A "Psychotic Fetish" — Do We Really Need All These New Cartridges? — GMP #283

This live Q&A session from Small Arms Solutions covers a wide range of firearms-related topics. The instructor, demonstrating significant expertise, addresses issues with Sig AR pistols, discusses the Chris Vector's ergonomics, and analyzes the potential for 5.56mm round development. He also provides insights into the 300 Blackout cartridge, the PSA KS47's performance, and the Benelli M4 shotgun's combat-proven status. The discussion extends to ammunition quality, manufacturing challenges for retro AR parts, and the debate between nitriding and chrome lining for barrels.

Gun store owners discuss the current state of ammunition availability and pricing in America. They note that supply has replenished, leading to price drops closer to pre-2020 levels, with even less common 'wildcat' cartridges becoming more available. The conversation also touches on the stagnant NFA tax stamp cost compared to inflation.

Jason Hornady, VP of Hornady Manufacturing, details the company's evolution and cartridge development, focusing on the 6mm ARC. He highlights the use of Doppler radar for precise ballistic analysis and the company's agile innovation culture. The discussion emphasizes achieving superior downrange performance through advanced bullet engineering.

This Q&A session from C&Rsenal covers a wide range of historical firearms topics, from the design challenges of early semi-automatic pistols and revolvers to the manufacturing complexities of firearms in the 20th century. The hosts discuss the effectiveness of various military cartridges, the evolution of rifle actions, and the practical considerations of firearm maintenance and design. They also touch upon the challenges of recreating historical firearms and the historical context of their development and adoption.

This video explains why ammunition feels scarce and expensive despite full shelves in 2026. The primary reasons cited are persistent high raw material costs (copper, brass, propellant), strong military demand diverting production capacity, and reduced competitive pressure from cheaper imported ammunition due to trade controls and shipping costs. New technologies like polymer casings have not yet translated to widespread affordability for consumers.

This video delves into the technical aspects of new ammunition and firearm platforms, specifically discussing the 5.56 Max cartridge and its implications for the AR-15 platform. It explores the challenges of high-pressure cartridges, potential solutions like advanced materials and bolt designs, and the concept of an "AR-12.5" platform as a scaled-up AR-15 to handle these new rounds. The discussion also touches on the historical context of ammunition development and the trade-offs between performance and reliability.

This guide, informed by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, details the critical differences between buckshot and birdshot for home defense. It covers their physical characteristics, penetration capabilities through walls, and effectiveness at close range. The advice emphasizes choosing a load based on concerns about over-penetration while stressing the universal importance of training, target identification, and using a light for any home defense scenario.

This guide details the field stripping process for a 1911 pistol, presented by Roy Huntington, Publisher of American Handgunner. It covers essential safety checks, step-by-step disassembly, and reassembly, emphasizing techniques to prevent damage. An alternative 'cheat' method for faster disassembly is also demonstrated, along with advice on using specialized tools for tight components.

This video showcases an exceptionally rare find: a first-generation 1873 Colt Single Action Peacemaker, discovered via metal detecting in Arizona. The expert speaker details its museum-quality condition, dating it to 1875, and analyzes the authentic patina and wear, including specific gutta-percha grip details and muzzle wear from holster friction. The firearm's discovery context among homestead ruins adds to its historical narrative.

This guide, presented by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, outlines an efficient '5-minute clean' for modern semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 26/27. It emphasizes that over-cleaning is unnecessary and can cause premature wear. The process focuses on targeted cleaning of critical areas like the barrel and slide rails, with minimal lubrication applied only to high-friction points. Proper function checks after reassembly are also highlighted.