About
I served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman - HM2 (FMF). I was first in my class at Hospital Corps School and given my choice of assignments. I selected First Marine Division and was sent to the 5th Marine Regiment after Field Medical Service School (FMSS). From there, I was assigned to the regimental commander's PSD platoon.
I deployed once, to Fallujah, Iraq, in 2006, and spent 11 months there. In addition to PSD, I worked for Scouts, Tanks, Tracks, and other units, including an Army MP Company. During that time I took part in over 200 mounted and dismounted patrols throughout Anbar province, functioning not only as a Corpsman but also as a vehicle commander, electronic countermeasures dude, and dismounted security.
During my time in the military I sent countless thousands of rounds downrange with my M4 carbine and M9 pistol. I also became intimately familiar with the M249 SAW and carried, fired, or blew up buses with the M203, M32 MGL, M240G, M2, and MK19.
On the civilian side, I've attended courses taught by half a dozen or so instructors, and I continue to shoot a lot.
After I was honorably discharged, I returned to finish my Bachelor's degree at the University of Arizona. I now provide photo and video services to various companies within the firearm industry. I have also acted as a technical consultant to major firearm and ammunition manufacturers.
Anyone interested in contacting me may do so via email at andrew@vuurwapenconcepts.com.
NOTE: Any comments on this blog must be posted with a valid email address. "Hit and run" attacks will not be allowed, and comments without valid email addresses will be deleted. I approve comments individually, so you may see a delay after you submit your comment.
The blog itself is explained in this video:
October 19th, 2009 - 17:14
You left out that you’re a cool guy with a good sense of humor and isn’t full of shit, that has to count for something, right?
October 27th, 2011 - 18:41
Sure beats Nuttn-whats-his-face.
Thanks for setting this blog up btw!
A buddy at work was watching one of your videos and I’m glad he shared them with me. Keep up the good work!
February 15th, 2012 - 18:12
Right on, Mike!
Andrew’s videos caught my attention because they are quite NEUTRAL (provided his personal point of view), not aimed to influence the readers/viewers to buy the product but rather providing a concise review that helps educate the audience about the features that product has or fails to have.
October 21st, 2009 - 20:27
Great blog, keep up the good work, I’m looking forward to future posts.
October 23rd, 2009 - 19:05
Hey Brother, I follow your posts on arfcom and enjoyed reading more here on your blog. If you are ever in Ohio, contact me and I’ll buy you a beer.
February 8th, 2010 - 16:36
Excellent blog brother..
Still owe ya a cold beverage when you head up this way.
February 8th, 2010 - 19:50
Couple of months…I think…
February 16th, 2010 - 21:43
Great blog… it’s refreshing to hear an opinion that is validated by fact and experience. I may or may not agree with everything you post, but you always have first hand experience and an honest approach to your opinions. Look forward to more…
April 2nd, 2010 - 20:16
Fellow Arfcomer here. nice blog, the pics of the production process was nice to look over. Good reading. Keep it up.
April 8th, 2010 - 14:10
Thanks for serving our country- like your writeups and thoughts- could you tell the type of upper that is pictured on the the top of the page- Thanks, Charlie
September 6th, 2010 - 08:24
Sorry, I missed this comment. At the time you posted this, I believe the upper at the top of the page was a BCM 14.5″ Midlength. Thanks.
April 8th, 2010 - 21:37
Great info here GN! You’ve obviously put a lot of time and effort into this site, and it shows. Keep up the good work-this industry needs more honest voices, so consider this a TAG
I’m looking forward to checking back often.
April 24th, 2010 - 04:29
Ok, with a name like 87GN… you’ve caught my attention… does that have anything to do with a 1987 Buick Grand National…..
September 6th, 2010 - 08:24
Sorry, I missed this comment. Yes, big fan of the Turbo Buicks.
May 14th, 2010 - 20:59
This is the ONLY blog I read online! Former USMC and PSD and arfcommer myself. Keep up the great work!
May 19th, 2010 - 21:25
You should totally end the About page with “My name is Andrew, and I am Vuurwapenblog.”
September 10th, 2010 - 05:15
Dear Admin,
Why the Dutch word for firearm?
