In a helpful NSSF video, Ryan Cleckner explains why you normally should avoid canting your rifle — rotating it clockwise or counter-clockwise. Cleckner explains that canting the rifle in one direction or another will change the point of impact: “When you rotate the rifle, not only does the [POI move] in the direction that you’re rotated, [but] it also loses some of its elevation as it rolls down.” This, Cleckner explains, can make you miss on one side or the other:
Cant to the Left — You’re going to miss low and left.
Cant to the Right — You’re going to miss low and right.
In this video, starting at the one-minute mark, Cleckner shows the effect of rifle canting when engaging a 600-yard target. A few degrees of cant (either to the left or to the right), moves the shot POI completely off the steel silhouette target. The POI change occurs mainly because you are lowering (and laterally shifting) the scope sight-line relative to the bore axis, effectively changing your zero.
David Tubb has explained: “Every 1 degree you are off on a cant, is about six inches of difference laterally at 1000 yards”.
Position Shooting with Sling — Rifle Cant Considerations
Cleckner’s discussion assumes that the scope or sights are set to hit center with the rifle level and plumb. That works for most situations when shooting prone off bipod, front mechanical rest, or front sandbag. However, many sling shooters, including David Tubb and John Whidden, do tilt or cant their rifles slightly inward because this allows a more comfortable hold with sling, or allows better eye-to-sight alignment. Holding the rifle at an angle can work — but the angle of cant must be consistent for every shot. Canting the rifle is not a sin by itself. However, after you confirm your zero on your target, the degree of cant must be the same for EVERY shot. You must maintain that exact same degree of rotation on each shot or you will experience the shot POI movement Cleckner illustrates. Consistency is the key.
John Whidden, 5-time Nat’l Long Range Champion, holds a Palma rifle. John now shoots a match rifle with an Anschutz stock which he holds more upright, but still with some counter-clockwise cant. John also installed his iron sights at an angle so that the adjustments are correct (and plumb) even with his canted hold: “While it may not be obvious in the picture, the sights on my rifle are set up so that they’re straight vertical and horizontal while I hold the rifle canted. Making sure your adjustments (scope or sights) are vertical and horizontal is a critical piece of the pie.”
Inexpensive 30mm and 1″ Scope-Mounted Bubble Levels
The best way to avoid inconsistent rifle canting is to use a bubble level fitted to rail or scope. One very affordable product is the CVLIFE Scope Bubble Level. This features a 30mm milled inside diameter with a handy hinge to simplify mounting. This unit installs easily, the level is nicely elevated, and user reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $40.00 or more for a 30mm scope level. This costs just $16.90 on Amazon. If you have a 1″ scope tube, consider the SME dual-diameter level. This fits 30mm tubes PLUS has an insert to fit 1″ tubes. It’s $19.99 at MidwayUSA.
This past week California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation, AB 1127, which will ban Glock pistols (and some similar firearms) in California. This blatantly unconstitutional legislation is one of many anti-gun bills passed this fall in California, including a new law that requires background checks to purchase a rifle barrel (SB 704). The pretext for the ban on Glocks is that they could be converted to full auto, even though that is already illegal in all 50 states. Guns.com reports: “[AB 1127] targets semi-automatic pistols that can potentially be converted to full auto with a common aftermarket switch or chip, though it doesn’t specify ‘Glock’ by name. These switches are already illegal under the National Firearms Act unless registered, with individuals found with an unregistered switch risking 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine[.]”
Under the new Legislation, which goes into effect next summer, current Glock owners are still allowed to sell their firearms in California without risking criminal penalties. According to CBS News: “The new law does not ban possession of Glocks, nor does it ban reselling used Glocks in California.” However, sale of new Glocks will be prohibited.
NRA, FPC, and SAF File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Glock Ban
The NRA-ILA Reports: “The National Rifle Association — along with Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Poway Weapons & Gear, and two NRA members — filed a lawsuit challenging California’s Glock ban.” The case, Jaymes v. Bonta, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The lawsuit argues that California’s ban on Glock-style handguns violates the Second Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that “common” arms cannot be banned, and moreover, that handguns cannot be banned.
