Diabolus - Yet Another Look!

Published on March 19, 2023
Duration: 10:53

This video provides an in-depth look at the Diabolos firearm, a design inspired by the AR-18. Mark Serbu details its unique features, including fluted guide rods, a top-mounted cam pin system integrated with the scope rail, and the use of stock AR-15 bolt heads. The analysis covers disassembly, bolt operation issues encountered during testing, and design choices differentiating it from traditional AR-18 platforms.

Quick Summary

The Diabolos firearm, inspired by the AR-18, features fluted guide rods that enable a top-mounted cam pin system, a departure from the AR-18's left-side cam pin. It also uses stock AR-15 bolt heads (with rings removed) and integrates the cam track into the scope rail for operation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Initial Function Issues
  2. 00:38Bolt Closing & Drag Problem
  3. 00:72Bolt Binding Mystery
  4. 00:86Deep Dive into Diabolos Design
  5. 01:00AR-18 Type Takedown & Mechanism
  6. 01:20Guide Rods & Cam Pins
  7. 01:32Difference from AR-18: Fluted Rods
  8. 01:50Cam Pin Location & Clearance
  9. 02:04Unique Firing Pin Retainer
  10. 02:28Cam Track & Scope Rail Integration
  11. 02:44Bolt Head & Cam Pin Details
  12. 03:08Bolt Carrier Assembly & Orientation
  13. 03:42Lower Receiver & Removable Back End
  14. 04:18Comparison with AR-18 Springs
  15. 04:56Guide Rod Diameter & Spacing
  16. 05:15Diabolos Overview: AR-18 Variant
  17. 05:41Magwell Machining & Sheet Steel Preference
  18. 05:52Advantages of Sheet Steel Construction
  19. 05:59Gas System Design & Piston Force
  20. 06:12Barrel Harmonics & Gas System Placement
  21. 06:27Future Gas System Considerations
  22. 06:39Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Diabolos and a standard AR-18?

The Diabolos features fluted guide rods allowing for a top-mounted cam pin, unlike the AR-18's left-side cam pin. It also uses a unique firing pin retainer and integrates the cam track into the scope rail.

What kind of bolt head does the Diabolos firearm use?

The Diabolos firearm utilizes a stock AR-15 bolt head. However, the gas rings are removed because the firearm does not have a traditional gas system.

What issues were encountered with the Diabolos during testing?

During testing, the Diabolos experienced issues with the bolt not closing completely due to drag, preventing a second shot. Additionally, there was a binding problem that made it impossible to pull the bolt back.

How does the Diabolos' gas system design affect barrel harmonics?

The Diabolos' gas system design, with the piston close to the bolt carrier and a lightweight gas block and tube, minimizes interference with barrel harmonics compared to systems with larger components further down the barrel.

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