Quick answers to the questions we hear most.
What does Mil-Spec mean?
Built to U.S. military standards (MIL-STD). It is a good baseline, not always the best.
Pre-ban vs post-ban?
The federal assault weapons ban ran from September 13, 1994 to September 13, 2004. It is gone, so this no longer matters federally. Some states have their own bans.
What is an SBR?
A rifle with a barrel under 16 inches or overall length under 26 inches. See Short Barreled AR15s.
What is an NFA item?
Items covered by the National Firearms Act of 1934: machine guns, SBRs, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors and AOWs. As of October 9, 2026, ATF no longer enforces federal registration for SBRs, suppressors, SBSs and AOWs. Machine guns are still tightly controlled.
5.56 or .223?
A 5.56 chamber shoots both. A .223 chamber should stick with .223.
Build or buy?
Buying is easiest. Building is fun and you learn your rifle. See How to build an AR15.
Not legal advice. Always check your state’s laws.