Can a Fire Damaged PSA AR-15 be saved? - Part 5

Published on June 18, 2022
Duration: 38:10

This video details the comprehensive gauging and inspection of a fire-damaged Palmetto State Armory AR-15. The instructor, demonstrating advanced gunsmithing knowledge, systematically checks critical components like the upper and lower receivers, bolt carrier, bolt, and barrel for warpage, undersizing, and wear using specialized gauges. While some components like the upper receiver bore and bolt face require attention, many parts pass inspection, indicating potential for refurbishment.

Quick Summary

A fire-damaged AR-15 can be salvaged by meticulously inspecting critical components like receivers, bolts, and barrels for warpage and dimensional accuracy using specialized gauges. Issues such as undersized bores, warped receivers, and bolt face anomalies can be identified and potentially corrected, though some damage may necessitate part replacement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Series Overview
  2. 00:24Addressing Viewer Comments & Project Viability
  3. 01:42Restoration Methods & Material Choices
  4. 02:21Refinishing Parts & Component Replacement
  5. 03:16Upper Receiver Inspection: Warpage & Bore Size
  6. 05:02Pivot Gauge Checks (Upper & Lower)
  7. 05:45Selector & Pin Hole Gauging
  8. 07:14Feeler Gauge Checks for Receiver Gaps
  9. 08:33Magwell Gauge Test
  10. 09:17Barrel Nut Thread Inspection
  11. 09:53Receiver Sidewall Measurement
  12. 11:02Bolt Carrier Channel Gauging
  13. 12:14Receiver Extension (Buffer Tube) Gauging
  14. 13:41Hammer & Trigger Fit Check
  15. 14:36Pin Straightness Roll Test
  16. 15:32Gas Tube Inspection
  17. 16:19Pistol Grip Screw Thread Check
  18. 16:53Receiver Extension Straightness Check
  19. 18:03Charging Handle Channel & Latch Test
  20. 19:51Bolt Carrier Inspection Begins
  21. 20:37Carrier Key Screw Torque Check
  22. 22:33Carrier Key Alignment & Bore Gauging
  23. 23:16Bolt Carrier Efficiency Gauging
  24. 24:12Bolt Carrier Length Measurement
  25. 24:36Bolt Inspection: Tail, Firing Pin Hole
  26. 25:17Firing Pin Protrusion Measurement
  27. 26:33Bolt Support Shoulder Check
  28. 27:29Bolt Shake Test
  29. 27:51Extractor & Firing Pin Retaining Pin Check
  30. 28:23Extractor Gauge Test
  31. 28:36Bolt Face Gauging
  32. 29:57Headspace Check (Barrel & Gauges)
  33. 31:12Throat & Chamber Gauging
  34. 32:08Throat Erosion Measurement
  35. 32:24Muzzle Erosion Measurement
  36. 33:32Barrel Straightness Test
  37. 34:19Summary of Issues Found
  38. 36:07Overall Assessment & Parts to Replace
  39. 36:43Buffer Conversion & Magazine Choice
  40. 37:09Next Video: Build & Platform Restrictions
  41. 37:41Future Videos: Test Fire & Extended Content

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a fire-damaged AR-15 be salvaged?

Yes, a fire-damaged AR-15 can potentially be salvaged, but it depends on the extent of the damage and the availability of tools and expertise. This video demonstrates detailed gauging of components like receivers, bolts, and barrels to assess their condition and determine if they can be reused or require replacement.

What are the key components to inspect on a fire-damaged AR-15?

Key components to inspect include the upper receiver for warpage and bore dimensions, the lower receiver for pin hole alignment and magwell integrity, the bolt carrier for alignment and screw tightness, the bolt for face dimensions and firing pin protrusion, and the barrel for headspace, throat erosion, and straightness.

What tools are essential for inspecting a fire-damaged AR-15?

Essential tools include various gauges (pivot, selector, headspace, throat, muzzle erosion, straightness), calipers, a surface plate, a torque wrench, and specialized reamers or tools for potential repairs. The instructor uses a wide array of precision measuring instruments.

What are common issues found in fire-damaged AR-15 receivers?

Common issues include upper receiver warpage, undersized barrel bores, distorted magwells, and misaligned pin holes. Heat can cause metal to warp or shrink, requiring careful measurement and potential machining to correct.

How is barrel headspace checked on a potentially damaged AR-15 barrel?

Headspace is checked using 5.56 go and field gauges. The go gauge should rotate freely in the chamber, indicating it's within spec, while the field gauge should not rotate, ensuring the chamber isn't excessively long.

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