Do you own or shoot an AR-platform “black rifle”? Then you know these rifles run dirty, and have some unusual maintenance requirements. On the other hand, the AR “Modern Sporting Rifle” is fun and versatile with a vast range of options among buttstocks, barrels, handguards, and grips. You can assemble a simple 16″ barrel .223 Rem rig for home defense, or build a long-barreled 6mm ARC rifle with bag-rider buttstock and high-magnification optic for long range target work. The choice is up to you.
To help with your black rifle journey, here are eight helpful videos from Brownells. These will help ensure your AR rifle cycles reliably and runs longer, with reduced wear. Brownells also explains how to choose the optimal barrel twist rate. CLICK HERE to order AR parts, accessories, and ammo from Brownells.
AR Bolt/Bolt Carrier Lubrication — Smarter Methods
This video shows the proper way to lubricate an AR-15 bolt-carrier assembly. The video identifies the key metal-on-metal friction points where you actually need lubrication: the rails on the underside of the carrier, shiny wear points on top, and just a dab on the cam pin. How much oil/lubricant should you use? The AR-15 is pretty forgiving on that point. Some spots work best with grease, others work best with a lighter oil. Just keep it out of the combustion areas. Those little holes in the carrier are gas vent holes, NOT oil holes!
AR Maintenance — General Cleaning Procedures
Let’s face it, ARs with the original gas system tend to run dirty. You’ll need to regularly clean the bolt carrier and bolt. In addition you should regularly clean the chamber area and the inside of the upper. Also make sure to clean the lower (see video 3:15) and ensure the trigger assembly is properly maintained. This video covers general cleaning and maintenance of AR-platform rifles. We highly recommend that all new AR owners watch this video. NOTE: When cleaning the bolt, don’t forget the extractor recess and ejector recess. The majority of ARs we’ve seen that did not function properly had gunk (lube, carbon, brass shavings) clogging these areas.
AR Barrel Twist Rates — What You Need to Know
AR barrels can be ordered with a variety of twist rates from 1:12″ to 1:7″. Basically, the longer/heavier the bullet you plan to shoot, the faster the twist rate you need. For example, Sierra recommends a 1:7″ twist rate for the 90gr SMK. A 1:12″ could work with the small lightweight bullets up to 55 grains. The 1:9″ barrel will stabilize the light and mid-weight bullets up to about 77 grains. We recommend a 1:8″ or 1:7″ twist rate for the best versatility. You’ll find a detailed discussion of AR twist rates on PewPewTactical.com.
How to Install an AR15 Trigger Assembly
One of the most common AR upgrades done by black rifle owners is swapping out the trigger for a better unit (perhaps a two-stage). Trigger replacements on ARs can be done fairly easily with basic tools. But there are some recommended procedures to ensure the trigger group swap goes easily. You’ll want to have a proper mount to secure the lower, and tools that fit the pin diameters on your lower.
Must-Have Spare Parts for AR-Platform Rifle
With 350,000 views, this is one of the most-watched AR videos on the Brownells YouTube Channel. Brownells Gun Techs Steve and Caleb list key spare parts AR owners should have. Top of the list are bolt gas rings, which wear out through normal use. Also you’ll want a spare extractor spring and pin, because these both can fail. The cotter pin and cam pin can break, but more often they get lost when the Bolt Carrier Group is disassembled for cleaning. Additionally, the large buffer springs wear out with time, so have a spare. Downstairs on the lower receiver, keep spare springs and detents for the pivot and takedown pins. Finally, if you’ve upgraded your trigger, keep the original one as a backup spare.
Checking Headspace on ARs
In this Tech Tip, Brownells gun tech Steve Ostrem walks users step-by-step through the process of checking headspace on their AR-15 rifles, both new and used. It is very important to have proper headspace to ensure proper feeding and extraction, and to ensure good brass longevity (with less risk of dangerous case separation). Starting at 2:10, this video explains how to check headspace with go/no-go gauges and maximum headspace gauge. Ostrem notes: “If you have an AR that closes on a no-go gauge, we recommend taking it to a gunsmith before heading to the range.”
Excessive headspace in AR platform rifles can lead to dangerous case separation.
Setting Up Gas Tube Systems
This Tech Tip examines AR-platform gas systems, and shows how to select the proper length gas tube, and how to configure multiple tube systems if you change your barrel to different lengths. This is worth watching for anyone re-barreling an AR.
