Buying AR-15 components on a budget can feel risky when you see a discounted blem listing beside a full-price option. Many shooters assume “blemished” means unreliable or previously used parts, so they skip the deal and pay more. This guide explains what the label actually means, how to inspect what you receive, and how to […]
Why Mid State Firearms Test-Fires Every Complete Upper Before Shipping (And Why It Matters for Your Build) When you’re investing in an AR‑15 upper, there’s one thing that matters more than marketing claims, fancy coatings, or brand hype: whether the rifle runs well when you pull the trigger. At Mid State Firearms, we take that […]
Most shooters start with 5.56 or .300 Blackout and then run into limits on range, hunting laws, suppressed use, or power. At that point, what calibers fit AR15 stops being a theory question and becomes a build decision. If you need a basic overview of common rounds, you can read our beginner’s guide to AR-15 […]
Start with the job the rifle must do. This overview compares length, chambering, material, how the rifling is made, profile, fluting, bore treatment, twist rate, gas system length, and muzzle threads. Define the purpose and the effective range first, then pick the shortest setup that still meets that goal. Keep this AR-15 barrel length guide […]
The gas system sets the character of an AR-15. It touches recoil feel, where heat and carbon go, what you’ll spend, and how the rifle behaves with a suppressor. Most builds stay with direct impingement (DI). Others choose a Piston Driven AR15 (short-stroke or long-stroke).This article explains how both systems work, what they do well, […]
Handguards do three things well: they shield your support hand from heat, provide mounting for lights and grips, and help the rifle balance the way you like. On the AR platform, there are two main approaches: drop-in and free-float. This guide explains both and shows where each one makes sense so you can choose the […]
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