Details of AB1127 Gun Bans
California Assembly Bill 1127, codified at California Penal Code § 27595(a) and scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, provides that licensed firearms dealers “shall not sell, offer for sale, exchange, give, transfer, or deliver any semiautomatic machinegun-convertible pistol.” That restriction would effectively ban sale of Glock and similar semi-auto pistols.
A “semiautomatic machine-gun convertible pistol” is defined as “any semiautomatic pistol with a cruciform trigger bar that can be readily converted by hand or with common household tools … into a machinegun by the installation or attachment of a pistol converter as a replacement for the slide’s backplate without any additional engineering, machining, or modification of the pistol’s trigger mechanism.” The law excludes, however, hammer-fired semiautomatic pistols and striker-fired semiautomatic pistols lacking a cruciform trigger bar. In effect, therefore, the ban applies to Glock-manufactured semi-automatic handguns and similar handguns built on a Glock platform.
Visit NRAILA.org for updates on NRA-ILA’s ongoing efforts to defend Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
In April 2020, the National Rifle Association (NRA) launched NRAWomen.com, a website dedicated to the fastest-growing group of firearm owners — America’s women. This website serves the increasing number of female gun owners, huntresses, and competitive shooters. Female involvement in firearms is growing significantly. Consider these numbers: Statistica estimates that 19% of women in the USA owned firearms in 2020, while 23% of women surveyed in a 2011 Gallup Poll stated they owned a gun.
Jessie Harrison is one of the greatest female pistol shooters on the planet.
Here are three excellent Articles from the NRAWomen.com website, all worth reading. For each example, Click the Photo or direct link to read the full article on NRAWomen.com.
1. Flying with Firearms — What You Need to Know
We recommend that any gun owner, female OR male, should definitely read this article. It is one of the better discussions on the web of airline travel with firearms, covering international travel as well as domestic flights. The article notes that you should obtain U.S. Customs Form 4457 before flying overseas with a firearm.
“Flying with a gun is actually a lot easier than you’d probably expect. You need a couple of specific gear items, and you need to know the proper procedure, but it’s a relatively simple process. I’ve flown with long guns and handguns dozens of times around the country and around the world. The process is generally the same, but with some additional steps and maybe additional hassle depending on the airport [and personnel.]” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
2. Modular Safes — Smart Option for Easier Moving
The second article features a great video showing how to assemble a modular safe in under 30 minutes. This article also explains the benefits of modular gunsafes — primarily easier transport and installation.
“Modular safes have been around for a few years now and are becoming more popular. Here’s why: The safe comes delivered to you in panels, so you can bring them into your home one at a time and put it together anywhere you like. This makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, onto elevators or anywhere! Security — Is it as secure as one that comes pre-assembled? The answer is, absolutely.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
3. Rimfire .22 LR Handguns for Self-Defense
This article looks at a wide variety of .22 LR pistols and revolvers. The author discusses the pros and cons of a rimfire defense gun, concluding that while the stopping power is limited, having some protection is better than going unarmed.
“Over the last few months we’ve seen the launch of new handguns chambered for .22 LR that sport the same looks and features as center-fire handguns designed for daily concealed carry. The models I’ve had a chance to work with so far include the compact Taurus TX22 semi-automatic pistol, the pocket-size Ruger Lite Rack LCP II, Kel-Tec’s P17 semi-automatic and the Taurus 942 8-shot snubnose revolver.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Graf & Sons — Peterson Brass Sale
⏺️ » Excellent brass inventory at very attractive prices
2. Bud’s Gun Shop — Savage 110 Precision 6.5 CM, $1408.99
⏺️ » Major discount on great Production Class PRS/NRL Rifle
For PRS/NRL shooting the Savage 110 Precision 6.5mm Creedmoor rifle does the job at a very affordable price. This is a smart choice for production division PRS/NRL competition. Plus, with its 6.5 Creedmoor chambering, this rifle can do double-duty as a deer hunting rifle. This is a good deal now at just $1408.99, $290 off MSRP. And if you pay with an ACH E-check the price drops to $1,367.49. If you prefer a 6mm Creedmoor PRS/NRL rig with longer forearm, Bud’s also has the Savage 110 Elite Precision starting at $1743.49 (LH). This features a MDT ACC aluminum chassis with full-length ARCA rail.
