AR-15 Podcast - Modern Sporting Rifle Radio

Reed and J.W. talk about SILENCERS!  

Reed and J.W. talk about SILENCERS! Welcome to Episode #062 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with me today is one of my new Co-Hosts, J.W. Ramp. This is the podcast about your favorite black rifle!  This show is for you; whether you're building your first AR or you’ve been building ARs for years. There is something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level. Otis Ripcord Giveaway For times in the field when you just can’t reach your Otis cleaning system and need a quick and effective clean – reach for the Ripcord®. This convenient tool cleans from Breech-to-Muzzle® in one quick and easy pass. The molded rubberized core and Nomex® fibers together create a more effective way to trap and remove fouling. Winner:  Kenny G. Dudes, Thanks for developing some quality entertainment. I will soon purchase a bolt cleaning tool and I would like your feedback. The Otis BONE tool sounds like a quality, effective tool. However, I have seen another one that seems equally attractive, the CAT M4 tool. Have any of you used this tool before?  Can you speak to its effectiveness?  Thanks again for the podcast. Keep up the good work. Please enter me for the giveaway. Kenny G. Brownells helps make this show possible. They are there for you anytime you make a mistake, like when Jake shoots a spring across the room into his lime green shag carpet. MAGNETOSPEED BARREL-MOUNTED CHRONOGRAPH Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells.  Go to: ar15podcast.com/parts   Tip of the Week: Tune in while we’re recording live on Monday nights or watch the podcast on YouTube to see what we’re holding in front of the camera.   firearmsradio.tv/plus Firearms Radio Network on Youtube   Main Topic: Silencers A Little Bit of History: Maxim, Hiram P U.S. Patent taken out in 1909 Sold in mail order catalogues   What’s a Silencer: Kinds of sound emitted from a firearm Combustion (the only sound reduced by a suppressor) Firearm cycling Sonic crack from round going >Mach 1 = 1,116.43701 feet per second Why Silencers: Sound signature reduction Recoil reduction Muzzle flash elimination Legal Discussion: Depends on the state Tax stamp ($200 one-time) Personal/Trust/Corporate Entity CLEO signoff “Class 3” dealers Lobbying - http://americansilencerassociation.com/   What are your options: Rifle/Pistol/Rimfire Cross-caliber compatibility (223 through a 30-cal can) Rimfire must be user-serviceable due to abundance of unburned powder and projectile leading Rifle cans must be rated for the pressures expected from your particular projectile, not just the bullet diameter   Baffle designs Removable/Integral/Reflex Monocore/K-baffles/Wipes Phase cancellation with advanced designs   Mounting options Threaded Muzzle adapters - brakes/flash hiders QD mounts   Prices Rimfire: $250-500 Rifle: $500-1000 (5.56); $700-1700 (7.62) Pistol: $500-850   Specific AR-15 concerns Threaded barrel under your flash hider Gas blowback in your face Proper action cycling / buffer weights due to back pressure   Who makes them: AAC GemTech OSS SilencerCo YHM Surefire AWC   Listener Feedback: Rob L:  Hi, Have you covered hearing protection? I know not a AR specific issue. In the ancient times did USMC provide Reed with range hearing protection? I have many retired military family/friends from WWII to Vietnam and 90% have hearing aids. I use a Cabelas brand electronic noise reduction muffs that only cost me $25 on sale. Thanks..... Mike Ray:  Keep up the great podcast. I like the new format - different co hosts. As usual, great topics. I look forward to the show every week.  Please enter me in the contest for the OTIS giveaway. Thanks, Arturo:  Hi Reed,

Former Marine and current competition shooter Chris Ashley join Reed and Anthony to talk about the proper way to clean your AR-15, and how to use the OTIS MSR Cleaning System. Welcome to Episode #061 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder a...

Former Marine and current competition shooter Chris Ashley join Reed and Anthony to talk about the proper way to clean your AR-15, and how to use the OTIS MSR Cleaning System.

