AR-15 Podcast - Modern Sporting Rifle Radio

Jason Curns gives us the inside scoop on all things Mega Arms

Welcome to Episode #049 of the AR-15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with us is my co-host Tony Imburgia. 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. Tonight we have with us special guest Jason Curns of Mega-Arms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQvPTrMvJwk#t=279 New Otis Ripcord Giveaway.  Send in your feedback to be included in the drawings to start during Episode #050. Brownells helps make this show possible.   They are there for you anytime you shoot a spring across the room into your shag carpet. Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells ar15podcast.com/ar15parts Training Tip of the Week:   Click here to find a certified trainer in your area - Gun trainers.net provides the ability to search by zip code for certified instructors in your area. The sole purpose of the website is to connect students with instructors.   Main Topic:  Interview with Jason Curns, Firearms Manager at Mega Arms Listener Feedback: Smiddywesson:  Hi guys.  I have to second the listener who asked for a show on what is up with the different gas blocks, and why would I want a mid length, and what the heck is this piston doing in my gas impingement system?  I have my 80% poly lower ready to go, but I am too chicken to build the upper.  We need a show on uppers. I'd also like to suggest you do a show about 80% lowers.  Now that I've caught up to the most recent show, I feel your experience with the cheap stuff isn't up to the level of your experience in everything else, and you therefore wrote off the 80% lowers too fast.  You definitely do not need a milling machine or a milling party.  The poly ones could be completed by Gomer Pyle with a dremel.  Now the aluminum ones might be a little harder, but the reason you spent so much time advising about the importance of covering the receiver with blue tape to protect it is because aluminum is soft.   All you need to finish an aluminum lower is a jig kit to drill out the extra material, some files, and patience.  You can pick up a drill press capable of handling the job for very little new, or find one on Craigslist or at a yard sale.  They are everywhere.  Show us cheapskates some love.   Brian G from Conway:  Hey guys, thanks for the awesome show.  After listening to the first episode back in December I decided to build my first AR.  I've never owned an AR before but took a leap and decided to build one from the ground up.  I'm so glad I decided to do this.  Its very simple if you have the right tools and the time. One thing I would like to hear on the show is an episode on rifle finishes ie; Duracoat, Cerakote, Melonite, Nickel Boron, and as Danial Shaw from Gunfighter Cast suggests, just plain ol' Krylon spray paint.  Thanks for the great show and keep up the good work.  Please enter me in the Otis giveaway. 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 we like shooting 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 and Tony discuss all the options one has when considering an AR-15 for hunting.   Welcome to Episode #048 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with us is my co-host Tony Imburgia.  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. New Otis Giveaway.  Send in your feedback to be included in the drawings to start during Episode #050. http://www.dtechuppers.com/ar-15-wssm-upper-receivers.html   Brownells helps make this show possible. They are there for you anytime you shoot a spring across the room into your shag carpet. Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells ar15podcast.com/ar15parts Training Tip of the Week:  Hunter’s Safety Courses are a good way to gain a basic understanding of firearms safety principles in a safe and unintimidating environment   Main Topic:  Hunting with your AR-15: The MSR is being used more widely as a next generation option for small and large game. Available calibers are .22LR, .223/5.56, .243, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, 300 Whisper, .308 Winchester, .300 Win Mag Low recoil and dependability make it an excellent choice for novice shooters Varmint hunting is what the AR is most widely known for, as well as predator & nuisance hunting   Basic Considerations Minimum Caliber TX - No Minimum Caliber, but no rimfire CO - 6mm (.24) Minimum Caliber NY - no restriction Magazine Capacity CO - Six round maximum if semi-auto TX - no limit NY -  Six round maximum if semi-auto, unless .22 or .17 rimfire Barrel Length CO - 16” minimum TX - no restriction NY - no restriction Ammunition Requirements CO - 70 grain minimum for deer, with at least 1,000 ft./lbs. at 100 yards TX - no restriction NY - no restriction   Types of Game Hogs Prairie Dogs Coyotes Whitetail Deer   Things to think about: Ethical - the MSR is accurate and powerful taking game quickly and ethically Ease of use for Elderly hunters- lightweight and low recoil Customizable- several options for caliber, barrel length, etc Type of game you will be hunting   Resources ar15hunter.com  great resource with news and info about the latest MSR hunting experience. AR-15 platform for hunting -great article touching on several aspects of using the MSR to hunt Remington R-15 Line of MSR's - great example of the several different styles Your State Wildlife Management Department’s annual hunting publication Texas New York Colorado Don’t forget to Shop for your AR-15 parts at Brownells ar15podcast.com/ar15parts   Listener Feedback: Tiny:  Dear Reed and new guy Tony,  Love the podcast! Hate to hear that Jake is leaving again. It\'s hilarious to listen to him attempt to speak the English language but if I had to choose, I'd choose Reed because he can actually answer questions due to his vast knowledge of the ar platform. Tony is also doing great so far but you guys should get a sound byte of Jake saying \"Colorado\" and play it whenever Colorado comes up in conversation. Anyway, how about an episode explaining ar gas systems. Maybe it's just me but I'm very ignorant on the subject and would like to know about the different length systems, why it matters with exception to the length of your barrel, why different diameter gas ports, and how to build a complete upper without having issues with the gas system. Hope my ideas not too stupid for consideration. Keep up the great work. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, Jason M:  Hey guys, been listening since show #1 and I love your podcast.  Earlier this year, after being inspired by your excellent words of wisdom,

