What is a trigger guard?

A trigger guard is an important safety feature on a firearm. It is a small metal or plastic shield that covers the trigger of a firearm and is designed to prevent the accidental discharge of the weapon. Most trigger guards are attached to the gun in some way, either by screws or by being molded as part of the gun’s frame.

Why you should get one

They help to prevent accidental discharge of the weapon by keeping the finger away from the trigger. In the event that a gun is dropped or otherwise jarred, a trigger guard actually helps to keep your finger from pulling the trigger and firing. The accidental discharge of a weapon can lead to serious injury or damage, so trigger guards should always be in use. They are also required by law in some states, so be sure to check out your state laws.

Types of guards:

There are a few different types of trigger guards available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular options so you can decide which is right for you:

• The Standard Guard

This is the most basic type of trigger guard and is usually made from plastic or metal. It covers the trigger completely, preventing anything from accidentally entering it and causing the gun to fire.

• The Finger Rest Guard

This type of guard has a small ledge that extends below the trigger, providing a place for your finger to rest when not actively firing the gun. This can improve accuracy and help prevent accidental discharge.

• The Thumb Guard

This type of guard covers the entire trigger area, including the space behind the trigger where your thumb rests when not firing. This can provide an extra level of safety, but can also make it more difficult to fire the gun quickly in an emergency situation.

• The Grip Safety

This is a feature that is built into some guns and prevents the gun from firing unless it is held in a specific way. This can be an effective safety measure, but can also make it more difficult to fire the gun in a hurry if you don’t have time to correctly position your hand.

• The Trigger Disconnect

This is a safety feature that prevents the gun from firing unless the trigger is pulled all the way back. This can help prevent accidental discharge, but can also make it more difficult to fire the gun quickly in an emergency situation.

Here are some reminders when using a trigger guard:

– Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

– Do not remove the guard unless you are absolutely certain that you will not be shooting.

– Keep the rifle pointed in a safe direction at all times.

– Be sure to check the guard regularly to make sure it is secure.

In short, trigger guards are a crucial safety measure when handling firearms and should be used. By following these simple, yet effective tips, you can help keep yourself and those around you safe.

For any information about custom builds, check out our Build Your Own Rifle page, or call us today at (360) 559-6210.

Choosing the best caliber rifle for your needs can be a daunting task. For starters, the caliber is the diameter of the firearm’s barrel, which is also the bullet diameter. It is measured in inches or millimeters, with the most common being .22, .223, and .30.

There are so many different types of rifles and calibers to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some key questions to consider when deciding which will best support your needs:

1. What type of shooting do you plan to do?

Determining what you will be using the firearm for will play a huge role in choosing the best caliber for your needs.

If you are only planning on target shooting, then a lower-caliber firearm may be sufficient. You will want to choose one that is accurate and has little recoil. In this case, .223 or .22-250 would be good choices.

The best for self-defense will depend on your own personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for one that packs a punch, rifles are definitely worth considering.

However, if you need a more concealable option, then handguns might be a better option. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your own self-defense needs. The most common ones used would be the .380, 12 gauge, and 9mm, all of which you can learn more about here.

If you are planning on hunting or shooting long-range targets, then a higher powered rifle will be necessary. For hunting, you will want to choose one that is suitable for the game you are targeting. For instance, if you are planning on deer hunting, then a.30-06 or .308 would be a good option.

You can find the caliber-conversion charts here!

2. What are you willing to spend?

Another one of the first things to consider when deciding is your budget. There is a wide range of prices for rifles, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you start your search and not forget to factor in the cost of ammunition. Some can be quite expensive, so you will want to make sure that you can afford to shoot your firearm on a regular basis.

3. What is your level of experience?

If you are a beginner, then it is important to choose a rifle that is not too powerful. You don’t want to put yourself or others in a situation where any incidental injuries could occur when learning how to shoot. On the other hand, experienced shooters may be able to handle a more powerful firearm.

4. What would you like your rifle weight to be?

Finally, you will want to make sure that you are comfortable with the firearm. Calibers can range from very small (.22) to very large (.50). A firearm with a larger barrel diameter will generally be heavier than smaller ones and vice versa. With the right weight, you should be able to hold your firearm properly and operate it safely.

Final thoughts on choosing your caliber

Careful consideration is needed when choosing which caliber is right for you. It will help you narrow down your options, save money, and, most importantly, keep you safe.

Interested in learning more?

Rooftop Arms builds custom firearms that will best suit your needs and we’d love to help answer any questions this article didn’t

Call us today at (360) 599-6210 for more information.

AR15: The Most Popular Sporting Rifle

AR15s are the most popular sporting rifles for a variety of reasons. They are accurate, lightweight, and versatile. AR15s can be used for a variety of sports including hunting, target shooting, and even competition shooting. With so many different uses, it’s no wonder that they are the most popular sporting rifles on the market.

