S&W Model 66 Combat Magnum

This "From the Vault" episode features Brownells Gun Tech Steve Ostrem showcasing a custom snub-nosed Smith & Wesson Model 17 revolver. Unlike typical long-barreled target versions, this unique .22 LR K-frame was modified by transplanting a barrel from a .38 Special Model 15 snubbie and installing a .22 rimfire liner. Inspired by a museum piece, it's presented as a prototype training variant for Air Force aircrews from the 1950s. Steve built his for similar training purposes, emphasizing how mastering accuracy with a short sight radius enhances performance with longer barrels, while also acknowledging its high "Coolness Factor."

This guide, drawing on the expertise of Hickok45, explores the historical significance and modern necessity of pinned barrels on revolvers. It details how to identify these features on vintage models like the Smith & Wesson Model 29 and contrasts them with contemporary designs. The content emphasizes understanding manufacturing evolution and assessing whether older features remain critical for current firearm reliability.

This guide details a specific gunsmithing fix for a common issue with the Smith & Wesson 686 Mountain Gun, where spent casings can snag on the frame during cylinder rotation. Expert instruction from Hickok45 demonstrates how to diagnose and resolve this problem by carefully stoning down the offending frame ledge, ensuring smooth operation. This advanced technique requires precision and a thorough understanding of revolver mechanics.

This guide details the expert process for replacing a rear sight blade on a Smith & Wesson Revolver, as demonstrated by an experienced instructor. It covers the careful removal of the old sight, including managing tiny springs and detents, and the precise installation of the new blade and windage screw. The procedure emphasizes the use of specialized tools like a spanner wrench and the importance of staking the new sight for long-term security.

This guide details how to modify the Smith & Wesson Model 66 Combat Magnum 2.75" for improved concealed carry and handling, based on expert recommendations. Modifications include replacing grips, upgrading the trigger spring, and enhancing the sights. The video emphasizes these changes are necessary to overcome factory limitations like bulky grips and a heavy trigger, making the revolver more practical for everyday carry.

This "From the Vault" video focuses on a Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus revolver, specifically a 2.5-inch barreled, seven-shot L-frame variant. Brownells Gun Tech Steve Ostrem discusses a modification he performed: cutting the cylinder to accept moon clips. He explains the advantages of using moon clips for extraction, particularly on snub-nose revolvers, and contrasts the older 686-4 model's features (like its hammer nose firing pin) with current models. The video highlights the 686 Plus as a compact option for concealed carry, acknowledging it might be better suited for "three-season" carry compared to smaller J-frame or K-frame revolvers.

This video provides an expert-level overview of a heavily customized AR-15, nicknamed the 'Zombie Destroyer', built for a thematic zombie apocalypse scenario. The build features an extensive accessory loadout including multiple optics, lasers, and flashlights, along with a high magazine capacity. The demonstration includes rapid fire, engagement of Tannerite targets, and unique shooting techniques, showcasing the rifle's capabilities and the instructor's proficiency.

This video details an extreme AR-15 meltdown test, pushing a custom build to its limits. Expert instructor Eric demonstrates the process, highlighting component durability and failure points under sustained fire. The test concludes with a catastrophic barrel failure after 830 rounds, providing valuable insights into the platform's resilience.

This guide details the process of conducting an extreme durability test on an AK-47 variant, specifically the Definitive Arms VEPR, as demonstrated by Iraqveteran8888. The test involves sustained full-auto fire to induce critical heat failure, followed by inspection of components like the barrel and gas block. The expert assessment highlights the rifle's resilience, lasting 895 rounds before failure, and compares its performance to other platforms.

This guide details a 700-round rapid-fire stress test on a Yugo M92 PAP AK-47 variant, demonstrating the platform's legendary durability under extreme heat. Performed by Eric from Iraqveteran8888, the test highlights safe handling of overheated firearms and concludes with a tribute to Mikhail Kalashnikov's engineering legacy. The firearm successfully completed the test despite significant heat buildup.