AR15: Americas #1 rifle.

I joined the military after high school and though my term of service was but a few years I have many fond, and some not so fond, memories of my experience there. The exercises, the yelling, the non-stop mentality that we all grew familiar with became ingrained in us in such a way that it may never leave completely, even after we are long gone from the job. Your senses have a way of holding your memories closer. Sounds, sights, textures, and smells lock themselves into your mind in ways I never would have imagined. For me, the last of these is the most memorable. The smell of cleaning supplies in the barracks because everything had to be so spotless, the pungent aroma of two-hundred and sixty soldiers sweating during physical training, the scent of breakfast every morning being carried around in the wind, and the smell of gun smoke at the rifle range. To this day, every time I smell spent gunpowder it immediately brings me back to my days in boot camp.  

            I have used many firearms since I got out of the army but I have always hoped to be able to own one like my service rifle, the m16-a2. Recently I had this opportunity and purchased a Bushmaster “AR15” XM15-E2S carbine.  The AR15 platform has been the most popular rifle for both military and civilian markets for quite some time, and with good reason. The 5.56 NATO/.223 cartridges are lightweight, allowing soldiers to carry more. It is universally used in many different weapons all over the world, and the weapon itself is so modular and easy to modify that it offers a practical solution to your needs whether you’re shooting gophers in your garden or storming terrorist strongholds in the Middle East.

            Here is a picture of the rifle as it came to me with a few extras. The handgrip has a Samson tool kit insert which houses every tool you would need to perform repairs in the field, including a small container of oil for a one time cleaning. This item goes for about a hundred dollars and I probably would never have bought it on my own but as it came on the weapon I found it an incredible value. I will be adding some things in the near future to make it more tactical and give it a custom look. As I do I will keep everyone updated to my experiences with different manufacturer’s parts and how well they worked out for me. If anyone has any questions feel free to write and I will do my best to answer them.