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Posted: 9/3/2026 9:42:51 PM EDT
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Hey, folks! I searched a little and was surprised to find zero chatter of a fairly new name in the black rifle game. One Horse began operations in Brownstown, IN nearly a year ago. I took note when I heard the rumors of a firearms manufacturer planning to open up shop building 100% USA made rifles. A couple months ago, I had the opportunity to pick up a complete lower from a local shop. I figured I would just tuck it away and forget it, just glad to see my hometown stamped on an AR15. Well, after a little consideration, I decided to pony up the cash and support a local business, get an upper and have some fun doing a review here. Heck, maybe I can even keep this thread going long term with updates. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to passing my One Horse to my friends at the range and around the campfire. I was hoping to have pics of my first range trip to share upon opening the thread, but I think it's better to start here. I'm starting off realizing I need to overcome some problems before I can even get to the range. Upon placing the upper on the lower, I could barely get the rear takedown pin inserted. We're talking TIGHT! Also, the action was so rough, I initially thought there was a problem somewhere. The gas tube appeared to be a tad off-center, but I wasn't sure that was the problem. I kept working the takedown pin and pulling the charging handle and today, it finally seems like everything is going to work ok. BUT, there's still work to do. First pics. Attached File Attached File |
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I plan to fire a few rounds to at least be sure it functions before I get started on tearing apart a new rifle that will most likely void any warranty. First order of business, I need a proper handguard that is keyed to control movement fore, aft, and rotation. I want to install irons and this wobbly thing will not do. Problem, the gas block set screws are staked. What is the best way to get the screws out? Is it possible to reuse the gas block? Attached File I guess I could drill the staking out, being careful to not drill down too much on the screw heads so I can still get a hex key in there. Then I can assess whether the gas block is useable. |
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Gas block is very likely reusable with new screws. they might be 8-32 or 10-32. If that was my gun, I would start by pulling the HG off, ordering a gas block dimpling jig for a .750 gas journal, and checking the port diameter with a gauge pin. add some oil to your receiver extension, and pull the buffer spring out and feel how rough it is. also oil the BCG. |
| I bought one of their lowers and fit/finish is very good. Decent Mil-Spec trigger already in it. Castle nut is staked. Generic carbine buffer that I immediately replaced with a H one. They are about 1 hour from where I live. Rumor has it some of them used to work at FosTech(Seymour,IN) which is very close to Brownstown, IN. |
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Originally Posted By M4ger: Gas block is very likely reusable with new screws. they might be 8-32 or 10-32. If that was my gun, I would start by pulling the HG off, ordering a gas block dimpling jig for a .750 gas journal, and checking the port diameter with a gauge pin. add some also Fixed it. Agreed on the gas block. Looks like a no-nonsense budget rifle. |
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Originally Posted By bluedog82: I just recently heard about them as well. I submitted a request for a rifle to review, but we’ll have to see what they say. I read it was some old Anderson employees who started this company. Poverty pony logo to One Horse. I'd give them a go if I was in the market for something new. |
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Originally Posted By Raidersgone: I read it was some old Anderson employees who started this company. Poverty pony logo to One Horse. I'd give them a go if I was in the market for something new. Interesting. These are new faces to me and I've been in the area my entire 46 years, but I don't know everyone.... |
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Originally Posted By ChevChelios: Hey OP, how does the staking look on your BCG. I just picked up one of their BCGS from my LGS for $80. I didn’t realize it til I got home but the staking on the gas key was pretty meh. I’ll restake it myself, but curious what your BCG looks like. Lighter than some, I guess. I think many go a little overboard. I'd call mine perfect. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By hill1473: I bought one of their lowers and fit/finish is very good. Decent Mil-Spec trigger already in it. Castle nut is staked. Generic carbine buffer that I immediately replaced with a H one. They are about 1 hour from where I live. Rumor has it some of them used to work at FosTech(Seymour,IN) which is very close to Brownstown, IN. It may just be the best mil spec trigger I've ever felt.👍 |
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Originally Posted By M4ger: Gas block is very likely reusable with new screws. they might be 8-32 or 10-32. If that was my gun, I would start by pulling the HG off, ordering a gas block dimpling jig for a .750 gas journal, and checking the port diameter with a gauge pin. add some oil to your receiver extension, and pull the buffer spring out and feel how rough it is. also oil the BCG. The inside of the buffer tube is like glass. |
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Originally Posted By Bloodloss: It may just be the best mil spec trigger I've ever felt.👍 Yeah, I agree. I had an ALG QMS ready to swap it out with but then I shot it. Let it be. I might get a couple more lowers. I wish they sold stripped lowers. I bought the complete for $199. |
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Originally Posted By hill1473: Yeah, I agree. I had an ALG QMS ready to swap it out with but then I shot it. Let it be. I might get a couple more lowers. I wish they sold stripped lowers. I bought the complete for $199. Originally Posted By hill1473: Originally Posted By Bloodloss: It may just be the best mil spec trigger I've ever felt.👍 Yeah, I agree. I had an ALG QMS ready to swap it out with but then I shot it. Let it be. I might get a couple more lowers. I wish they sold stripped lowers. I bought the complete for $199. they do company site |
