anything else, the perfect gun or adrenaline-related gift is out there waiting to be found.

In this blog, we’ve rounded up a list of the bestgifts for gun lovers and gun enthusiasts that you’ll want to pull the trigger on. Happy shopping!

Gun Build Kit

Let’s start with the obvious gift for gun lovers — gun build kits. By building their weapon, your giftee will intimately know every inch of their gun, and they’ll have the ability to customize it from the ground up.

Opt for a complete kit that has everything they need (save for one serialized part) to build a fully-functioning gun. Choose a high-quality AR rifle kit for more advanced custom gun builders, or opt for a more simple AR pistol kit for build kit newbies.

Flamethrower

What gift do you get for a gun lover whose gun cabinet is full? Or a picky gun lover who prefers to buy their guns and parts themselves? A flamethrower is one of the best gifts for gun enthusiasts. It’s an incredible change of pace, and still packs that punch of adrenaline that they’re sure to love.

Flamethrowers are quickly becoming one of the most sought after Christmas gifts for thrill-seekers everywhere. From eradicating pests and leveling brush piles, to hosting a pyrotechnic show for the entire family, flamethrowers are just plain fun. Choose from festive colors like green and red, or opt for a sleek matte black model. If your gun loving guy or gal is always the one to bring fireworks or can cannons to the party, a flamethrower is an epic Christmas gift they’ll never forget.

Gun Tools & Cleaning Supplies

No gun enthusiast would be disappointed to unwrap a gift of gun tools or cleaning supplies on Christmas morning! Perhaps the gun lover in your life has mentioned needing certain specialized gun tools, or maybe they’re the type to clean their favorite rifles as a relaxing activity. If you’re in search of a gift for a gun lover who has a large collection, you can never go wrong with this practical present that’s sure to get lots of use.

Gift individual tools as stocking stuffers or small gifts, or get your hands on a small box or bag and create a personalized tool kit or cleaning kit. This is one of the best gifts for gun enthusiasts — they’ll appreciate your understanding of the smaller details of their craft.

Personalized Gun Enhancements

Looking to add a bit more personalization to your gift for a gun lover? Personalized gun parts and enhancements give your giftee a practical part that’s special and unique to their personality.

They’re sure to love the uniqueness of a personalized dust cover as an easy addition to their favorite firearm. Opt for a tongue-in-cheek slogan that suits their humor, select an engraved ode to their military status, or choose a patriotic laser-engraved flag to adorn their gun. It’s a thoughtful, American-made firearm detail that will remind them of you every time they pick up their weapon.

Survival Equipment

If you’re in search of the perfect gift for a gun lover who has it all, survival equipment or a survival kit might just be your ideal option — especially if they’re a survivalist or doomsday prepper. Take notes; these survival tools and gear would make the best gifts for any gun enthusiast in your life that likes being a little more prepared.

Survival knives are great stocking stuffers, and a trauma pack is a unique survival tool that they are probably missing from their collection. If a full kit is more your gifting style, opt for a complete adventure medical kit, or a survival backpack pre-loaded with all of the necessities. Whether they’re an amateur emergency-prepper or a full-on survival enthusiast, you can rest assured that they’ll always appreciate new gear to add to their collection.

Experience Gun-Lover Gifting Made Easy at Durkin Tactical

Durkin Tactical is your source for top-quality gun lover gifts at unbeatable prices. Our wide variety of gun kits, parts, accessories, and more nearly guarantees that you’ll find something perfectly suited to your Christmas gun gifting needs.

Still unsure of what gift to buy for your favorite gun lover? Browse our new items section for the latest gun gifting inspiration. At checkout, don’t forget to take advantage of our military, firefighter, healthcare workers, and first responder discounts, or add our shipping insurance to your purchase to protect your gift against the unexpected.

ARs are known for their modularity and customization potential — and build kits take that a step further. Firearm build kits not only allow you to customize your rifle from the ground up with the best AR-15 upgrades and accessories, but also become intimately familiar with every component in your gun and their function. Gun enthusiasts around the world appreciate the many benefits of DIY gun construction, but with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start if you’re a beginner.

In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you should know before you select the perfect firearm build kit to meet your needs.

Why Build Your Own Firearm?

Hands-On Learning

Having a gun is not only a matter of owning one, but being able to take care of it. Whether you’re brand new to firearms or have already spent time with them, a DIY gun build kit paired with your desired AR-15 upgrades is the best way to deepen your knowledge of firearms and know your weapon inside and out.