Reed and Tony discuss all the options one has when considering an AR-15 for hunting.

Greg and Tony Discuss the different routes you can take when building or buying an AR-15arp-047

Greg and Tony Discuss the different routes you can take when building or buying an AR-15 Welcome to Episode #047 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Tony Imburgia and with me is Greg Bakken of Tactical Paradise.  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’s something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level.   Brownells helps make this show possible. Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells ar15podcast.com/ar15parts Training Tip of the Week: Spend some cash on professional training. http://www.icetraining.us Main Topic:  AR-15 Build Variants Varmint Build: Fixed stock Bi Pod Longer Barrel 18-22 inches Hi Powered Optic Les Baer Varmint Rifle Varmageddon by Nosler   3 Gun: Built with accuracy, weight , low recoil in mind Parts are usually selected individually Trigger No forward assist Muzzle Brake Charging Handle Pistol Grip Low mass bolt carrier Oversized - Magwell, Mag Release, Safety Selector: To reduce fumbling and increase speed Optic depends on class Rainier Arms 3 Gun Revolution 16 Self Defense : Military clone M4 style Shorter Barrel 16” Red Dot Optic Laser Light Mount Telescopic Stock Long Distance: Caliber Changes : 6.5 Grendel or 6mm to get out to 1000 yds 24 inch Barrel High Powered Optic Fixed / Precision Stock 6.5 Grendel Don’t forget to Shop for your AR-15 parts at Brownells ar15podcast.com/ar15parts Listener Feedback: iTunes Review: 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 other shows on the Firearms Radio Network Subscribe and listen for free at firearmsradio.tv/itunesove/ Don’t forget to use our Brownells Affiliate link for all your AR-15 parts http://www.ar15podcast.com/ar15parts                                                     The Firearms Radio Network Needs your help!                                        Show us some love by going to http://www.gunguyradio.com/love

