Light Weight AR-15 Setup (On a Budget)

I've had my eye on an AR-15 for a while now, I love my Robinson Armament XCR-L's, but they just don't have the same amount of customization available that an AR-15 does. I picked up interesting mixed AR-15 at the end of the summer and I've been slowly adding parts and pieces.

This article is focused on making a quality rifle on a budget, I've tried to purchase upgrades and accessories piecemeal to keep the initial costs low, if you're like me, you don't have the cash on hand to be buying top tier AR-15 rifles, and while tactical operator setups are cool in magazines, in the real world you pay to play. 

Lets start with a through run-down of the specs...

- Bushmaster upper, barrel, and bolt assembly 

      - 14.5 inch barrel with a permanently fixed AK-74 style muzzle brake

-  BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 charging handle 

- Stag Arms STAG-15 lower

- Magpul MOE: stock, carbine length handguard, pistol grip, trigger guard, BAD lever, MBUIS rear sight, scout light mount, and MS3 QD Sling.

- Noveske QD end plate

The AK-74 style muzzle brake on a 14.5 inch barrel is almost perfect, there are better brake options on the market, such as the Battlecomp on my XCR's, but this tried and true design borrowed from the AK-74 weapons system is quite adequate. I've been tempted to have it removed and a more Tacti-cool brake installed, but I can't find anything wrong with the AK-74 style brake, it isn't obnoxiously loud, it controls muzzle rise well, and the flash is tolerable. Why mess with something that already works.  

The overall length of this gun makes it a very compact package, coupled with its light weight, it's almost a pleasure to carry around. I still need to add an optic and flash light, but I doubt that either of those will tip the scales towards heavy or unwieldy.

I like the BAD Lever in that it allows me to use many of the same methods that I employ with the XCR's. Index finger up for bold hold back and down for charging. I think Magpul puts out an attractive and functional product and you really can't beat the price point, plus almost everything they offer is easily removable if you decide you don't like the setup. (Note: internet forums offer a host of people who enjoy trading parts and pieces, if you have something that you've removed from your gun, odds are there is someone who would pay or trade for it)

The MS3 Quick Detach Sling is the best sling I own, I have a MS2 and a Gear Sector Quick Detach Sling, which also function great, but I like the feel of the MS3 and I like the option to transition to a two point sling if necessary. The single point sling is great for having the rifle at the ready, but when I need the rifle in arms reach, so I can use both hands, the single point sling leaves my muzzle exposed to pogo-ing in the dirt if I'm not careful.

Magpul MBUIS are another good option for a lightweight cost effective setup. I'll eventually get around to buying an Aimpoint for this rifle and these back up sights co-witness with my fixed front sight post for use in the meantime.

The BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 is a nice to have feature. You can do perfectly fine with the standard charging handle, the BCM just allows you to better charge the rifle with the pinch method using your support hand. It is a closer match to how I run my XCR's and keeping my movements similar is important to me when I train on different weapons platforms. (Note: The castle nut has not been staked at this point)

I've been researching handguard options, and while I would love to make the forward handguard free float with a 13 inch Troy rail, I don't see the cost benefit. This rifle is not a precision rifle setup, and I doubt that I will gain anything from chopping the front sight block and installing a free float tube. I'm trying to keep costs low on this setup, and for a future AR-15 style rifle I may go the free float route, but for now all I need is the Magpul carbine length handguards.

Note: Don't be an internet commando or arm-chair ranger, too many people on the net show rifles that are overly expensive, seldom used and Tacti-cool. Not everyone has a defense contractor budget for gear and guns, buy what you can when you can, and always be on the look-out for deals on lightly used quality equipment. I've posted this picture of my scout light mount without a scout light because I won't pay full price for a flashlight that will spend 95 percent of it's time sitting in the safe. A good deal will come along and I'll make due until then.

