Articles
How to Choose the Right AR-15 Magazine: 10-Round, 20-Round, 30-Round, Polymer, or Steel?
If you are shopping for AR-15 magazines, one of the first things you will notice is how many options are available. Capacity, material, brand, shape, and intended use all play a role in choosing the right magazine for your rifle.
The good news is that most AR-15 magazine decisions are much easier once you break them into a few simple categories. For most buyers, the biggest questions are whether to choose a 10-round, 20-round, or 30-round magazine, whether polymer or steel makes more sense, and
…
Apr Fri 2026 -
Best AR-15 Accessories for New Owners: What to Buy First and What Can Wait
If you just bought your first AR-15, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of accessories on the market. From optics and slings to lights, magazines, grips, and rail attachments, there is no shortage of products competing for your attention.
The good news is that most new AR-15 owners do not need everything at once. In fact, starting with the right basics is usually much smarter than loading your rifle with accessories you may not actually use.
If your goal is to build a practical, reliabl
…
Apr Fri 2026 -
AR-15 Upper vs Lower: What’s the Difference and Which Parts Do You Need?
If you are shopping for AR-15 parts, one of the most common questions is the difference between the upper and the lower. These terms come up constantly when buyers research complete rifles, stripped lowers, complete uppers, lower parts kits, bolt carrier groups, and charging handles.
The good news is that the AR-15 platform is easier to understand once you break it into the two main sections. The upper and lower work together to form the rifle, but each section serves a different purpose and aff
…
Apr Fri 2026 -
AR-15 Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy Your First AR-15
If you are researching your first AR-15, the amount of information online can feel overwhelming fast. There are endless choices in barrel length, optics, calibers, furniture, accessories, and upgrade parts. The good news is that most buyers do not need the most expensive setup to get a reliable, accurate, and versatile rifle.
The best first step is to focus on what actually matters: intended use, caliber, barrel length, reliability, and a few core accessories. Once you understand those basics, s
…
Apr Thu 2026 -
Red Dot vs LPVO for an AR-15: Which Optic Is Best for Your Setup?
If you are shopping for an AR-15 optic, one of the most common questions is whether a red dot or an LPVO is the better choice. Both are popular for good reason, but they serve different needs depending on how you use your rifle.
For most buyers, the decision comes down to distance, speed, simplicity, and versatility. A red dot is usually the faster and lighter option for close-range shooting, while an LPVO offers more flexibility if you want magnification and better target identification at long
…
Apr Thu 2026 -
Gun Store / Shop located at 1212 East US-2- Kalispell MT 59901
Located at 1212 East US-2 in Kalispell, Montana, Raven Rock Armory is your local destination for firearms, ammunition, optics, tactical gear, and shooting accessories. We proudly serve Kalispell and the surrounding communities with quality products, friendly service, and a commitment to responsible firearm ownership. Whether you are looking for a new firearm, range gear, or hard-to-find accessories, Raven Rock Armory is here to help.
We specialize in FFL Transfers, Special Orders, Firearms, Guns
…
Mar Wed 2026 -
Pyrotechnics Explosives, Smoke & Special Effects Solutions
Certified Pyrotechnics Explosive, Smoke & Special Effects Solutions for Tactical Training, Simulation & Film Production
Raven Rock Armory is proud to be one of the region’s premier suppliers of certified pyrotechnics explosive, smoke, and special-effects devices designed for tactical combat training, urban warfare simulation, military/law-enforcement exercises, and professional film production.
Built on strict safety standards, professional sourcing, and compliance-driven handling,
…
Nov Mon 2025 -
AR-15 Style Rifle Overview
AR-15 Style Rifle Overview – History, Design, and Modern Applications
Product Description:The AR-15–style rifle is a lightweight, modular, and highly customizable semi-automatic firearm patterned after the original Colt AR-15, itself derived from the military-grade ArmaLite AR-10. First introduced in the 1960s, the AR-15 design has since evolved into one of the most popular rifle platforms in the United States, widely used for sport shooting, hunting, home defense, and tactical
…
Jul Fri 2022 -
Understanding Night Vision: How We See in the Dark
Night vision is the ability to see in low-light environments, either through natural biological adaptation (scotopic vision) or with the help of night vision technology. While humans have limited night vision compared to many animals, advancements in optical technologies have made it possible to operate effectively in total darkness.
Natural Night Vision vs. Technological Enhancement
Biological Night Vision
Humans rely on specialized retinal cells called rods for low-light vision. These ce
…
Mar Wed 2022 -
5.56×45mm NATO Cartridge Overview
The 5.56×45mm NATO (commonly pronounced "five-five-six NATO") is a rimless, bottlenecked intermediate rifle cartridge standardized by NATO in 1980. Developed by FN Herstal in Belgium, it evolved from the .223 Remington and became the second standard service rifle cartridge adopted by NATO forces, offering a lightweight, high-velocity alternative to the 7.62×51mm NATO round.
Quick Specifications
Origin: Belgium
Designed by: FN Herstal
Service Use: 1980–present
Used by: NA
…
Feb Fri 2022 -