The M855A1, The Whole Truth

This video provides a detailed comparison of several 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition types used by the US Navy, focusing on their terminal ballistics and penetration capabilities. The Mark 255 Mod 1, featuring a compressed copper polymer core, is highlighted for its rapid fragmentation and potential for large wound channels, while the M855A1 is noted for its extreme penetration. The M855 Green Tip and Mark 262 Mod 1 are also tested for comparison.

This video tests the ballistic resistance of a sledgehammer against various calibers, from .22 LR to .50 BMG. It demonstrates that even smaller rounds cause superficial damage, while larger calibers like 7.62x39mm and 5.56mm create significant dents and fragmentation. The .50 BMG round causes the most substantial damage, but the hammer remains intact, suggesting a high degree of ballistic resistance.

This video explains the Plan B mount system used by Lantac suppressors, specifically demonstrating its compatibility with the Lantac Dragon 556 muzzle brake. The presenter highlights the modularity of the Plan B mount, allowing users to switch suppressors between different firearms that utilize the same mounting configuration. The internal threading of the muzzle brake and subsequent baffles is shown, emphasizing the standardized interface.

This video provides a detailed comparison between M855 'green tip' and M193 'ball' 5.56x45mm ammunition for realistic self-defense and SHTF scenarios. It analyzes their performance based on projectile weight, velocity, penetration, fragmentation, and barrel length, offering guidance on choosing the appropriate round for different rifle configurations and tactical considerations. The speaker, with extensive military experience, emphasizes practical application over theoretical performance.

This video showcases a Daniel Defense MK18 pistol chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 10.3-inch barrel. The presenter details various attachments, including an EOTech optic, Streamlight Protac weapon light, and an angled foregrip, highlighting the quad rail system and a rubberized grip for enhanced handling. Notably, the presenter discusses the firearm's smooth shooting characteristics and a perceived heaviness in the trigger during adverse weather conditions, suggesting potential environmental impact on AR-15 performance.

This video features a social media experiment where three gun tubers (Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, Karl Casarda of In Range TV, and Administrative Results) independently rank four iconic rifles for militia use: the FN FAL, HK G3, AR-15, and AK-47. The consensus among the experts is that the AK-47 is the superior choice for arming untrained conscripts due to its simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance, while the FN FAL and HK G3 are deemed too powerful and complex for such a role. The AR-15 is considered good for trained soldiers but less ideal for a ragtag militia.

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.