Quick Christmas Ideas!

We have a ton of cool stuff, not just guns and ammo. I went through the website and picked 5 things I would love to get as a gift if I did not work here and was a regular customer.

Chrome Lined Barrels: Do you need it?

When it comes to optimizing the performance and durability of an AR-15 rifle, the choice of barrel plays a pivotal role. Among the myriad options available, chrome-lined barrels stand out as a popular choice for firearm enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Chrome-lined barrels, as the name suggests, are AR-15 rifle barrels that have an inner lining of chrome applied through a plating process. This plating covers the interior surface of the barrel, providing several unique advantages that cater to different shooting needs and environments:

Corrosion Resistance: Chrome plating significantly enhances the barrel’s resistance to corrosion and rust, making it ideal for use in harsh environments, such as humid or saltwater conditions. This durability ensures the longevity of the barrel, even with minimal maintenance.

Increased Longevity: The chrome lining improves the lifespan of the barrel by reducing wear and erosion caused by heat and friction from repeated firings. This feature is especially beneficial for high-volume shooters, professionals, or those seeking a long-lasting investment in their firearm.

Ease of Cleaning: Chrome-lined barrels tend to be easier to clean due to the smoother surface provided by the plating. Fouling and debris have a harder time adhering to the chrome lining, allowing for quicker and more straightforward maintenance.

Heat Resistance: The chrome lining enhances the barrel’s ability to withstand high temperatures generated during rapid or sustained firing, reducing the risk of barrel overheating and maintaining consistent accuracy.

Now there are some trade-offs/ Things to consider.

Potential Accuracy: While chrome-lined barrels offer various advantages, some precision shooters argue that non-chrome-lined barrels might provide slightly better inherent accuracy. This distinction might be negligible for the average shooter but could matter in specific competition or long-range shooting scenarios.

Cost: Chrome-lined barrels often come at a slightly higher cost compared to non-chrome-lined alternatives. However, the added durability and longevity they offer can justify the initial investment for many shooters.

Weight: Some chrome-lined barrels may have a slightly increased weight due to the plating process. However, advancements in manufacturing techniques have minimized this difference in modern designs.

The choice of a barrel for your AR-15 is a critical decision that impacts performance, longevity, and maintenance requirements. Chrome-lined barrels present a compelling option for shooters seeking durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance without compromising overall performance. They excel in demanding environments and high-volume shooting scenarios, making them a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Ultimately, the decision between a chrome-lined or non-chrome-lined barrel for your AR-15 depends on your specific shooting needs, preferences, and the intended use of your firearm. Understanding the advantages and considerations associated with chrome-lined barrels empowers you to make an informed decision that aligns with your shooting goals and environment.

More! Police Trade-ins just keep rolling in!

As you may know, we are pretty much the kings of police trade-in items. We get thousands of them yearly and you guys grab them all! They do lead to some questions and we decided to give you guys some insight into what the fuss is all about. We had a lot of fun filming this and we hope you guys enjoy it more than the usual unboxing video!

Interested? Take a look for yourself, maybe there’s something you may wanna snag:

https://aimsurplus.com/categories/trade-in-le-gear

If you did not know or maybe you were living under a rock and decided to move out, we are doing another giveaway!

This time a DSA FAL 58! Same old routine, enter your email here:

https://aimsurplus.com/pages/giveaways?c=BLOGDSAFALGiveAway

December 1st the winner shall be chosen!

If you wanna get some good deals during black Friday, I suggest you subscribe to the email.

If you are local here are our hours for Black Friday:

You Think Darkness Is Your Ally?

In a world that never sleeps, the ability to see in the dark has become an invaluable asset. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a security professional, or just someone who enjoys late-night stargazing, night vision technology is a game-changer. Night vision devices have evolved from military applications to more accessible consumer products, providing a myriad of benefits to those who own them. Some of us at AIM decided to take the plunge into this world so let’s take a look.

One of the most significant benefits of owning night vision technology is the enhanced safety and security it provides. Night vision devices allow you to see in low light or complete darkness, helping you navigate through challenging environments or identify potential threats. Law enforcement agencies, security personnel, and even homeowners rely on night vision technology to monitor their surroundings and ensure the safety of their loved ones and property.

Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers also stand to gain significantly from night vision devices. Whether you’re a hunter tracking game after dusk, an avid camper exploring the wilderness, or a hiker navigating rugged terrain, night vision goggles or monoculars can greatly improve your outdoor experience. They enable you to spot wildlife, locate trails, and avoid potential hazards when the sun goes down.

Night vision technology offers a unique perspective on the natural world after dark. Wildlife enthusiasts and researchers use night vision devices to observe animals in their natural habitats without disturbing them. You can witness the nocturnal activities of creatures that are rarely seen during daylight hours, such as owls, bats, and other elusive creatures.

Amateur astronomers and stargazers also appreciate the benefits of night vision technology. These devices allow you to see celestial objects more clearly in low-light conditions, revealing a myriad of stars, planets, and other astronomical phenomena. Night vision goggles can enhance your stargazing experience and make it easier to navigate the night sky.

Search and rescue operations often take place in challenging conditions, including low-light or nighttime scenarios. Night vision technology aids in locating missing persons, providing critical assistance during emergencies and ensuring that rescue efforts are as effective as possible. Whether it’s a stranded hiker in the wilderness or a lost child in an urban area, night vision technology can be a lifesaver.