Greetings,
A Dutch Anton
September 10th, 2010 - 08:45
I took Dutch when I was in college, and have an affinity for the language, even if I have not retained much of what I learned.
September 10th, 2010 - 11:14
Simpel maar subtiel, I like it!
February 2nd, 2012 - 01:30
And I was wondering how does a dutch guy end up in the USMC? Now I know how the blog got the name
May 18th, 2013 - 09:49
I actually had the same question, only I wondered how an afrikaans guy got there since “vuurwapen” means the same in dutch and afrikaans
October 7th, 2010 - 20:39
What is your AR15.com screen name? Is Andrew the same guy who makes the youtube videos? Thanks.
October 16th, 2010 - 18:57
Sorry I missed this. I am 87GN on AR15.com and yes, Andrew is the guy in the videos.
October 27th, 2010 - 00:32
Have you Looked at any AR10 platforms?
Thanks!
November 21st, 2010 - 05:49
On you You Tube on the 15-22 with the YHM Mite suppressor, how long are the threads. Iam waiting on my returned paperork and need to get my barrel threaded. Appreciate your information.
December 7th, 2010 - 07:57
If you are looking to do further testing / comparison on NiB (nickel boron), nickel teflon, zinc nickel or FNC we are the only ones that do them all and can set you up. AR’s, 1911 what ever, there are a battery of comparisons you can do. Now that said my experience with NiB show it out performs all other coatings if done correctly.
February 24th, 2011 - 19:46
Welcome Home Doc.
Sounds like you had a fun tour with the FMF. I had the honor of serving with Kilo 3/7, 1St MarDiv in that tropical garden called Vietnam in 67-68. Again, welcome home, and thanks for protecting our Marines.
March 10th, 2011 - 19:30
thank you for some really interesting articles, being a brit guns are pretty much solely the province of the army and some police officers, something I’m generally happy about considering the density of our population.
I’m not here to disparage your interest in weapons, quite the reverse, I’m here because these weapons are reproduced to some degree in the FPS’s I play and it’s interesting to see how different reality is from gaming fantasy
thank you again for your blog and videos – i have learnt a lot
best wishes
kate
April 1st, 2011 - 14:17
In AZ eh ?I have been here for 3 years love it. I travel alot with work bu keep calling AZ home. I am taking a gig with dynocorp and ship soon. If your ever near a range and wat to burn a few hundred rounds im down. Ps great blog.
Fellow Medic
April 13th, 2011 - 12:57
So what do as a career now?
April 14th, 2011 - 15:59
You’re looking at it, basically.
June 3rd, 2011 - 23:27
I read your blog regularly. No BS, just fact-oriented and detailed impressions. Great stuff. I hope you keep it up.
My wife is Dutch, so I have an affinity for the language, too.
Cheers,
Jeremy G.
June 8th, 2011 - 16:42
where in AZ do you live? they shut down redington pass shooting area… and it costs money at the other place, where can i shoot?
June 8th, 2011 - 16:48
I shoot where it costs money…it’s worth it.
September 26th, 2011 - 18:42
http://www.bajaarizona.org/trc/ Great facilities, inexpensive membership. A $60 annual household membership covers you, one other adult, and all minor dependent children (<18).
Easy 25 miles west of Tucson. Free use of target stands.
Rangemasters leave you alone if you know what you are doing.
50 BMG and full-auto allowed with some restrictions.
"It's worth it."
August 22nd, 2011 - 09:45
Hi there! I was suprized to see a Dutch word in US service! Very cool. I’m wondering how it sounds when you guy’s actualy say “Vuurwapen”….
Nice site, and I realy need to come over and shoot in AZ. Holland is to small for shooting in backyards etc.
Keep up the goodwork, and when you guy’s visit the Netherlands, I’ll let you shoot my USGI TRW M14!
Greets,
Roger
August 22nd, 2011 - 11:39
Hey, check out some of my videos and let me know if I pronounce it correctly! I don’t say it in every one, but most of the reviews are introduced as “This is the VuurwapenBlog review of…” within the first 15 seconds or so.