Barrel Gas Block Alignment — Key to Reliable Cycling
In this video, Brownells gun tech Steve Ostrem explains surefire methods to align your gas block. The most common problem with AR builds is poor cycling, commonly caused by misalignment between the gas block and the barrel’s gas port.
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.
1. Midsouth — Multiple Popular Powders in Stock
⏺ Good powders — Accurate, Hodgdon, Ramshot, IMR, & Vihtavuori in stock
Good news for handloaders — Midsouth has received significant quantities of popular reloading powders, including LT30, LT32, H322, H390, H50BMG, Ramshot TAC, VV N133, VV N320, and more. CLICK HERE to all propellants in stock. N133 is a top powder for the 6 PPC, LT30 and LT32 are top choices for short-range score cartridges, VV N320 is our favorite powder for .45 ACP, and Ramshot TAC is a great choice for .223 Rem and varmint loads. Head over to Midsouth today to see if there’s something you need.
⏺ Nice versatile rifle for hunting, target shooting, and tactical matches
Sportsman’s Warehouse is running a President’s Day Sale with significant savings on guns, optics, and ammo. Among the best gun deals are Bergara B-14 HMR rifles. Get a Bergara B-14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, or .300 Win Mag for $799.99. That’s $150.00 off the regular price. Other Bergara Models are on sale as well, including the B-14 HMR Wilderness HMR in .300 PRC (26″ bbl) for $949.99. Act soon, this sale ends at 11:59 pm on 2/21/2022.
⏺ Cool ported pistol for rimfire games — accurate with great ergonomics
For .22 LR gun games, such as Rimfire Challenge matches, this Walther P22 is a good choice. The ported P22 combines low recoil/minimal muzzle flip with best-in-class ergonomics. This P22 pistol offers interchangeable backstraps, plus ambidextrous magazine release and slide safety. With its compensated (ported) barrel this gun delivers fast follow-up shots. A rare feature for a rimfire, the P22 is covered by the Walther Lifetime Limited Warranty. The P22 has a 5″ barrel and weighs 16 ounces with empty magazine. NOTE: Supply is limited.
4. Palmetto SA — Vortex 1-8x24mm Scope + Mount, $299.99
⏺ Smart cantilever set-up for AR rifles, save $200.00 with Code “STRIKE”
If you are looking for an affordable turn-key scope solution for your AR-platform rifle, check out this Vortex 1-8x24mm Strike Eagle GEN2 Scope + Mount Combo System. This combo includes a riflescope PLUS a Vortex cantilevered scope mount that positions the optic in the right position on a AR15 or AR10 rifle. You can see how the system works on an AR15 above. AR owners have been very happy with this combination. The Strike Eagle offers a true 8X zoom ratio with an illuminated AR-BDC3 Reticle optimized for ARs. Listed retail price is $499.99 but you save $200.00 with CODE “STRIKE”. That lowers your net cost to $299.99 for scope and mount.
5. MidwayUSA — Hoppes Gun Vise and Cleaning Kit, $24.86
⏺ Good basic gun vise at great price with bonus cleaning kit
The Hoppe’s Gun Vise is a good basic support for working on your firearms. And right now its offered for a crazy-low $25.86 sale price. Clamping brackets in the front and rear hold your rifle or shotgun securely without scratching. The vise is made out of a durable, chemical resistant polymer and has multiple compartments for cleaning chemicals, tools, and accessories. Included with this vise is a 12-piece Cleaning Kit for rifles, pistols, and shotguns. This gun vise has multiple compartments for tools and adjustable feet.
6. Amazon — BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod, $159.00
⏺ Versatile tripod mounts quickly, securely — use for PRS/NRL or hunting.
This is a great tripod for long-range hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The clamp-type head quickly secures to your rifle’s forearm for a secure shooting solution. The BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod is on sale now on Amazon for $159.00. If weight is critical, there is also a lighter BOG carbon fiber tripod for $223.96 at Grafs.com. For the extra $65 (Graf’s price) you save a pound in total weight (7.5 lbs for carbon vs. 8.5 lbs for aluminum). This aluminum version is the top-rated hunting tripod on Amazon.
7. Natchez — CCI Blazer 9mm Ammo, $16.99/50 or $17.49/50
⏺ Quality 9mm pistol ammo at ultra-attractive prices
Do you carry a 9mm or use one for IDPA matches? Then check out this deal. Right now Natchez has CCI Blazer 9mm Luger (9x19mm) ammo on sale — both brass-cased and aluminum-cased. If you reload, pay a few bucks more for the brass-cased Blazer 9mm ammo ($17.49/50). If you don’t reload for 9mm, then shoot the aluminum-cased Blazer variety at just $14.99 for 50 rounds. Both Blazer types work fine — we’ve shot hundreds of rounds of the stuff in Glocks, SIGS, Rugers, and HKs with no issues whatsoever. Grab this bargain — the same ammo was selling for $28+ a few months ago.
