January « 2023 « Tactical Fanboy

Archive for January, 2023

Creating the Perfect AR15 Build: Choosing the Right Barrel Profile

Saturday, January 28th, 2023

Choosing the right AR15 barrel profile is one of the most important decisions to make when building or customizing an AR-15. The shape and size of the barrel, as determined by the profile, can greatly affect the performance and functionality of the weapon.

Let’s take a look at the different AR-15 barrel profiles available and help you understand the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision. From heavier barrel profiles to lightweight pencil barrel profiles, we’ll cover it all.

Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a hunter, or just a hobbyist, this guide will help you choose the perfect barrel profile for your specific needs and goals.

AR Barrel Profiles Explained

The term “barrel profile” refers to the thickness of a barrel on an AR-15 style rifle, such as the Faxon Sentry 16” 5.56 Rifle. Different barrel profiles can impact the performance of the gun in various ways.

For instance, thinner barrels are lightweight and easy to handle, while thicker barrels provide more stability by adding weight to the front of the gun and can withstand more heat.

It’s essential to consider the trade-offs of different barrel options available in the market when making a choice.

Let’s now look at the different AR-15 barrel profiles to see what makes each one unique.

Gunner Profile

The Gunner profile is a blend of two of the best-performing profiles of all time, Gov’t and Pencil.

Faxon’s Gunner profile combines the durability of the Gov’t profile with the weight savings and maneuverability of the Pencil profile.

The Gunner profile brings the rifle’s balance back towards the shooter’s body, limiting fatigue and allowing for shooting, training, or hunting all day long.

Government/SOCOM Profile

A SOCOM barrel for an AR-15 is designed differently from the standard M4/A2 barrel.

Instead of being consistently thick throughout, it has a thinner section past the gas block and a thicker section near the chamber. In addition, SOCOM barrels often have a slot for attaching a grenade launcher and provide a balance between strength and weight.

If you’re looking for a barrel that can handle sustained shooting while still being lightweight, a SOCOM profile barrel may be a good option for you.

Pencil Profile

The pencil barrel is the original profile for the AR-15, typically measuring 0.625 inches in diameter.

It is known for being slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry and handle. However, due to its thinness, it may overheat more quickly during rapid firing, leading to elastic deformation or warping, which can affect reliability and accuracy.

Unlike run-of-the-mill pencil barrels, Faxon Firearms barrels are properly heat-treated and stress-relieved to improve heat resistance and longevity.

The durability of this AR15 barrel profile is ideal for shooters with a light or medium shooting schedule.

AR Barrel Profiles: Finding Your Match

The barrel profile of an AR-15 rifle can greatly affect its overall performance and handling.

The three most common barrel profiles are the Gunner, Government, and Pencil. The Government/SOCOM profile is the thickest and heaviest option, providing the most stability and accuracy but also adding extra weight to the rifle.

The pencil profile is the thinnest and lightest option, making it easier to handle and carry, but sacrificing some stability and accuracy. The government profile is a balance between the two, offering a good compromise between weight and performance.

Ultimately, the choice of barrel profile will depend on the individual’s personal preferences and intended use of the rifle. Therefore, it is important to consider the trade-offs and choose the barrel profile that best suits your needs.

Posted in Weapons | No Comments »

Introducing Strike Industries’… Golf Ball Launcher?!

Monday, January 9th, 2023

FORE, introducing the Strike Industries OPPRESSOR Golf Ball Launcher. The golf ball launcher is based on their OPPRESSOR blast shield muzzle device. This Golf Ball Launcher is a device that attaches to your blaster and allows you to launch golf balls using blanks into orbit. Well, maybe not orbit, but it’s fun to think about. Here’s some of what they had to say about it in their official release!

Strike Industries’ Golf Ball Launcher

Similar to the SI OPPRESSOR, which aids in redirecting blast and sound, this SI OPPRESSOR Golf Ball Launcher also uses the SREM to, you guessed it… to Launch golf balls. The quick SREM detach PATENTED Strike Rapid Engage Mount (SREM) system mount, to be specific.

Using ONLY blanks, golf balls can be launched 100s of yards, of course ONLY in a safe direction. Depending on the golf ball, fit, weapon, and blank used, you can launch golf balls 500+ yards.

