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0331 MOS – The Machine Gunner

by Travis Pike | Aug 11, 2025 | Learnin', Musings

The Marine MOS for Machine Gunner is 0331 and I’m here to feed M240s and chew bubble gum…and I’m all out of bubble gum.

Can An $18 Chinese 3A Plate Stop Bullets?

by Travis Pike | Aug 5, 2025 | Gear Curious, Learnin'

Can an $18 Chinese made body armor plate actually stop rounds? Today we are going to see if it holds up.

Belt Fed: What it Means

by Travis Pike | May 1, 2025 | Learnin' | Language Lessons

Belt-fed is a fun term, and it’s my favorite type of weapon. Call it my machine gunner mentality, just don’t call me late for ammo resupply.

SHOT 2025 – Pike’s Picks

by Travis Pike | Jan 13, 2025 | Assorted Ramblings

SHOT 2025 is over and everything I have is tired. However, I found a few favorites, five favorite to be specific.

The Light Rifle AR-15 Build – Make It Long

by Travis Pike | Nov 26, 2024 | | Nice Rack!

The Light Rifle AR-15 build was a passion project. Here’s how I built this full-sized rifle with parts from Aero Precision, Magpul, Athlon, and Streamlight.

Use “MorningWood” at checkout for 20% off products from Combat Flip Flops.

Short Stroke Piston vs Long Stroke

by Travis Pike | Nov 21, 2024 | Assorted Ramblings | Language Lessons

Long and short are often used to describe firearms technology. The most critical items are gas pistons and actions.

M16A5: The Rifle That Never Was (But Should Have Been)

by Travis Pike | Oct 31, 2024 | | Weapon Crush Wednesday

Let's be really clear. The M16A5 was never a real thing. It's a bit of a meme of an idea the Marine Corps considered for about five minutes. The United States Marine Corps loves their rifle. Yes, the M4 is a rifle, but it's better described as a carbine. A rifle is a...