Despite all of the lasers, tech accessories, and modern features, the AR platform is more than half a century old.
Originally chambered in .308 as the AR10, Eugene Stoner made a rifle that was chambered for a round that was full of compromises, the 5.56 NATO.
To be fair, we certainly like the 5.56mm: it’s a capable round that’s lightweight, shoots reasonably straight out to about 500 yards, and has been getting the job done since Vietnam.
With that said, we’ve had 50 years or so to optimize the system, and that is exactly what has happened with the .300 BLK round. The .300 Blackout was engineered from the ground up for the AR platform – and it does not disappoint.
If you have ever fired an AR in 5.56mm indoors, whether a range or in some other circumstance, you know that it is, in fact, a seriously bad time for you and anyone north of the barrel in terms of sound, flash, and concussion.
So, in trying to develop a round that hits harder at short ranges, as well as suppresses supremely well, you’ll want to take a look at the .300 BLK. This article is part of our ongoing Guide to Everything AR.
