AR-15 Podcast - Modern Sporting Rifle Radio

Rainier Arms 3-Gun Team Captain, Ari, joins Reed & Jake to share his insights of the AR-15 Platform.

Reed & Jake cover the basics of building your first AR-15; what tools, parts and the order to put them together. Welcome to episode 041 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. AR-15 Product or Training Tip of the Week: Practicing Hold Over Main Topic: What to buy & how to build it?  - Our simple guide to building your 1st AR-15 Notice: You may need to pause this as we go Buy: Tools: Quick Once over Roll Pin Punch Kit Roll Pin Holders Set 3/4" Nylon/Brass Hammer AR-15/M16 Critical Tools Kit Geissele Reaction Rod long flat head screwdriver, 1/2" drive breaker bar(depending on how your barrel nut & rail installs) I highly recommend a work bench vise. AR15 Armorers Mat with schematic AR-15 Schematics Lower Receiver: Parts Kit (pins, springs, trigger, mag release, safety selector and pistol grip) Trigger (If you want a better one or your parts kit doesn’t have one) Pistol Grip (If you want a better one or your parts kit doesn’t have one) Butt Stock Buffer Assembly, Spring & Tube Upper Receiver: Charging Handle Forward Assist (only if your upper requires it) Ejection Port Cover (only if your upper requires it) Bolt Carrier (Buy complete assembly if possible) Barrel & Barrel Nut (Barrel nut may come with your rail system) Gas Block (A2 style front sight is also a gas block) Gas Tube Handguard or Free Float Rail Flash Hider (Crush Washer for alignment) Sling Swivels (optional) Iron Sights (BUIS) Optic & Mounting system Build Lower Receiver: Bolt Catch Trigger & Hammer Safety Selector & Pistol Grip Magazine Release Take Down Pin, Butt Stock, Buffer Spring and Assembly Pivot Pin Upper Receiver Ejection port cover Forward assist charging handle bolt carrier assembly Barrel + Barrel Nut Gas Block / Front sight Gas tube Flash Hider Handguard/Free Float Rail Listener Feedback: Greg:  I was at a Cabela’s store recently looking at AR’s.  There was a guy asking one of the salesperson about the value of his recently built AR.  The customer rattled off a number of known manufacturers whose parts were in the AR.  Before he could finish, the sales person stopped the customer and told him that the parts in the gun really accounted for nothing.  In that, as far as the store is concerned it is not a factory rifle and that the value to the store is not in the parts no matter what they are.  The salesperson told the customer that if his rifle were a completely manufacturer product, it would have more value to the store, as a resale or trade-in. Can you shine some light on this? I have not built an AR, but I am considering it. Joe Lopez: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/9656/18/8018/1379030412/b5854c5ee25809e5f0529703dca8a2d7 Charlie aka gator_b8:  Hey guys first off let me say this is a great podcast. It looks like you guys are having a whole lot of fun with it. I have listened to all of them and am always learning something new. You guys also put me over the edge and I have actually started to build an AR. This bring me to the second thing I wanted to mention. I post on the flicker account as gator_b8 and had the honor of hearing my name on the last show mentioning my uploads. As I said I am in the process of building an AR. I don\'t have the money to buy all my parts at once so I have been ordering piece by piece when possible. I also wouldn\'t mind winning a free AR so I posted pics of the components I have in hand and tried to get creative as Jake asked us to do.

Reed & Jake cover the basics of building your first AR-15; what tools, parts and the order to put them together.

Crazy California: AR-15 evil black rifle restrictions. What makes a regular AR-15 an Assault Rifle? Welcome to episode #040 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Jake Challand. This is THEE podcast about your favorite black rifle! This show is for you...

Crazy California: AR-15 evil black rifle restrictions. What makes a regular AR-15 an Assault Rifle?