AR15 Accuracy

One of the main reasons why AR15s are so popular is because of their reputation for precision. When you’re out in the field or at the range, you want to know that your shots are going to hit their mark. With an average MOA between 1¼ and 2, these rifles are incredibly accurate, which is why they are such a popular choice among hunters and shooters alike.

Versatility

AR15s are also popular because they are so diverse in use. They can be used for a variety of different sports, which means that they are a great choice for anyone who enjoys being outdoors or simply enjoying a day at the gun range.

Weight

AR15s are popular because they are lightweight. On average, they weigh around 6-7lbs but can weigh as little as 4lbs depending on your caliber and any customizations. This makes them easy to carry, which is perfect for hunters and shooters who have to travel long distances. We believe they are the perfect choice for anyone who wants a lightweight rifle.

Why AR15s are Ideal for Different Sports

As we mentioned before, AR15s are popular for a variety of different sports. Their accuracy, lightweight, and versatility make them perfect for any type of outdoor activity. Here are just a few of the different sports that they’re are perfect for:

– Hunting:

AR15s are popular for hunting because they can help you take down your prey quickly and efficiently. These firearms are popular for a reason: they’re accurate, lightweight, and versatile. And when it comes to hunting, those qualities can’t be beat.

First and foremost, hunters need a rifle that is going to be accurate. After all, you can’t shoot what you can’t hit. And the AR15 is definitely an accurate rifle. It’s often used by competitive shooters and even military snipers. So, if it’s good enough for the best in the world, it’s good enough for you.

A heavyweight rifle can be difficult to carry around in the woods all day. And, if you’re hunting in a place with a lot of hills or mountains, a lighter rifle will be much easier to lug up and down those trails. Exploring the wilderness hunting shouldn’t be a grueling task because your firearm is heavy!

Finally, hunters need a versatile rifle. A versatile rifle can be used for a variety of game, from small varmints to large game animals. And the AR15 fits that bill perfectly. It can be easily configured to shoot different types of ammunition, making it ideal for hunters who want one rifle that can do it all.

– Target Shooting:

AR15s are a great choice for target shooting because they are relatively inexpensive, have low recoil, and are very accurate. They are also lightweight and easy to handle, making them a good choice for new shooters. They’re also available in a variety of different calibers, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

– Competition Shooting:

AR15s are a great choice for competition shooting as they will allow you to compete at a high level and take home the win. They are easy to maneuver due to their weight, which is ideal for when you need to make quick shots. They also have a high rate of fire, so you can get off a lot of shots quickly when needed. And finally, they are very accurate, making them perfect for hitting targets at long range.

Conclusion:

If you enjoy being outdoors, then AR15s are the perfect sporting rifle for you. They are the most conveniently versatile rifle out there to suit all your specific sporting needs. If you are considering an AR15 and are ready to get one of your own, you can get your customized AR15 with us, here at Rooftop Arms.

Buying the Right AR-15 Trigger For Your Custom Build

AR-15 Trigger Selection: The Basics

The AR-15 is the most popular rifle in the United States. A driving force for its popularity is the availability of a variety of upgrades to customize the rifle to the specific needs of the shooter. One of the easiest and most significant of these upgrades to make is the fire control group, commonly known as the trigger. An upgraded trigger can greatly increase accuracy and the overall shooting experience for the gun owner. Here are the fundamentals of AR-15 trigger selection.

Two Primary Types of AR-15 Triggers

Single-Stage Triggers: Single-stage triggers provide consistent resistance from the time the shooter applies pressure to the point the sear activates the hammer and fires the rifle. A majority of AR-15s have a single-stage trigger. Single-stage triggers can lead to less than desirable shooting mechanics resulting in diminished accuracy. A seasoned gunsmith can smooth out the trigger component surfaces to improve functionality. We have found that this customization can decrease the lifespan of the trigger since the hardening coatings are removed or thinned. Single-stage triggers are common for those using their weapon in tactical situations due to the split-second faster response time.

Two-Stage Triggers: Two-stage triggers have two independent movements. The first stage is a spring-loaded, light pressure that provides resistance against the shooter until it stops at the second stage. As the shooter continues to apply pressure beyond this point, the trigger operates like a single-stage trigger. Many competitive shooters prefer two-stage trigger systems due to the feedback provided in the first stage of the firing process.

AR-15 Trigger Selection Tips

Trigger selection is truly a personal preference based on your use and shooting style. There are numerous triggers on the market made specifically for your intended use. There are also trigger systems to fit any budget, so the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Important Note: It is true that you get what you pay for. Adopt the philosophy of buy nice or buy twice! If you need help, check out our Build Your Own Rifle page, and we can walk you through the trigger selection process. This is especially true if you are on a budget. Safety is highly important, and the last thing you want is a rifle firing inadvertently if dropped or bumped due to a poorly designed, light trigger assembly.