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Originally Posted By Bloodloss: Lighter than some, I guess. I think many go a little overboard. I'd call mine perfect. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/615838/1000000888_jpg-3822405.JPG Originally Posted By Bloodloss: Originally Posted By ChevChelios: Hey OP, how does the staking look on your BCG. I just picked up one of their BCGS from my LGS for $80. I didn’t realize it til I got home but the staking on the gas key was pretty meh. I’ll restake it myself, but curious what your BCG looks like. Lighter than some, I guess. I think many go a little overboard. I'd call mine perfect. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/615838/1000000888_jpg-3822405.JPG this could be improved upon with an automatic center punch I always check carrier key screws when I get one and if either of them can be removed, I install a new gas key and torque between 50 and 58 in-lbs. staking follows. |
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Originally Posted By 1saxman: From what I've learned here so far, I'd take a Radical Firearms over this. What have you seen so far that leads you to this conclusion? Is it just the fact that Rad is already established as a mediocre manufacturer? If so, I certainly understand your position. However, the premise for my purchase and review is based solely on my desire to acquire a firearm manufactured in my hometown and provide the public with a genuine review of my experience. I'm not trying to sway anyone toward or away from dealing with this company. Or maybe the gripes on fitment? It's worth noting, I already have a shipping label & RMA for this gun, received within 24hrs of filling out a warranty request with the two issues I mentioned. What I find odd, is this company seems to have zero interest in the fact that they have a local enthusiast base. In my initial contact with One Horse, I expressed my interest in the company as a local business and shared my intent to review this rifle on public forums and share with my friends. I also asked a couple questions. The response was a very impersonal, "I can take a look at it, fill out this warranty request.", with the questions ignored. The next day, I still had questions on my mind I felt were pertinent to the return process. I emailed again and received a simple "fill out the paperwork, and I'll send you a shipping label". It seemed a little bizarre to me that a company would handle interaction with a customer in that manner, but whatever. My wife says they are looking for a customer service/admin employee. Well, they sure need one. Back to the point. Don't you even want to find out if the gun runs out of the box before forming an initial opinion? |
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| I made it to the range yesterday and this horse runs, so that's good. I found I can't move the selector to safe while the bolt is locked back. I went ahead and dropped in the LaRue trigger I'll be using anyway, and the selector functions fine. Bummer, I thought I was gonna add a decent mil-spec trigger to my parts box. |
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After just a few rounds, the handguard is walking off the barrel nut. It's torqued as good as I can get it with a standard key. I think this is the first fully assembled AR I've ever bought. I haven't really looked at any for a few years. When did they start putting these trash handguards on rifles? I notice they are on the rack everywhere now. Some have anti-rotation tabs, some don't. Do any have a key/tab/screw going through the barrel nut to control forward movement? Having to upgrade a rifle out of the box to put on irons or IR is absolutely stupid. Attached File |
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Here's one I can't figure out. What is making the marks on the buffer?  Attached File Anyone seen this before? |
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Originally Posted By Bloodloss: After just a few rounds, the handguard is walking off the barrel nut. It's torqued as good as I can get it with a standard key. I think this is the first fully assembled AR I've ever bought. I haven't really looked at any for a few years. When did they start putting these trash handguards on rifles? I notice they are on the rack everywhere now. Some have anti-rotation tabs, some don't. Do any have a key/tab/screw going through the barrel nut to control forward movement? Having to upgrade a rifle out of the box to put on irons or IR is absolutely stupid. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/615838/1000000899_jpg-3824233.JPG that handguard looks suspiciously like the ones I bought from one of my favorite vendors. They were $30 at the time. I suspect I'll be coming up with a solution soon. |
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I got the gas block screws out, ditched the trash handguard, and reattached the barrel with a MI barrel nut. I can probably reuse the gas block. I would like to if possible. Those threads are TITE! No screws are going to be backing out of there once I get em in. I drilled a little deeper than I wanted, but they were so TITE! There's still 4-5 threads left and like I said, they're freaking TITE! Oh, yeah. I looked over the gas block after the first range session and there were no signs of gas escaping, so that's one reason I'd like to reuse the gas block. After removal, I verified everything was lined up, and it's all good. Tomorrow, I'll pin gage the port. It was still kickin pretty good after I dropped in an H2 & extra power spring. Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By M4ger: Gas block is very likely reusable with new screws. they might be 8-32 or 10-32. If that was my gun, I would start by pulling the HG off, ordering a gas block dimpling jig for a .750 gas journal, and checking the port diameter with a gauge pin. add some oil to your receiver extension, and pull the buffer spring out and feel how rough it is. also oil the BCG. Barrel is already dimpled, spacing perfect at least for the og gas block. Time to search for some screws.... |
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Originally Posted By Bloodloss: Port gaged at .093" Same as my BCM barrels. I guess now is a good time to mention this rifle is 300BLK. Set screws on the way. Could take a week. Sheesh!  McMaster-Carr is the way. set up with them sometime. items will be on the truck before you're done checking out. |
