Live with the Legend: Krebs Custom and friends

Published on August 2, 2025
Duration: 169:03

This video features a live stream with legendary gunsmith Mark Krebs of Krebs Custom, discussing his career, the history of his company, and various firearms. The conversation delves into his early gunsmithing education, his transition from pistol smithing to specializing in AK platforms, and his experiences with custom builds and firearm design. Mark shares insights into the challenges and rewards of his craft, highlighting the importance of reliability and innovation in firearm manufacturing.

Quick Summary

Legendary gunsmith Mark Krebs emphasizes firearm reliability, stating a gun must shoot a thousand out of a thousand rounds without issue. He transitioned from custom 1911s to AK platforms around 1999-2000, valuing their reliability and the supportive community.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Guests
  2. 02:05Technical Difficulties & Stream Setup
  3. 02:15Introducing Mark Krebs & Guests
  4. 04:14Mark Krebs on What Makes Him Tick
  5. 05:45How the Guests Met Mark Krebs
  6. 06:00Clay's Story: Post Illinois Ban & Online Sales
  7. 08:03Tommy Slavic Cowboy's Story: KCON & Jeep
  8. 10:33Jamie from Midwest Savage's Story: KCON & Shop Visits
  9. 13:38Show's Story: Moren's Raffle & Anonymous Donation
  10. 18:18The Shill Guild & Social Media Presence
  11. 19:23Krebs Custom Shooting Team & M23 Prototype
  12. 20:44Offset Iron Sights & M23 Malfunction
  13. 22:24Hammer Redesign & Durability Issues
  14. 25:35Viewer Questions: Wasr 10/63 & Cheese Grater Handguards
  15. 27:20Viewer Question: Wiping Habits
  16. 28:45History of Krebs Custom: Early Days
  17. 29:47AI's Take on Mark Krebs' History
  18. 30:59Apprenticeship with Bob Dunlap
  19. 33:02Gunsmithing School in the 80s vs. Today
  20. 35:13Natural Talent & Early Builds
  21. 36:17Mark Krebs' First College Build: KD3/KD4
  22. 39:46Early Career: The Marksman & Barton Sports Center
  23. 41:18Photo from Early Career (Late 80s/Early 90s)
  24. 43:41Virginia's Support & Competition Shooting
  25. 45:05Viewer Question: Best Concert & Other Passions
  26. 47:08Krebs Custom in the 90s: Pistol Smithing
  27. 47:33Viewer Question: Sig P320 Issues
  28. 48:00California Compliant Firearms
  29. 48:54Customer John Curtis Praises Krebs AKs
  30. 49:56Viewer Question: Kel-Tec Designs
  31. 51:45Viewer Question: Common Guns Worked on in College
  32. 53:08Viewer Question: Buttered Sausage & Breakfast Sausage Preference
  33. 54:53Viewer Question: Second Favorite Rifle Platform
  34. 55:26Swedish K & Sig 550 Discussion
  35. 58:24Viewer Question: K USA Guns
  36. 59:17Viewer Question: PP19 Variant
  37. 60:48Russian Trip: Shooting the Bison & K98
  38. 62:23Founding Krebs Custom & First Shop
  39. 63:11Pistol Guild & 1911 Modifications
  40. 65:16The 'Dragon Gun' 1911
  41. 70:51The 'Steel Serpent' 1911 & Snakeskin Checkering
  42. 75:37Transition to AK Platforms
  43. 77:34Reason for Pivot to AKs
  44. 78:48Krebs Custom Shop Locations & Timeline
  45. 79:25Early AK Work & Kit Builds
  46. 81:31The Russia Trip: Planning & Motivation
  47. 82:43Russia Trip: Moscow & Ismash Visit
  48. 83:45Russian Disco Incident
  49. 85:42Shooting at Izhevsk Mechanical Plant
  50. 87:23Conclusion & Future Plans Tease

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history behind Krebs Custom firearms?

Krebs Custom began unofficially in 1985 when Mark Krebs obtained his FFL. The company specialized in custom 1911 pistols in the early 90s before transitioning to AK platforms around 1999-2000, focusing on reliability and quality craftsmanship.

What are Mark Krebs' thoughts on firearm reliability?

Mark Krebs emphasizes that true firearm reliability means a gun must be capable of shooting a thousand rounds out of a thousand without issue. This principle guides his design and modification philosophy, ensuring his firearms perform consistently under demanding conditions.

What is Mark Krebs' background in gunsmithing?

Mark Krebs received extensive training through a three-and-a-half to four-year gunsmithing program focusing on design, function, and repair. He apprenticed under Bob Dunlap and later worked at various shops before establishing Krebs Custom.

What are Mark Krebs' opinions on different firearm platforms?

While Mark Krebs is renowned for his AK work, he has a deep appreciation for Swedish K rifles. He is critical of the Sig 550 platform, calling it 'trash,' but admires Kel-Tec's innovative designs, particularly their .22LR magazines.

What was Mark Krebs' experience with custom 1911 pistols?

Mark Krebs was a highly regarded 1911 pistol smith in the 90s, known for his patented 'snakeskin' checkering and intricate custom builds like the 'Dragon Gun.' He eventually transitioned to AKs, finding them more reliable and the community more supportive.

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