Reed and Anthony discuss buying into an entry level AR with Champagne quality for a Beer budget.  

Reed and Anthony discuss buying into an entry level AR with Champagne quality for a Beer budget. Welcome to Episode #060 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with me today is our auditioning sacrificial host, Anthony Hardy. This is the podcast about your favorite black rifle!  This show is for you; whether you're building your first AR or you’ve been building ARs for years. There is something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level. Otis Ripcord Giveaway For times in the field when you just can’t reach your Otis cleaning system and need a quick and effective clean – reach for the Ripcord®. This convenient tool cleans from Breech-to-Muzzle® in one quick and easy pass. The molded rubberized core and Nomex® fibers together create a more effective way to trap and remove fouling. Winner:  Manny F: Hello Reed and Tony. I just wanted to drop a line to say that I really enjoyed episode 55 \"Optics, A Different Perspective\". As always, when a group of active and veteran service men get together, especially Marines, hilarity ensues. I agree with your buds; forget about the VCOG and get an ACOG and 45* offset irons (since you love irons so much). Anyway, keep up the great work and please enter me in the Otis ripcord giveaway. Regards,   Brownells helps make this show possible.   They are there for you anytime you make a mistake, like when Jake shoots a spring across the room into his lime green shag carpet.   Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells.  Go to: ar15podcast.com/ar15parts   Tip of the Week: Trigger control drill (LIVE FIRE!, safety first) 1. Load one round into your magazine, insert magazine and charge the weapon. 2. Fire down range at your target, perform a trigger reset and “fire” again. 3. Did your rifle move? No movement is good.   Ball and Dummy explained in text Ball and Dummy Using Rifle Video   Main Topic: What Constitutes an Entry Level Rifle: Basic Features Standard Controls Common Calibers Reasonable Pricetag Entry Level Sweet Spot: FNH USA - FN 15     Weight: 6.94lbs     Length: 31.9” (collapsed); 35.2” (extended) Twist Rate - 1:7 RH Sights: A2 front sight and M4 rear carrying handle Handguard: A2 Handguard MSRP: $1149.00 (link)   Bushmaster    (Patrolman)     Weight: 7lbs     Length: 31.9” (collapsed); 35.2” (extended) Twist Rate - 1:9 RH Sights: A2 front sight and M4 rear carrying handle Handguard: A2 Handguard MSRP: $1199 (link)   Bushmaster    (ORC)     Weight: 6lbs     Length: 31.9” (collapsed); 36.25” (extended) Twist Rate - 1:9 RH Sights: N/A Handguard: A2 Handguard MSRP: $1082.45 (link)   S&W M&P 15 Tactical     Weight: 6.85lbs     Length: 32” (collapsed); 35” (extended) Twist Rate - 1:8 RH Sights: Folding BUIS (Magpul both) Handguard: Quad MSRP: $1159 (link)   Colt LE6920     Weight: 6.9lbs     Length: 32” (collapsed); 35.5” (extended) Twist Rate - 1:7 RH Sights: Folding BUIS (Magpul rear, A2 front) Handguard: A2 Handguard MSRP: $1155 (link)   DPMS TAC2     Weight: 8.5lbs     Length: 34.25” (collapsed); 38” (extended) Twist Rate - 1:9 RH Sights: Folding BUIS (Magpul rear, A2 front) Handguard: Top/Front Quad MSRP: $1299 (link)   Rock River Arms LAR-15     Weight: 7.5lbs     Length: 36” Twist Rate - 1:9 RH Sights: A2 front Handguard: A2 Handguard Other: RRA Two Stage Trigger/Hogue Grip MSRP: $1065 (link)   CMMG Mk4     Weight: 6lbs     Length: Twist Rate - 1:? RH Sights: Folding BUIS (Magpul rear, A2 front) Handguard: A2 Handguard MSRP: $1099.95 (link)   Del-ton DTI Extreme Duty 316     Weight: 6.4lbs     Length: 32.25” (collapsed); 35.58” (extended) Twist Rate - 1:7 RH Sights: Folding BUIS (Samson quick flip rear, A2 front) Handguard: A2 Handguard MSRP: $1100.00 (link)   Just out of Reach:   Ruger SR556E     Weight: 7.36lbs     Length: 32.75” (collapsed); 36” (extended) Twist Rate - 1:9 RH Sights: Folding BUIS (Magpul both?)

