![]() We became quite adept at the takedown procedures and favored the simplicity of the Ruger. More care is needed when storing spare barrels and assembling barrels to receivers. We felt the piston-powered Ruger had a slight advantage since the gas tubes, which are part of the DRD and Windham gas systems (except with the Windham 9mm barrel), are fragile. Still, it was comforting to know that we could tear them down and build them back in less time than it takes to load a 30-round AR-15 magazine by hand. If assembly time is a factor for our readers, the DRD at 10 seconds and the Ruger at slightly more time would win hands down, but we do not think a barrel swap would be made in a high-stress situation. Some takedown methods were faster and simpler than others. We had no issues assembling and disassembling any rifle, and we did not baby them. You can, however, customize these ARs with other aftermarket parts like stocks, pistol grips, triggers, sights, controls, muzzle devices, and so on. You must use the handguard the AR is shipped with because it is a key part of the takedown design. One thing to note: The rails or handguards on these rifles are not compatible with aftermarket parts. With all three takedown ARs, the rifle is broken down into three main components. Operationally, the DRD and Windham are direct-gas-impingement models the Ruger uses a piston system.Īll in, these takedown rifles get smaller by separating the barrel from the rail, which we estimate as a reduction in length of about 8.5 inches. These manufacturers have taken the modularity characteristics of the AR to a new level, each offering its own unique takedown design. To answer these and other questions, we gathered three models from DRD Tactical, Ruger, and Windham Weaponry. Can’t a shooter just buy two rifles and set them up with optics at the same cost or less? Also, we wondered how zero might shift when removing then replacing the same-caliber barrel? And, how would a different caliber affect point of impact? Of course, price is always a consideration, and the cost of these takedown ARs is high - more than four times the cost of an entry-level 5.56mm AR priced at about $550. On the other side of the debate, parts that are assembled and reassembled wear faster than parts that are fixed, and the more complicated a design, the more likely it is to break and the harder it is to get spare parts. ![]() Another plus on the takedown AR side is easier cleaning. These ARs can feed whatever ammo is available. We’ve all experienced the ammunition shortages of the recent past, and there is no reason to think it won’t happen again. This caliber-swap feature gives these ARs the ability to use whatever ammo is available at the moment. Takedown ARs also have the ability to swap calibers, allowing a user to perhaps opt for 300 AAC Blackout on a pig hunt, use the 5.56mm NATO for home defense, and 9mm for low-cost training. A takedown AR is something one might consider adding to his bug-out gear should flood, fire, or worse coming knocking on the door. On one side of the debate, a takedown AR can be discreetly carried without the normal gun case that announces to all what is inside. But is the ability to transport a disassembled AR in a small case or knapsack more intriguing than practical? Couldn’t an AR already be considered a takedown rifle? Can’t you just disassemble the lower receiver from the upper receiver and tote the two pieces in a duffle bag? These were a few questions team members had as we started looking into takedown AR-15s. Espionage novels and movies are filled with rifles that are transported in a brief case, quickly assembled, then used to fire incredibly accurate shots.
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