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I got a little antsy this weekend and cleaned up my old set screw remnants so I could finish this project and get this rifle sighted in. First, I had to finish up tinkering with the lower. The bolt catch pin was a bit proud and getting on my nerves, I had to put it in it's place. Attached File |
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The handguard fits the barrel nut snugly and the anti-rotation tabs are tight to the upper. Just right for some irons! Took a few rounds to get zeroed. Here are a couple groups at 40 & 100 yards. Attached File |
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So far I'm glad I didn't send this rifle in under warranty. The action is now working nicely and whatever the fit issue is between the upper and lower is minimal now, although apparent whenever you go for that rear takedown pin. I have a hunch the holes on the upper are a little too close together, or the holes in the lower are a little too far apart. When I go to insert the rear pin, I place the muzzle on the floor, apply downward pressure to the grip, and the pin goes in without resistance. I'm sure it won't be long until it's not an issue and I don't even notice at all. Anyhow, I plan to use this rifle as is and won't be placing the upper on any other lower, and won't be using the lower with any other upper. Honestly, looking back at how this all unfolded, if I had known being a local customer would grant me zero access to One Horse as far as not being able to stop by and drop off the rifle for warranty work, and considering the absolute trash-ass handguard which is the reason I had to tear down and rebuild the upper, I would have never dipped my toes here. I was really hoping to take a One Horse and run it in its original state, with a few swapped parts of course, and offer solid feedback. I hope this thread ends up being of more value than I can forsee at the moment. |
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One thing to note is zero malfunctions in the first 30 or so rounds I have through this rifle, so that's a plus. Tomorrow, I'll give a list of everything that was replaced, modified or added. I plan to run the rifle in it's current configuration long term. I'll give updates whenever I take it to the range, shoot game or dispatch critters. |
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Originally Posted By Bloodloss: One thing to note is zero malfunctions in the first 30 or so rounds I have through this rifle, so that's a plus. Tomorrow, I'll give a list of everything that was replaced, modified or added. I plan to run the rifle in it's current configuration long term. I'll give updates whenever I take it to the range, shoot game or dispatch critters. You took it shooting and only fired 30 rounds? Fitment of the upper and lower looks good and minimal gap in photos. A little press to get the pins in isn’t a big deal and I actually prefer. Less slop is good for a solid rifle. I personally dislike loose fitment for upper and lowers. There are some people on here that it doesn’t seem to bother but it does bother me. Strangely the best fitment upper/lower I have is a PSA 8.5” 5.56 SBR. No slop and requires little to no pressure to put the pins in, like they are perfectly matched. |
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Isn't One Horse the company that's offering factory FRT rifles? I'm kind'a curious about those. |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
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Originally Posted By MoonlightAgain: Hey, thank you for your review/discussion. This is the content we need. Originally Posted By Plainsman62: Thanks for taking the time to post such a thourough writeup OP! Thanks, y'all! Stay tuned, this rifle is gonna get a good range session soon.👍 |
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I'll be picking up a mixed bag of ammo Saturday for the next trip to the range. I usually load my own, but I'm almost dry. Plus, I wanna go have some fun as well as add a little value to this review. I notice Wolf supers are 50¢/rd local, I can't reload for that even if brass is free. Is that stuff worth trying? |
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Originally Posted By Bloodloss: One thing to note is zero malfunctions in the first 30 or so rounds I have through this rifle, so that's a plus. Tomorrow, I'll give a list of everything that was replaced, modified or added. I plan to run the rifle in it's current configuration long term. I'll give updates whenever I take it to the range, shoot game or dispatch critters. Find some Barnes 110s or 120s for the critter getters. You'll probably be able to take some venison home with a TTSX. |
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Originally Posted By Bloodloss: I'll be picking up a mixed bag of ammo Saturday for the next trip to the range. I usually load my own, but I'm almost dry. Plus, I wanna go have some fun as well as add a little value to this review. I notice Wolf supers are 50¢/rd local, I can't reload for that even if brass is free. Is that stuff worth trying? I have never shot Wolf 300s but many thousands of Wolf Gold 55s in years past. I'd pick up a box of 300s just to see how it functions and then report back if I were in your shoes. |
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Originally Posted By M4ger: Find some Barnes 110s or 120s for the critter getters. You'll probably be able to take some venison home with a TTSX. I've loaded quite a few 110gr TTSX and stashed them away to use on whitetails. I've yet to take any game with the 300BLK though. My 110gr V-Max loads open up pretty good going through 3 gallon jugs of h2O. Probably a pretty decent all-purpose round. I plan to use 125gr Speer TNT for anything that just needs stopped in its tracks. |
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Originally Posted By M4ger: I have never shot Wolf 300s but many thousands of Wolf Gold 55s in years past. I'd pick up a box of 300s just to see how it functions and then report back if I were in your shoes. Already grabbed 100rds.👍 I'm content with my handloads for all my 300BLK use. This ammo is for you guys, plus I could use some more brass to load. So, if I grab another 100rds, what do you guys want to see Burnice eat? PPU 125gr FMJ WWB 125gr HP Sig 125gr FMJ Magtech 125gr FMJ Probably placing my order tonight, so give me something quick, guys! |
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