The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Exactly what does Mil Spec mean to you concerning guns?

Bartholomew Roberts · March 2, 2011, 11:53 AM

As used in firearm marketing, it means practically nothing. Many firearms that claim to be "mil-spec" aren't. And for that matter, many of the specifications that are out there do not get updated all that often and may not represent the best value. In other cases, the "mil-spec" contains features that I don't need since I won't be doing a HALO from 36,000' followed by a 2 mile SCUBA through salt water or shooting in MOPP gear.

For me the military requirements are a good starting point. The military tends to keep busy with firearms and often discovers things that I might not discover for myself for quite some time (or things that it would be very unpleasant to discover personally). So I am always interested in what they deem necessary for their needs. I just don't assume that this same requirement is the best for my needs.

March 2, 2011, 11:53 AM	#16
Bartholomew Roberts member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Texas and Oklahoma area Posts: 8,462	As used in firearm marketing, it means practically nothing. Many firearms that claim to be "mil-spec" aren't. And for that matter, many of the specifications that are out there do not get updated all that often and may not represent the best value. In other cases, the "mil-spec" contains features that I don't need since I won't be doing a HALO from 36,000' followed by a 2 mile SCUBA through salt water or shooting in MOPP gear. For me the military requirements are a good starting point. The military tends to keep busy with firearms and often discovers things that I might not discover for myself for quite some time (or things that it would be very unpleasant to discover personally). So I am always interested in what they deem necessary for their needs. I just don't assume that this same requirement is the best for my needs.