Field testing my new California Compliant AR15

Published on July 3, 2017
Duration: 11:58

This video details the field testing and operational nuances of an Elemental Arms California Compliant AR-15 lower receiver. The presenter, Gun Guy, demonstrates the specific magazine change procedure required by the compliant design, highlighting the need to tilt the upper receiver. He also discusses a modification to the bolt catch to prevent the bolt from locking open on the last round, aiming to streamline the process and reduce the number of steps. The review emphasizes the rifle's accuracy and reliable function despite the compliance features, addressing common criticisms about potential looseness and wobble.

Quick Summary

The Elemental Arms California Compliant AR-15 requires a specific magazine change procedure: tilt the upper receiver forward, press the mag release, remove the old mag, insert the new one, close the upper, and rack the charging handle. A common modification is filing the bolt catch to prevent lock-open on the last round, streamlining the process.

Chapters

  1. 00:18Introduction to Elemental Arms CA Compliant AR-15
  2. 00:31California Compliant Lower Receiver Details
  3. 00:53Field Testing and Accuracy
  4. 01:12Shooting Steel Targets
  5. 02:16Heat and Foregrip Usage
  6. 02:30Reliability and Functionality
  7. 03:12Bowling Pin Target Engagement
  8. 03:40Overall Satisfaction with the Rifle
  9. 03:46Impact of Red Dot Sight on Accuracy
  10. 04:03How California Compliant Lowers Operate
  11. 04:15Dedicated vs. Aftermarket Compliance Solutions
  12. 04:47Strengths of a Purpose-Built Compliant Lower
  13. 05:00Addressing Wobble Concerns
  14. 05:06Upper Receiver Fitment
  15. 05:53California Compliant Magazine Change Procedure
  16. 06:09Modifications for Faster Operation
  17. 06:20Patreon Supporter Recognition
  18. 07:45Bolt Catch Modification Explained
  19. 08:01Challenges with Standard Bolt Hold-Open
  20. 08:33Filing the Bolt Catch Edge
  21. 08:43New Magazine Change Workflow
  22. 09:08Installing a Forward Grip
  23. 09:15Stark Magwell Grip Benefits
  24. 09:35Upper Receiver Rotation Management
  25. 09:49Heat Management with Polymer Grip
  26. 10:03Combined Benefits of Mods
  27. 10:14Adapting to No Bolt Hold-Open
  28. 10:38Achieving Standard Mag Change Speed
  29. 10:41Final Thoughts on Elemental Arms Lower
  30. 10:53Future Elemental Arms Upper Review
  31. 11:00Elemental Arms Ammunition Support
  32. 11:10Elemental Arms Location and Support
  33. 11:21Links and Future Content
  34. 11:33Upcoming Grip Wrap Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference in operation for a California Compliant AR-15 like the Elemental Arms model?

The main operational difference is the magazine change procedure. Instead of a standard drop-free magazine release, the upper receiver must be tilted forward after pressing a rear takedown pin to allow the magazine to be removed.

Can a California Compliant AR-15 lower receiver be wobbly or loose?

While some compliant designs might have this issue, the presenter found the Elemental Arms lower, when paired with a proper upper, to be tight and exhibit no more wobble than a standard AR-15.

What modification did the presenter make to his Elemental Arms AR-15?

He filed a small edge off the bolt catch. This prevents the bolt from locking open on the last round, which he found streamlined the magazine change process and reduced the number of steps.

What is the benefit of the Stark magwell grip on this rifle?

The Stark magwell grip provides a more comfortable place to hold the front of the rifle, especially when the metal foregrip gets hot. It also offers a slightly sloped magwell, aiding in faster magazine insertion.

Is the Elemental Arms AR-15 lower receiver accurate?

Yes, the presenter found the rifle to be very accurate during field testing on steel targets, even with a 4 MOA red dot sight that sometimes made aiming more challenging.

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