Live Q&A - January 27, 2021

This video details the first shots of a custom 6mm ARC AR-15 build. The presenter highlights specific components like a Rainier Arms barrel, BCM thermal fit, Griffin Armament lower, and Adabal 110 optic. Initial testing reveals cycling issues, particularly with ASC magazines, leading to troubleshooting and a comparison of Faxon and Centurion bolt carrier groups. Velocity data and accuracy observations are provided, with a focus on identifying and resolving build-specific problems.

This video provides an update on the ongoing ammunition shortage, discussing current market prices and availability for various calibers. The presenter shares personal acquisitions of 7.62x39mm and 7.62x54R ammunition, offering insights into what he considers reasonable pricing. He also details recent firearm acquisitions and modifications, including upgrades to a Kel-Tec SUB2000 and a trade-in of a Savage Varmint rifle for a Ruger American Predator in .223 Remington, highlighting the latter's AR-15 magazine compatibility and threaded barrel.

This review of the Sig Spear LT in 7.62x39mm highlights its development to overcome historical AR-platform challenges with this caliber. Key improvements include the Duramag magazine for reliability and a redesigned firing pin to reliably ignite steel-cased ammunition. The rifle demonstrates impressive accuracy for its caliber, with a nitrided barrel and adjustable gas system contributing to its performance.

This ARFCOM News segment critiques a Stanford study on gun ownership and home safety, highlighting its methodological flaws and lack of consideration for defensive gun use. It also covers new firearm releases: the SIG Sauer P226 ZEV, a single-action-only 9mm pistol with 1911-style features, and Black Creek Labs' MRX and TRX chassis rifles imported by ATI, which accept AR-pattern magazines.

This review of the IWI Tavor X95 highlights its design as a next-generation bullpup rifle adopted by the IDF. The presenter, Will Debs of Guns Magazine, emphasizes its combat-oriented features, reliability derived from a long-stroke gas system similar to an AK, and ergonomic innovations for a bullpup, such as an accessible magazine release and ambidextrous controls. The rifle is presented as a highly capable and refined infantry tool with proven combat credentials.

This review of the Bear Creek Arsenal Bear Essential Rifle in 7.62x39mm highlights the challenges of chambering this caliber in an AR-15 platform due to its tapered casing. The expert assessment notes the rifle's budget-friendly nature and provides detailed insights into its components, including the ASC magazine, BCA15 lower, and MPI-marked bolt. The speaker's deep mechanical understanding of the AR platform is evident throughout the technical discussion.

This video offers a highly critical, historically grounded analysis of the M14 rifle's shortcomings, attributing its failure to flawed US Ordnance Corps decisions regarding cartridge standardization and weapon design. The speaker, an expert in small arms, details how political motivations and resistance to innovation led to the adoption of an inadequate weapon system, contrasting it with superior alternatives like the AR-10 and FN FAL. The analysis highlights the detrimental impact of these decisions on US military effectiveness, particularly in Vietnam.

This expert-level entry details the M16's troubled introduction in Vietnam, debunking myths of inherent design flaws. It highlights how political decisions, procurement issues, and ammunition choices, rather than the core design by Eugene Stoner, led to early reliability problems. The entry emphasizes the mechanical evolution from the AR-15 to the M16A1 and the critical role of chrome lining, proper maintenance, and correct ammunition in establishing the platform's eventual success.

This guide, drawing on the expertise of a former Colt employee and AR-15 SME Hank Tatro, details the critical role of AR-15/M16 buffers. It explains how buffer design evolved to manage bolt carrier bounce caused by increased firing rates and different ammunition types. The guide emphasizes selecting the correct buffer for specific firearm configurations and warns against improper mixing and matching, particularly for duty applications. It covers standard rifle and carbine buffers, as well as H, H2, H3, and specialized 9mm buffers, providing insights into their construction and application.

This comprehensive review by Chris Bartocci, a recognized expert with extensive military armory experience, debunks common myths surrounding the Beretta M9/92FS. Bartocci details the pistol's history, including its selection over the M1911, and addresses controversies like slide failures, attributing them to ammunition and high usage rather than design flaws. He highlights the evolution of critical components like the locking block and discusses magazine reliability issues, offering practical insights for owners and enthusiasts.