Patreon Q&A with Karl Lewis, LMT

This video from Kentucky Ballistics tests the bullet resistance of a 22-pound steel mug against a wide array of firearms, from .22LR to .577 Tyrannosaur and .50 BMG. The presenter, Scott, systematically fires each caliber at the mug, documenting the impact and penetration. While smaller calibers like .22LR and 5.7mm had no effect, larger handgun rounds like .44 Magnum and .460 S&W Magnum began to dent and deform the mug. Rifle calibers, particularly the 5.56mm and 277 Fury, caused significant damage and penetration. The most powerful rounds, the .500 Nitro Express, .577 Tyrannosaur, and .50 BMG, all inflicted substantial damage, with the .577 Tyrannosaur and .50 BMG penetrating the mug, though neither fully passed through. The test highlights the impressive durability of the heavy steel mug.

This video from Kentucky Ballistics features a detailed test of various firearms against a life-sized Velociraptor replica to determine what it would take to defeat one. Host Scott, alongside Chris from Ballistic Dummy Lab, tests handguns from .22LR up to .500 Magnum, shotguns including a Spas-12, and rifles ranging from .45-70 to a .4 Bore. The experiment provides insights into the stopping power required for different threats, with a focus on practical application and the effectiveness of various calibers against a simulated large predator.

Scott from Kentucky Ballistics tests the Sig MCX Spear, the civilian version of the military's new M7 rifle, chambered in the powerful 277 Fury (6.8x51mm) cartridge. The video focuses on the cartridge's performance, testing its penetration against ballistic glass, Level IV body armor, and an armored truck, alongside ballistic gel and dairy product tests. The 277 Fury demonstrates significantly higher pressure and energy transfer compared to 5.56 NATO.

This video covers a wide range of new firearms and accessories introduced at SHOT Show 2026. Key highlights include Nemo Arms' Mongoose 10mm PCC and Electus bolt-action rifle, Ruger's updated American Rifle line and new shotgun offerings, Zenith Firearms' modernized roller-delayed PCCs, and Savage's new 110 rifle configurations. The video also features innovations from Tipman Arms in integrally suppressed barrels, Psionics' custom firearm builds and customer service, Bestie Defense's personal protection device, Safari Land's suppressor-ready holsters, and Great Lakes Firearms' Subzero bolt-action rifle.

This video showcases a wide variety of firearms and suppressors available at Exile Armory. It highlights specific models from brands like Dead Air, CGS, Q, B&T, Heritage, North American Arms, Diamondback, Beretta, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, Rossi, Sig Sauer, Glock, Browning, Kel-Tec, Hux Works, Freedom Ordnance, Fusion Firearms, Henry, and Marlin. Prices and some key features such as caliber, barrel threading, and suppressor compatibility are mentioned for each item.

This video from Exile Armory LLC showcases a wide variety of firearms and accessories available in their Weaver, AL store. The presenter highlights several Smith & Wesson revolvers, including the Performance Center 637 and 60-14, as well as a 629 Deluxe in .44 Magnum and a 19-10 Carry Comp in .357 Magnum. The inventory also features Christensen Arms rifles, various suppressors from FN, SilencerCo, and Yankee Hill, and handguns from HK, Tristar, Glock, and Walther. The store is hiring and will be closed on Monday for Labor Day.

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.