Smyth Busters: Should I Store My AR-15 with the Hammer Down?

This guide, presented by School of the American Rifle, details how to identify and replace a malformed weld spring in an AR-15 Delta Ring assembly. A misaligned weld spring can cause the gas tube to be pushed off-center, leading to excessive friction or damage to the carrier key and gas tube. Replacing the faulty component ensures proper gas tube alignment and firearm reliability.

This YouTube video offers practical tips and techniques for polishing stainless steel firearm components. The content focuses on achieving a high-quality finish on gun parts, likely aimed at gunsmiths, hobbyists, and firearm enthusiasts looking to customize or maintain their weapons. The video emphasizes real-world application and likely demonstrates various methods and tools used in the polishing process for stainless steel firearms.

This video from Brownells features Steve and Caleb reviewing the Magna-Tip® Screwdriver Set, highlighting its importance as a gunsmithing tool. They discuss the advantages of this modular system, including its versatility, durability, and precision, emphasizing the significance of hollow-ground bits and proper handle selection. The review contrasts the Magna-Tip® system with lower-quality alternatives, explaining how the right screwdriver prevents screw damage and covers the variety of screws encountered in firearms. The presenters touch on essential gunsmithing toolkits and answer viewer questions, providing valuable insights for both professional gunsmiths and hobbyists.

This YouTube video, titled "Do THIS Every Time You Clean Your Rifle," features Chadd demonstrating the essential steps of a rifle function check. The description emphasizes this crucial post-cleaning procedure, offering a practical guide for firearm owners. The video also includes promotional links for Bare Performance Nutrition and Barbell Apparel, as well as a link to support the Three of Seven Project on Patreon and their online store.

This guide details the cleaning and maintenance procedures for various adjustable gas blocks, including screw-style, JAKL, and Riflespeed models. It emphasizes the importance of regular cleaning to prevent carbon lock and ensure reliable firearm function, especially when using suppressors. The guide provides specific steps for disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly, along with recommended maintenance intervals.

This entry details the unique XR-86 custom rifle, a 1986 build by Wilfred Ellis. It masterfully combines components from an M60 (flash hider), an M14 (gas system), and an AR-15 (trigger, bolt, locking system). The AR-15 trigger is notably rotated 90 degrees, and its bolt is integrated with the M14 gas system, showcasing advanced gunsmithing.

This video details the installation of a Geissele MK8 Super Modular Rail on an AR-15. Key steps include using a Geissele Reaction Rod for upper receiver stability, proper torquing of the proprietary barrel nut, and secure installation of the gas block and tube. The rail is then slid on and secured with two cross-bolts using a T-handle hex wrench. Final steps involve muzzle device installation and a thorough inspection.

Proper ammunition storage is crucial for maintaining reliability and safety. Avoid storing ammo in cardboard boxes in damp environments, as this leads to moisture absorption and corrosion. Utilize airtight containers like ammo cans and control humidity with desiccants like silica gel packs. Heat accelerates gunpowder and primer degradation, so store ammo at stable room temperatures. Reloading primers are particularly vulnerable to moisture and require strict airtight storage.

This video demonstrates how to upgrade an AR-15's A2 furniture to Magpul components. It details the removal of the A2 grip using a Bondhus hex set and the installation of a Magpul MIAD grip with interchangeable backstraps for improved ergonomics. The process also covers preparing and installing the Magpul PRS stock, highlighting its adjustable features for cheek weld and length of pull.

This video explores the custom Remington 11-87 shotgun used as a prop in 'No Country for Old Men.' The film required a semi-automatic shotgun with a suppressor, a combination not readily available at the time. Prop master Larry Zanoff details how a non-functional, 'homemade' looking suppressor was custom-built for the 11-87, with the iconic silenced sound effect achieved entirely in post-production.