Military and law enforcement agencies have long recognized the tactical advantage of night vision technology. It allows soldiers and officers to operate covertly in darkness, increasing their effectiveness in various missions. Additionally, night vision technology aids in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and maintaining situational awareness.

While night vision technology was once primarily the domain of military and law enforcement agencies, it has become more accessible to the general public. As technology advances, night vision devices have become more “affordable”, making them an attractive option for homeowners and outdoor enthusiast who is willing to pay to play.

Owning night vision technology offers a wide array of benefits, from enhancing safety and security to expanding your outdoor adventures and allowing you to explore the mysteries of the night sky. As this technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, its advantages are no longer limited to specialized professions but are available to anyone looking to see in the dark. Whether you’re protecting your home, exploring the great outdoors, or simply curious about the world after sunset, night vision technology can be a valuable addition to your toolkit.

Practical Performance – Performance Pistol Weekend

One of our favorite instructors came to see us this last weekend, AJ Zito! He is the man. The nicest guy around and a 1911 guru. Last year, three of us took his 1911/2011 driver class which was incredible. This time around he was here to show you how to perform with your pistol, vision focus, and blending accuracy and speed.

We had a very wet weekend, which seems to be the trend when AJ comes to town. There were 4 of us in the class and we got to do a whole bunch of shooting and talking trash. It was a lot of fun, especially for what is probably the last class of the year for us. Went over some really cool vision work and blending speed and accuracy, if you get the chance to take a class with AJ please do it.

Here is a little something from the class:

https://youtube.com/shorts/xsXEIvxvUGM?feature=share

Velox Training Group with Master P AKA Peter Woolard

The last installment from the Velox Class we all took a couple weeks ago. Master Class Shooter in USPSA: Peter Woolard

1. What is your prior firearm experience?

I’ve been shooting for about five years and have been competing in USPSA for four years now.  I’ve taken multiple classes from different high-level instructors. (I’ve only disappointed one of them personally though)


2. What firearm/setup were you shooting?

For day one I shot my M&P 2.0 with an Apex trigger, SRO, and frame and slide work by Monsoon Tactical.  On day two I shot my carry handle build with a Holosun red dot and Deadair Sandman S


3. What did you hope to learn going into this class?

I hoped to be able to refine my vision more.  Picking small spots on the target instead of looking at the whole target has been a struggle for me recently.


4. What was your biggest takeaway from the class?

The importance of vision.


5. What area did you improve the most?

Picking small spots on “harder” targets.


6. Is there anything you thought you would learn but did not?

Nope


7. What did you think of Nick’s teaching style?

Nick does a great job of explaining the whys and hows and showing you different examples of good and bad runs before he has you run a drill.  He was able to give clear feedback to each student that they could understand and start to implement immediately.


8. Are you interested in taking another of his rifle classes?

I would definitely train with Nick again.


9. What did you think of Nick’s standards?

The standards are difficult but definitely attainable.  I’m still kicking myself for failing them.


10. What’s next for you?

 I’m going to finish out the USPSA season and then probably shoot a lot of rifles over the winter.

Redemption: Bryan finally got his Turbo Pin from Gabe White.

Well, I just finished Gabe White’s Pistol Shooting Solutions class at Impact Shooting Center, and I finally earned his Turbo Pin.   If you haven’t heard of Gabe White, I will tell you this is a class you need to take.   Gabe is a world-renowned instructor and Competition shooter, who I guarantee will make you a better shooter.   

Gabe’s class is a good mix of defensive and performance in his instruction and drills.    He also packs in the value, he fits in 3 days of curriculum into two long days of class.  I appreciate this as a student, as I miss less work, and I do prefer fewer breaks and downtime in a class.    Gabe is also famous for his pin drills. In his class, there are four tests you will take twice each.   

  • The Bill Drill (six shots to the body)
  • Failure to Stop (two shots to the body and one shot to the head)
  • Immediate Incapacitation (two shots to the head)
  • The Split Bill Drill (four shots to the body and two shots to the head)  

To earn his Turbo pin, you must have four runs at the turbo time levels.  

(There is a .25 second time reduction from running the drills from concealed)

  • Bill Drill, 2.00 (Theoretical Breakdown:  1.00 + .20 + .20 + .20 + .20 + .20)
  • Failure to Stop, 1.70 (Theoretical Breakdown:  1.00 + .20 + .50)
  • Immediate Incapacitation, 2.00 (Theoretical Breakdown:  1.50 + .50)
  • Split Bill Drill, 2.60 (Theoretical Breakdown:  1.00 + .20 + .20 + .20 + .50 + .50)

I had taken the class one other time in 2019 and got a light pin (slower time standards) with three turbo times.  

In this class, I shot 5 turbo runs and finally earned the turbo pin.   Here are the results from my successful run.

-Bill drill run 1, 2.5-sec adj to 2.25

-Bill drill run 2, 2.25-sec adj to 2.00 (turbo run)

-Failure to Stop run 1, 1.72, adj to 1.48 (turbo run)

-Failure to Stop run 2, 1.68, missed headshot

-Immediate incapacitation run 1 1.98 (turbo run)

-Immediate incapacitation run 2 2.34 but had a missed headshot

-Split Bill Drill Run 1 2.68, adj to 2.43 (turbo run)

-Split Bill Drill Run 1 2.75, adj to 2.50 (turbo run)