Our AR-15 Trigger Selection Conclusion

A mil-spec, single-stage trigger is perfect for the majority of AR-15 gun owners. Just like all component upgrades and accessory additions, your use and needs should guide you in the decision-making process. If possible, before making an AR-15 trigger selection, test different options. Some gun ranges have different configurations that can be tested to see which you prefer.

Once you decide, be sure that you buy quality. Buying two that wear out after a few thousand rounds for the cost of one quality trigger that would last the lifetime of the firearm is a bad habit.

Need help selecting your AR-15 Trigger?

Rooftop Arms specializes in custom gun builds with protective coatings. Call us today at (360) 559-6210 or visit our custom gun build tool for additional information.

 

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Suppressor Buying Guide

Suppressors are growing in popularity among hunters and sport shooting enthusiasts. We often are asked for recommendations for which silencer is “best,” so we thought we would provide an overview on what to look for when buying a suppressor.

The Buying Process

We want to provide product features and benefits to allow you to make the most educated decision when purchasing a suppressor. Since there are both federal and state regulations for these products, we are not going to address questions like; how long does it take, what paperwork is required, costs or other questions about the buying process. Each purchase is different and there is not always one answer to these questions, so we will leave the research up to you.

Top 5 Suppressor Buying Tips

1 What is your Suppressor’s Purpose

Determining how you will use your suppressor plays a major part in which product you purchase. If you are a hunter, an avid pistol shooter, or want the silencer for home protection, how you use the silencer will guide your buying decision. Your suppressor’s use will also guide your decision on which caliber(s) you are going to suppress, and which gun(s) the silencer can be attached to.

2 Set Realistic Expectations

Hollywood has done a disservice to silencers. Theatrics has portrayed suppressors to render even the highest caliber firearms virtually “silent.” This is inaccurate.

The slower the bullet travels, the quieter a suppressed firearm will perform. Calibers that travel under the sound barrier will yield a quieter result. An example that is easy to understand would be airplanes. A jet flying at Mach 1 is louder than a single-engine prop plane. The slower, the quieter the suppressed firearm.

There are many other factors that affect the amount effectiveness of the device such as bullet grain, barrel length, and ambient temperature to name a few.

3 Calibers and Guns

Most suppressors can be used on multiple guns in multiple calibers. Threaded barrels and thread adapters allow you to transfer your suppressor from one gun to another with little to no effort. When selecting one silencer for multiple guns there are two components to consider: caliber size and attachment system.

If you are buying one silencer for multiple guns, buy a model designed for the largest caliber you intend to shoot. Shooting a smaller caliber through a larger diameter tube works much better than the opposite. The downside to this multi-caliber, silencer option is that the sound suppression will not be as efficient when shooting smaller calibers since the diameter of the silencer is larger than the round exiting.

The good news is, that the actual difference is only a few decibels generally. So, in actuality, you’re really not compromising much by getting a suppressor that’s .30 caliber for example so you can shoot both .223/5.56 and also 300 Blackout through it.

There are two main types of attachment systems. Direct thread means that the silencer has female threads that accept the male threads of the firearm barrel. Quick detachment systems use a quick-release collar that threads onto the firearm which is permanently in place.

As you move the suppressor from one gun to another, one quick twist releases the silencer for transfer. Depending on the use and need to transfer the silencer from one firearm to another, you can select the best option for your use.

The One Exception: The one exception to the one suppressor multiple gun scenario is .22 LR. You do not want to run .22LR through a suppressor that is non-serviceable. If you cannot clean the silencer, don’t shoot .22LR through it. If you want to silence a .22LR, we recommend that you buy a dedicated can for that caliber.

Red Dot Sight and Holographic Sights 101

The first red dot sight was first marketed in 1975, but it was not until the early 2000s that the United States military began to use them regularly. Red dot and holographic sites are excellent tools during close-quarter combat situations and home defense.

Red dot and holographic sights continue to dominate the many AR platforms. It is rumored that this segment of the electronic sight market outnumbers all of the other scope types combined.

Countless red dot and holographic sights are equipped by law enforcement, military, competitive shooters, hunters, and target shooters across the United States, and the world. This popularity has grown due to the advances in optical quality and clarity as well as battery life.

Before you purchase your next electronic firearm sight, let’s educate you on a few features and brands that you need to consider.

What is a Red Dot Sight or Holographic Sight and how do they work?

We thought we would start by defining some of the basics. These electronic sights are pretty simple to operate and understand. As you can guess, the dot is the sight used to and is designed for close to moderate ranges. Holographic and red dot sights are only a 1X magnification and do not have magnification.

