I wanted to add a free float rail to my AR-15, but my A2 Style front sight was in the way. I had to remove it and replace it with a a low profile AR-15 gas block.
This was not complicated, but it did take some effort. Proper tools of good quality make this process much easier.
The recommended tools are:
Cupped Punch
Good Punch set
Hammer
AR-15 Gunsmiths block
Vise
AR-15 Upper Receiver block
AR-15 Barrel Wrench
Here is the basic process.
Remove hand-guards and upper receiver
Unscrew the flash hider and crush washer if present
Remove the tapered pins holding the front sight/gas block
Remove the pin holding the gas tube to the front sight/gas block
Pull gas block off end of the barrel – a block of wood may help is the gun suggest the block move.
Put the gas tube into the gas block, align it so the large roll pin hole lines up with the roll pin hole in the block. Also you must make sure that the gas hole in the tube lines up with the gas hole in the block.
Slide the new gas block onto the barrel, be sure to line up the large gas hole in the block with the smaller gas hole in the barrel. If the holes do not line up the gun will not work as a semi-auto
Tighten the set screws to tighten the gas block into the barrel
In a recent video I showed installing a free float rail on an AR-15. In this video I explain the Keymod rail mounting system and why I like it.
I used a Keymod rail, which is a way to attach accessories.
The keyhole shaped mounting holes are secure. They are easy to slid the part in, and tighten it down.
This allows parts to be installed and removed easily. I have this rail on several rifles. It is inexpensive and holds my accessories easily.
I find the keymod system to be both easy to use and sturdy. A plus is that I like how it looks.
In conclusion, I would not pick a firearm accessory strictly on looks because I’m not a mall ninja, but it is nice when you can get function and looks.
There is a lot of confusion, miscommunication, misconceptions, and flat out lies in the gun world. This is especially true when it comes to the National Firearms Act and how it regulates things like suppressors, machine guns, destructive devices, short barrel rifles, and my favorite – Short Barrel Shotguns.
Today I want to clear up some of the confusion with some information on how the BATFE goes about measuring shotgun barrels for legality. This actually works for any firearm measurement so it also works for Short barrel rifles as well.
The length measurement has to be standardized so that different people won’t measure the same gun and come up with different measurements. Otherwise I can cut a gun and be 100 per cent certain I am legal and some agent can measure their way and arrest me.
The measurement is from the breech face of the closed bolt through the barrel to the muzzle.
I think that if I was doing this a lot, I would get me a dowel rod and paint a red mark at the exact legal limit, as long as I dripped it down the barrel on a closed and empty action and saw wood in between the mark and the muzzle I would know I was good on length.
Today I want to take a moment to show you how to make your own gun cleaning kit.
If you care for your things, you surely want them to look good and last long. Your gun might be one of those timeless objects, but it requires quite a lot of attention. If you recently bought a gun, there are plenty maintenance lessons to learn.
Why You Should Make Your Own Gun Cleaning Kit?
As you just made a significant investment, you might want to spare some money. Or, if you are like me and already have some gun cleaning materials from past gun purchases, you may not need to buy a complete kit.
Building your own cleaning kit is a cheap and efficient alternative. Here are some basic tips that will help you get it done.
What Does a Traditional Kit Contain?
First, we need to find out what exactly you need to put include in your gun cleaning kit. The items below are always present in kits you can purchase from specialized shops and online:
Patches: it’s recommendable to opt for cotton pieces which are more efficient
Lubricant or gun oil: this is used to lubricate the receiver components. A gun’s longevity depends on how you lubricate it. After buying a gun, make sure you read all the manufacturer’s instructions relating to lubrication. It is also important to purchase the specific products that are suitable for your weapon.
Additionally, some people like to use a solvent trap so that the dirty cleaning solvent is trapped instead of flowign out of the gun and onto the table.
Solvent to clean your gun: solvents are used to dissolve and remove the carbon and metal deposits in the bore. There’s a wide range of solvents on the market. Try to pick one that is less toxic and an ammonia-free (this substance is harmful to the steel barrels).
Brushes: they have to match the size of the gun’s bore. The can be made from:
Nylon
Brass
Plastic
If you own a rifle is better to go for a brass or a plastic brush. Be careful not to leave the brass brushes in a solvent for too long, it causes damage.
Cloth: cleaning your gun with a microfiber cloth will make it look shiny and faultless.
Cleaning rod: this item is essential for effective gun cleaning. It enables you to reach the parts of the gun you can’t clean by hand. The rod also has to go along with the size of the bore. There are various types of cleaning rods, if you are new at this, ask advice before purchasing one.
Cleaning pad: Be cautious. Prevent solvent from leaking on your carpet or couch using a pad.
How to Build Your Own Kit?
If you are passionate about gunsmith tools, building your own kit will be a piece of cake. Let’s focus now on making it yourself. You don’t have to buy all that stuff to clean your gun.
Your kit must be provided with the necessary containers to accommodate all the useful items. If you can sew, it’s great to make a custom size container out of an old piece of leather.
Some cleaning items can be replaced with homemade options:
The rod:
Instead of buying one you can replace it with a piece of string. This will be pulled through the bore along with the patches. You can easily clean most firearms using this improvisation. You just need a string that’s thin enough to go through the barrel. For my Mosin Nagant, I even go so far as using a wooden dowel as a cleaning rod
The brush:
This is one of your kit’s elements that can be replaced with other household objects. If you need a nylon brush for your gun, you might as well use an old toothbrush. You can cut it down to reduce its size and make it fit into the kit.
Cotton swabs:
You definitely have these things around the house. Cotton swabs can clean spots that are hard to reach by hand. Put them together in a plastic bag or an old container and include them in your homemade
The patches:
These items can’t miss from your gun cleaning kit. You have plenty object at home that can provide you the right material to make your own You could use old clothes or kitchen towels. Choose cotton items and mind the size of the gun before you start cutting them. Smaller bores require small thin patches and wider bores need thicker, larger pieces.
The bore cleaner:
You have to use a material that won’t wear off too quickly. You can choose a strong nylon thread. Measure its length according to the barrel of your gun. Then make a loop at one and so that you’ll be able to drag the patch through the bore. Mind the loop’s dimension, it must to match the bore’s diameter. Then secure the knot with a drop of resistant glue. The last step cut the thread and burn the ends with a lighter, so they don’t fray.
The oil container:
You will need it to store the gun oil. Get an old small plastic container. Picks something that allows the oil to come out drop by drop.
Flashlight:
Always have a flashlight in your kit because it will help you spot any imperfections you need to remove.
Toothpicks:
They are quite effective in rinsing the dirt that won’t go away using the brush. Toothpicks are useful to lubricate narrow spots that are hard to reach.
Pack all these items in your tool container. Make them fit inside compactly.
In Conclusion
One last piece of advice. Don’t forget gun safety while cleaning, you would not want to have a negligent discharge while attempting to work on your firearm.
These are the basic things you need to craft your own handmade gun kit. It’s not hard to come up with these items. Lastly, with a little bit of patience and a practical mindset, you’ll have your kit ready in no time.
I wanted to modify my AR-15 so I shot this video as I installed a AR 15 Free Float Rail. I used a Keymod rail, which is a way to attach accessories.
If you care for your things, you surely want them to look good and last long. Your gun might be one of those timeless objects, but it requires quite a lot of attention. If you recently bought a gun, there are plenty maintenance lessons to learn.