3 Top “Stow-and-Go” AR-15s
A takedown AR makes good sense for your Go Bag, since you don’t necessarily want to reveal what you are carrying in a knapsack or bag. Three takedown ARs I have intimate knowledge of include the Windham Weaponry Model RMCS-4, DRD CDR-15, and Ruger SR-556 Takedown.
Some takedown methods are faster and simpler than others. If assembly time was a factor, the DRD at 10 seconds, and the Ruger at slightly more, are fast. The Windham was longer, but rest assured, you can tear these rifles down and build them back in less time than it takes to load a 30-round AR-15 magazine by hand.
Another advantage to takedown ARs is the ability to swap calibers. At worst a different BCG, compatible magazine well, and barrel is all it takes. The Windham rifles shines in this aspect since it can shoot four different calibers—5.56 NATO, .300 BLK, 7.62x39mm, and 9mm.
Here’s a look at how these rifles come together. To assemble the DRD, lock the bolt carrier group (BCG) rearward, and then remove the end cap from the barrel assembly. Next, insert the barrel and gas tube into their respective holes in the lower/upper receiver component. Finger-tight suffices for the amount of rounds you will most likely be carrying in case with the rifle.
To takedown the Windham, a bail on the underside of the handguard is flipped allowing the retaining block to slide toward the muzzle revealing two barrel retaining arms. The barrel retaining arms are easily rotated 90 degrees outward to disengage from the barrel. The barrel/gas tube assembly is then pulled from the handguard. Like with the DRD, the gas tube of the Windham needed to be aligned. However, unlike the DRD, the Windham’s handguard is attached to the upper receiver so you need to look through the handguard to ensure the gas tube clings with its hole.
These are three stow and go ARs that offer ease of use and compact portability.
TAKEDOWN COMPONENT DIMENSIONS | DRD TACTICAL DR-15 | RUGER SR-556 TAKEDOWN | WINDHAM WEAPONRY MODEL RMCS-4 |
---|---|---|---|
Rail or Upper/Rail Length | 13 in. | 18.5 in. | 15 in. |
Lower Length | 16 in. | 15.75 in. | 15 in. |
Barrel Length | 19 in. (w/ end cap) | 17.87 in. | 18.75 in. |
Note: Typical AR-15s with 16-in. barrels have an upper receiver that is 24.5 in.—depending on muzzle device—and a lower receiver that is 15.75 in.—depending on the type of stock.
Article by Robert Sadowski
Article posted with permission from Cheaper Than Dirt