Vuurwapen Blog
30Sep/112

T&E: Centurion Arms Rail System

Posted by Andrew Tuohy

Rainier Arms has provided a Centurion Arms midlength extended rail system for T&E.

Even when barrel nuts are considered, it has roughly the "length to weight ratio" of a Daniel Defense Lite Rail (this one is 12.4oz, compared to a DD 12.0 FSPM at 13.6oz). Plus, it offers rotation limited QD sockets. Although the current trend seems to be toward handguards that only have a top rail, the Centurion rail is different enough to warrant some attention. So far, I've only photographed and examined it, but it'll go on a rifle soon.

centurion arms midlength rail system

29Sep/114

End of Month Thoughts – AR-15 Lower Receiver “Printing” & CZ 805 Kills Russians

Posted by Andrew Tuohy

I'm not quite sure what to make of this. An AR-15 lower "printed" at home, using a 3D printer?

My initial thoughts are that even if the lower was manufactured from a weak material, it would most likely maintain functionality for a magazine or so - if it was fired only and not tossed around - which is...interesting, and possibly of use.

Also, in one of the coolest firearm videos I've ever seen, a bunch of dirty Russians with AK-74s and RPGs are laid to waste by guys with CZ 805s and Mechanix gloves.

I saw a pallet of those 805s at the CZ factory in Uhersky Brod (by the way, the design really reminds me of the SCAR, but I know the 805 has been in development for a long while). I was hoping that they would be exported to the US, but I'm satisfied with the way they're being used in that video.

29Sep/118

Russia to quietly phase out AK-74?

Posted by Andrew Tuohy

Beyond the temporary cessation of AK-74 purchases reported by Steve at The Firearm Blog recently, this article from RIA Novosti seems to suggest that the Russian military is looking for an entirely new replacement.

Military sources say the army is reserved about all these rifles, whether made in Izhevsk or Kovrov. They think these rifles are fine, but do not meet the modern requirements of the Russian army, which will define the performance specifications for the new gun.

I do read RIA Novosti daily, and am not surprised that the country would seek a new rifle. Russia's defense spending has been increasing greatly over the last few years, and the Libyan conflict meant the cancellation of billions of dollars worth of arms contracts. In addition, international pressure caused the cessation of arms sales to Iran last year. Russia is very, very unhappy about all of this, and some of the slack might need to be picked up domestically.

28Sep/1111

Comments on AR-15 Maintenance, Cleaning, Lubrication, & Reliability

Posted by Andrew Tuohy

Regular readers/viewers of this blog will not be surprised by the information contained herein. I produced this primarily for the Youtube audience.

It's a basic summary of why I believe the AR-15 to be an incredibly reliable weapon, with a few tips on how to avoid problems - but those tips apply to all self-loading weapons.

26Sep/117

AR-15 Buffer Comparison – Enidine Hydraulic vs H2

Posted by Andrew Tuohy

I was recently loaned an Enidine hydraulic buffer by Rich at Arizona Armament, and dropped it in my Spike's Tactical lightweight AR-15 for some comparison shooting with the "regular" buffer that rifle normally is used with - an H2. Right now, I'm just presenting some initial findings, not a comprehensive evaluation.

I'm not thrilled with the Enidine. Although it cycles slower, the difference comes from a slower return to battery, which I have not found to be conducive to higher reliability. This, coupled with the shorter stroke caused by the Enidine buffer, gives me reason for concern at this early point in my evaluation.