Can a human, with a sling, shoot as well as a mechanical rest? The answer is “yes” (at least once in a great while) IF that sling shooter can deliver a record-breaking performance. Here’s an interesting tale of man vs. machine from our archives…

The USAMU posed an interesting challenge — could one of their shooters match the performance of a mechanical rest? Who would win in this battle between man and machine? You might just be surprised. At 600 yards, with an AR-platform rifle, the results can be remarkably close, based on targets provided by the USAMU. When clamped in a test rig, a USAMU M16A2 produced a 200-18X group with handloads. The USAMU says this was “one of our better 20-shot groups at 600 yards, testing ammo from a machine rest”. Can a human do better?

Remarkably, a human soldier came very close to matching the group shot from the machine rest. The photo below shows a 20-shot group shot by a USAMU marksman with sling and iron sights, using USAMU-loaded ammunition. The score, 200-16X, was nearly the same. As you can see, the USAMU rifleman didn’t give up much to the machine rest, even at 600 yards!

In fairness, this was no ordinary human performance. The 200-16X score represented a new National Record set in December, 1994. This was fired by PFC Coleman in an Interservice Match at Okeechobee, Florida. Brilliant Performance.

The November 3rd election is just 18 days away. If Joe Biden wins, he has promised an aggressive anti-gun agenda starting with further restrictions on semi-auto rifles. Joe’s running mate Kamala Harris said she would enforce gun control via Executive Order. Gun confiscation by Executive Order happened in Canada when Prime Minister Trudeau, without legislative approval, ordered Canadians to turn in their magazine-fed semi-auto rifles.

So, is it time to finally get an AR-platform rifle? Or get another if you already have one? Only you can decide that, but we have identified three great AR deals — two complete lowers under $190 and a complete AR Carbine for under $550. And yes, these are all IN STOCK NOW. Check out these deals:

PSA Complete Lower with Adjustable Stock — $179.99

Complete Palmetto State Armory AR lower is fully assembled. It will take take standard complete uppers, which you can build or purchase later without an FFL. The lower is the section that much be purchased through an FFL with a background check.

Machined from Aluminum Forgings 7075-T6
Hardcoat Anodizing: MIL-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2
Milspec diameter Receiver Extension
M4 Stock
Staked M4 Lock Nut
Standard Carbine Buffer
Un-notched Hammer compatible with 9mm use

PSA Complete Lower with Adj. Magpul FDE Stock — $199.99

Complete Palmetto State Armory lower with Magpul Flat Dark Earth grip and stock is fully assembled. It will take a standard complete upper, which you can build or purchase later without an FFL. The lower is the section that much be purchased through an FFL with a background check.

Machined from Aluminum Forgings 7075-T6
Hardcoat Anodizing: MIL-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2
Milspec diameter Receiver Extension
Magpul MOE Stock, Flat Dark Earth
Magpul MOE Grip, Flat Dark Earth
Staked M4 Lock Nut
Standard Carbine Buffer
Enhanced Polished Trigger (EPT)
Un-notched Hammer compatible with 9mm use

PSA 16″ Freedom Rifle Olive Drab ($539.99) or Black ($549.99)

This is a full, complete AR15-type rifle with 16″ barrel, and M4-type receiver. Twist rate is 1:7″. Sold complete, except for magazine. This same rifle is also available in all-black for $549.99. This rifle must be transferred through an FFL with background check.

Barrel Length: 16″
Barrel Profile: A2
Barrel: A2 Profile, Chrome Moly Vanadium, Nitride finish
Muzzle Thread Pattern: 1/2″ x 28
Twist Rate: 1 in 7″
Barrel Extension: M4
Gas System Length: Midlength
Receiver Material: Forged 7075-T6
Receiver Type: M4
Handguard Type: Mid-Length Classic with heat shields, ODG
Fire Control Group: Standard Mil-Spec Trigger Group
Grip: A2-style, ODG
Stock: M4-style, ODG
Overall Length: 32 inches
Weight (as configured): 6.8 lbs

There’s nothing inherently wrong with AR-platform rifles (well, except that they run dirty). Over the past six decades Eugene Stoner’s semi-automatic design has proven its merits in military and civilian applications. You may not know, but the original AR from 1955 was a .30-caliber. The Armalite AR-10 shot the 7.62×51 cartridge. Later, at the request of the U.S. Military, Armalite created a smaller version that became the M16/AR15. The rest was history. Now there are millions of AR “black rifles” in the hands of soldiers and sportsmen.

With so many ARs in circulation, it’s no surprise that some get used by folks who don’t know how to hand-load or otherwise fail to follow safe gun practices. The AR is actually a pretty sturdy rifle, but when it’s fed bad ammo, or abused, bad things can happen. Very bad things… commonly known as Kabooms.

The American Shooting Journal (ASJ) has compiled a set of particularly extreme AR Kabooms. Compiling the “evidence” from various web sites, ASJ has published nine (9) of the most Unbelievable AR-15 Fails. Here are two of the worst “AR-15 Fails”. CLICK HERE to see them all.

Nothing but busted parts after this catastrophic Kaboom…

Notice the bolt is still stuck in the barrel extension … with the rest of the gun in pieces.

Another view of this sad blow-up…

These catastrophic AR failures are eye-openers, that’s for sure. ASJ cautions: “Any weapon can fail if given the wrong ammunition, faulty reloads or a plugged barrel. Always be aware of what can happen at anytime if you fail to follow common sense and gun safety rules.”

ASJ Sources: Photobucket, Armory Blog, Pinterest, Northeastern Arms, Eric Nestor