1. How an AR-15 Works

Ever wondered how the parts inside an AR-15 work together? Just exactly how does the reciprocating bolt carrier feed rounds from the magazine? How do the elements in the trigger group work and reset after each shot? How does the gas system bleed gas from the barrel and operate the bolt carrier? These and other questions are answered in this eye-opening video from 45Snipers. Using “cutaway” 3D computer animation, this 5-minute video shows all features of an AR15 inside and out. This fascinating firearms animation allows the viewer to look inside the upper and lower receivers, into the bolt carrier, chamber, barrel, and magazine. There’s a second AR-15 Video that shows all the internal and external parts of the AR-15 Rifle. CLICK HERE for AR Parts Animation.

2. How an AK-47 Works — With Parts Assembly

This animation shows how the AK-47 (officially Avtomat Kalasnikova model 1947) rifle functions. This very realistic video shows the component parts of the AK47 coming together. They you can see how the fire control system works to ignite the primer, sending the bullet down the barrel. Next you see how the gas piston pushes the bolt carrier rearward to chamber a new 7.62x39mm cartridge.

Tech Note: This high-quality 3D animation was created by Matt Rittman using Cinema 4D and After Effects software. Corona renderer was used in order to create realistic materials and reflections. Credit Forum member Captain Dave F. for finding this video.

3. How a Pistol Cartridge Fires

This cool 3D video from German ammo-maker GECO (part of the Swiss RUAG group of companies) unveils the inside of a pistol cartridge, showing jacket, lead core, case, powder and primer. Uusing advanced CGI rendering, the video shows an X-ray view of ammo being loaded in a handgun, feeding from a magazine. Then it really gets interesting. At 1:32 – 1:50 you’ll see the firing pin strike the primer cup, the primer’s hot jet streaming through the flash-hole, and the powder igniting. Finally you can see the bullet as it moves down the barrel and spins its way to a target. If you’ve ever wondered what happens inside a cartridge when you pull the trigger, this video shows all.

For Best Viewing, Click Gear Symbol and Select HD Playback Mode

4. How a Rifle Cartridge Fires

This CGI video shows what happens inside a rifle chamber and barrel when a cartridge fires. The 3D computer animation reveals every stage in the process of a rifle round being fired. X-Ray-style animation illustrates the primer igniting, the propellant burning, and the bullet moving through the barrel. The video then shows how the bullet spins as it flies along its trajectory. Finally, this animation shows the bullet impacting ballistic gelatin. Watch the bullet mushroom and deform as it creates a “wound channel” in the gelatin.

Watch Video – Cartridge Ignition Sequence Starts at 1:45 Time-Mark

In addition to the safety benefits, these color bands also help you organize your magazines during transport and storage. If you have a variety of AR uppers in various calibers, it would be sensible to purchase a set of these color-coded bands. Price is $9.99 per set of ten (10) bands of one color (blue 5.56/.223, yellow 7.62×39, or red 300 BLK). Unfortunately, Faxon does not currently offer a “Mix and Match” option. So, if you want all three types, you’ll have to buy three different sets. That’s a bit annoying.

We’d like to see a marker band product like this for other types of magazines, including rimfire mags. We’ve seen varminters try to stuff a 17 HMR magazine into a 22LR and vice-versa. We’ve also seen shooters pick up the wrong Detachable Box Magazine (DBM) for their centerfire bolt guns. This can easily happen on a varmint hunt when you have multiple rifles in different calibers (such as .223 Rem and .204 Ruger).