This Quick Detach mount is Noveske, but it cost the same as any other mount. I think this single mount is an attractive high speed, low drag solution, all my rifles have QD rear mounts so I can use the same sling hardware for every rifle. (The standard end plate that I removed can be traded or sold along with the old handguards, pistol grip, charging handle, etc, etc, to offset the cost of new additions)

I've tried to keep from going overboard with this rifle, right now it's mostly a range gun with a few trips out to the woods every now and then. I'm not replacing my XCR's as my go-to rifles, but I like the accessorizing that can be done with an AR-15 and the light weight makes me think twice about the monolithic upper and piston driven system of the Robinson Design.

Start with a good quality stock rifle, add the parts that you want when you're able, sell/trade your excess parts and in no time you'll have a really handy rifle that looks sharp as well.

Benchmade 940 Osborne and 3350 Mini-Infidel

A Tale of Two Benchmades'

My EDC 940 Osborne and the 3350 Mini-Infidel

We'll start by discussing my 940 Osborne Axis Folder, I've had it for almost 8 years and it has been in my pockets from the shores of Thailand to the mountains of North Carolina. It's seen use almost every day for any task imaginable... to include minor surgery... (I'll spare the details, but suffice to say that it's sharp enough to get the job done)

The stainless blade has cut more apples than I care to remember, and as a single bladed pocket knife it has been worth every penny over the last few years. I find that a slim smaller knife that excels at mundane tasks is of more importance to me than a large hefty tactical knife. I don't doubt that I could use the 940 for self defense, but I have had much more opportunity to cut boxes rather than defend myself from roving gangs of knife wielding bandits, besides I like to adhere to the old adage of "bringing a gun to a knife fight". 

The Axis Lock is a very nice design, most locking folding knives need a total of 3 contact points to remain solid, the Axis system uses 2 and still maintains a rock steady lock. I find the lock smooth and fast to operate with one hand. 

I like a smooth blade rather than serrated. The thinking goes thus: A dull serrated blade is better than a dull straight blade, but a sharp straight blade is equal or better than a sharp serrated blade and I keep my blade sharp. I can sharpen a straight blade on any whetstone, but I would need special tools to sharpen a serrated blade. A straight blade is better at delicate work, carving, slicing, and scraping, where a serrated blade is best at quick rough work. sawing and slashing. If you plan to cut seat belts or rope all the time serrated works well, but I don't suggest you use the serrated blade for filleting fish, or slicing vegetables. I tend to use my knife for a lot of mundane everyday tasks, if you fast rope out of helicopters for a living your choice may vary. 

The drop point design is handy and I like a knife with a little bit of belly before the tip. I like the crisp edges on the back of the knife blade, they work great as a scraper, and while it may scar up the titanium scales on the sides, the back of the knife opens a bottle with no issue. 

The only thing I don't like about this knife is that it won't wear out, I'm at 8 years of daily use and it still keeps cutting. I would like to try some shiny new designs... but I can't as long as this knife is still so serviceable. With the addition of the Mini-Infidel OTF knife to my daily use I won't be retiring my 940 anytime soon, but I may regulate it's use to at work and keep the Infidel for those more dressy occasions. 

The Mini-Infidel is an OTF knife (Out the Front), it is double bladed and features the same bomb proof titanium side scales as my 940. This is my first OTF knife and I can't really compare it to any of the other OTF knife makers, but you can rest assured that this knife carries that impeccable Benchmade quality standard. 

I like the push button out and push button in, I think I had a blister on my finger the first week from popping it in and out so many times. It's a new concept to get used to and you'll be tempted to rely on old muscle memory and fold the blade the way you would a traditional folding knife, don't make that mistake! The dagger blade is soul cutting sharp.

This blade is D2 rather than stainless, so ensure that you keep it oiled regularly, I'm a bit more carefree with my 940, but I make sure that the Infidel is clean before returning it to my pocket. I don't find this knife very useful in my daily tasks, IE. cutting my apple for lunch or carving a stick to roast a marshmallow, but I also don't carry this knife everywhere I go, I reserve it's use for special occasions when I'll likely be in a more gentlemanly role... you get the idea.