3. Creedmoor Sports — Sightron Scope Sale
⏺️ » Big selection of excellent scopes at good prices
If you need a quality scope, check out the Sightron Optics Clearance Sale at Creedmoor Sports. Sightron scopes are rugged and reliable and offer excellent performance for the price. Patented windage and elevation adjustment technology provides proper alignment even at extreme adjustment levels. Sightron scopes also now feature advanced Zact-7 Revcoat lens coating technology applied to both surfaces of the lenses. This allows maximum anti-reflection performance plus high light transmission.
⏺️ » Save $105 on Binocs combo kit with good case and harness
The Bushnell Prime Binocular Pack is an optics carry pack combo with great features. For just $79.99 you get 10×42 binoculars, plus a case with a quiet magnetic lid, and a quality adjustable harness. This is a great set-up for hunters. The pack’s magnetic closure holds the binocs very securely while allowing rapid access. The harness lets you carry your optics securely even when holding your rifle and other gear.
5. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Essentials Reloading Kit, $442.10
⏺️ » Very complete reloading kit with excellent press
Need a complete reloading kit all the tools you need for precision handloading? Then check out this Frankford Arsenal F-1 Single Stage Press and Reloading Accessories Kit (#ad). On sale now for $442.10 at Amazon, this kit includes the Frankford Arsenal F-1 Single Stage Reloading Press, Benchtop Powder Measure, Hand Primer, Aluminum Powder Funnel Kit, Digital Calipers, DS-750 Powder Scale, Powder Trickler, and Universal Reloading Tray. NOTE: If you don’t need the full kit, you can also buy many of the listed items separately at great prices. For example, the F-1 Press is $129.99 by itself.
6. EuroOptic — Athlon Optics Closeout Sale, Save 20-59%
⏺️ » Massive savings on excellent scopes with great variety of magnifications
Athlon produces a wide variety of quality optics. Right now, at EuroOptic, you now you can save up to 59% on Athlon Riflescopes and optics. There are Red Dots for pistols, compact 1-6X and 1-10X tactical scopes, Medium power hunting optics (e.g. 2.5-15x50mm), and high magnification 4.5-30x50mm, 10-40x56mm, and 15-60x56mm zoom scopes for competition. There’s even an advanced Thermal Cronus ATS optic. Choose from FFP or SFP types with a variety of reticle options. If you need a new optic, this Athlon Closeout Sale offers great deals.
7. Amazon — RCBS ChargeMaster Link Scale/Dispenser, $299.99
⏺️ » Popular advanced, reliable Powder Dispenser
Every serious reloader should have a good electronic powder measure/dispenser. The popular RCBS ChargeMaster Link (#ad) Powder Scale/Dispenser is on sale now for $299.99 on Amazon. That’s a $50 savings off MSRP. This ChargeMaster Link offers ultra-fast dispensing and a 400-grain range, delivering up to two grains per second. This Link unit can connect with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing remote access and load archives for multiple cartridge types and bullet weights.
⏺️ » Good price on a very comprehensive gunsmithing kit
The Wheeler 89-Piece Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set (#ad) has tools to fit virtually any firearm ever made (Wheeler measured over 100 gun types when developing this kit). This kit boasts a durable, hinged storage case. Inside are 54 hollow-ground flat bits, 15 specialty bits, 8 Allen, 4 Phillips, and 3 Torx. In addition, the kit includes 2 non-slip plastic handles, a shaft extension, and a hex-to-square drive adapter. This kit has a great warranty — if you break or wear out a bit Wheeler will replace it for free.
9. Amazon — Roll-Up Tool Bag, $16.99
⏺️ » Very handy back with multiple compartments
Keep your tools and accessories organized with this Foldable Roll-Up Bag Organizer (#ad) with 2 detachable pouches. This tool bag has 4 fixed large compartments, 2 small detachable pouches, and 5 pockets outside of the bag, allowing you to neatly store a variety of tools including pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, hex key, measure tape, fasteners, utility knife and more. You’ll be impressed by how many tools fit in this small tool bag!