⏺ Reliable, affordable, compact scale for reloaders
Right now this Frankford Arsenal DS-750 digital scale is 36% off at Amazon. This is a handy, precise little scale that is good for loading at the range, or for weight-sorting components. The DS-750 offer +/- 0.1 grain accuracy and weighs up to 750 grains. One nice feature is auto-shutoff after 60 seconds of inactivity. That saves on battery life. This won’t replace a premium scale, but it can serve many duties for reloaders. The scale measures in grains, grams, carats, and ounces and runs on 2 AAA batteries.
⏺ Handsome wood chest is great for holding small tools
This Wood Tool Chest makes a great addition to your reloading room. The eight (8) drawers can hold the many small tools and accessories used for hand-loading, such as bushings, shims, uniforming tools, mandrels, neck-turners and more. A deeper top compartment (under the lid) holds wrenches and other larger tools. The price is just $84.99 at Harbor Freight. A lockable sliding wood panel fits in place to cover the drawers when not in use. This locking panel also secures the drawers during transport.
10. Amazon — Jialitte Scope Bubble Level, $10.99
⏺ Great price for handy product every rifle shooter can use
All serious rifle shooters need a scope level. This nicely designed Jialitte Scope Bubble Level features a 30mm milled inside diameter, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes — that dual-diameter versatility is a nice feature. We also like the way the unit is nicely radiused, and has a low profile in the middle. Price is just $10.99 with free shipping. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level.
BONUS — RCBS Reloading Sweepstakes
Now through February 28, 2022 (2/28/22), you’ll have a chance to RCBS Reloading gear prizes worth $1918.97 (combined total). The various RCBS prizes include: RCBS MatchMaster Digital Powder Scale & Dispenser, RCBS Rebel Master Single Stage Press Kit, RCBS Case Prep Kit, RCBS Rotary Case Tumbler. CLICK HERE for entry info. No purchase necessary to enter contest.
Under the current administration in Washington, Second Amendment rights are under attack. President Biden wants to restrict handguns and ban modern semi-automatic rifles such as the AR-15. And the ATF continues to digitize millions of sales records, effectively creating a national Firearms Registry, in direct violation of Federal law.
To help fight these trends, Brownells encourages all gun owners to take collective action to help defend the Second Amendment. For this purpose Brownells has declared the first-ever Second Amendment Day (2A Day) on February 2, 2022 — 2-22-2022.
FREE Range Sessions, FREE Ammo, and FREE Food
On 2A Day you can shoot for free — on Brownells’ nickel — at affiliated gun ranges. On 2-22-2022, Brownells has partnered with a few gun ranges to host 2nd Amendment Day range sessions. The range sessions will include free range time, limited free ammo, and free food for those who attend.
Post your Second Amendment Day Range Sessions
Brownells encourages Second Amendment supporters unable to attend a participating range to shoot at a nearby, local range and post photos of their 2A Day activities on social media with hashtag #2ADay.
Join a Second Amendment Organization
Brownells recommends that gun owners join a national and/or state-level gun rights organization. Brownells will promote the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), and American Suppressor Association (ASA) on its website. Brownells will also feature a clickable USA map which visitors can use to find a state organization to join.
Brownells states: “The most important thing you can do is join with us to help preserve, protect and expand your 2nd Amendment rights. Join a state level organization promoting gun rights where you live. Join a national organization to help protect freedom for the whole country. In the spirit of joining, Brownells will purchase FPC memberships for its employees, and donate $22,222 each to FPC, SAF, the ASA, and the Iowa Firearms Coalition.”
Advocate for Your Rights — Contact Your Legislators
Brownells encourages all gun owners to advocate for the 2nd Amendment by contacting their state and federal lawmakers and communicating citizen support for gun rights. The National 2nd Amendment Day webpage includes tips on how to how to effectively communicate with politicians.
“The spirit of this event is to designate a day that we, as a nation, recognize, celebrate and do our part to secure one of the most important rights guaranteed by our Constitution – the right to keep and bear arms,” said Pete Brownell, Chairman of the Board. “This event, which we hope continues to grow in size, scale and scope, is aimed at bringing all freedom-loving Americans together on one day – 2/22 – this year and every year going forward to show support for our beloved 2nd Amendment.”
