Building your own AR-15 is fun and exciting, especially if you like puzzles. From the parts of an upper receiver, such as the barrel and bolt carrier group to the parts of the lower receiver, such as the buffer tube and mag release, assembling an AR-15 is a great project for anyone. One of the most important decisions you'll have to make early on is what caliber to choose for your AR-15. With so many options, how do you choose?
RailScales offers the best rail covers made from the highest quality materials available. Featuring a textured grip, you'll be shooting more accurately and comfortably. We also offer handstops and vertical grips, as well as iron sights. Below, we'll go over five tips on how to choose the perfect AR caliber for your custom AR-15. Shop our AR-15 accessories online today!
5 TIPS TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT AR CALIBER FOR YOU
When choosing the best AR caliber, consider its intended use, ballistic performance, availability and cost of ammunition, recoil characteristics, and compatibility with your AR platform. Determine whether you need long-range precision, hunting, home defense, or recreational shooting capabilities, and select a caliber that balances power, accuracy, and effectiveness for that purpose. Evaluate the availability and affordability of ammunition, as well as the manageability of recoil, to ensure comfortable and enjoyable shooting experiences. Finally, assess compatibility and versatility with your AR platform, considering ease of conversion and adaptability to different scenarios. By weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that suits your shooting goals, preferences, and budget.
Consider Power
When searching for the perfect caliber for your AR-15, many people consider the power of the cartridge. Most people believe that the bigger the bullet, the more stopping power it has and thus the more effective it will be. However, that is not always the case. The stopping power of a cartridge has to do with two things: velocity, or the speed of the bullet, and penetration, or the ability for the bullet to go through its target. Weight, or bullet grain, is an important factor for penetration. A heavier bullet will have more penetration power than a lighter one because it will travel further and faster before being pulled to the ground by gravity.
Consider Versatility
The AR-15 is one of the most versatile firearms there is. With the array of AR15 accessories on the market today, such as rail covers, handstops, and vertical grips that RailScales offers, you can make your firearm exactly how you like it. Similarly, by researching the caliber, you can have a very versatile AR-15 for all of your needs. For example, the .300 Blackout is a great caliber for self defense, hunting, and target shooting. If you are looking for a good, all-around caliber, think of your uses and then find the caliber that will make the most sense.
Consider Availability
The AR-15 is known worldwide as being one of the most flexible firearms on the market. Thus, as you're building your AR-15 or perhaps you are upgrading or modifying an existing one, odds are, there are parts and cartridges available for your preferred caliber. That being said, some caliber bullets are easier to get a hold of than others. For instance, the 5.56 is usually relatively easy to get a hold of because it's one of the more popular options. If you choose an unpopular caliber, you'll have to be prepared to stock up on ammo when it's available.
Consider Your Use
Different calibers are useful for different types of shooting endeavors. For example, the .458 SOCOM is not the best for long-range hunting. This caliber is ideal for short barrel rifles and for personal defense. Thus, if you are a hunter and are outfitting your custom AR for that main purpose, you should choose a caliber more suitable to hunting. But if you are looking for a home defense firearm, then this caliber is a great choice. We recommend that you let your use play a large role in your choice of caliber.
Consider Flexibility
Many people like to repurpose their AR-15 and use the same firearm for multiple uses. For instance, if you like to shoot competitively but you also hunt, you'll want to choose an AR-15 caliber that is ideal for both, something like the 6.5 Grendel. That being said, this may be difficult to find the ideal for both. Thus, you'll want to consider an AR-15 that can easily have its upper receivers and more switched out so you can easily retool your AR-15 when the time comes. Flexibility is one of the main reasons people invest in an AR over other firearms, so this is relatively easy to do, especially if you are familiar with guns.
FAQs on Choosing the Perfect AR Caliber
Q1: How does bullet weight affect the stopping power of a cartridge?
Bullet weight, or grain, influences the penetration power of a cartridge. Heavier bullets tend to have more penetration power because they can maintain velocity and travel further before being affected by gravity.
Q2: Why is versatility an important factor when choosing an AR-15 caliber?
Versatility allows shooters to adapt their AR-15 for various purposes, such as self-defense, hunting, or target shooting. Choosing a versatile caliber ensures that the firearm can meet different needs without requiring extensive modifications.
Q3: How does availability impact the choice of AR-15 caliber?
Some calibers are more readily available than others due to their popularity. Shooters should consider the availability of ammunition for their chosen caliber to ensure they can easily replenish their supply when needed.
Q4: Why is it essential to consider the intended use when selecting an AR-15 caliber?
Different calibers excel in specific shooting endeavors, such as hunting, competition, or personal defense. By aligning the caliber choice with the intended use, shooters can optimize their firearm's performance for their specific needs.
Q5: What role does flexibility play in choosing an AR-15 caliber?
Flexibility allows shooters to repurpose their AR-15 for multiple uses by easily switching out components like upper receivers. Choosing a caliber that offers flexibility ensures that the firearm can adapt to different shooting scenarios without requiring extensive modifications.
Elevate Your AR-15 Experience with RailScales
RailScales offers a comprehensive range of premium AR-15 accessories designed to enhance performance and customization. From durable rail covers to ergonomic handstops and vertical grips, RailScales products are engineered for superior grip and control. Here are some highlights from our product lineup:
G10 Rail Covers
Crafted from high-quality G10 material, our mlok rail covers provide excellent grip and durability. Available in various colors and patented textures, they offer a customized grip solution for every shooter.
Karve Handstops
Designed for optimal hand placement and control, our Karve handstops are the perfect addition to any AR-15 setup. Precision CNC machined for reliability, they ensure a secure grip and enhanced shooting comfort.
Vertical Grips
Our vertical grips offer enhanced control and stability for improved shooting performance. CNC machined to perfection, they provide a comfortable grip and superior handling in any shooting situation.
Ascend 1911 Scales
Elevate your 1911 with our Ascend 1911 Scales, featuring a patented honeycomb texture for superior grip and control. Designed to cover more area, they provide enhanced handling and precision.
LEAF DBAL Fixed Iron Sight
Our LEAF DBAL fixed iron sight mounts seamlessly to DBAL lasers, offering increased rail space and improved visibility around the post.
Enhance your AR-15 with RailScales, the premier solution for elevating both performance and comfort in your firearm. By integrating RailScales into your rifle, you'll unlock a whole new level of precision and control, whether you're on the range or in the field. With our extensive selection available for browsing online, you can find the perfect RailScales to suit your specific needs and preferences. Don't settle for standard when you can optimize your shooting experience with RailScales. Shop today and immerse yourself in the tangible difference RailScales can make for your AR-15.