Mod Minute: Take Your AR-15 from A2 to Magpul®

This guide outlines the conceptual assembly of the unique XR-86 custom rifle, a project by Wilfred Ellis. It details the integration of parts from an M60, M14, and AR-15, highlighting the custom gunsmithing required to combine these disparate systems into a functional firearm. The process involves careful mating of bolt, gas, and trigger mechanisms.

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 installation of various Forced Reset Trigger (FRT) kits and related components for popular firearm platforms like the AR-15, Glock, Taurus TX22, Kriss Vector, and Smith & Wesson M&P. It covers unpacking, component identification, installation steps for triggers and selectors, and a crucial safety check. The video highlights specialized kits from DogWood Armory, emphasizing the need for careful installation on specific models.

This guide addresses a critical quality control issue identified by Shortshot Tony on a new Daniel Defense Mk18 upper receiver: a loose barrel nut. The video demonstrates how a hand-tight barrel nut leads to significant rail wobble. It highlights the importance of proper torque for AR-15 assembly and compares this failure to lower-tier brands, emphasizing the need for robust quality control even on premium components.

This guide details the process of lapping an AR-15 receiver to ensure proper barrel alignment for improved long-range accuracy. Instructor Stephen Caleb from Brownells explains that receiver faces can be slightly out of alignment, leading to barrel runout. The process involves using a specialized lapping fixture and aluminum oxide lapping compound with a drill to create a perfectly flat receiver face. This ensures the barrel seats flush and square, critical for precision shooting beyond 500 yards.

This video provides a detailed guide on installing Geissele Brownells exclusive AR-15 triggers, differentiating between single-stage and two-stage models. It highlights the unique retaining clip system used on these more affordable Geissele triggers compared to standard models. The installation process is demonstrated step-by-step on a cutaway lower receiver, emphasizing proper pin insertion and function checks.

This guide details the installation of a Geissele MK8 Super Modular Rail on an AR-15 platform. It covers securing the upper receiver, installing the barrel nut, gas system, and the rail itself, emphasizing the use of specialized tools and proper torque specifications. The process requires an intermediate skill level and careful attention to detail for a secure and functional build.

This guide, based on expert instruction from Brownells, details essential practices for proper ammunition storage. It emphasizes using airtight containers, managing humidity with desiccants, and maintaining stable temperatures to ensure ammunition reliability and safety. Proper storage is crucial for preventing corrosion and propellant degradation, especially for sensitive components like primers.

This entry details the creation of a movie prop suppressor for a Remington 11-87 used in 'No Country for Old Men.' Prop master Larry Zanoff explains how the suppressor was designed to look homemade and was non-functional, with sound effects added in post-production. The process highlights the creative problem-solving involved in film armory.

Instruction from Caleb at Brownells addresses the common question of whether it's safe to store firearm magazines loaded. Modern, high-quality springs, such as those found in AR-15, AK-47, and handgun magazines, are designed to withstand long-term loaded storage without significant degradation. Spring wear is primarily caused by the cycling of the firearm rather than static compression. However, users should be cautious with inexpensive or poorly manufactured magazines, as their springs may be more susceptible to failure under prolonged loaded storage.