With inflation and rising prices, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of discounts and promotions. We’ve located the latest Discount Codes for Brownells Purchases that can save you 10% (or more) on your purchases. These Brownells Discount Codes qualify you for significant savings on guns, ammo, parts, and reloading components at Brownells. Use these Codes during check-out and the savings will reduce your net cost. For example, save $60 on a $600+ purchase, $40 off $400, or $25 off $250 — getting 10% savings. NOTE: Some of these discount codes expire today, while others may expire at any time, so don’t hesitate. If one Code doesn’t work, try another.
If you read our lengthy article on Ultrasonic Cleaning by Jason Baney, you’ve seen the remarkable results that can be achieved with this method, as shown by the photo above. Ultrasonic cleaning has many advantages over traditional tumbling methods of case cleaning. There is no dust or media residue to remove from the brass, and when done right, the cases come out clean and shiny, inside and out, even the primer pockets.
In its Benchtalk Archives, Brownell’s has an excellent article discussing Ultrasonic Case Cleaning. Brownell’s staff compares results, with measured dwell times from 5 to 75 minutes, using both Mpro-7 and HCS 200 cleaning solutions. Tests are performed with once-fired and 5X-fired Tactical 20 (Tac20) cases, as well as once-fired .260 Rem Cases. The article also compares the results from ultrasonic cleaning vs. tumbling in walnut media. Below are Brownell’s results for Tac20 cases with the HCS 200 (non-acidic solution). Go to Brownell’s article for MPro7 results and Rem 260 results.
HCS 200 Cleaning Solution Test
Procedure — Solution was de-gassed for 15 minutes, then 63 Tac20 cases were placed in a single layer, in stainless steel mesh basket. The temperature of the starting solution was 102° F. When the cases were removed the temperature was 110° F.
Once-Fired Tactical Twenty Cases (HCS 200) — Observations 5 minutes: The exterior of the cases are not significantly brighter/cleaner. The primer pockets and case interiors are still dirty. 10 minutes: Exterior of the cases are brighter. 70% of the cases show some degree of cleaning of the primer pockets. Little difference seen inside the case, but case mouths are cleaner. 15 minutes: Case brightness is about the same. Still only 70% of the primer pockets are clean, but a larger portion of each is cleaner. A Q-tip swabbed inside the cases shows that carbon/powder residues are loosening up. 20 minutes: Case exteriors are brightening up. 80-85% of the primer pockets are about 90% clean. The insides of the cases and case mouths are cleaner. 25 minutes: Cases are brighter/cleaner than even new brass. 80-85% of the cases have almost completely clean primer pockets. The inside of the cases are 80-90% clean. 30 minutes: The insides of the cases and case mouths appear to be completely clean. 87% of the primer pockets are virtually 100% clean. 13% of the cases had stubborn primer pocket residue that could not be completely removed. 60 minutes: Eight cases (13%) were placed in the tank for another 30 minutes to try to remove the remaining residue in their primer pockets. Six out of the eight cases were completely clean.
Five-Times Fired Tac20 Cases — Observations 30 minutes: Based on the above observations, I didn’t begin to observe these 5-time fired cases until after 30 minutes: The exterior cases are bright/clean. Brighter than new cases. The primer pockets on 75% of the cases are 75% clean. The remaining cases had primer pockets that were only 25% clean. The inside of the cases appear to be clean. 65 minutes: 25% of the primer pockets were 95% clean, 25% of the primer pockets were 90% clean, 25% of the primer pockets were 85% clean; and 25% were 80% clean. 75 minutes: 75% of the primer pockets were 90% clean.
How Does Ultrasonic Cleaning Work? The Brownell’s article explains: “Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves (generally between 20-80 kHz) to remove a variety of contaminants from objects immersed in a liquid. The result of these high-frequency sound waves is a process called cavitation. These high frequency bursts of ultrasonic energy produce a three-dimensional wave of alternating positive and negative pressure areas as the sound wave passes through the solution. During negative pressure, microscopic cavitation bubbles form and will continue to grown until they reach resonant size. As the positive sound wave passes, the pressure rises rapidly and implodes these tiny bubbles. Before these minuscule bubbles implode they store a tremendous amount of energy. These bubbles can be as hot as 10,000 degrees and have as much as 50,000 lbs per square inch of pressure. This sounds alarming, but you have to remember that these bubbles are microscopic in nature and pose no harm to anything, unless you are a carbon /powder residue deposit on a cartridge case!
