Shot Show 2019: FM Products

Published on January 23, 2019
Duration: 27:40

This video features Paul Noonan of FM Products discussing their collaborations with Brownells, focusing on the BRN-10 retro AR-10 and the AR-180 platform. They highlight the design process, historical accuracy, and modern functionality of these firearms. The discussion also covers FM Products' proprietary bolt hold open for Glock magazine conversions and their forward-charging uppers, emphasizing quality and innovation.

Quick Summary

FM Products, in partnership with Brownells, has developed innovative firearms like the BRN-10 retro rifle and the AR-180 platform. Key developments include a reliable bolt hold open for Glock magazine conversions and forward-charging uppers, all emphasizing high-quality materials and user-focused design.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction with Paul Noonan of FM Products
  2. 00:33FM Products' Background: Design and Engineering
  3. 00:54The BRN-10 Retro Rifle Project
  4. 01:04Designing the BRN-10 from Photographs
  5. 01:32BRN-10 Features: DPMS Compatibility and Rear Sight
  6. 02:04BRN-10 Accuracy and Reliability
  7. 02:26Manufacturing Parts for the BRN-10
  8. 02:41The AR-180 Platform Development
  9. 02:52Partnership with PWS for the AR-180
  10. 03:13AR-180 Product Development Timeline
  11. 03:42AR-180 Features: Piston Upper, Price, and Quality
  12. 03:57The History and Design of the AR-180
  13. 04:16AR-180 Challenges and Solutions
  14. 04:34AR-180 Lower Receiver and Folding Stock Compatibility
  15. 04:53Personal Experience with the Original AR-180
  16. 05:16AR-180 Producers and Variations
  17. 05:33Skepticism and Acceptance of the AR-180 Project
  18. 05:47Replicating the Good Parts of the AR-180
  19. 05:57AR-180 Bolt Modification and Recoil System
  20. 06:27AR-180 Handguard Quick Detach System
  21. 06:50AR-180 Shooting Characteristics: Soft and Flat
  22. 07:06AR-180 vs. Standard AR-15 Comparison
  23. 07:18AR-180 as the Future of Firearm Design
  24. 07:36AR-180 Assembly and Manufacturing
  25. 07:55AR-180 Trunnion and Receiver Design
  26. 08:11AR-180 M-LOK Compatibility and Muzzle Devices
  27. 08:26PWS's Contribution to the AR-180 Project
  28. 08:40PWS Product Durability and Quality
  29. 08:49FM Products' Complete Lowers
  30. 09:00FM Products' Bolt Hold Open System
  31. 09:27PCC Trigger Development
  32. 09:44FM Products' Forward Charging Uppers
  33. 10:00Forward Charging Upper Features: Ambidextrous and Monolithic
  34. 10:14Two-Stage Triggers and Demand
  35. 10:26Future Developments: 5.56 Forward Charger and New Calibers
  36. 10:41Potential for Larger Caliber and Shorter Configurations
  37. 10:54AR-180 Platform's Untapped Potential
  38. 11:04PWS's Role in Gas System and Overall Design
  39. 11:14Field Stripping and Build Quality of the AR-180
  40. 11:27Handguard Design and Mounting System
  41. 11:38Material Choices: Aluminum and Steel
  42. 11:49PWS's Commitment to Quality and Durability
  43. 11:58Dean Sylvester of PWS and Collaboration
  44. 12:16Manufacturing and Assembly Considerations
  45. 12:27Trunnion Design and Barrel Extension
  46. 12:40M-LOK Compatibility and Magpul Approval
  47. 12:46Suppressor Performance and Muzzle Devices
  48. 12:56Surprising Effectiveness of Old Military Designs
  49. 13:01Shooting Experience and Fit/Finish
  50. 13:07PWS's Reputation for Robust Products
  51. 13:16Dean Sylvester's Dedication to the Project
  52. 13:21Collaboration and Overcoming Obstacles
  53. 13:27Paul Noonan's Appreciation for Brownells Partnership
  54. 13:36Future of Firearm Design and Innovation
  55. 13:41Conclusion and Future Outlook

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BRN-10 rifle?

The BRN-10 is a retro-style rifle developed by FM Products in collaboration with Brownells. It was designed to replicate the historical appearance of early AR-10 rifles, using only photographs from the 1950s for its aesthetic. Internally, it features modern DPMS-compatible components for reliability and ease of manufacturing.

What makes the AR-180 platform significant?

The AR-180 platform is significant because it introduced a long-stroke piston system that contributes to a soft and flat shooting experience. This design has influenced modern firearms like the SCAR and SIG MPX and was considered a potential successor to the AR-15 in its time.

What is FM Products' key innovation for Glock magazine conversions?

FM Products' key innovation is a patent-pending, robust bolt hold open system for AR-15s using Glock magazines. This system moves vertically, ensuring reliability and preventing the common issues of rotation and detachment seen in other designs, making Glock magazine conversions more practical.

What are the main features of FM Products' forward-charging uppers?

FM Products' forward-charging uppers are monolithic, keymod-compatible, and feature an ambidextrous, non-reciprocating charging handle. They are designed for easy servicing of the piston system and are built with high-quality materials, offering a durable and user-friendly alternative to standard AR-15 uppers.

What new products is FM Products developing?

FM Products is developing a 5.56x45mm NATO version of their forward-charging upper to meet market demand. They are also working on dedicated triggers for PCCs to enhance reliability and exploring variations of the AR-180 platform in different calibers and sizes.

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