A red dot sight creates a reticle by reflecting light at the focal point of a lens that appears steadily before the shooter’s eye that is focused at an infinite distance. You can adjust your view within a large area behind the reticle, and if you can see the reticle in the sight window and place it over your target, you will have reasonable accuracy.

Why You Need a Red Dot or Holographic Sight

The success of this weapon site is simplicity. Although the design may be complex, everything else is relatively simple. Red dot optics are easy to use, easy to acquire, and relatively easy to stay on target.

This electronic firearm sight is a great option for younger or new shooters. Once the sight is zeroed, it is easy for an inexperienced shooter to acquire their target; set the dot on the target and pull the trigger.

Another reason red dot sights are highly popular among AR platform gun owners is speed. Target acquisition with a red dot sight is extremely fast. No matter your angle, if you are shooting in a rush and you can see the dot, you can hit your target.

These weapon sights are extremely versatile. A red dot sight can be easily mounted on an AR, a shotgun, or a handgun making them ideal for sports shooting, competitive shooting, and home defense.

Top 7 Benefits of a Red Dot Sights:

Allows the user to shoot with both eyes open

Versatile use: hunt, compete, target, self-defense, CQB

Quick target acquisition for better accuracy

Great for those with poor eyesight

Unlimited field of view (FOV)

Great in low light conditions

Can be mounted on various firearms: rifles, shotguns, and pistols

Best Red Dot Sight Brands to Consider

Trijicon Red Dot Optics

Trijicon Optics stems from the combination of two words: “Tritium” the key element in the company’s innovative illumination technology, and “icon” meaning a picture or image. The “j” was added to combine both words to form Trijicon.

Additionally, the “iji” in Trijicon mimics the “three-dot” design of the Bright & Tough™ Night Sights being manufactured. The most notable red dot sight is the Trijicon ACOG.

The Trijicon ACOG was launched in 1987 and has been the go-to red dot scope for the military for the last four decades. It’s no secret as to why we chose this exact sight for our Rooftop Arms RECON model rifle.

To this day, Trijicon continues to produce some of the most innovative electronic firearm sights on the market. The ACOG is still a formable leader making transitions to the public sector.

Newer models like the RMR Reflex sight are stellar options for handguns and are widely used for self-defense, military, law enforcement, target, and competitive shooting.

The Trijicon MOR (miniature rifle optic) is a sealed, miniature reflex sight used primarily on rifles, carbines, and shotguns. This sight is used on the Rooftop Arms RUBY model rifle.

Sig Sauer Red Dot Optics

Dating back to 1864, Sig Sauer has been producing quality firearms and came to the United States in the 1980s. Although new to the optics market, launching fully into the optics, ammo, and suppressor market in 2015, Sig Sauer is an industry leader in electronic firearms sights.

Sig Sauer uses its world-class firearms knowledge and unparalleled design expertise to produce some of the highest quality red dot sights in the industry.

Vibrant and crystal clear, Sig Sauer has developed a large selection of precision red dot sights and micro red dot sight options. The Romeo series offers a wide variety of red dot sights to make you fast and accurate for close range due to their compact and lightweight size.

A new addition to the Sig Sauer red dot sight line-up is the Juliet Micro Combo. The Juliet3 is an ultra-compact and lightweight magnifier to the extremely accurate Romeo Series of red dot sights.

EO Tech Optics

EO Tech is considered to be the “gold standard” of red dot sights by so many. Since 1996, EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sights (HWS) have been designed, developed, and manufactured in the US. EOTECH is defined by the quality of high-performance red dot sights and world-class service.

The U.S. Special Operations (USSOCOM), select elite Army units and the US Marine Corps use the EOTECH HWS as the preferred close-quarter combat optic of choice. The EO Tech optic is also used on the Rooftop Arms COMPETITION model rifle.

EO Tech produces a variety of red dot sights and magnifiers that reach beyond military and law enforcement uses. EO Tech red dot sights are ideal for custom AR builds offering an easy-to-use, high-quality, weapon sight that will greatly enhance the accuracy and dependability of your weapon.

How We Help Customers Choose the Best Red Dot or Holographic Sight

At Rooftop Arms, we believe that optics should never be an afterthought when building a custom firearm. In most cases, we believe the optics should be discussed before the conversation about the features of the firearm.

We help you walk through the purpose of the gun build, pick a great optic, and then begin selecting firearm components. You can build a great gun, but if you choose lesser quality optics, the performance of the gun diminishes significantly.

Interested in learning more?

Rooftop Arms specializes in custom gun builds with protective coatings. Call us today at (360) 559-6210 or visit our custom gun build tool for additional information.

 

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