Testing a 17 HMR AR15 Prototype From Garrow Firearms Development

Published on March 1, 2017
Duration: 9:09

This video reviews a prototype 17 HMR AR-15 upper receiver from Garrow Firearms Development. The presenter, Joel Persinger (GunGuyTV), tests the gas-operated, direct impingement system with a locking bolt, highlighting its unique design for the 17 HMR cartridge. The prototype experienced some initial issues, including broken firing pins due to improper hardening and a need for lubrication, but ultimately ran well. The presenter emphasizes the importance of the locking bolt system for safety, preventing out-of-battery discharges common in some previous 17 HMR semi-automatics.

Quick Summary

The Garrow Firearms Development 17 HMR AR-15 upper is a unique prototype featuring a gas-operated, direct impingement system with a locking bolt. This design aims to enhance safety by preventing out-of-battery discharges, a common issue with previous semi-automatic 17 HMR firearms. The prototype, though facing initial challenges like broken firing pins, ultimately demonstrated impressive accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction
  2. 00:17Meeting Mike Garroll
  3. 00:31Introducing the 17 HMR AR-15 Upper
  4. 00:46Gas-Operated, Locking Bolt System
  5. 00:49Development Timeline
  6. 01:37Motivation for Development
  7. 01:54Blowback vs. Locking Bolt
  8. 02:10Gas System Innovation
  9. 02:35How it Works
  10. 03:05Bolt Cycling and Locking
  11. 03:19Safety Feature: Bolt Lock
  12. 03:31Addressing Past Recalls
  13. 03:58Prototype Testing Challenge
  14. 04:17Breaking the Prototype
  15. 04:44Malfunction Cause: Lubrication
  16. 05:00Rifle Runs Like a Swiss Watch
  17. 05:09Broken Firing Pins
  18. 05:15Prototype vs. Production Parts
  19. 05:37Production Model Release
  20. 05:54Patreon Content
  21. 06:24Patreon Shout-outs
  22. 06:4817 HMR Accuracy Test
  23. 06:55Five-Round Group Analysis
  24. 07:06Accuracy at 25 Yards
  25. 07:27Overall Impression
  26. 07:33Developer Location
  27. 07:46Upcoming Videos
  28. 07:51Support on Patreon
  29. 07:57NRA Membership Appeal
  30. 08:27Second Call Defense Appeal
  31. 08:52Conclusion and Sign-off

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about the Garrow Firearms Development 17 HMR AR-15 upper?

The Garrow Firearms Development 17 HMR AR-15 upper is unique because it employs a gas-operated, direct impingement system with a locking bolt, which is a novel approach for the 17 HMR rimfire cartridge, aiming to improve safety and reliability over previous designs.

What safety concerns did the developer address with this 17 HMR AR-15 upper?

The developer addressed concerns about out-of-battery discharges, which have led to recalls in past semi-automatic 17 HMR firearms. The inclusion of a locking bolt system is designed to prevent the firing pin from striking the cartridge if the bolt is not fully locked into battery.

What were the challenges faced during the development of the Garrow Firearms 17 HMR AR-15 upper prototype?

Challenges included parts breaking, particularly the firing pins which were not properly hardened. A lack of lubrication also caused a temporary malfunction. The development process took several years and involved overcoming numerous hurdles.

How accurate is the 17 HMR cartridge as demonstrated in the video?

The 17 HMR cartridge demonstrated remarkable accuracy, with a five-round group at 25 yards being very tight, almost coverable by a pinky finger. The presenter expects this accuracy to translate to being coverable by a dime at 100 yards.

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