This knife is a serious piece of kit, it's scary fast in and out and I'd say it would hold it's own in a knife fight, if you're so inclined to those types of encounters, and I like the slick understated appearance. This knife means business and is a real tool rather than a display piece. This knife is more Steve McQueen rather than Stone Cold Steve Austin. I won't use this knife in daily carry but just like a tuxedo, or fine watch, this knife has its place. 

The blade is solid with very little play or wiggle, I am enthralled by the ability to pop it in and out and I have so far resisted the urge to disassemble this knife and see what makes it tick. Some would say "It's just a knife!" and I'd say "Jealous much!"

Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight D.S. Police Special

The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight D.S. Police Special

(This ain't your Walmart Tacticool Lead Spreader)

This particular gun was made around 1987, and it is a beauty. I've been on the hunt for a Model 37 since I was old enough to purchase my own firearms. Many years ago I had the chance to pick out a good used Combat Shotgun from a big pile of police/prison/military trade ins, they had 870's, Model 37's and 590's, and I went with a classic 870, a choice I don't regret, but with the prices of the 37 these days I wish I had bought a few. 

This model is the D.S. Police Special, it stands for Deer Slayer Police Special, a very robust offering of the ruggedly reliable Deer Slayer (rifled barrel, iron sights) in a parkerized finish. This is a no nonsense combat shotgun with an 18 inch barrel.  

There is something to be said for the old school walnut stocks, I don't care for plastic on my gun and this M-37 has a flawless stock and fore grip, it has the desirable Pachmayr "White Line" recoil pad, which is a must for a session shooting slugs and buckshot.

Solid Iron sights give this gun a bit more accuracy at range than a bead. The 18 inch barrel makes this gun light and highly controllable in a home defense scenario and it is well suited to use in hallways and room clearing.

The corn cob/ring tail fore grip is ideally suited to this gun, and I can shuck shells into the gun without feeling like I'm grasping a subway sandwich.

This gun is built like a tank, and it uses a fixed (non-removable, threaded) barrel. The design dates from the early 1900's and shells are loaded and ejected from the bottom port on the gun, allowing this gun to be used equally well by both right and left handed users. 

The model 37 boasts the longest production run for a pump shotgun in history, and its' design is still as viable today as it was in the early 1900's. The higher production costs have caused this gun to fall behind in sales to the 870 and 590, but it does not lag behind in performance or reliability.

The M-37 is designed to be "slam fired", meaning that if you hold the trigger and pump the gun you can fire the shotgun each time the pump stroke puts a new shell in the chamber.

This shotgun is all business, it's lean classic and powerful, I wouldn't feel a bit under armed with this gun on a dark night. No frills, shell caddies or flashlight lasers here. 

From the trenches of WWII, to its use by the Navy Seals, Police departments and Military, this is one trench gun that is still makes the grade, its fit and finish match any 870 Wingmaster I've used. This gun combines real world practicality with a good dose of collect-ability, and I don't see this venerable pump shotgun falling out of favor any time soon. 

RENAISSANCE Wax, The Micro-crystalline Wax Polish

 Renaissance Wax, Paste so good, you'll wish it was spreadable on toast

I'm new to Renaissance Wax (Ren Wax) I discovered it while browsing the gun forums and after reading that several well known and respected authorities recommended it I had to try this "miracle wax". I ordered a 200 ml can off of Ebay and waited...

Well it has arrived, and I can say that after my initial skepticism, I am a true believer now! It is a preservative, lubricant, and protector, I read that it's used by the Smithsonian and it's safe for metal, wood, leather and plastic. You apply it just like you would a good shoe polish. You wipe a tiny bit onto a clean cloth and gently rub it into the surface to be protected, then wipe off the excess and buff to a shine. 