⏺️ » Versatile 2-part shooting rest for pistols and hunting rifles
For sighting-in a hunting rifle or testing pistol loads, you’ll want a good basic gun rest. The very affordable Caldwell Matrix Adjustable Rest (#ad) works with both rifles and pistols. Use the front section by itself with a handgun, then attach the rear support for sighting-in and testing a hunting rig. The spring-loaded elevation system allows for fast one-handed, no wobble adjustment.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
Here’s a helpful hint for hand-loaders from Sierra Bullets. While this article focuses on Sierra’s new Tipped Match-King bullets, the recommended solutions apply to other bullet types as well. The article explains how sharp edges on a seating stem can cause a ring to be pressed into the bullet jacket — especially with compressed loads that resist downward bullet movement. Here Sierra technician Rich Machholz diagnoses the problem and provides a solution.
Solutions for Ring Marks Caused by Seating Stems
by Sierra Bullets Ballistic Technician Rich Machholz
Now that the new Tipped MatchKing® (TMK) bullets are being shipped and shooters are putting them to use I have received several calls regarding marking on the bullet ogive from the seating stem.
The cause can be traced to one of several things. In the .223 and especially with the long, 77 grain TMK seated at 2.250” or even 2.260” most loads of Varget® and Reloder® 15 are compressed loads, sometimes heavily compressed. This puts a great deal of pressure on the bullet through the seating stem. The result of all this pressure is a mark of varying depth and appearance on the ogive of the bullet. [Editor: We have seen this issue with a variety of other bullet types/shapes as well, including non-tipped VLDs. The solution is profiling the internal cone of the seating stem to match your bullet shape.]
Some older seating stems might even bear against the tip of the bullet which can make a slight bulge in the jacket just below the junction of the resin tip and the copper jacket in a compressed load. If this is the case there is not a ready fix other than calling the die manufacturer and requesting a new deeper seating stem.
Polish Your Seating Stem to Remove Sharp Internal Edges
If the seating stem is of proper depth the culprit most generally is a thin sharp edge on the inside taper of the seating stem. This is an easy fix that can be accomplished by chucking a spare 77 grain bullet in your drill, coating it with valve grinding compound or even rubbing compound or in a pinch even tooth paste.* Remove the seating stem assembly from the seating die. Turn the drill on and put the seating stem recess over the spinning bullet with the polishing compound to break or smooth the sharp edge that is making the offending mark. This might take more than one application to get the proper polish depending upon what you use, but the more you polish the better the blend of angles which will [ensure the stem matches the bullet contours, not leaving a sharp ring].
If the above is a little more than you care to tackle you might try very fine emery cloth twisted to a point that can be inserted into the mouth to the seating stem and rotated to polish the inside to eliminate any sharp edges that might be present.
Load Advice for 77gr TMKs in the .223 Rem
And last but certainly not least. Actually, even though we don’t say you need additional data for the TMKs, remember you are dealing with heavily-compressed loads in some cases because of the additional bullet length. Due to the additional length of these new bullets and in the interest of gaining some room in the case you might consider trying a slightly faster extruded powder like BenchMark or the 4895s or an even more dense powder like the spherical H335®, CFE223 or TAC. The extra room will allow for trouble free bullet seating also.
Good luck and remember we are no further away than your telephone: 1-800-223-8799.
Forum member Rardoin’s handsome F-Open rig features the Borden BRM-XD action.
One of the most popular items in our Shooters’ Forum is the ongoing “Pride and Joy” thread. Since 2009, Forum members have posted photos and descriptions of their most prized rifles. Here are some of the most recent “Pride and Joy” rifles showcased in our Forum. Do you have a gun you’d like to see featured there? Just Register for the Forum and you can add your favorite gun to the list.
Modern 6BRA Bench Rifle
This handsome benchrest rig belongs to Forum member Tillroot1. It boasts a Kelbly Panda action and a Krieger cut-rifled barrel chambered for the excellent 6BRA wildcat cartridge. The 6BRA is an improved version of the 6mmBR which retains the long neck. The 6BRA is easy to fire-form and very accurate, and can achieve the really good 2950 FPS node with 105-108gr bullets. This cool rig features a Jason Avila-made stock (Wheeler F-Open), with finish work by Brett Childress. Barrel was chambered by Dave Witt.
Bill Goad’s 6PPC Hunter “Ranch Rifle”
Forum member Grimstod tells us: “This is the personal rifle of Bill Goad. He has been experimenting with it on several levels. It is shooting great and has several matches on it now. Please enjoy these photos. More can be found on the website www.PremierAccuracy.com. We like the subtle barbed wire effect on the stock.