Endless Options & Customization

With a DIY gun build kit, you have the opportunity to design and customize your gun with all the best AR-15 upgrades you’d ever want, without needing to swap out stock parts like you would a pre-built gun. With so many part customization options available including color variants, logos, and engraving, you can easily create a piece that is truly one of a kind. With the addition of a stripped lower receiver, your gun build will offer the same functionality as their counterparts straight from the manufacturer, but you’ll have the opportunity to custom design and build out your firearm with the best AR-15 accessories — all to make it unique to your needs.

Rifle or Pistol?

Your first decision is choosing to select a rifle or a pistol, and the best option for you will depend on your unique needs. Consider what you want to learn from your build experience, and what you expect from your final product. When it comes to pistols, the shorter barrel length provides less space for the best AR-15 upgrades and accessories compared to a rifle. However, many people find it easier to achieve accurate shots with a pistol over a rifle, especially in small spaces.

Your choice of a rifle or pistol should be based upon your individual needs. We recommend considering your possible use cases, and opting to build the gun that you want to learn more about.

The AR-15 Parts Your Kit Should Include

The AR-15’sbest upgrades and accessories can be separated into two major categories: upper parts and lower parts:

Upper Parts

• Barrel
• Gas tube
• Gas block
• Hand guard
• Charging handle
• Bolt carrier group
• Stripped upper receiver
• Muzzle Device
• Dust Cover

Lower Parts

• Stripped lower receiver
• Lower parts kit
• Drop In Trigger
• Buffer
• Buffer Assembly
• Buttstock
• Pistol Brace

Consider Additional Tools & Accessories

If you’re looking to level up your build, add additional accessories to your gun and utilize specialized tools for your build. AR-15s are like the LEGOs of firearms, perfect for endless creativity and unique builds with the best AR-15 upgrades on the market. Opt for buttstocks, grips, slings, optics, hand guards, and much more for better handling and accuracy. Or make your workspace more effective with build mats.

Extra tools and cleaning supplies also improve both building and maintaining your AR-15. From easy-clean cloths and compact cleaning kits to specialty wrenches and vise blocks to keep your gun steady, you can make building, modifying, and cleaning your weapon easier and more efficient.

Choosing a Trusted Supplier

No matter which gun build kit you choose, you need high-quality parts, affordable pricing, and a final product that you can trust. It’s incredibly important to purchase your gun build kit from a trusted supplier — and that’s where Durkin Tactical comes in.

Since 2017, we’ve been providing top-quality gun build kits, parts, and the best AR-15 upgrades and accessories at an incredible value for your money. Our complete kits come with absolutely everything you need to build a fully functioning gun, save for one serialized stripped lower receiver you’ll need to purchase at an authorized FFL gun dealer. . Each and every kit we offer includes a carefully curated selection of high-quality American-made parts to ensure that you’re getting the very best combination for the price.

You’re Ready to Get Building!

No matter what your firearm build goals are, Durkin Tactical is here to help you achieve them. With our wide array of gun build kits and the best, top-quality AR-15 upgrades that you can rely on, it’s never been easier to do your own DIY custom gun build. Browse our kits and parts today or reach out to us with any questions. We’re here to help.

For those of you looking to get your first firearm, hearing about all the different calibers can be confusing. If you need rifle calibers explained, look no further. In general, the caliber refers to the internal diameter of a rifle barrel, but it can also describe the diameter of a bullet. Either inches or millimeters can be used to measure this distance. Keep in mind that a bullet is only the metal projectile, whereas a cartridge is the entire round including casing, powder, and primer. As such, the cartridge will have a bigger measurement than the bullet. When deciding which gun suits your needs, it is essential to consider the differences between calibers. Different ranges and intended targets will determine which caliber to use. 

While the caliber of a firearm is crucial in determining its performance and suitability for specific purposes, the precision and reliability of scales and balances are equally important in the realm of firearms manufacturing and ammunition production. In the manufacturing process, precise measurements of various components, including powders and primers, are crucial to ensure consistency and safety. Scales and balances provide the necessary accuracy to weigh these components and achieve the desired results. Additionally, in the testing and quality control phase, scales and balances are used to verify the weight of completed cartridges, ensuring that they meet the required specifications and function properly. Manufacturers and laboratories involved in the firearms industry rely on complete weighing solutions to maintain quality, consistency, and safety throughout the production process.

.22 Long Rifle

The .22 Long Rifle is the first rifle caliber we’ll explain. There’s a reason this caliber is the most sold ammunition in the world. Both novices and experts use it for a wide variety of guns and appreciate its minimal recoil and noise. What’s more, this is an inexpensive option. Whether you’re looking to spend some bullets on target practice, are learning to shoot a rifle, or need an option for small-game hunting, this is a great choice to load up in a magazine.