September 19th, 2011 - 19:09
Watched your vid about vthe number of guns to own on Firearm Blog and followed the vuurwaden blog over to hear. W.E.B. Griffin, the author, frequently uses the phrase, “you can always guage another man’s intelligence by how much he agees with you” in many of his books. Watching your vid, I realized I have findly found my soulmate(S&W M&P 15; M&p 15-22;M&P 9, M&P 22, and Ithaca Model 37 Deerslayer with 20″ slug barrell and 28″ improved)
I am saving up for a Ruger Scout rifle, an M1A or an AR-10.
Great blog
Bud
1SG USA (Ret)
October 5th, 2011 - 08:23
Andrew, Great blog and great videos, but I have one request. Protect your hearing. Please review this video from 3M on how to fit foam earplugs. It will make a world of difference. I was doing it wrong too and now that I learned how to fit them properly I prefer them over muffs. They should not be sticking out, like in the photo above.
October 5th, 2011 - 08:38
Tom, I roll them as best I can. I just can’t get them in any farther.
October 14th, 2011 - 15:17
I have a question that I think you might be able to help with since you have good experience with buffers, etc.
I have an over gassed 16″ mid-length. I put an H2, and it slowed down the action if you will, but it is still recoiling too strong. What difference in your estimation is the Vltor A5 assembly to a H2?
Thanks, great blog!
October 14th, 2011 - 15:44
Which action spring are you using?
October 15th, 2011 - 09:03
It’s the standard carbine spring.
I figure I have some combination of options. Replace the buffer assembly with an A5, or action spring, compensator from standard A2, or adjustable gas block. Gas block being my last option since this is being setup for tactical reliability.
October 15th, 2011 - 13:34
“Standard carbine spring” from which manufacturer?
October 15th, 2011 - 21:33
It’s a PSA build. Their complete SS 16″upper, LPK, MOE setup. So it is a mil-spec tube. Seems like good stuff.
Thanks for taking the time on this question.
October 15th, 2011 - 22:39
Well, I am unfamiliar with the quality of their stuff. You could start by going with a known quality action spring and see if that makes any difference – wouldn’t cost much. Sprinco White would be my choice. Maybe the Blue if it’s really overgassed.
You could also get the A5, which I think is a great option, but much more costly (in a perfect world, I’d have A5s on practically all of my ARs). An overgassed midlength will probably still lock to the rear with the A5H4 buffer. But if you buy the standard A5 kit, you can play mix and match with the tungsten weights from your H2 buffer and the A5 buffer to find the buffer weight that would work best.
October 17th, 2011 - 07:32
I think I may just bite the bullet and get into the A5 system. Like you said, I have 2 tungsten weights to swap if I need more. But at least I will stop wasting money in the carbine setup.
What compensator do you feel is a good value for complimenting the A5 system on a middy. I don’t care about side noise, or flash hiding. I am thinking for the money, the Miceluk/DPMS is hard to beat. But if you spend more their seems to be endless options.
November 25th, 2011 - 21:19
Finally a rational and intelligible discussion on the M4 platform. Thank you for the videos and posts. As a M4 enthusiast and tactical paramedic, I appreciate reading your tests and findings. Keep it up.
Currently running: Colt 6933 stock. 6920 with sprinco springs + mods, BCM 14.5 Middy.
November 26th, 2011 - 00:56
I’ve got a couple of questions regarding your youtube video about the mega machine shop billet set review (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSe2NDYThYI). 1st, where did you get that connected firing pin setup and second, what size trigger pin is it, large or small?
Thanks,
-Vince
November 26th, 2011 - 10:40
Those are KNS pins. The trigger and hammer pins are the standard .154″ size.
November 26th, 2011 - 14:42
Thanks!
November 26th, 2011 - 19:13
You’re welcome…Scum Devil…
December 7th, 2011 - 16:41
Great stuff here Andrew. I like your low-key, no nonsense approach. Very helpful and useful– but, sad you don’t have Daniel Defense on your list of preferred ARs! LOL.
December 15th, 2011 - 18:59
I would like to purchase the best 7.62 semi auto battle rifle. What are your top 3 picks in order. Thanks
December 16th, 2011 - 13:27
SCAR-H.