Twin-Upper AR with Custom Wood Furniture
This very unique AR belongs to Forum member Nuto-BR. He tells us: “Here are the two uppers I built. The top one is am X-caliber in 20 Practical with 24-inch, 1:11″-twist barrel. The bottom one is a WOA in .223 Rem, with 20″, 1-12″ twist barrel. They both shoot 1/2 MOA or better. Both stocks are laminated Maple and Walnut. I reversed the order of the two woods to tell them apart.”
Two Dashers and a Rimfire for Fun
Courtesy Forum member Dan H., here are two red-stocked Dashers plus an Anschutz 54.30 (Benchrest Stock) to make it a trio. Dan says: “The Anschutz provides good practice in trigger-pulling. It’s amazing what you can learn from a rifle that is as sensitive as this one.”
Dream Hunting Rifle with Custom Camo
Here is Forum member TyDaws’s “Dream Hunting Rifle” in 6.5-280 Ackley Improved. We love the custom paint work by by Melodie Yarbrough. Smithed by West Texas Ordnance, this rifle features a Rem 700 action with fluted bolt, PT&G tapered recoil lug, and Timney 510 2-lb trigger. The barrel is a fluted 26″ 1:8″-twist Bartlein 5R #3 contour. On top is a Huskemaw Blue Diamond 4-16x42mm optic in Warne Maxima rings. That’s an Atlas bipod up front.
Three Guns for Mr. Big
Forum Member Mr. Big offered up another trio of rifles — two bench guns and a tactical rig. Mr. Big says: “Here are the rifles I shoot most: Farley 6mm PPC, Stiller .243 Win, and Rem 6.5×47 Lapua. They will do just about anything I ask them to…” Challenge: Can you identify the makers of the three different stocks shown in this picture (and the different materials used in each)?
Classic M1917 Enfield Action in Hand-Carved Maple Stock
This impressive rifle features an “antique” 1917 Enfield action chambered for the .338 Win Magnum cartridge. The lovely Maple stock was hand-carved by Forum member Spitfire_ER. He tells us: “I found this piece of wood as a return at a lumber yard about [many] years ago. I asked the guy in the yard about it and he said it had been returned because it had too much figure for the job the customer was working on. First thing I thought was, ‘That would make a nice stock’.”
6mm Dasher in Robertson Spider Web Stock
Here is Forum member Vahena’s 6mm Dasher. It has a no-turn-neck chamber in a 28″, 1:8″-twist barrel with 1.25″ straight contour. This has an original Robertson fiberglass stock with spider web graphics. This rifle was originally built as a 6.5×284 with a fluted barrel. Now it sports a bigger barrel for a smaller cartridge. The front rest is a SEB Neo with counterweight up front.
Do you know how gun primers are made — how the explosive elements are applied into those tiny cups? Find out by watching this video filmed at a Federal ammunition factory. It starts out with empty primer cups loaded, 1000 at a time, into trays using vibration (0:05 time-mark). While much of the process is automated, there is still a significant role played by production workers who apply a green, paste-like charging compound to the inside of hundreds of primer cups.
At the 0:17-second time-mark you can see the factory worker “charging” the primers with the priming compound. After the cups are filled, then the plate of cups “mates up with a plate of anvils” (0:40 time-mark). Then the primers are unloaded from trays and inspected.
Primer “Mysteries and Misconceptions” Article
There is an excellent article about primers on the Shooting Times website. This authoritative Shooting Times article explains the fine points of primer design and construction. The author reveals some little-known facts about primers and corrects common misconceptions. Here are some highlights:
Size Matters
Useful Trivia — even though Small Rifle and Small Pistol primer pockets share the same depth specification, Large Rifle and Large Pistol primers do not. The standard pocket for a Large Pistol primer is somewhat shallower than its Large Rifle counterpart, specifically, 0.008 to 0.009 inch less.
Magnum Primers
There are two ways to make a Magnum primer — either use more of the standard chemical mix to provide a longer-burning flame or change the mix to one with more aggressive burn characteristics. Prior to 1989, CCI used the first option in Magnum Rifle primers. After that, we switched to a mix optimized for spherical propellants that produced a 24% increase in flame temperature and a 16% boost in gas volume.