Reed and J.W. talk about first time builds and what we’ve learned over time building AR’s.   Welcome to Episode #059 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with me today is our auditioning sacrificial host, J.W. Ramp. This is the podcast about your favorite black rifle!  This show is for you; whether you're building your first AR or you’ve been building ARs for years. There is something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level.   Otis Ripcord Giveaway For times in the field when you just can’t reach your Otis cleaning system and need a quick and effective clean – reach for the Ripcord®. This convenient tool cleans from Breech-to-Muzzle® in one quick and easy pass. The molded rubberized core and Nomex® fibers together create a more effective way to trap and remove fouling. Winner:  Douglas W: Hey, it's been a while, hope your have a great time at SHOT show.  Listening to the last episode, it got me thinking. I have my first AR, a Rock River, that shoots a functions like a dream. This being my first AR, I didn't know what to expect. Needless to say I'm very happy with it. One of the things I like the most is how smooth the BCG operates how the rifle functions. Haveing now built three AR's, 2 chambered in 556, and my last one a 300 AAC Blackout, how do I get the AR's to function as smoothly as my RR?  My last build, the blackout, used all top end parts, Mega Arms billet up and lower, nickel boron coated BCG, and my own custom barrel.  Do I just need to put more rounds down range? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated PS,  please put me in for your give away.   Brownells helps make this show possible. They are there for you anytime you make a mistake, like when Jake shoots a spring across the room into his lime green shag carpet.   Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells.  Go to: ar15podcast.com/ar15parts   Tip of the Week: Get off the bench. While shooting from a lead sled or a set of bags is great for zeroing your carbine, the real-world application for shooting from a concrete table are next to zero. Next time you’re at the range, spend more time working from different stances - standing, kneeling, sitting, prone. If your range has them, use roof support columns as concealment and as a surface to steady your rifle against. You’d be surprised how easy it is to make long shots from a supported standing position. If you’ve got property of your own or the range to yourself, make sure to practice shooting on the move.   Main Topic:   Lessons Learned for that First Time AR Build   1.  The Receivers Where do you find “quality” What am I looking for Don’t break the bank   2.  Internals A roll pin is a roll pin is a roll pin Where it matters Plan your build, build your plan   3.  Barrel Choice Sources Materials Features   4.  Bolts and BCG’s This is your moving part What do I look for Slick as what?   5.  Furniture Form over Function What do I need Where do I stop   6.  Accessories Can you over accessorize? Options galore Get what you need   7.  BUIS Listener Feedback:   Andrew S:  Reed, I really enjoyed episode #55 discussing optics with your fellow Marines. I agree with you completely in regards to the iron sights, and found it funny how the two holdouts both argued against needing irons, but both have them and advocated them towards the end of the show.  I do not currently have any on my rifle.  I just can't get myself to spend the money on them.   It’s one thing to spend money on optics because they are made up of very sophisticated assemblies, quality glass, and electronic circuits.  Irons are a different thing altogether.  The cheapest BUIS that are any good would be Magpul BUIS for around $100 or more.  I know they are quality pieces and that you can depend on them, but they are plastic.  I just can’t pay that for plastic.

In this episode of The AR-15 Podcast, Reed and J.W. talk about first time builds and what we’ve learned over time building AR’s. Go to www.ar15podcast.com/059 for the complete show notes.  

Reed and Derek talk about SHOT Show 2014 and what we can take away from it all. Go to AR15podcast.com for the complete show notes.

