At first glance, the JR Carbine is just another AR variant. Though it shares numerous parts and an outward appearance with the ubiquitous AR platform, the JR is actually of a totally different design. Unlike the AR’s gas-operated action, the JR Carbine uses a simple blowback system similar to that of the Ruger 10/22. The bolt is held forward by spring pressure and is cycled by the energy of the fired round; there are no gas tubes or pistons involved. While it doesn’t use the AR’s operating system, the JR Carbine does share with the AR its modularity and some parts commonality, so many of the myriad of AR accessories can be used on the JR. The carbine uses a standard commercial diameter AR buffer tube so any buttstock compatible with a commercial AR can be fitted to the JR. The buffer itself is not interchangeable with standard AR buffers as the JR uses an extra heavy buffer to counter the inertia of the blowback design. Mil-spec and commercial AR parts are also interchangeable with the carbine’s AR-style trigger, grip, and safety, as well as any accessories that mount to the Picatinny rail such as auxiliary iron sights, scope mounts or lights. This carbine comes ready to accessorize.