Foiled Again
Most component primers have a little disk of paper between the anvil and the priming mix. It is called “foil paper” not because it’s made of foil but because it replaces the true metal foil used to seal early percussion caps. The reason this little disk exists is strictly a manufacturing convenience. Wet primer pellets are smaller than the inside diameter of the cup when inserted and must be compacted to achieve their proper diameter and height. Without the foil paper, the wet mix would stick to the compaction pins and jam up the assembly process.
Can sustained rapid-fire shooting with no cool-down period wear out a quality barrel more quickly? The answer is “Yes” according to Forum member LCazador, who did an interesting comparison test with two .243 Winchester barrels. He started off with two, identical, match-grade HV taper stainless barrels. Both were NEW at the start of testing, and LCazador shot the same load through each: 95gr match bullets with 38 grains of Hodgdon Varget. After giving both barrels the same, gentle 20-round break-in, 300 rounds were then fired through each barrel — in very different ways. Barrel condition and wear were monitored with a borescope.
Barrel One — Slow Fire, Cool Down Periods, Cleaning Every 50 Rounds
At the end of the 300-round test, Barrel One looked brand new. There was none of the severe fire cracking found in Barrel Two. This barrel was shot no more than 10 times without a cool down and firing was done at a much slower pace. Cleaning for this barrel was done every 50 shots.
Barrel Two — Fast Firing, No Waiting, Cleaning Every 100 Rounds
The second barrel, which received hard use and minimal cleaning, was severely damaged with severe fire cracking at the leade and throat. As a result, the barrel had to be re-chambered. This barrel was shot 100 rounds at time without cleaning and was shot up to 20 times in succession without a cool down.
LESSON LEARNED — Heat Kills Barrel Life
Don’t let your barrel get too hot, and keep it clean. One afternoon can ruin a barrel!
Monitoring Barrel Wear with Borescope
Some folks worry too much about what their borescopes reveal — many barrels do not have to be “squeaky clean” to perform well. In fact some barrels run better after ten or more fouling shots. However, a borescope can be very helpful when your barrel starts losing accuracy for no apparent reason. Forum member FdShuster writes:
“A borescope is a positive way of backing up your suspicions when the rifle starts to throw an occasional (soon followed by more frequent) wild shot. Using the scope is also an excellent way to determine that the cause is barrel wear and not simply a need for a concentrated cleaning session to remove built up copper and more importantly, carbon fouling.
I’ve had a few barrels that gave every indication of being shot out. But I ‘scoped them out and found the cause to be nothing more than requiring a good cleaning. They then returned to their usual performance. There’s no guessing involved when you are able to get ‘up close and personal’ using the scope. The borescope also provides an excellent view of the all-important condition of the crown. My borescope is one of the most valuable investments I’ve ever made.”
AR-platform rifles can be maintenance-intensive beasts. They need regular inspection, cleaning, and lubrication. But some AR owners make the situation worse by not regularly cleaning important small parts, or by using too MUCH oily/greasy lubricants in the wrong places. A properly maintained and lubricated AR15 can shoot hundreds of rounds (between cleanings) without a problem. If you learn where (and where not) to apply lubricant, you’ll find that your AR will run more reliably and the task of cleaning the bolt, bolt carrier, and upper receiver internals will be less of a burden.
Here we showcase videos that show how to field-strip an AR-15, inspect the key parts, clean components, and lubricate internal parts as needed. Along with these videos, we recommend you read the comprehensive AR-15 Gun Cleaning Clinic article from the Brownells website. This explains in detail important procedures that the videos might only cover in a few seconds.
If you want to keep your black rifle running smoothly and reliably, you must clean it regularly and follow the correct maintenance procedures. Here are five videos that explain how to properly disassemble and clean AR-platform rifles.
1. How To Clean Your AR-15 | Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
This is a quick 90-second starter video that may help new AR owners. Ricky Lehnhardt of OTIS Technology demonstrates the basics of cleaning and maintaining your AR-15. Lehnhardt does a good job identifying the points that need cleaning on the inside of ARs. However he works very quickly in the video. You may want to pause the video at some points. Also, Lehnhardt employs a cable for pulling patches and brushes through the barrel. Yes this is fast and easy. However, for match AR rifles, we recommend that you instead use a cleaning ROD with fitted bore guide.