Tony and Reed discuss the fully automatic variants of the AR-15. Welcome to Episode #046 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with us is my co-host Tony Imburgia.  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’s something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level. Brownells helps make this show possible. They’re there for you anytime you shoot a spring across the room into your shag carpet. Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells ar15podcast.com/ar15parts Training Tip of the Week:   In the spirit of the Full Auto Episode:How to Bump Fire Your AR-15 Main Topic:  Fully Automatic AR-15/M-16/M4A1 The “Original” M-16: The military looks to the AR-15 in part because of the ease of use during automatic fire. The Armalite AR-15 was designed to be a select fire weapon. Government requested that it be changed from full auto to 3 round burst to control fire and conserve ammo. What is a Machine Gun: National Firearms Act Definitions: Machinegun 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) For the purposes of the National Firearms Act the term Machinegun means: Any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger The frame or receiver of any such weapon Any part designed and intended solely and exclusively or combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun, or Any combination of parts from which a machinegun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person.   Variations of on the Fully Automatic AR Platform: Production M-16 Production AR-15 Converted to Full Auto Lightning Link Drop In Auto Sear (DIAS) Current State of the Law: ATF guidance U.S. v. DODSON, United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, Filed May 29, 2013.   Alternatives to the Machine Gun: Slide Fire Video Bump Fire stocks: not actually fully auto but simulates full auto rate of fire http://www.slidefire.com ($369) Considerations When Trying to go Full Auto Sale is halted on post 1986 manufactured rifles, making the supply forever limited and therefore driving up the price. Fully assembled M16 - $12-$20k Tax Stamp $200 Plus waiting period for approval   Don’t forget to Shop for your AR-15 parts at Brownells ar15podcast.com/ar15parts Listener Feedback: Alex in Austin:Hi guys, Can you guys cover methods and materials for polishing triggers.  I have a rifle which I'll be purchasing a Geissele trigger for but have several several other rifles and revolvers which will keep their standard trigger.  I would like to smooth out the sear surfaces on these triggers but I'm not sure which polishing media and materials I would need to do this.....and do it safely (this would be a good time to put a plug in for Brownells). Perhaps you can also recommend a video source which covers the polishing of trigger surfaces. Thanks, Smiddywesson: Love the Podcast.  The depth of this subject is surprising.  However, the real surprise is I never appreciated the rifle as a platform. Give a man a black rifle, and you've just armed one man. But teach a man to MAKE a black rifle, and you may have just filled an armory.   David: Reed, Would you please find out where Greg Bakken was able to find his FN 16" 5.56 Cold Hammer Forged Light-weight Mid-Length 1:7 Chrome-lined Pencil Barrel?   He mentioned it was around $199.  Any confirmation or links would be greatly appreciated. PhilMc: Hello guys! Love your show as I have just recently put together my AR. Learned many useful tips while putting it together. On a side note: you guys need to watch your audio while recording.

Tony and Reed discuss the fully automatic variants of the AR-15.

Tony and Reed , joined by Greg discuss building an AR15 on a budget. This show covers the pros and cons of buying a ready to build kit versus selecting each part yourself.