.223 Wylde 

A happy medium that accommodates the differences between the popular .223 Remington (originally made for the AR-15) and 5.56 NATO caliber rounds. The .223 Remington was an improvement on the lightweight .222 Remington, used for varmint hunting. The 5.56 NATO, in turn, was an improvement on the .223 Remington, with cartridges reshaped to have a better drag coefficient and manufactured with slightly thicker brass and more powder. They fired at higher internal chamber pressures than what the .223 Remington was designed for, so a 5.56 NATO round fired from a .223 Remington rifle would degrade the barrel over time.

Enter the .223 Wylde. The .223 Wylde has a redesigned chamber and barrel leade that accommodates both the traditional .223 Remington and cheaper 5.56 NATO rounds. This versatility alone explains why the .223 Wylde rifle caliber is a great starter option. It’s perfect for both varmint hunting, target practice, self-defense, and, with 5.56 NATO rounds, hitting hard at long distances. Plus, it’s arguably superior to MIL-SPEC rifles, as these are either .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO!

6.5mm Creedmoor

What good is target practice or hunting without an accurate gun? The 6.5mm Creedmoor’s claim to fame is accuracy. In fact, it was designed by a long-distance shooting national champion. Good ballistics and relatively light recoil are making it increasingly popular. Some of the differences between the 6.5mm Creedmoor and other calibers is that the 6.5mm goes faster in the long range and inserts itself deeper into a target. Since it is often used for long-range target shooting, consider getting a solid scope or boresighter.

9mm

The 9mm caliber was originally designed in 1901 for pistols, specifically the Luger P08, which explains why it is a rifle caliber that is so small. Rifles must be specifically chambered to use 9mm rounds. However, that typically means they are compatible with 9mm pistol magazines — so if you already have a 9mm sidearm, you can use your mags for both. 9mm rifles are lightweight with low recoil, making them an excellent option if you want something for home defense or range shooting.

7.62×39

Otherwise known as the 7.62 Soviet or .30 Russian Short, this bottlenecked caliber was designed to be inexpensive to manufacture and easily mass-produced for everything from submachine guns to the famous AK-47. Its low cost and versatility as a platform explains the popularity of this rifle caliber across the entire world and is one of the most commonly-used calibers. Slightly less powerful than a .30-30 Winchester, 7.62×39 cartridges are used for whitetail deer hunting in the US.

.300 Blackout

Another versatile option for a rifle, the .300 Blackout can be explained as potentially the best caliber for big-game hunting out there. At the same time, it is used by law enforcement, the military, and target shooters thanks to its long-range performance, accuracy, and flat shooting. 

Keep in mind, there’s no free lunch. This is a pricey option that packs a heavy recoil, but it’ll take down a moose. That being said, a muzzle device can help you deal with the recoil. If you’re traveling and run out of ammo, the .300 Blackout is widely available, so it’s easier to find when you need it.

.450 Bushmaster

Jeff Cooper, a marine veteran and founder of the American Pistol Institute, came up with the idea of a “thumper” round: a larger-bore round for modern semi-automatic rifles that could be used for big game hunting. That explains why the rifle caliber .450 Bushmaster stands out. This straight-walled cartridge packs a hefty punch perfect for hunting, and with an effective range of over 250 yards, it’s even good at a distance.

.458 SOCOM

This caliber was designed after veterans of Operation Gothic Serpent in the 1990s reported that it took multiple 5.56 NATO rounds to incapacitate enemy combatants. This explains why a new rifle caliber had to be designed that packed more power while remaining 100% compatible with the existing M4 and M16 platforms (and, later, the AR-15). For a caliber that packs the power of a .450 Bushmaster for big game hunting while only needing to use a stock AR magazine, the .458 SOCOM is the way to go.

.50 Beowulf

The ultimate heavyweight, the .50 Beowulf lives up to its name. This caliber is used in the AR-15 rifle, and its extreme stopping power can be explained by its heaviness and width. Want to stop a car in its tracks? Try this. One of the differences between .50 Beowulf and similarly sized calibers is the accuracy and long range of the Beowulf. Whether you are hunting some massive animals or need to defend yourself, this is a great heavyweight option.

Customize Your Shooting Experience With Durkin Tactical

Now that we’ve explained the differences between the top rifle calibers, it’s time to build your own rifle in the caliber you want. Durkin Tactical is a family-owned-and-operated company that believes in getting you high-quality build kits that don’t break the bank, so that anybody can build the gun they want. Have questions? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you choose what caliber is right for you!