Point to just about any angle without the ball falling out, as the tapered cone/cup and large O-ring is designed to fit most golf balls on the market.

Constructed of a steel SREM base with a 7075-T6 aluminum body, this SI OPPRESSOR Golf Ball Launcher attaches (and detaches) in seconds. In case you need to be propelling golf balls down range with velocity and distance at a moment’s notice…

You can also use this SI OPPRESSOR Golf Ball Launcher device as a blast shield and concussion-reducing device with live ammo… ONLY WITHOUT a golf ball inserted!

Golf Ball Launcher Features:

Quick detach using PATENTED Strike Rapid Engage Mount (SREM) system
Point the golf ball launcher at any angle without the ball falling out.
Launches golf balls 500+ yards
Use as a blast shield and concussion-reducing device with live ammo (WITHOUTgolf ball inserted)
Tapered cone/cup and large O-ring designed to fit most golf balls on the market
Golf ball loading inside diameter of 43.58mm(1.716”)
39.50mm(1.56”) base with 55.00mm(2.17”) body overall diameters
Steel base construction with 7075-T6 aluminum body

COMPATIBILITY:

Only with SI OPPRESSOR Strike Rapid Engage Mount (SREM) muzzle devices
Desert Tech: Ratchet compensator, Micro Dynamic Rifle (MDR) w/ Ratchet compensator
Ferfrans: CQB Modular Muzzle Brake System (only GEN 1)

NOT COMPATIBLE:

Any other muzzle device
This is not a direct barrel-threaded device

Golf Ball Launcher Package Contents:

x1 SI OPPRESSOR Golf Ball Launcher
x1 Warning card

WARNINGS:

Ensure proper clearance from all parts of the weapon when attaching and removing OPPRESSOR from the muzzle device.
LOAD GOLF BALL ONLY. THE DANGERS OF BLANKS AND GOLF BALLS CAN CAUSE DISFIGUREMENT OR DEATH
DO NOT USE LIVE AMMO. USE PROPERLY MANUFACTURED BLANKS ONLY.
ALWAYS HAVE YOUR WEAPON SAFE WHEN NOT BEING FIRED. ALWAYS FOLLOW ALL FIREARMS SAFETY RULES AND NEVER POINT YOUR WEAPON AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY.
USE AS A BLAST SHIELD DEVICE WITH LIVE AMMO ONLY WITHOUT A GOLF BALL INSERTED.
PLEASE DO NOT STEAL GOLF BALLS FROM LOCAL GOLF RANGES.

Golf Ball Launcher Product Specifications:

GOLF BALL LOADING DIAMETER: 43.58mm(1.716”)
OVERALL DIAMETER (BASE): 39.50mm(1.56”)
OVERALL DIAMETER (BODY): 55.00mm(2.17”)
LENGTH: 54.73mm(2.15″)
WIDTH: 50.49mm(1.99″)
HEIGHT: 113.67mm(4.48″)
WEIGHT: 10.90 oz
WEIGHT W/ PKG: 12.20 oz

NOTE: Distance varies depending on the blank, golf ball, golf ball fit, and weapon used.

Posted in Press Release, WTF? | No Comments »

Revision and Fast Metal’s Speed Demon Metal Sunglasses with I-Vis Lens Tech

Friday, January 6th, 2023

Two powerhouses in the world of eyewear have joined forces to create a product that’s sure to make waves. Revision Military, a leading producer of protective eyewear, has spent years perfecting their ballistic protective lenses. At the same time, Fast Metal has been focusing on creating premium made-in-USA aluminum sunglasses. And now, they’re ready to unveil their latest collaboration to the world. But first, let’s take a closer look at the official press release.

The Official Release

Revision Military, a leading producer of protective eyewear, has spent years developing best-in-class ballistic protective lenses. Similarly, Fast Metal and its founder have spent that time developing premium made-in-USA aluminum sunglasses. With this collaboration announcement, the two companies have combined what they are truly experts in to create the Revision Speed Demon metal sunglasses with Revision’s new I-Vis lens technology. These sunglasses bring together state-of-the-art lens technology with a sleek, stylish frame.