December 16th, 2011 - 12:48
Hi Andrew. Found your blog while surfing for Glock reviews. As Gene says above, great stuff, great approach. Maybe you can write on your personal methods of concealed carry. Wisconsin (and I) are new to concealed carry and I’m learning about things. My wife and I spend several weeks in the Tucson area and do lots of hiking; we use light packs and walking sticks (we’re old farts). How do you carry when you’re out hiking on all those great trails? Thanks, and keep up the good work.
December 16th, 2011 - 13:24
Jim
What weapons will you be carrying?
December 16th, 2011 - 15:05
Either a Glock G27 or H&K P2000SK.
December 16th, 2011 - 18:34
I carry on my ankle sometimes, or outside the waistband in a kydex holster. The former might not be comfortable for you on a hike (it generally isn’t for me, but I do it anyway) and the latter might interfere with your pack straps.
Stay to the north or east sides of town. Sabino Canyon/Bear Canyon, Catalina State Park etc should keep you busy for a long time. Don’t go south or west of Tucson.
December 26th, 2011 - 12:52
I really enjoy your clear, concise, and unbiased reviews. Would love to see one on the Keltec SU-16. Preferably the “C” model. Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Rick
December 27th, 2011 - 17:48
I ordered a scope mount for my M1A from Sadlak Industries cause they were suppose to be the best mount. 5 months later I still have not received the mount. Please help me with some advice.
Thanks
January 5th, 2012 - 08:32
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ik heet derk maar dit kun je niet lezen hi
January 5th, 2012 - 09:50
Ik heb de kracht van Google Translate
January 9th, 2012 - 15:12
My compliments on your YouTube re: H2 vs Enidine Buffers. It was very informative and good data reference point on some research I am currently working on w/ respect to AR15 component selection reviews. Thanks !
January 11th, 2012 - 22:28
Andrew, will you be at SHOT?
January 12th, 2012 - 19:27
Yep! Will you? I was going to offer some SHOT swag since you were the first to guess the order of the pistols in that video, but if you’re going to be there…not much of a prize
January 15th, 2012 - 10:56
Yes, I will. I was hoping to meet you there. Looking to SHOT as more of a connections and people thing than a tech and fondling expo.
Send me an email if you’d like to hook up.
January 21st, 2012 - 07:58
Hi Andrew, I watched with interest your posts from Shot Show and especially zombie thought. Thanks, this is madness around us … I added it to the selection of highlights from Shot (for our website and fb) with a link to your blog and website that I follow.
btw. are you coming to IWA this year?
best regards Ales
http://www.aegisteam.cz/blog
http://www.facebook.com/pages/AKADEMIE-AEGIS/250446168324415
February 5th, 2012 - 21:37
Maybe this question has been answered, but I can’t find it for the life of me. I saw that you nickle boron plated an M-16 bolt and extractor. Did you have to pull the black finish off of it before you plated it? If so, what did you use? I’ve dipped mine in a 50% muratic acid/distilled water solution with zero results. The summary is that I am trying to nickle boron coat my BCG, but want to make sure I get it right before I throw the entire thing in. Any help would be most appreciated!
James
February 6th, 2012 - 07:54
I blasted the bolt to remove the finish.
February 11th, 2012 - 19:06
Thanks, what grit did you use? Did you use soda or sand blasting? I tried the vibrator/tumbler with 220 grit and it is damaging my (blank). What kind of set up do you have for a sand blaster?
February 15th, 2012 - 15:13
Hmm, I’m using my dad’s sandblasting cabinet at his shop. I don’t know the grit of the sand, but it’s pretty aggressive stuff.
February 19th, 2012 - 09:45
Just a heads up..
The “subscribe to comments on this post” link faults out for me. I am using Google Chrome and clicking the link leads to:
This XML file does not appear to have any style information associated with it. The document tree is shown below. (Followed by a page and a half of code)
February 19th, 2012 - 11:17
Thanks…I will look into it, but am not a coder…might just have to eliminate the option.
edit: doesn’t work in Chrome for me either – does work in FF and IE…humph.
February 19th, 2012 - 21:15
Everything works for me with IE…
February 21st, 2012 - 22:53
I had a question. I am going to build my first AR15 and I wanted to be able to use it in case I had to clear my house or in some kind of CQB scenario. Would a 14.5 inch barrel with a permanently attached FH be significantly better than having a 16 inch barrel?
