Issue 11 Preview – 2Vets Arms 5.56 Bravo – When AR and SCAR Collide David Reeder Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Photography by Stickman and Nathan Murr 2 Vets Arms’ Side-Charging AR Blends Ambidextrous Ergonomics With Top-Shelf Components “We’re trying to overcome the same problems the AK, MP5, FAL, and SCAR all had,” says 2 Vets Arms’ Dean Brandly of his side-charging Bravo rifle. “Oh, wait…They all work don’t they?” The Bravo rifle is what Brandly calls an “M4gery.” Boiled down to the basics, it’s a carbine-length AR-15 with an A2 front-sight post — but there is a lot more to it, and not just the distinctive side-charging reciprocating bolt handle. 2 Vets Arms is aptly named for Mr. and Mrs. Brandly, both of whom are U.S. Army veterans. They’ve been around for less than two years, but have been making a big impression pretty much since day one. Dean is a former diesel mechanic and state champion archer who grew up on a farm in Oklahoma before enlisting in the Army and serving in Iraq. His last billet had him helping with sniper section train-up prior to deployment. Amber (the brains of the outfit) also grew up in small-town America, was an athlete in high school, and an intel analyst in the Army. Clearly, Dean married above his pay grade. The Bravo rifle is not their first commercial offering. The SOPMOD and LRRP preceded it; the latter got them noticed, rather accidentally, by Bass Pro Shops. 2VA is heavily involved in veterans support organizations like Gallant Few, started when Dean built a commemorative mil-standard rifle for the son of a friend who was killed in action in Afghanistan. “We didn’t plan on becoming a rifle manufacturer so to speak,” Dean says. “But after I built what was essentially rifle No. 1 and donated it through the Casualty Assistance Officer, it took off. Unfortunately, we had to build more commemorative rifles, and word got around. Eventually we built a 6.8mm for a deployed sniper as a favor.” For the rest of this article, subscribe here: RECOIL Issue 11 Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