It works like a charm, I used it on my blued Colt Python and I was amazed at the results. Previously I had only used Hoppes Oil for all my firearms, and while the oil does a good job, it doesn't photograph well and it's prone to fingerprints. The Ren Wax buffs out to a really nice shine and it doesn't show fingerprints. I like to apply it sparingly because it seems to build up in the hard to reach corners if you use too much. 

Another feature that I really like about this wax is the ease in which it can be removed, a little drop of clean oil and you can wipe it away with no residue. I put a full coat of Ren Wax on my Python and it gave it a strong clear coat that resists fingerprints. After the range visit, I applied a drop or two of oil and was able to wipe the entire gun clean in a matter of minutes.  

This is one of the products that does what it claims, and I'm quite impressed with its results. I've tried almost every firearm lubricant and coating and this is the only one that isn't a mess on my hands during a hot day on the range and functions just as well in the photo booth. When I apply Ren Wax I don't need to go back a day or two later and wipe traces of excess lubricant out of the seams of my gun. 

If you own a classic firearm, you need to try this wax at least once, I wish someone had shown this to me when I first started collecting, if I could spread this wax on my toast at breakfast...

Vintage S&W Chief's Special (Model 36) .38 Special

1970 Smith & Wesson Model 36 (Chief's Special)  

I picked up this little revolver a while ago from a private sale, the blue was thin in some areas on the cylinder and I ended up buying it for a really good price. I touched up the blue a little with Oxpho-Blue, I recommend that you avoid cold bluing solutions at all costs, they smell horrid and they rarely do a good job, but in this situation I plan to use this gun as a carry piece and the cold blue on the cylinder doesn't look half bad. (the pictures are unaltered)

I like the old-school 1950 detective/private eye look of this gun and since I've migrated to the .357 Mag/.38 Special cartridge for all my wheel guns at the moment, this was a good addition to my collection.  It's classic and powerful for a small frame "pocket pistol".

As you can see in the above pic, there is no lock on this S&W, I won't turn down a gun with a lock.... but I feel that the the lock hole diminishes the look of the gun and regardless of what you might value the gun at, it will always be worth less on the market than one without.

The pinned barrel is one of the features that collectors look for, I don't know why it's more desirable, neither of the Colt Pythons I own have pinned barrels and they are much more desirable. The pinned barrel was discontinued at around 1982, a feature that was eliminated to reduce production costs, but I haven't read any reports of un-pinned barreled guns being any less sturdy or reliable.

The revolver originally came with a set of vintage Jay Scott Stag-like grips, I found them to be overly thick and not comfortable in the hand. Even .38 Special target loads were unwieldy, so I decided to sell them for something else. I have always wanted a pistol with ivory type grips and I think this one sports them well without being gaudy, chintzy or "pimpish", I ordered these from Boone Trading Company, who offers this faux ivory set for about 65 dollars (with the medallions). Real ivories will cost you about $400... this is more than the entire gun cost! 

The right side shows the most wear and tear, it isn't bad, but it puts this gun in the "excellent condition shooter" category rather than the "good condition collector" category, I very much like to shoot my guns, and this one will definitely get some carry and range use.   

Fixed sights on this gun are low and discreet, it really helps to avoid snagging the gun on the draw. Lock-up and timing are superb on this little revolver. The fellow I purchased it from bought it in a like new condition a year or two ago and carried it for a while in a cheap Hunter holster he purchased separately. The Hunter holster is the culprit for dulling the like new finish, it was loose and the chromed snap rubbed on the cylinder. I have since bought a very nice Bianchi lined leather holster that carries it correctly. 

If you're in the market for one of these classic guns, then buy now! I've seen these recently go for the price of a song and they won't be available at those prices forever. I think there is a Colt revolver frenzy going on at the moment and when that dies down, the pre-lock S&W revolvers will take the spotlight...