I would like to be able to do everything with my AR, but maneuverability is a high priority.
Thanks.
February 22nd, 2012 - 07:48
Not for going through a house. For getting in and out of a vehicle, it would make a bit of a difference. But a 10.5-12.5″ SBR would be far better.
February 22nd, 2012 - 10:31
Hey Andrew – I know you’ve stated your appreciation for the Kahr CW and CM models for CCW. are there any specific IWB or other concealable holster models (or makes) that you recommend? I know you recently posted the “What should I buy” article, but the holster makers you mentioned didn’t seem to have models for those Kahrs (maybe I missed it though).
thanks
April 5th, 2012 - 20:34
I really enjoy the objective opinions that you provide on a large range of products. You seem to know a lot about metallurgy as well, and I was very much wanting an explanation of the various barrel steels pro/cons. I have also been looking at getting a LaRue OBR so anytime you get a chance to review one would be great too!
Thanks a ton for all your hard work
May 2nd, 2012 - 11:31
I would like to buy a semiauto version of the original AR-15 that has the exact operating system except for the absence of select/automatic fire. I know that the original had a 20″ barrel with a 1/14 twist but can’t find any other details anywhere on the Net. Can you help? i apologize for posting this as a blog reply but couldn’t find a “contact me” button on your website.
Thanks
May 2nd, 2012 - 11:38
A 1/14 barrel is going to be hard to find. Honestly I’m not sure how to accomplish this. You could have a custom barrel made – but it wouldn’t be a historic piece, if that’s what you’re looking for. No Dak Spud might be able to tell you more about which receivers and furniture would be correct.
May 2nd, 2012 - 13:14
Great. Thanks. I’ll check with him. Appreciate the help.
May 27th, 2012 - 20:13
I read your blog on the Lew Rockwell site… it was about concealed carry.. selecting a gun, caliber, etc. You start off with a gross mistake, citing that 49 states allow concealed carry. Sorry, but some states like NJ, may “allow” concealed carry, but it is VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE to get a concealed carry permit unless your father is a judge, etc. You must show a “justifiable need” to get a concealed carry permit, and, trust me, no needs are justifiable in the eyes of NJ police and judges… none! Don’t take my word for this… ask any NJ resident who has tried to get a concealed carry permit… NONE are ever issued, unless the person is “well connected”. NO one gets to carry concealed in NJ, except cops, etc… PERIOD!! Mike B.
June 19th, 2012 - 07:37
Finally decided to post something here. Very well-written blog, much information that I don’t use at present; but may well appreciate in the future.
Not bad for a kid who stripped down and ‘re-designed’ a ’68 Mustang, much to the horror of a bunch of classic Stang lovers; and who once called himself “Doogie”.
Having poked at you in fun; I’ll go back to being a (mostly) silent reader.
September 1st, 2012 - 22:48
Andrew, enjoy your perspective always. Keep up the good work. Which rifle length upper do you use?
I had the M16A2 and want to make a clone…thanks.
September 1st, 2012 - 22:59
Thanks. I have a few that I built using 20″ FN government profile barrels.
October 2nd, 2012 - 09:30
Andrew Tuohy “tactical flowers” do you sell these would like with or with out stone.
September 7th, 2012 - 00:25
And here I was wondering why you chose an Afrikaans (South African) word: ‘Vuurwapen’ – I see it’s obviously Dutch as well! Nice blog.
September 22nd, 2012 - 21:01
Great blog.
September 27th, 2012 - 09:55
nice blog
September 30th, 2012 - 23:54
Dear Andrew,
I hope this message finds you well.
We are a photo agency based in Europe focussing on unique news, features and entertainment stories which we sell to our customers worldwide.
I just came across this amazing feature about the use of a gun underwater ; (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2210560/Splish-splash-bang-bang-Stunning-photographs-reveal-beauty-shooting-handgun-UNDERWATER.html ) and I am very interested in offering a feature of your work to our worldwide clients. Would you be interested in working with us? And if so, of course; under which conditions?
I can imagine you might need some more information about us first, so please feel free to ask what ever information you need.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Rickert
October 1st, 2012 - 08:12
Dear Andrew,
please get in touch with me, we are interested in your photos.
