The Assault Weapon Ban - 15 Years Later

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 from School of the American Rifle highlights critical manufacturing defects in AR-15 bolt carrier keys, specifically focusing on rough internal bores. Lead instructor demonstrates how a poorly finished carrier key can cause significant friction, premature wear on components like gas tubes, and operational issues, contrasting a problematic new Colt carrier with a well-functioning older model. The expert emphasizes the importance of a smooth bore for reliable function and longevity of expensive parts.

This guide, presented by an expert firearms instructor, details the benefits and installation of adjustable triggers for platforms like the AR-15. It covers understanding trigger mechanics, adjusting pull weight, reset, and overtravel, and highlights ideal users for these components. The instruction emphasizes safety and practical application for competition and precision shooting.

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 guide details the process of diagnosing and fixing a significant rail wobble issue on a new Daniel Defense Mk18 upper receiver. The primary cause identified was a hand-tight barrel nut, compromising the stability of the RIS II rail system. The steps involve disassembly, inspection of the barrel nut, proper tightening with an armorer's wrench and torque wrench, and reassembly. This addresses a critical quality control failure that can affect firearm accuracy and reliability.

This guide details the evolution of AR-15 carrier key staking from early 'Gen 1' square staking to modern 'Gen 5' OCKS with serrated heads. It emphasizes proper torque values (vintage 35-40 in-lbs, modern 55-58 in-lbs) and the importance of sufficient metal displacement for screw security. The video, presented by an expert from School of the American Rifle, critiques commercial staking and references historical technical manuals.

This video demonstrates the critical failure of a Bulgarian Arsenal SLR104 AK-74 variant when subjected to a mud test. Despite its platform's reputation, the rifle experienced immediate failures to go into battery, eject, and feed due to mud ingress. Repeated attempts to clear the weapon revealed significant friction and a complete mechanical stoppage, highlighting potential reliability issues under extreme conditions.

This video details the anatomy and historical use of 1700s grenades, focusing on their components like the external fuse and internal charge. It demonstrates the ignition process using a slow match and highlights the safety precautions necessary when handling replicas. The content also briefly showcases the hand mortar as an alternative deployment method for these early explosive devices.

This video provides a detailed instructional guide on applying a Gaza-style tourniquet, emphasizing proper technique for effective hemorrhage control. It highlights the importance of initial strap tightening before using the windlass for occlusion and securing it properly. The content also touches upon patient comfort and potential challenges during application.

This video details the historical loading process for the 1836 Colt Paterson revolver. It covers the unique disassembly required, including removing the barrel wedge and the barrel itself. The process involves setting the cylinder to half-cock, charging each chamber with 20 grains of powder and a lead ball, and using a specialized arbor tool to seat the projectile before capping and reassembly.