Vuurwapen Blog » Firearm Components

AR-15 Muzzle Device Discussion

Andrew Tuohy — Sat, 12 May 2012 23:31:29 +0000

An off-the-cuff, unscripted video discussing various muzzle devices, with some high speed and HD range video thrown in for good measure.

Spike’s Tactical SAR Rail Review

Andrew Tuohy — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:35:31 +0000

I have been using the Spike's Tactical SAR rails for quite some time, and although they are extremely light, they do not seem to give up any strength or durability. However, I have several problems with the way they were designed and manufactured. Spike's Tactical provided both of these rails for review, as well as some of the rifles seen in the video.

This video is a modification of the "new video format" I tested a few months ago.

Rainier Arms/Samson Evo Rail Review

Andrew Tuohy — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:01:53 +0000

I have been using the Rainier/Samson Evo rail for a good while, and after my initial reservations about its installation, have found it to be a rather decent and very lightweight handguard.

Like the Centurion Arms C4 rail I recently reviewed, the Evo rail was provided by Rainier Arms. It is currently available for $175, which is, I think, a competitive price.

Do Nickel Boron Plated Firearms Need Lube?

Andrew Tuohy — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:12:51 +0000

After several years with various Nickel Boron-plated AR-15 components, I am of the opinion that they should still be lubricated just like any other bolt carrier group. It is important to note that I held this opinion even when I had relatively little experience with nickel boron.

Nickel boron is a coating used by FailZero on bolt carrier groups and is purported to reduce lubrication requirements - eliminate them, actually, but I'll stop lubricating my weapons when the owners of FailZero plate the internal components of their cars' engines with nickel boron and stop using oil in them (I do realize that there are other considerations with engine oil- just go with me on this). Now, don't get me wrong - it definitely does have a "slick" feel, and the FCG is devoid of any grittiness whatsoever. I would just continue to lubricate any critical part that was plated with nickel boron, such as a bolt or bolt carrier.

The comparison shown herein is not meant to be scientific in nature, but does accurately depict my experiences with Nickel Boron BCGs.

Centurion Arms C4 Rail Review

Andrew Tuohy — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:48:39 +0000

I have a good number of rails to review at the moment, some of which I've had longer than the Centurion Arms C4 rail. To say that I have a slight product review backup at the moment would be...stating that fact mildly. However, I have spent the most range time with and have the most photos of the Centurion, so without further ado, here is the video.

Like a number of things reviewed here in the past, this rail was provided for review by Rainier Arms. The Centurion Arms C4 midlength cutout rail as seen here is available from Rainier Arms for $314. The standard midlength C4 rail is $246.

AR-15 Buffer Comparison – Enidine Hydraulic vs H2

Andrew Tuohy — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:07:38 +0000

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.

Kimber Rimfire Target 1911 22LR Conversion Kit Review

Andrew Tuohy — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:10:50 +0000

The Kimber Rimfire Target conversion kit - or a competing kit of similar quality - is a must have for 1911 owners, in my opinion. I've owned this one for years and use it more than practically any other firearm-related product I own.

Rainier Arms XTC

Andrew Tuohy — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 01:55:36 +0000

After putting quite a bit of 5.45 and 5.56 through the Rainier XTC over the last 9 months, I feel pretty confident in saying that it's the best muzzle compensator value on the market.

Spike’s Tactical SAR Rails – Too Short

Andrew Tuohy — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:29:48 +0000

As many who read my blog know, I like Spike's Tactical. Granted, they've given me a lot of stuff - but it's all looked at with a critical eye, and I don't often find things to complain about.

With the SAR rails, however, I did.

Spike's sent me two SAR rails, a 12" and a 9". They're very light - the 9" weighs under 10 ounces - and I like the titanium barrel nut that makes installation very easy. They have 4 QD sockets for sling swivels, and the width and height are pretty slim, meaning that it's easy to get a good grip on the rail.

My major issue with them is length. While the older BAR model rails left a short, perhaps 1/4" gap, between the end of the rail and an FSB at any standard length (carbine, midlength, or rifle), the SAR leaves a gap of over 1/2" - meaning that the gas tube is far too exposed. This 12" rail should not leave such a large gap with a rifle length gas system.

I'm using KAC rail covers to cover the gaps, and they seem to do a fine job of protecting the exposed area. Still, it would seem that the SAR rails are intended for use with low profile gas blocks only, in lengths that would cover the gas blocks, not with FSBs placed at the carbine, midlength, or rifle locations.

Glock Beavertail Prototype Overview

Andrew Tuohy — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:28:55 +0000

IFRAME Embed for Youtube