Fast Metal was built on over 35 years of experience in manufacturing the highest quality metal sunglasses by its founder, Ken Wilson. As the pioneer of the aluminum sunglass industry, Ken created the first patented 27-step procedure for manufacturing high-quality aluminum frames. Today, Fast Metal is proud to offer the world’s first and best aluminum sunglass and eyewear protection system featuring field-replaceable lenses.

Over the past 20 years, Revision has become the proven supplier of military protective eyewear to NATO forces worldwide. This new partnership with Fast Metal is a powerful relationship combining military and tactical industry expertise with the best aluminum sunglass design. The goal – is to create an eyewear protection system that customers not only need but want.

“At Revision, we believe in the power of partnerships and collaborations in bringing new and exciting technology to end-users quickly,” said Revision CEO Amy Coyne. “Our new I-Vis lens technology delivers enhanced visual performance, and we needed an everyday sunglass platform to offer protection, style, and performance. We believe this collab is just the beginning of our partnership with Ken and the Fast Metal team.”

So what’s so special about these new Revision Speed Demon Sunglasses?

Well, first, the frame is entirely made out of aluminum 7075 allow, which provides ANSI Z87.1 protection.

Second, it is available with Revision’s new I-Vis lens technology. This technology is an advanced dye formulation process resulting in a new series of lens tints that markedly enhance visual performance. More than a single solution, I-Vis lenses are available in six tints, each optimized for use in a different environment. Each tint is designed to increase contrast and elevate color recognition in specific geographic regions, doing so without the negative effects associated with traditional monochromatic lens tints. These Speed Demon lenses also come with Revision’s OcuMax anti-fog and scratch coating and are field replaceable.

Finally, all frames and lenses are made in the USA; frames are made by Fast Metal in Yuma, Arizona, and lenses are made by Revision in Essex Junction, Vermont. The product is available for sale today at www.revisionmilitary.com and coming soon to Revision’s network of dealers and distributors around the globe.

Posted in Press Release | No Comments »

Final Rule ATF 2021-05F: The BATFE on 80% Frames

Monday, January 2nd, 2023

FINAL RULE ATF: Last week, the BATFE issued new guidance on the legality of 80% frame lowers like those manufactured by Polymer 80, Lone Wolf Arms, Nomad Defense, and Matrix Arms. It’s rarely a Good Thing when we have to report ATF news, and this time is no different.

ATF Changes its Mind. Again.

Once again, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has changed its mind. Remember how 80 percent frames and lowers were legal until Joe Biden’s ATF decided that they weren’t? You know, like the ATF always does.

That question was shaking out as part of the Vanderstok v. Garland case in federal court, with the ATF agreeing that the frames and receivers in question were indeed legal so long as they didn’t ship with “associated templates, jigs, molds, equipment, tools, instructions, guides, or marketing materials.”

So, basically, the frames and receivers are only firearms under the Gun Control Act (GCA) if they are packaged with those “non-firearm objects” (NFO). Strange, but okay. Companies had already incorporated that change and were continuing to ship their products. NFO sold separately.

Then, out of the blue, ATF dropped a new rule on FFLs by way of a December 27 open letter. The letter stated that “these partially complete pistol frames are ‘frames’ and ‘firearms’ as defined in the GCA and its implementing regulations.” Even if they don’t include the NFO items.

ATF bases this change on the definition of the word “readily,” as in whether these frames can be “readily converted” to fully functioning firearms.

Here’s an excerpt from that statement:

Applying the regulatory text of Final Rule 2021-05F, partially complete Polymer80, Lone Wolf, and similar striker-fired semiautomatic pistol frames, including, but not limited to, those sold within parts kits, have reached a stage of manufacture where they “may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted” to a functional frame. This definition of “readily” applies to each and every classification of a partially complete frame or receiver under this Rule, whether sold alone or as part of a kit. Therefore, even without any associated templates, jigs, molds, equipment, tools, instructions, guides, or marketing materials, these partially complete pistol frames are “frames” and also “firearms” as defined in the GCA and its implementing regulations, 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3)(B) and 27 CFR 478.12(a)(1), (c).

The following are some examples of companies that build 80% frames.

• Polymer 80

• Nomad Defense

• Matrix Arms

• Lone Wolf Arms

Now learn about the sizes of handguns!

Posted in Accessories, Weapons | No Comments »