Tony and Reed , joined by Greg discuss building an AR15 on a budget. This show covers the pros and cons of buying a ready to build kit versus selecting each part yourself.  Welcome to episode 045 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with us is our new co-host Tony Imburgia. Also joining us is Jake Challand, President of the Firearms Radio Network and Greg Bakken Host of the Tactical Paradise Podcast.  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’s something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level. Brownells helps make this show possible. They’re there for you anytime you shoot a spring across the room into your shag carpet. Shop for AR-15 parts at Brownells ar15podcast.com/ar15parts AR-15 Giveaway Winner: Jake Challand!!! whoo hooo! jk it’s really: Levi Hinton http://www.flickr.com/photos/96720742@N06/ http://www.crosman.com/airsoft/duty-calls/57004 Training Tip of the Week: TRICON™ Task COnditions & STandards Training Program Main Topic:  Building on a Budget Greg's budget build: Aero Precision Lower $99 PSA Blemished lowers $60 Double Star Lower Parts Kit $68 Stock Kit $33 Areo Precision Upper $89 PSA Upper Parts Kit $40 Full Auto Bolt $90 8620 Bolt Carrier Group $80 Barrel 5.56 $129 DPMS Barrels $170 A2 Flash Hider $8 Magpul Handguard $30 Gas block and gas tube Sights Palmetto State Armory Palmetto Build Kit $550 PSA Complete Lower $200 Don’t forget to Shop for your AR-15 parts at Brownells ar15podcast.com/ar15parts Listener Feedback: MapleSyrupSmuggler:  I just listened to your AR pistol podcast and have to say you did an excellent job. A few years back as part of my Administration of Justice schedule in the local community college, in the Bay Area of California, I was required to take a firearms training class. Though most of the time we shot handguns, one of the reserve officers helping out was an AR-15 geek. He had an AR-15 pistol in 9mm with a sling. It was extremely fun to shoot IDF style though I am not sure I would personally plunk down the money for one. However, if you pushed out on the sling it really stabilized it and made it shoot-able. I also want to say that my username on Itunes is MapleSyrupSmuggler and that I submitted a review early on in the show and hope that that counts toward the drawing. My username for my picture that I submitted on flickr is MapleSyrupSmuggler as well. Keep up the good work! You can never have too much cowbell. JT in SoCal (jonny_black): Hi guys, I really enjoy listening to your show on my long work commutes. Its helps the long grind if I get to also listen to your podcast and learning about the AR in depth. Keep it going!!! I have a great show topic. How do other AR builders handle questions from the wife when they see part orders coming in. I keep getting the "Are you ordering anything else?!?!" from my wife and I have to keep coming up with creative responses that don't make me an all out liar... I completed my first build last month and have 3 more stripped lowers for future projects if and when my wife allows. Tom (From the People\'s republic of Illinois): Hey Guys. Excellent podcast.   I listen every week.   How about an episode on going full auto.   I know tax stamps are expensive (probably about as expensive as feeding a full auto AR), but it would be fun to hear about the options. Please enter me in the BONE tool giveaway. Thanks, Badge 3625: I just heard the podcast, nice job and at the very end I think you made a reference to my CHiPs and DiPS post. Thanks, here's another: What\'s the difference between a cactus and a DPS Patrol car? Nothing, except the cactus has the pricks on the outside. You are doing a great job and especially with the gear stuff, I've spent too much money on crap. To be able to get a good gear review is great!

Tony, Jake and Reed talk about all things “AR Pistol” in an effort to shine some light on another aspect of everybody’s favorite black rifle.

Tony, Jake and Reed talk about all things “AR Pistol” in an effort to shine some light on another aspect of everybody's favorite black rifle. Welcome to episode 044 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and with us again is our guest Co-host...

Find out what makes your AR-15 an assault weapon in New York state. Welcome to episode 043 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Jake Challand with Co-host Reed Snyder. 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’s something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level. Anthony Imburgia - Firearms enthusiast from New York State AR-15 Training Tip of the Week: Main Topic: New York Assault Weapons (not really, just a regular AR-15) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NY_SAFE_Act http://www.governor.ny.gov/nysafeact/gun-reform http://www.nraila.org/legal/articles/2013/6/suit-filed-to-strike-down-new-yorks-safe-act.aspx http://www.ammoland.com/2013/09/saf-sues-new-york-over-safe-act-magazine-limits/#axzz2gQiRJzDJ Listener Feedback: Rich: Great podcasts! I have learned a lot and have just completed my first AR build. Hopefully I will be able to take it out soon and zero it in. On your last show, gator_b8 asked how to delete pictures after uploading them to flickr. It really is not hard to do, Just go to the AR15 podcast flickr page, where they were uploaded and find your picture. When you place your mouse over your own picture you will see an X in the upper right corner of your picture...click on the X and it is now deleted. It was also nice to have a quick breakdown on the parts needed for an AR build. On my build, I  did shoot a pivot pin detent across the room and lost it in the carpet! I had to obtain a replacement one and was successful on the second try. I did hear of a tip and I have not tried it out. The tip was to use a large see-through bag around the lower while you put the spring and detents in. If the detent gets shot out, the bag will retain it for you. Daniel lance: Hey gents! Love the show! I listen all the time when I'm at work, just dove into the firearms business about 2 years ago, a fellow Marine I served with in Fallujah Iraq with, we started a class 3 business and specialize in AR's, we have done several builds but it never gets old learning more an more! Loved your podcast on back to the basics of a build.  We are thinking of getting into the pistol caliber ar market, what are your thoughts on a 9mm or .40 s&w Ar? Any recommended companies or which ones should we stay away from? Thanks so much for all you guys do!   Hey reed keep your head up.... Even if jake doesn't think you're capable of being host.. Lol if anything maybe you could get a gig doing M&m plugs.  J/k bro. Lance with calamity arms.  Semper fi gents. Check us out! http://www.calamityarms.com.   Or calamity arms on Facebook. Chris Ivey: Hey guys.  Love the show.  I listen to all the firearms radio podcast.  A quick question, I have an AR and can’t find any 5.56 ammo.  I live in Alabama so hunting season is right around the corner and .223 is everywhere and it’s not too expensive.  I know I can shoot .223 out of my 5.56 but do I lose anything by shooting .223 over 5.56?  Thanks for your time in advance.  I’m glad the shows are talking of but I hate to here you leaving this podcast but I’m sure I’ll hear you on the other ones.  Keep the shows coming. Bryan Bolivar: Training Tip of the Week - Holdover Good point Jake. AR sights sit well above the bore and at close distance, like in a house, you really do need to compensate for this offset to get your bullets hitting where you want. I personally use optics that let me repeatedly dial in the correct sight adjustment for this but learning your hold over is also a great technique and probably more applicable to the \"real world\" rather than the competitive environment that I normally shoot in. A good tool for practicing this is the SIRT AR-15 bolt. Since it projects a laser straight down your bore it  mimics bullet trajectory at short range (essentially a straight line) and accurately accounts for sight height over bore.