Reed and Derek talk about SHOT Show 2014 and what we can take away from it all. Welcome to Episode #058 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with me today is Derek Miller. This is the podcast about your favorite black rifle!  This show is for you; whether you're building your first AR or you’ve been building ARs for years. There is something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level.   Otis Ripcord Giveaway For times in the field when you just can’t reach your Otis cleaning system and need a quick and effective clean – reach for the Ripcord®. This convenient tool cleans from Breech-to-Muzzle® in one quick and easy pass. The molded rubberized core and Nomex® fibers together create a more effective way to trap and remove fouling. Winner:  Kirby K. Hi Reed, I thought I would send you a picture of my first build.  Rock River Arms lower, Spike's lower parts kit, Spike's buffer and stock, Ice Arms upper, Ice Arms EXO NiB M-16 BCG, Gryphon Trading 16" 1x8 twist SS barrel, Diamondhead hand guard and flip sights and finally a Troy Medieval muzzle break.  I enjoy listening to the show. Thank you for all the good insight (and bad). Enter me in any contests you might be running. Brownells helps make this show possible.   They are there for you anytime you make a mistake, like when Jake shoots a spring across the room into his lime green shag carpet. Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells.  Go to: ar15podcast.com/ar15parts Tip of the Week:  USMC Competition in Arms Program. Some matches open to civilian participants. Register through the Weapons Training Battalion point of contact at each base’s host range (Stone Bay at Lejeune). You can find the order online with dates and contact info. I’ll e-mail in a copy that can be posted tomorrow. Main Topic: FNH - FN-15 EoTech - Battery Cap Replacement Laser Robinson Arms XCR Rock River Arms LAR 47 Desert Tactical Arms - MDR Tactical Fire Control - 3MR 3rd Mode Trigger Miller Precision Armament 300 Guardian Trijicon VCOG Magpul AK mags Remington R-51  Listener Feedback: Tony D: Hi, I just started listening to your podcast yesterday and find it very informative and can't wait to listen to the past shows.  I am new to the AR world so this is a great resource for me. I was wondering if you dropped by the Black Rain Ordnance booth yet and checked out their AR 10s or 15s?  Just wondered what were your thoughts or opinions on what they have to offer. Thanks Chris: Reed, Just wanted to say I really am enjoying the podcasts.  Generally good information and it appears you and your multiple co-hosts/guests have fun at it. Had a question for you, You've said in the past and I agree, that most of the AR15 accuracy comes from the barrel and then from a good trigger system.  How much improvement do you think a billet receiver adds over a forged receiver if any?  Is the increase cost, generally at least 2x+, over a forged receiver worth it and do you have any idea how much it can add to the accuracy.  Or is it mostly a "bling" addition on the part of the buyer/builder? Thanks and keep up the podcasts.  I especially liked the 2 part scope podcasts with the variety of input and comments by all of the participants. Thanks, Eric F: I've got a question, I finished building my 5.56 AR-15 lower and purchased a stripped upper receiver only to find a complete upper at a decent price so I purchased it. Now here\' my question what are my other caliber options that will work with a standard stripped upper receiver? Yes I'm aware I would need a  matching barrel, bcg, and caliber specific Mag as well but what are my other caliber options since I have an extra standard stripped upper receiver lying around? Outro: Send any questions or comments to feedback@ar15podcast.com Send us a recorded voicemail by using the Speak Pipe Plugin on the right hand side of the  ar15podcast website Follow FRN on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Firearmsradio

Reed and Jake share their impressions of the NSSF SHOT Show Media Day at the range 2014

