The Smadge kept me in shape, taught me discipline, showed me how to run a rifle, and started me down the path toward becoming a real soldier myself. A deeply flawed man, he was nonetheless undeniably hardcore.
M16
The Origin of the Species: The Model 602 M16
Published: July 14, 2018 { 15 comments }The origin story is foundational dogma for gun nerds like us. George Sullivan incorporated the ArmaLite Corporation in 1954 as a tiny little subsidiary of the Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation. Operating out of a modest machine shop in Hollywood, California, Sullivan envisioned ArmaLite as a think tank to explore cutting-edge concepts in small arms. Their first serious effort was a small takedown survival rifle intended for use by downed military aircrew.
Stoner’s Space Age Shoot-Off—The M16A1 Versus the AR-180
Published: October 20, 2017 { 27 comments }ArmaLite began as a tiny little division of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation in the early 1950’s. Fairchild built a variety of trainer and transport aircraft during and after World War II. Their most recognizable creation was the 1970s-era A10 Warthog ground attack fighter. Gene Stoner was the chief bottle washer at ArmaLite, and their mandate was to contrive the most technologically advanced military firearms designs on the planet. With a modest team of engineers, a few resources, and a remarkable excess of vision, these guys first strived to apply cutting-edge aviation technology to the development of small arms. Their efforts changed the way the world makes guns.
As Close to an M16 as You Can Get: FN’s Military Collector Series
Published: April 10, 2016 { 82 comments }Some shooters want an AR-15 they can manipulate, modify, chop, crop and rebuild. FN makes ARs that fit that bill, but this isn’t one of them. The is the FN Military Collector Series M16, and it is about as close as you will get to an M16 without signing up with Uncle Sam.