Karolin Seinsche/View Magazine
October 2nd, 2012 - 07:06
I have a few friends who would love to own your tactical flowers……are you selling them? If yes, where can i purchase some of them?
October 2nd, 2012 - 17:56
I, like Janine, am interested in your tactical flowers and if they are available to purchase.
October 4th, 2012 - 15:24
Like what I have sensor far. I too, try before I buy. I won a Kei-Tec KSG twin tube shotgun, 14 + 1. I pick it up tomorrow. Should prove interesting to shoot.
October 5th, 2012 - 06:36
I would like to contact you directly.
October 9th, 2012 - 21:15
Great blog! Where in NL do you live?
October 10th, 2012 - 05:59
Andrew,
I recently found this website and have been steadily reading backwards thru your archives. Currently on page 51. I appreciate your candid, measured approach to reviews. I like that you are not too “Hoo-rah” or chest-thumping like so many firearms blogs these days.
Thanks for providing this service to the rest of us.
Dan
October 29th, 2012 - 17:59
Hi Andrew
Don’t know if you’ll even see this or not but im trying to track down a review i saw on a gun blog but i cant seem to find it. It was for a customized 10-22 with an O.D.Green rubber Houge stock and very accurate. No idea if it was a review you did or not but if so i’m looking for a link to the review.
Thanks, Justin
October 30th, 2012 - 02:05
Nope, wasn’t me.
December 2nd, 2012 - 20:36
Hey there Andrew,
Been a reader for a while now, solid blog. Anyways, I was zooming on the highway today and saw a truck with a sticker in its rear glass. I knew I had seen it somewhere before, but couldn’t pin exactly where. Then it hit me- you are rocking the same design as a patch in the picture from 09OCT2012. Being a SW fan, I would almost venture to say that it appears to be related to the original Rebel Alliance design, but I could be wrong, since nothing on Google has even remotely popped up. Your help in identifying this design/patch/sticker is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
-Chris
December 2nd, 2012 - 21:16
It’s a Jedi Order patch from Knight’s Armament.
December 3rd, 2012 - 10:47
No kidding. Thanks for the info.
December 16th, 2012 - 16:16
Andrew,
I’m interested in your tactical flowers, is there any way to get them?
Thanks,
Deb
December 31st, 2012 - 09:56
Just wanted to say thank you for all the work. I have gone through the entire blog over the past few weeks and consider myself much better educated for taking the time.
Thanks,
Eric
January 26th, 2013 - 10:45
Where could I purchase some “tactical flowers?”
February 5th, 2013 - 15:55
Andrew,
Can you provide any information on the availability of your tactical flowers.
Many Thanks!
February 6th, 2013 - 22:29
How can I order some of your hollow point “flowers” without the gems and how much each? Awesome art!
Sandy
February 19th, 2013 - 17:42
Wish you were a Congressional consultant so the gun banning Democrats would be educated about firearms….perhaps then we would have less gun banning dems! Keep up the great work!
February 21st, 2013 - 23:39
Hah, if you know any Congressmen that want to talk to me, I will give them accurate information without bias one way or the other.
March 28th, 2013 - 11:30
Just logged onto your blog – funny. I did PSD for the MEF CGs in 06/07 as well as the Anbar Gov – fatboy Mahmood. Crazy times back then.
May 7th, 2013 - 13:19
This is a great blog. You do an excellent job and I very much enjoy reading your posts here and at TFB. Thank you for being a balanced and reasonable representative of what is, for some people, a very emotional subject matter.
May 7th, 2013 - 13:35
Thanks, John. I appreciate that.
May 10th, 2013 - 13:34
Andrew,
I have been reading your blog for more than 2 years and its REALLY REALLY good. Especially love your almost scientific approach to gun myths. And I noticed that you wear/wore prescription glasses. I would definitely love to read your article about your experince with prescription glasses in tactical situations/gun training/warzone, prescription inserts for googles, contact lenses, fogging up etc. After all good shot requires good eyesight. Keep up the good work.
May 23rd, 2013 - 12:25
I genuinely thought you used your real name when you “played” Rick Taylor…