Find out what makes your AR-15 an assault weapon in New York state.

Rainier Arms 3-Gun Team Captain, Ari, joins Reed & Jake to share his insights of the AR-15 Platform. Welcome to episode 042 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Jake Challand with Co-host Reed Snyder. 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’s something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level. Main Topic: 1.    Aristotle Bartolome: Marketing Director Rainier Arms Competitive Shooter - Rainier Arms Team Captain Rainier RUC Rifle Rainier's Blog Facebook Twitter YouTube Otis BONE Tool and O12 Carbon Remover Giveaway O12 removes stubborn carbon fouling with ease BONE tool is the quick clean tool which scrapes carbon and fouling from the bolt, bolt carrier, and firing pin of your AR15. Winner:  Peter S. from Commiefornia: Jake and Reed, First of all, I'd like to thank you for all the time and work you guys put towards the ar15 podcast. I've listened to all your episodes but never had a chance to write in, so here's my first message to you guys. Your podcast is easily my favorite podcast.  5 Stars across the board! Please sign me up for your give away gifts. Anything free is good for me =) I live here in commiefornia and have built many different ar15's from ground up out of pure joy and to share my love for firearms with others, including new shooters. Most were built for friends, family and co-workers and I have experienced with many many different AR setups and parts from different manufacturers and shot many different configurations. I openly talk about firearms to all my coworkers and family members, in which at least 12 of them have purchased firearms after I have taken them shooting multiple times. People need to realize that firearms is a fun and great hobby and not evil as the news portrays them to be. One thing I get confused with is with some of your California listeners about not being able to get AR parts since some businesses will not ship to California. Anytime I helped build for others, I\'ve never had been denied of any parts being shipped to me. (Besides the obvious parts which would be deemed illegal in this commie state) Feel free to send my email out to any of your listeners that have a hard time and I will gladly direct them to the right websites which would love to have their business. I'm an active member of Calguns and am always on different websites looking for deals and parts so I'm confident I can help any of your California listeners. Once again, 5 stars to you guys and I plan on writing to you guys a whole lot! PS. Need an extra host? =) iTunes Review: 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 Don’t Forget to upload a picture to our Flickr Group Follow FRN on Facebook facebook.com/Firearmsradio Follow G+ to watch LIVE firearmsradio.tv/plus Don’t forget to check out the other shows on the Firearms Radio Network Subscribe and listen for free at firearmsradio.tv/itunes The Firearms Radio Network Needs your help! Show us some love by going to http://www.gunguyradio.com/love/