AR15, Old School vs New School

Published on October 23, 2012
Duration: 4:28

This video provides an expert comparison between an 'Old School' Colt AR-15 and a heavily accessorized 'New School' Rock River Arms AR-15. Matt Carriker, an established firearms expert, details the components of each build, including specific brands like Magpul, EOTech, and YHM, and discusses the significant weight and barrel profile differences. The comparison highlights the practical value and necessity of extensive aftermarket accessories versus a minimalist approach.

Quick Summary

An 'Old School' AR-15 build is typically lighter (around 7 lbs loaded) with a pencil barrel and iron sights, while a 'New School' build can weigh up to 11 lbs loaded due to heavy contour barrels and extensive accessories like quad rails and advanced optics, with accessory costs potentially reaching $1000.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Trade
  2. 00:35New School Build Breakdown
  3. 02:31Old School Build Comparison
  4. 02:52Weight and Barrel Profiles
  5. 03:27Shooting Demonstration

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between an 'Old School' and 'New School' AR-15 build?

An 'Old School' AR-15, like the Colt shown, is typically lighter (around 7 lbs loaded) with a pencil barrel and iron sights. A 'New School' build, like the Rock River AR-15, is often heavier (around 11 lbs loaded) due to a heavy contour barrel and extensive accessories such as quad rails, advanced optics, and vertical grips.

How much can accessories add to the weight of an AR-15?

Accessories can significantly increase an AR-15's weight. The 'New School' build in the video, featuring around $1000 in accessories like a YHM quad rail and EOTech optic, weighed approximately 11 lbs loaded, compared to the 'Old School' build's 7 lbs loaded.

What are the advantages of a heavy contour barrel versus a pencil barrel on an AR-15?

Heavy contour barrels offer better heat dissipation and rigidity, potentially improving accuracy during sustained fire, but add considerable weight. Pencil/government contour barrels are lighter, making the rifle more maneuverable, but may be more susceptible to heat-related accuracy degradation.

Is it worth spending $1000 on accessories for an AR-15?

The necessity of spending $1000 on accessories is subjective and depends on the user's needs. While accessories enhance functionality and ergonomics, they also add significant weight and cost. The video suggests that having both minimalist and accessorized builds can be ideal.

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