2. Take-Down and Full Cleaning of AR-15 by Jerry Miculek
Here ace shooter Jerry Miculek takes down and cleans an AR-platform rifle belonging to his daughter Lena. This is a good video because Lena’s rifle was “run hard and packed up dirty” so you can see where carbon and grease build up. This 35-minute video is very thorough. Jerry is one of the nation’s top action carbine shooters, so listen carefully to his advice on cleaning and lubrication.
3. AR-15 Maintenance: Field-strip, Clean and Lubricate an AR-15
Gunsite Academy instructor and gunsmith Cory Trapp demonstrates the proper way to field-strip, clean, and lubricate an AR-15 carbine. In this 30-minute video, Trapp offers several important technical tips and hints. For example, at 11:05 Trap demonstrates how to determine if your bolt needs new gas rings. Along with cleaning procedures, this video explains how to inspect key components and how to function-test your AR before each shooting session.
4. AR-15 Dissassembly and Cleaning Guide
This video does a good job, with close-ups, showing how to remove the bolt carrier and clean the inside of the upper receiver. Then you can see how to work with various tools to clean the bolt, bolt carrier, and inside of chamber. We also recommend that you inspect the ejector recess and extractor recess. When we’ve inspected ARs that failed to cycle properly, we have often found nasty gunk (mixture of carbon, greasy lube, and brass particles) in these areas.
5. Basic AR-15 Quick and Easy Field Maintenance
In this NSSF-sponsored video, pro shooter Ryan Muller demonstrates basic, quick field maintenance of his AR-15. This would be for a quick cleaning and lubrication of the reciprocating parts. This covers rapid maintenance in the field. For full field-stripping and thorough cleaning, watch the previous videos.
Handy Mat for Cleaning AR Rifles
When working on an AR-15, it’s smart to have a pad that can absorb solvents and cushion your upper and lower. The $29.99 Real Avid Smart Mat is a good choice. This features printed take-down instructions and it has a handy parts tray on the right side. The mat rolls up for convenient storage. Click HERE to learn more.
Vital Inspections You Should Do After Disassembly
Last but not least, here are recommended inspections you should do every time you do a full field-strip and cleaning of your black rifle:
Generally you want the biggest, heaviest gunsafe you can afford. However, for many gun owners, a 1000+ pound behemoth is impractical. For those who relocate frequently for their jobs, or who live up many flights of stairs, it is more practical to have a safe that breaks down into separate pieces for transport. In our Guide to Gunsafes, we reviewed the Zanotti Safe, a quality modular safe that breaks down into smaller, lighter components. Now there is a another modular safe that competes with the Zanotti. Snapsafe’s Titan Modular Safe ships in three (3) flat boxes. Simply unpack the components and assemble the 400-lb. Titan on-site in about 30 minutes without tools.
Watch video to see how the SnapSafe Titan can be assembled without tools:
The SnapSafe™ Titan holds 12+ rifles, weighs 400 lbs. assembled, and measures 59″ H x 22″ W x 17.5″. Side panels are 9 gauge steel and the door is 3/16″ steel secured by eight 1″-diameter chrome steel locking bolts. SnapSafe claims that its patented structure can be stronger than conventional welded construction. It has a UL-listed digital lock with EMP-proof mechanical key backup. The Titan boasts fire-sealing gaskets lining the door frame. These gaskets, combined with ceramic wool blankets in the walls provide a claimed one hour of fire protection against temperatures up to 2300ºF.
SnapSafe sells its Titan 12+ long-gun capacity safe for $1969.00 delivered. There are also larger-capacity modular safes — the $2509.00 Super Titan (24 gun capacity), and the massive $3269.00 Super Titan XL Double Door (36 gun capacity). All prices include shipping to the lower 48 states. Below is an Ultimate Reloader video showing the assembly of a Titan double-door safe.
Monitoring Barrel Wear with Borescope
Generally you want the biggest, heaviest gunsafe you can afford. However, for many gun owners, a 1000+ pound behemoth is impractical. For those who relocate frequently for their jobs, or who live up many flights of stairs, it is more practical to have a safe that breaks down into separate pieces for transport. In our 
The 
