Can a Fire Damaged PSA AR-15 be saved? - Part 4

Published on June 15, 2022
Duration: 49:07

This video details the process of assessing and attempting to restore components of a fire-damaged PSA AR-15. The instructor demonstrates cleaning methods using Evapo-Rust and Simple Green, removal of melted plastic with basic tools, and inspection of various parts including the barrel, receivers, and small springs. The focus is on salvaging usable parts and identifying components that require replacement, with a detailed borescope examination of the barrel's interior condition.

Quick Summary

Fire-damaged AR-15 components can be salvaged through careful cleaning and inspection. Melted plastic can be removed with a chopstick after degreasing, and warped receivers can be identified using alignment pins and a surface plate. Barrels may show significant pitting and corrosion, especially at the crown, which can be addressed with touch-up work.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Evapo-Rust Inspection
  2. 00:21Gas Tube and Ejection Port Cover Check
  3. 00:48Buffer Weights and Barrel Inspection
  4. 01:10Cleaning Methods: Parts Washer and Chopstick
  5. 02:53Post-Cleaning Inspection
  6. 03:45Disassembling Barrel and Muzzle Device
  7. 05:05Removing Muzzle Device and Crush Washer
  8. 06:19Delta Ring Assembly Disassembly
  9. 07:04Muzzle Device and Crush Washer Corrosion
  10. 07:46Dust Cover and Spring Assessment
  11. 08:32Ejection Port Cover Spring Replacement
  12. 09:10Replacement Springs Inventory
  13. 09:32Replacing Takedown Pins and Roll Pins
  14. 10:15Optional Replacement Parts: Gas Rings, Detents, Forward Assist
  15. 10:56Upper Receiver Disassembly
  16. 11:35Forward Assist Spring Failure
  17. 12:36Forward Assist Spring and Plunger Issues
  18. 13:26Summary of Replaced Springs
  19. 13:56Assessing Upper Receiver Warping
  20. 14:50Barrel Nut Removal and Bore Constriction
  21. 16:06Receiver Warping Check with Pins and Surface Plate
  22. 17:33Upper Receiver Warping Confirmed
  23. 18:18Impact of Warping on Functionality
  24. 19:18Forward Assist Disassembly
  25. 20:05Forward Assist Pawl and Detent
  26. 20:30Forward Assist Spring Replacement
  27. 20:50Spring Condition Summary
  28. 21:46Barrel Nut Inspection
  29. 21:50Gas Tube Inspection
  30. 22:09Gas Tube Obstruction Check
  31. 22:43Crush Washer Replacement
  32. 22:55Barrel Cleaning Preparation
  33. 23:02Using Bronze Brush for Barrel Cleaning
  34. 26:33Patch Cleaning Results
  35. 30:20Borescope Setup and Chamber Cleaning
  36. 31:34Borescope Inspection: Barrel Extension
  37. 32:23Borescope Inspection: Chamber
  38. 33:22Borescope Inspection: Neck Area
  39. 33:46Borescope Inspection: Throat
  40. 34:08Borescope Inspection: Barrel Interior
  41. 35:05Borescope Inspection: Muzzle and Crown
  42. 36:09Crown Corrosion Assessment
  43. 36:42Corrosion Extent in Barrel
  44. 37:13Locating Gas Port and Erosion
  45. 37:53Buffer Installed Backwards Discussion
  46. 38:43Overall Barrel Condition Summary
  47. 39:23Repairing Damaged Detents
  48. 39:44Selector Detent Repair
  49. 40:37Selector Detent Refinement
  50. 41:05Detent Reusability Discussion
  51. 42:26Front and Rear Detent Repair Attempt
  52. 44:05Detent Fitment Test
  53. 46:30Detent Repair Success
  54. 46:43Selector Detent Final Attempt
  55. 48:21Items Being Replaced
  56. 48:37Gas Ring Check
  57. 48:50Springs and Buffer Conversion
  58. 49:01Preview of Next Video: Gauging and Assembly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can melted plastic be removed from fire-damaged AR-15 parts?

Yes, melted plastic residue on fire-damaged AR-15 components can be effectively removed. After soaking parts in a degreaser like Simple Green, a chopstick can be used to scrape away the softened plastic, making the components cleaner and more usable.

How can I check if an AR-15 receiver is warped after fire damage?

To check for receiver warping after fire damage, use a surface plate and the firearm's original takedown pins. Lay the receiver on the plate and attempt to insert the pins; any significant resistance or inability to align the holes indicates warping, which can affect firearm function.

What are the common issues found in a fire-damaged AR-15 barrel?

A fire-damaged AR-15 barrel often exhibits significant pitting and corrosion, particularly on the crown and within the bore. This damage can lead to increased fouling and may require touch-up work to maintain accuracy, though it doesn't necessarily render the barrel unsafe.

Which springs in an AR-15 are most susceptible to failure after fire damage?

After fire damage, springs like the ejection port cover spring and the forward assist spring are particularly susceptible to failure. Heat can cause them to lose tension or break, requiring replacement to ensure proper firearm function.

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