NRA Houston 2022

This video explores the 8.6 Blackout cartridge, highlighting its impressive performance through milk jugs, comparable to a 50 BMG. The discussion covers its development from 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 cases, the use of monolithic copper bullets designed for expansion, and its suitability for both gas guns (AR-10 platform) and bolt actions. The cartridge is praised for its enjoyable, low recoil impulse, making it ideal for extended range sessions and effective for hunting applications like hog hunting.

This video critically examines the 8.6 Blackout cartridge, questioning its purported advantages, particularly the emphasis on a 1:3 twist rate. The presenter argues that while the cartridge offers more energy than 300 Blackout, its significant bullet drop and limited effective range make it less ideal for hunting compared to other alternatives. The analysis delves into the physics of rotational energy, suggesting its contribution to terminal ballistics is often overstated and that faster twist rates can lead to increased barrel and component wear.

This video provides an in-depth review and ballistic testing of the new Hornady 338 ARC cartridge, primarily using the CMMG Dissent firearm. The presenter, Mark, details the cartridge's performance, comparing it to 8.6 Blackout and 300 Blackout, and discusses its potential applications, including hunting and home defense. Key aspects covered include velocity, penetration in ballistic gel, suppressor compatibility, and ammunition cost/availability.

This video provides an in-depth review of the CMMG BR47 DISSENT rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm. It highlights the rifle's design as a solution for states with assault weapon restrictions, its compatibility with AK magazines, and the engineering behind its robust bolt designed to prevent breakage common in other AR platforms firing this caliber. The review also covers its unique features like the captive recoil spring system, state-compliant configurations, and performance at the range, offering a comprehensive look for potential buyers.

This video provides initial impressions and performance data for the new 338 ARC cartridge, comparing it to the 300 Blackout and 8.6 Blackout. The CMMG Dissent rifle chambered in 338 ARC is tested for velocity with both subsonic and supersonic loads, demonstrating its potential for suppressed shooting and hunting applications. The presenter highlights the cartridge's design, which allows for similar overall length to 300 Blackout while utilizing a larger diameter bullet.

This video provides a first look at the IWI ARAD, a rifle designed to offer HK416-like performance at a more accessible price point. The reviewer highlights its piston-driven system, semi-monolithic upper, and AR-15 compatible lower, noting its smooth operation and soft recoil. While acknowledging the aesthetic disconnect between the modern upper and standard lower, the reviewer explains IWI's rationale for cost reduction. Initial testing showed zero malfunctions with 200 rounds fired, and accuracy was under 2 MOA at 100 yards.

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.