WWSD2020 - KP15 Polymer Manufacturing Discussion and Updates

This video traces the evolution of the monolithic polymer AR-15 lower receiver, starting with Colt's early experiments and progressing through Cavalry Arms' CAV-15 Mark 1 and Mark 2, GWACS Armory's production, and culminating in KE Arms' modern KP-15. Key design challenges and improvements, such as reinforcing stress points and optimizing material usage, are detailed. The KP-15 represents a significant advancement using digital manufacturing and high-grade glass-filled nylon for enhanced durability and features.

This Q&A session with Karl Kasarda, Ian McCollum, and Russell Phagan (KE Arms) provides an in-depth look at the WWSD2020 project and the KP-15 monolithic polymer lower receiver. The discussion covers manufacturing updates, ATF rulings, design philosophy, material compatibility, and compatibility with various AR-15 components. The speakers highlight the robust, monolithic nature of the KP-15, designed to overcome traditional failure points in polymer receivers.

The WWSD2020 project's KP-15 polymer lower receiver is nearing production, with shipping estimated for July. Development faced delays due to mold complexity and COVID-19 impacting subcontractors. The design adapts aluminum concepts for polymer, reinforcing critical areas like the fire control group and buttstock. Manufacturing utilizes injection molding and vibration welding for efficiency, achieving a 60-second cycle time compared to machining aluminum.

The WWSD2020 rifle by KE Arms is detailed, focusing on its production specifications and component choices. Key features include the monolithic KP-15 polymer lower receiver with a trapdoor buttplate, a forged AR-15 upper without a forward assist, and an ambidextrous Breek Arms Warhammer charging handle. It utilizes a Young Manufacturing chrome BCG, JP Silent Capture Spring, and a 16-inch Faxon pencil barrel with a 1:8 twist.

The WWSD 2020 rifle, now shipping at Brownells, is showcased in dynamic field testing across diverse environments, from desert drills to extreme cold in Finland. Its design features a monolithic polymer lower receiver (KP-15) and a carbon fiber handguard, built on the AR-15 platform and chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The review highlights its performance in challenging conditions and its availability.

The KP-15 monolithic polymer lower receiver is now available in OD Green, a highly requested color. KE Arms is releasing this limited run of 3,000 units due to the technical challenges of achieving consistent color and fitment with polymer. The OD Green lowers can be configured with various premium features, including the JP Silent Captured Spring and KE Rekluse trigger, and are showcased in retro-style builds.

This video demonstrates the critical failure of a Bulgarian Arsenal SLR104 AK-74 variant when subjected to a mud test. Despite its platform's reputation, the rifle experienced immediate failures to go into battery, eject, and feed due to mud ingress. Repeated attempts to clear the weapon revealed significant friction and a complete mechanical stoppage, highlighting potential reliability issues under extreme conditions.

This video details the anatomy and historical use of 1700s grenades, focusing on their components like the external fuse and internal charge. It demonstrates the ignition process using a slow match and highlights the safety precautions necessary when handling replicas. The content also briefly showcases the hand mortar as an alternative deployment method for these early explosive devices.

This video provides a detailed instructional guide on applying a Gaza-style tourniquet, emphasizing proper technique for effective hemorrhage control. It highlights the importance of initial strap tightening before using the windlass for occlusion and securing it properly. The content also touches upon patient comfort and potential challenges during application.

This video details the historical loading process for the 1836 Colt Paterson revolver. It covers the unique disassembly required, including removing the barrel wedge and the barrel itself. The process involves setting the cylinder to half-cock, charging each chamber with 20 grains of powder and a lead ball, and using a specialized arbor tool to seat the projectile before capping and reassembly.