Description
The DoubleStar Constant Carry Carbine 5.56/223 16″ Lightweight Barrel A-2 Flash Suppressor Black Finish 20 Round is a factory-built, ready-to-run AR-15 carbine designed for reliable, everyday use. It’s a no-frills, dependable rifle that prioritizes function and handling over flashy extras, making it a solid choice for a first AR or a trusted workhorse. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of mixed brass and steel-case .223 through one, and it ran without a hiccup—just what you want from a tool like this.
Key Features
- Lightweight 16″ Barrel: The pencil-profile barrel shaves off ounces where it counts most, up front, for faster handling and less fatigue.
- A2 Flash Suppressor: A classic, effective muzzle device that does its job without being overly concussive for nearby shooters.
- Complete Rifle Configuration: This isn’t a parts kit. It arrives as a complete firearm, drop-in ready for your FFL transfer.
- 20-Round Magazine: Includes a practical 20-round mag—a great balance of capacity and a lower profile for bench shooting or carrying.
- Mil-Spec Foundation: Built to widely accepted standards, meaning a huge universe of AR-15 parts and accessories from brands like Magpul and BCM will be compatible for upgrades.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | 5.56x45mm NATO / .223 Remington |
| Barrel Length | 16 inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 32-35 inches (stock collapsed/extended) |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 Rounds (Accepts standard AR-15 mags) |
| Muzzle Device | A2 Birdcage Flash Suppressor |
Who This Carbine Is For
Look, this rifle isn’t trying to be a $2,500 duty-grade special forces clone. It’s for the shooter who wants a straightforward, reliable AR-15 without the analysis paralysis. It’s a perfect first rifle for a new owner in Missouri, a great truck gun for the farm, or a solid platform for someone who knows they’ll want to personalize it over time. The $979.75 price point puts it in a sweet spot—well above the questionable bargain-bin tier, but not breaking the bank for a trusted name like DoubleStar.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The lightweight barrel is a genuine benefit; you feel the difference immediately when shouldering the rifle. Reliability out of the box is the main selling point. The mil-spec design means endless customization—swap the handguard, stock, or trigger with confidence. It’s a simple, effective tool.
Cons: Being a value-oriented factory rifle, it comes with a basic mil-spec trigger (perfectly serviceable, but often the first upgrade). The furniture is functional but not fancy. You’re paying for the core rifle, not premium finishes or boutique components. That said, starting with a solid core is always the right move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the barrel chambered for 5.56 or .223?
A: It’s chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, which means you can safely fire both 5.56mm and .223 Remington ammunition. That’s a key flexibility point for sourcing ammo.
Q: What kind of handguard does it have, and can I change it?
A: It comes with a standard carbine-length double heat shield handguard. Yes, you can change it. Since it uses a standard front sight base delta ring assembly, it’s compatible with any carbine-length drop-in two-piece handguard from brands like Magpul or Midwest Industries—no gunsmithing required for that swap.
Q: Does it come with sights?
A: It comes equipped with a standard front sight post and a removable carry handle rear sight. This gives you immediate iron sight capability. The carry handle has a Picatinny rail top, so you can mount an optic directly to it or remove the handle to install a flat-top rail mount. With an overall length around 35 inches with the stock extended, it handles predictably.
If you’re after a dependable, no-nonsense AR-15 that gets the fundamentals right and leaves room for you to make it your own, the DoubleStar Constant Carry Carbine deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check availability and start the simple FFL transfer process.




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