Reed and Jake shine some light on AR-15 tactical lighting options. Welcome to episode 39 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Jake Challand with Co-host Reed Snyder. This is THEE podcast about youuurrrr favorite black rifle!  This show is for you; whether you're building your first AR or you’ve been building AR’s for years.  There’s something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level. Training Tip of The Week:  Learn your Manual of Arms.  When we talk about training with the MSR platform we never mention the first and most important part of training.  Know Your Weapon. Main Topic:  Light them up! Tactical lighting options for your AR-15 Black Rifle Tactical Lighting Definition Uses Military LE Home Defense Competition (Crimson Trace 3-Gun Night Shoot) Lights Styles Companies Pelican Surefire Elzetta BlackHawk! Streamlight Fenix 4Sevens, LLC Inova Crimson Trace Combos SUREFIRE - AR-15 WEAPON MOUNTED LIGHT SYSTEMS CRIMSON TRACE CORPORATION - AR-15/M16 MODULAR VERTICAL FOREGRIP Bulb Types LED Xenon Batteries lithium batteries Alkaline batteries Mounts Elzetta front sight mount MIDWEST INDUSTRIES, INC. GEAR SECTOR - OFFSET FLASHLIGHT MOUNT IMPACT WEAPONS COMPONENTS THE MAKO GROUP - AR-15/M16 T-GRIP VERTICAL FOREND GRIP Training   Listener Feedback: Manny - Dedicated AR15 Podcast listener: First off,I wanted to Thank You guys for a Terrific Podcast. Last +Sunday I finally build my first AR lower (actually build 2). DPMS LPK with an upgraded Spikes Battle Trigger for one, and a standard Palmetto LPK for the other. During function testing, I noticed that the trigger pin rotated slightly with the Palmetto kit. When I compared the two trigger pins/hammers, It seems the Spikes spins more freely then the Palmetto hammer. Is a rotating trigger pin something I should concern myself with? I know they sell anti-rotating pin kits, but felt I would ask the experts :) Levi - I like the idea you gave the guy about buying parts kits and replacing the parts you don't want. Then when you have enough extra parts just build another. That's a great way to hide a build from the wife. Now if I could figure out a way to hide the ammo purchases to feed these beasts!!! Myles: Hello, been awhile hasn't it, anyway I am writing to try to answer a viewers question about a better muzzle device. My experience with such things is limited but I can highly recommend the Smith enterprises vortex and Yankee hill machine phantom muzzle devices. However my highest recommendation goes to the PWS triad, I had one of these things installed in a Microtech rifle and they are wonderful. They really cut down on blast and reduce recoil from an annoying little rabbit kick to a barely perceptible push. I wouldn't have thought it was possible to have a muzzle device do that many things. Here is a demo video, I wish I could have found something a little less commercial but it does demonstrate the devices capabilities fairly well. http://youtu.be/Obm0DOxS04I Also if one is so inclined, and is willing to tolerate such a large weight hanging off their rifle I have some friends who have had good experiences with the Noveske KX3. It reduces blast near the shooter, but acts like the loudener from the Simpsons gun shop scene to anything down range. However if something is down range you probably don\'t care much about it anyway. Dr. D: This might be the solution for the comp/flash suppressor issue: Griffin Armament's M4SD Flash Comp http://griffinarmament.com/accessories/centerfire-muzzle/m4sd-flash-comp/ It's been getting stellar reviews.  Same functional results as the BattleComp, with a more robust design, only slightly heavier, and at almost 1/2 the cost.  Of course, the added benefit here,

Reed and Jake shine some light on AR-15 tactical lighting options.

The AR-15 Podcast listeners share their knowledge and experiences with BUIS and 22LR Conversions

The AR-15 Podcast listeners share their knowledge and experiences with BUIS and 22LR Conversions Welcome to episode 38 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Jake Challand with Co-host Reed Snyder. This is THEE podcast about youuurrrr favorite black rifl...

Jake rejoins Reed for a Rimfire filled AR-15 podcast.

Jake rejoins Reed for a Rimfire filled AR-15 podcast.  Welcome to episode 37 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Jake Challand with Co-host Reed Snyder. This is THEE podcast about youuurrrr 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: 22 long rifle FAQ Can I shoot 22lr in a 556 barrel? Will it damage my barrel? Can I use my existing upper? Lower? Will it save me money What's needed for a conversion Is it hard to install? Dedicated 22lr ar15 style rifle Are they worth it? Are they quality? Do they take ar15 accesories? Do they shoot like an Ar ? Are they more accurate than a conversion kit? Better for youth? Uses other than plinking?(22 rim fire challenge) I can't find 22lr should I just stick with 223? 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. Feedback / Listener Questions Levi: I am a new listener to your pod casts but have listened to most of them. One thing I have not heard you mention is the 6.8 SPC. It ireaters the second most puchased caliber in the AR platform. Its effectiveness on target is way better than the 223 and ammo availabilty is better than all the 6.5's. If you've covered this I appoligize, if not I think it would make for a good episode or at least a segment. Keep up the good work and "Carry On". Listener Shared YouTube Video: http://youtu.be/9DUlCpqUKGA David Bui: Hello Reed, I just bought an AR15 Oracle DPMS a few months ago and undergoing some customization. I found this podcast with perfect timing. I enjoy your podcast and it provides me something to look forward to listending at work. I have a question regarding the difference between the forged lower recievers and uppers. Is it worthwhile to spend a lot of money on a lower reciever from some high end manufacturer vs some cheap below $100 stripped reciever?   Rich  - Brownstown, Michigan (20mi. south of Detroit):Hello, enjoy the show, I recently installed a set of Magpul BUIS to back up my Aimpoint PRO.  I am new to the AR world (built my first AR 1 yr ago) and have no experience with these pop up sights (or any AR sights).  I am disappointed with the accuracy that these magpul sights offer, as compared to my Aimpoint, which is very accurate.  I assume the big and small rear loop on the the rear sight is for long or short range? I installed the front and rear Magpul sights and took them to the range but found I was unable to sight them in with any accuracy because there was too much room in the rear loop to line up the front sight post and the front was just a black metal post.  I had trouble hitting a 10 inch circle at 40 meters.  I did put some white paint on the tip of the front post but that had little effect on my being able to make accurate hits.  Are all of the back up AR sites like this (not very accurate) or do I need and education on how to properly use these sights?  The rear sight is mounted at the very rear of my rail (behind the Aimpoint) and the front is mounted at the very front of my rifle length free float rail, so I do have a very long sight radius.  Thanks for any insight you may have on this subject.       Outro: feedback@ar15podcast.com steve@ar15podcast.com reed@ar15podcast.com Find us on iTunes OtisTec.com - dont forget to enter yourself in the Otis BONE tool O12 cleaner giveaway by sending an email to us