Reed and Jake share their impressions of the NSSF SHOT Show Media Day at the range 2014 Welcome to Episode #056 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with me today is our old host and Producer Jake Challand. This is the podcast about your favorite black rifle!  This show is for you; whether you're building your first AR or you’ve been building ARs for years. There is something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level. Otis Ripcord Giveaway For times in the field when you just can’t reach your Otis cleaning system and need a quick and effective clean – reach for the Ripcord®. This convenient tool cleans from Breech-to-Muzzle® in one quick and easy pass. The molded rubberized core and Nomex® fibers together create a more effective way to trap and remove fouling. Brownells helps make this show possible.   They are there for you anytime you make a mistake, like when I shoot a spring across the room into my lime green shag carpet. Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells.  Go to: ar15podcast.com/ar15parts   Tip of the Week:   No tip of the week this week, but if you want to be a co-host on the AR-15 Podcast, send in an audition tape to Jake and me at Jake@firearmsradio.tv  and  reed@ar15podcast.com Main Topic: Shot Show 2014 Tavor Bullpup Miller Precision Arms Sharps Rifle Company Lancer 7.62/308 AR-10 Magazines Outro: Send any questions or comments to feedback@ar15podcast.com Record a voicemail using the Speak Pipe Plugin on the right hand side of ar15podcast.com Follow FRN on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Firearmsradio Follow G+ to watch LIVE http://www.firearmsradio.tv/plus Don’t forget to check out the podcast on the Firearms Radio Network Subscribe and listen for free at firearmsradio.tv/itunes and be sure to leave an itunes review Don’t forget to use our Brownells Affiliate link for all your AR-15 parts http://www.ar15podcast.com/ar15parts

Reed discusses what he is anticipating from Shot Show 2014   Welcome to Episode #056 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and solo tonight. This is the podcast about your favorite black rifle!  This show is for you; whether you're building your first AR or you’ve been building ARs for years. There is something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level.   Otis Ripcord Giveaway For times in the field when you just can’t reach your Otis cleaning system and need a quick and effective clean – reach for the Ripcord®. This convenient tool cleans from Breech-to-Muzzle® in one quick and easy pass. The molded rubberized core and Nomex® fibers together create a more effective way to trap and remove fouling. Winner: Rob L. Hi, ARP-O54 feedback.....1st time AR assembler Greg P asked...."How do I know if my build is safe to fire"?  I'm finally working on my 1st AR....(thanks to the great encouragement & info from AR-15 podcasts)......As a newbie I've been told to have the "headspace" checked by a pro gunsmith before using the long shoe string. I believe ARP has discussed checking headspace in the past. Looking forward to the NEXT ARP!!! BTW....Are you still doing the Otis Ripcord Giveaway? PS...What happened to Jakes AR Blog assembly videos? I've seen 3?   Brownells helps make this show possible.   They are there for you anytime you make a mistake, like when Jake shoots a spring across the room into his shag carpet. Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells.  Go to: ar15podcast.com/ar15parts   Tip of the Week: No tip of the week this week, but if you want to be a co-host on the AR-15 Podcast, send in an audition tape to Jake and me at Jake@firearmsradio.tv  and  reed@ar15podcast.com   Main Topic:   Shot Show 2014   Ten Things I am looking forward to seeing at Shot Show   1. FNH AR-15 2. Mega Arms - Shot Show Surprise 3. Tactical Fire Control - 3MR  Trigger System 4. Remington 2020 5. Left Handed 1911 (Cabot) 6. Advanced Ballistics Concepts - Multi-segmented Bullet 7. Where the AR platform is trending 8. Magpul 9 SIG Sauer’s Shot Show Reveal 10. Remington R-51 Listener Feedback:   Brent Weber:  hi guys.  I have about caught up with the back catalog but am not looking forward to the 2+ hr Christmas episode. I am interested in a 7.62x39 ar15 rifle. I want this strictly for the ammo cost since this round is much cheaper than the 223. Several companies make this rifle and I am interested in the Bushmaster A3M4 Patrolman. What would I be getting myself into with this rifle or one like it? What are the pros and cons to this type of platform or would I be better off going to a Sig 556r or AK? Love the show and if you are giving anything away, please sign me up. Thanks,   Steve C:  Reed- Great show and a perfect way to start the new year! High bar to set though. I listen to up to 9 podcasts a week and the ar15podcast is my favorite.   I have a question. I have a basic, mil spec AR all Magpul furniture and I want to begin upgrades at some point. Have the Magpul rear sight and fixed A2 front sight. In your opinion, what should my next two upgrades be... trigger, BCG? My gut tells me trigger since that the one thing that will help with a more controlled break.   Keep up the great work! And please, enter my name in this weeks Otis giveaway.   Steve C:  best wishes tony on your new opportunity! will miss hearing from you.   Reed.. has there been a show discussing components that commonly fail in the ar? perhaps what to be looking for as trouble signs? i just started listening to the podcast in the past couple of weeks and have hear all of the ones that are available with the exception of a couple.... is there a location that i can down load the first dozen and a half shows? really enjoy the podcast and look forward to hearing more. and finally... please enter me in the otis give away. steve c   Nathan:  Good morning.  Just finished listening to your last 2 optics podcasts.

