If you’re a left-handed shooter, you’ve probably noticed that finding a quality left-handed AR-15 upper isn’t nearly as easy as finding a standard right-handed build. Many manufacturers simply don’t offer left-handed options, while others only produce a handful of configurations. At Mid State Firearms, we’ve been building AR-15s for over 12 years, and we understand […]
July 2026

Choosing the Right AR9 Barrel Length for Your Build
Choosing a barrel for a 9mm AR starts with how the firearm will be used. The best barrel length for 9mm depends on ammunition, intended role, legal configuration, and suppressor plans. For many AR9 builds, 8 to 10 inches balances useful velocity with manageable length. Shorter barrels keep the build compact, while 11 to 12 […]

NFA Engraving Services in Mississippi | SBR & Form 1 Engraving in Clinton, MS
Mid State Firearms now offers professional NFA engraving services in Mississippi for customers building SBRs, SBSs, and other Form 1 firearms. Located in Clinton, Mississippi, just minutes from Jackson, we provide local firearm engraving services using a precision 30W fiber laser engraving system. Whether you are completing your first SBR build or need additional markings […]

How to Clean an AR-15: Complete Field Strip, Maintenance & Lubrication Guide
The AR-15 is one of the most popular rifle platforms in the United States because of its modular design, wide availability of parts, and ability to be configured for nearly any application. Whether used for recreational shooting, competition, hunting, home defense, or general-purpose rifle builds, the AR-15 gives owners the ability to maintain, repair, and […]

300 Blackout vs 5.56 for Suppressed AR-15 Builds: Which Is Better?
Building a suppressed AR-15 comes with a lot of decisions: barrel length, handguard style, suppressor choice, and most importantly—the caliber. Two of the most popular choices for suppressed AR-15 builds are .300 AAC Blackout and 5.56 NATO. Both cartridges have strengths, but they were designed with different goals in mind. The right choice depends on […]
Tucked Suppressor Builds: Pros, Cons, Safety Considerations & Choosing the Right Handguard
Suppressor-ready AR-15 builds have become increasingly popular among shooters looking for a cleaner, more streamlined rifle setup. One of the most popular configurations is the tucked suppressor build, also commonly referred to as a recessed suppressor setup or recessed can build. A tucked suppressor configuration uses a large inside diameter handguard that allows part of […]