This week Reed tackles some feedback from our listeners.

This week Reed tackles some feedback from our listeners. Intro: Welcome to episode #36 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your host Reed Snyder and tonight I am recording solo. This is THEE podcast about your favorite black rifle! This show is for you; whether you're building your first AR or you’ve been building AR’s for years. There’s something we can all do to take our black rifle to the next level. Shout out to Alex who is trying to get us an invitation to speak with the folks at Shilen Barrels and maybe get a tour of their factory. AR-15 Product of the Week: Norgon Ambi-Catch™ Magazine Release/Catch 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: Mike R,  the ejbeefranch guy Listener Feedback: Devin E:  Just want to write in and say that i appreciate everything that everyone at FRN is doing to improve the entire firearms community. I am not sure if you have touched on this topic but It would be interesting to learn more about some of the coatings that are available for your BCG and trigger group such as teflon and nickel boron i also know there are some more proprietary coatings out there as well. Are they worth it are some better that other. Thank you for your time. Keep up the good fight. Joe: Hi Reed and Steve, and Jake too, I guess.  Thanks for the great podcast that covers so much about my favorite Evil Black Rifle. Reed, on episode 32 you were wondering why you hadn't received any feedback from newbies that had built their first AR-15 after listening to the podcast.  Well, I finished mine on May 29 when I finally found the completed upper receiver I needed.  I sighted it in with iron sights on the next weekend, and my son and I have been enjoying shooting it.  My first build shoots straight, performs great, and we really enjoyed learning about it, researching parts, and assembling the rifle.  The building process was very rewarding, and you learn about your rifle that way.  I have shot 22LR rifles for years, but had only shot and cleaned them, and had never done anything resembling gunsmithing.  Anyone that can change a blade on a lawnmower can build their own AR.  Maybe we could say that building ARs helps build strong families! My first AR-15 build has a Stag Arms lower, USM4 LPK, Magpul stock, CDD 16" chrome lined barrel in 5.56 with 1:9 twist and matched BCG, upper receiver with iron sights and the classic handguards.  We like the PMAGs better than the metal Colt mags because they're easier to handle, but all the mags load and unload just fine.  Light, accurate, and easy to handle - just what we wanted with this build.   You and Steve are absolutely correct on the recommendation to build the platform to achieve whatever you want, and get really good with the iron sights.  Excellent advice.  I wish I could register to win the EBR that Jake built, but it isn't welcome in CT at present.  The Otis MSR cleaning system with the BONE tool sounds great, so that and a sling are probably my next investments, along with more ammo. Here is a picture of my son shooting the EBR, taken while we were sighting it in, and a picture of the rifle.  He consistently outshoots me at the range with his sighted-in target 22, but my groupings with the AR are better. We live in Connecticut, and sadly the EBR can't be obtained by the good guys anymore.  However, I bought 5 lowers before the idiotic unconstitutional ban was steamrolled through the state legislature (in spite of overwhelming support by gun owners and businesses that the state used to welcome), so I have 4 more to build eventually.  Maybe an AAC Blackout is in the works, and perhaps a 7.62 ...   Thanks for the great show, useful information, and encouragement to build my own instead of buying something that someone else built.

Steve, Reed, and Brad talk about their shooting at Big Boar Tactical just outside of Dallas, Texas. Intro:   Welcome to episode #35 of the AR15 Podcast.  I’m your Firearms Radio Network Roving Correspondent Steve here with your host Reed and Brad...

Steve, Reed, and Brad talk about their shooting at Big Boar Tactical just outside of Dallas, Texas.