There's a .223 thread here and it never really got down to brass tacks. I was hoping to see a specific answer to something in that thread and I just don't see it.
I will set the stage with an example:
I bought a Colt Sporter Target the other day. I am new to ARs but not to firearms or rifles; I own an M1 rifle and an M1 carbine. I fired my first rifle at nine (1903A3) in 1980, and have fired ARs, .22 bolt guns, Mausers, Moisins, M1As, etc
And one thing I know about firearms is that I never want to 'know enough to be dangerous'. I want to know what I'm doing, period.
So back to the Colt: what I understand is this- the lower receiver has .223 stamped on it. When the rifle was new, it was meant to fire .223 ammunition. However, the barrel reads "5.56 NATO". This means the upper has a barrel on it that is for 5.56
The rule of thumb I have been told is that a 5.56 rifle can fire .223 and 5.56 with no risk. It does not however work the other way around, because of the way the chamber is shaped on the 5.56 rifle
And again, what I am told (and what seems logical from inspecting the upper and lower) is that if your upper is in 5.56, it doesn't matter what the lower reads, the upper receiver/barrel combo is the part that has the chamber and therefore dictates the caliber.
So, in this way, by purchasing different barrels if you have the wrench and a vise and care to do it, or if you purchase another upper/barrel combo, you can easily and rapidly change caliber from say .223 to .458. You use the same lower and the different upper and barrel or barrel. The design of the rifle makes this possible, hence the flexibility and ease of adaptation to various needs, and the popularity of the design to a large degree. Seems all ducky and logical and easy to understand, to me at least
Now, all of that is what I am told. In plain English, is it correct? Using my example of the .223 lower and the barrel which reads 5.56, I am given to understand the rifle I have is chambered for 5.56, and therefore can safely fire .223 and 5.56. Is that correct? The evidence of my eyes says 'yes'. But that is as good as knowing enough to be dangerous
Guesswork is something I try to stay way away from with firearms, and I know I don't for sure know the answer. I only think I know. In fact, I didn't even buy ammo for the damn rifle because I didn't feel knowledgeable enough about it. And it is pretty and mocking me. My 1943 and 1944 rifles have probably already taken it's lunch money for being the new kid
On the plus side, a buddy gave me an M16A1 operators manual today
I will set the stage with an example:
I bought a Colt Sporter Target the other day. I am new to ARs but not to firearms or rifles; I own an M1 rifle and an M1 carbine. I fired my first rifle at nine (1903A3) in 1980, and have fired ARs, .22 bolt guns, Mausers, Moisins, M1As, etc
And one thing I know about firearms is that I never want to 'know enough to be dangerous'. I want to know what I'm doing, period.
So back to the Colt: what I understand is this- the lower receiver has .223 stamped on it. When the rifle was new, it was meant to fire .223 ammunition. However, the barrel reads "5.56 NATO". This means the upper has a barrel on it that is for 5.56
The rule of thumb I have been told is that a 5.56 rifle can fire .223 and 5.56 with no risk. It does not however work the other way around, because of the way the chamber is shaped on the 5.56 rifle
And again, what I am told (and what seems logical from inspecting the upper and lower) is that if your upper is in 5.56, it doesn't matter what the lower reads, the upper receiver/barrel combo is the part that has the chamber and therefore dictates the caliber.
So, in this way, by purchasing different barrels if you have the wrench and a vise and care to do it, or if you purchase another upper/barrel combo, you can easily and rapidly change caliber from say .223 to .458. You use the same lower and the different upper and barrel or barrel. The design of the rifle makes this possible, hence the flexibility and ease of adaptation to various needs, and the popularity of the design to a large degree. Seems all ducky and logical and easy to understand, to me at least
Now, all of that is what I am told. In plain English, is it correct? Using my example of the .223 lower and the barrel which reads 5.56, I am given to understand the rifle I have is chambered for 5.56, and therefore can safely fire .223 and 5.56. Is that correct? The evidence of my eyes says 'yes'. But that is as good as knowing enough to be dangerous
Guesswork is something I try to stay way away from with firearms, and I know I don't for sure know the answer. I only think I know. In fact, I didn't even buy ammo for the damn rifle because I didn't feel knowledgeable enough about it. And it is pretty and mocking me. My 1943 and 1944 rifles have probably already taken it's lunch money for being the new kid
On the plus side, a buddy gave me an M16A1 operators manual today
