M16A2 Conversion Program

This guide details the process of converting an M16A1 lower receiver into an M16A3 configuration, a rifle primarily used by the US Navy. The key technical difference is the M16A3's full-auto fire control group (Safe-Semi-Auto) compared to the M16A2's three-round burst. The video highlights that FN Herstal manufactured many of these rifles for the Navy after Colt faced production issues.

This video delves into the history and technical aspects of Colt's four-way enhanced rifle fire control group, a system offering Safe, Semi, Auto, and Burst modes. The expert instructor, with extensive experience at Colt, details the evolution of the burst cam, patent information, and specific rifle models that utilized this complex mechanism. It highlights practical challenges and historical context, including issues faced by the Greek Army and the eventual discontinuation of the program.

This guide details the process of staking AR-15 carrier key screws, a critical step for preventing loosening under operational stress. It covers historical staking methods, modern techniques like OCKS, and specific torque values for different generations. The instruction emphasizes the importance of proper staking for reliability, drawing on historical military technical manuals.

This video provides an expert-level examination of an unissued U.S. military M16/A1/A2 armorer's tool kit from 1988. Lead Firearms Instructor Chad Albrecht meticulously details each component, including specialized gauges for headspace, firing pin protrusion, and barrel erosion, as well as barrel removal fixtures and combination wrenches. The presentation emphasizes the technical specifications and practical application of these tools for maintaining M16 family firearms.

This guide details the installation of a CMMG AR-15/M16 gas piston conversion kit, presented by Monty Crain from Brownells. The process involves careful disassembly, modification of the bolt carrier, precise alignment of the new gas block, and securing components with threadlocker. Key steps include verifying the correct operating rod to carrier gap and ensuring smooth operation without binding.

This YouTube video likely showcases a modification or upgrade being performed on an older IDF (Israel Defense Forces) M16 rifle. The title suggests a 'simple upgrade,' implying a practical enhancement rather than a complex build. The content could cover improving ergonomics, reliability, or perhaps adding accessories to modernize the classic M16 platform for contemporary use.

This video offers a highly critical, historically grounded analysis of the M14 rifle's shortcomings, attributing its failure to flawed US Ordnance Corps decisions regarding cartridge standardization and weapon design. The speaker, an expert in small arms, details how political motivations and resistance to innovation led to the adoption of an inadequate weapon system, contrasting it with superior alternatives like the AR-10 and FN FAL. The analysis highlights the detrimental impact of these decisions on US military effectiveness, particularly in Vietnam.

This expert-level entry details the M16's troubled introduction in Vietnam, debunking myths of inherent design flaws. It highlights how political decisions, procurement issues, and ammunition choices, rather than the core design by Eugene Stoner, led to early reliability problems. The entry emphasizes the mechanical evolution from the AR-15 to the M16A1 and the critical role of chrome lining, proper maintenance, and correct ammunition in establishing the platform's eventual success.

This guide, drawing on the expertise of a former Colt employee and AR-15 SME Hank Tatro, details the critical role of AR-15/M16 buffers. It explains how buffer design evolved to manage bolt carrier bounce caused by increased firing rates and different ammunition types. The guide emphasizes selecting the correct buffer for specific firearm configurations and warns against improper mixing and matching, particularly for duty applications. It covers standard rifle and carbine buffers, as well as H, H2, H3, and specialized 9mm buffers, providing insights into their construction and application.

This comprehensive review by Chris Bartocci, a recognized expert with extensive military armory experience, debunks common myths surrounding the Beretta M9/92FS. Bartocci details the pistol's history, including its selection over the M1911, and addresses controversies like slide failures, attributing them to ammunition and high usage rather than design flaws. He highlights the evolution of critical components like the locking block and discusses magazine reliability issues, offering practical insights for owners and enthusiasts.