Reed discusses what he is anticipating from Shot Show 2014.

Reed talks optics with fellow Marines Welcome to Episode #055 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with us are several Marine guests. This is the podcast about your favorite black rifle!  This show is for you; whether you're building your first AR or you’ve been building ARs for years. There is something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level.   Otis Ripcord Giveaway For times in the field when you just can’t reach your Otis cleaning system and need a quick and effective clean – reach for the Ripcord®. This convenient tool cleans from Breech-to-Muzzle® in one quick and easy pass. The molded rubberized core and Nomex® fibers together create a more effective way to trap and remove fouling. Winner: Scott H Reed and Tony, I just wanted to thank you for the time and energy that you put into the AR15 podcast. I find it very informative and a helpful learning tool for the AR15 platform. I have pretty much been listening to your podcast and most all of the other podcast on the Firearm Radio Network for a year now. I have to say they are all entertaining and educational. I know it takes a lot of time and dedication to keep the network going and I for one, appreciate it!!! Please enter me in the Otis Ripcord give-away. Thanks, again Brownells helps make this show possible. They are there for you anytime you make a mistake, like when Jake shoots a spring across the room into his shag carpet. Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells.  Go to: ar15podcast.com/ar15parts   Tip of the Week:  Drinking Tips from Marines Franzia is not an acceptable beverage If you want to drink with a Marine,  learn to drink whiskey When at Fort Knox - Go to the Makers Mark Distillery Never get caught drinking in your squad bay Main Topic A USMC Look at Optics    Listener Feedback  War13usaf: Enjoyed your last episode very much and it hit home. I am an Air Traffic Controller as well with 11 years active duty, but am currently studying gunsmithing through Sonoran Desert Institute. I have been itching to trade career paths, but it might be too late for me as I\'m 29 and still have 2 years left on my contract. it was good to here a fellow controller and service member excel in another field. Any story can be inspiration to someone else! Nathan:  You guys have a great podcast idea here.  Also, thank you for having a feedback email.  I enjoy most of your podcasts quite a bit, but would like to discuss some specific things about the AR Optics edition.  First, I think this is a very important subject which you guys knocked the ice off of, but now it is time to open the beer!  Maybe I can add some perspective here that is slightly different than the podcast showed.   First, my optics philosophy Setting up your rifle's optical system involves developing a specific purpose, clearly developing a spec for that purpose, evaluating every scope in the market that meets 90+% of the purpose(online and in hand if possible), set a general +/- $100 price range and dive into the optical decisions to get the market narrowed down to 1 choice. The market seems to have 10 of everything, but there are really only a few scopes out there for any well defined purpose.  I will go through my AR optics choice made recently in the end. Next, a little vocabulary which seemed to be a struggle on the podcast: Eyepiece - The part of the scope closest the shooter which holds the ocular lens and focus adjustment. Ocular lens - The lens you look through.  This is where the image is focused on. Eyebox or non-critical eye relief - This is the qualitative measure of how quickly and easily you can get your eye in position to view the target.  This is the key with AR optics.  AR's are for war, hog hunting, coyote hunting, 3 gun, self defense, etc.  A scope/mount/setup which won't present me an image immediately is meaningless. Eye relief - Distance which the reticle gives you a full view of the reticle.