When this cavitation bubble implodes near your brass case, it transforms the bubble into a jet about 1/10th of its size. This jet of energy can travel as fast as 400 km/hour. At 43 kHz, as is the frequency for our L & R HCS 200 ultrasonic cleaner, this is happening 43,000 times per second. This micro-burst of extreme energy is responsible for removing contaminants from the surface of your cartridge brass. Ultrasonic cleaning can reach into crevices and inaccessible areas and remove surface debris that can’t be cleaned by any other process.”
Reloading components are in short supply these days, particularly powder and primers. But primers may be the biggest challenge these days — finding them may seem like a Quest for the Holy Grail. That’s a big problem for handloaders. You may be able to find substitutes for your favorite powder and bullets, but if you don’t have primers, you can’t even get started.
To locate primers these days, you must consider ALL possible sources: local gunshops, local private sales, sale tables at shooting club meetings, gun/hunting forum classifieds, large outdoor stores, and mail-order vendors. Then yes, worst case scenario, look at the auction sites such as GunBroker.
You need to be looking at multiple places — local vendors, gun clubs, big retailers such as Cabela’s and Sportsman’s Warehouse. And get creative — talk to shooting buddies, check for estate sales.
Consider all Possible Sources — Not Just Online Vendors
The guys who are scoring primers these days are resorting to old-fashioned methods — visiting small, mom-and-pop gunstores, checking local estate sales, and “networking” with local shooting club members. First, if you are not a member of a local shooting club, you should join for a multitude of reasons. We recently acquired some powder at a local shooting club meeting, exchanging some H4198 for Hodgdon Varget straight across. A Forum member recently scored both powders and primers at the estate sale of a shooting club member.
For the best chance of success, regularly check 6-10 brick-and-mortar locations in your region. One good way to do this is by combining forces with shooting buddies. Get together with 3 or 4 guys and collectively scout ALL the local gunshops and outdoor stores with shooting supplies. You CAN get lucky. For example, we regularly check a small gunstore in a nearby mall. Just last week we were able to find CCI pistol primers! Yes, deliveries are happening, you just need to check. And check often.
How to Find Primers — SEVEN STRATEGIES
1. Make a list of ALL local gunshops and outdoor supply stores within a 70-mile radius. Call them on a regular basis.
2. Join a local shooting club. Attend meetings where you can sell/exchange products. (We recently exchanged pistol primers for rifle primers we needed).
3. Join local/regional gun forums. You may find listings for “face-to-face” transactions where you can buy/exchange primers. Our AccurateShooter Forum also has a thread on Where to Find Primers.
4. Bookmark multiple vendor websites and check daily (we provide a list below).
5. Combine resources with some shooting buddies. Get together with 3 or 4 guys and collectively scout ALL the local gunshops and outdoor stores with shooting supplies. Assign each guy a different “territory” (perhaps close to his work locations).
6. Search your garage and storage areas. This Editor recently found 5000 Winchester Small Pistol Primers in an unopened box. These were left over from his IDPA and 3-gun days, years ago.
7. Consider APS Primers. CCI sells APS primers pre-loaded in plastic strips. These can still be found gathering dust in some shops. You can remove the primers from the strips, or simply buy an APS priming tool and use them as intended.
Online Vendors for Primers
Here are leading online retailers that sell primers (along with other reloading components). NOTE: Most of these vendors’ primer inventories sell out quickly. So you need to check regularly. Persistence will pay off, eventually. Primer shipments DO arrive, they just sell out fast.
Best Strategy for Online Primer Purchasing (Not Auctions)
With these (and other) online vendors, you need to check “early and often”. Primers may arrive and sell out in a matter of minutes. You should bookmark multiple sources and check them multiple times each week.
The primer shortage has been worsened by dramatically reduced imports of Russian primers.
WARNING — SCAM Websites Want to Steal Your Money
BEWARE of websites that list unlimited quantities of hard-to-find primers. In recent weeks we have seen five criminal scam websites selling reloading products including powder and primers. Here a quick tip — if the website does not take regular credit cards (MC/Visa/Amex/Discover) it is likely a scam site. And if you can order 200 8-lb jugs of Varget it is definitely a scam site! Bottom Line — beware of ANY seller without an established history, and be very wary of sites that only take Zelle, Venmo, and Bitcoin.
Last Word — About Online Auctions for Primers
We are seeing persons selling primers at crazy high prices ($200/1000!) via online auctions at Gunbroker and elsewhere. Be careful… very careful. Primers are a HAZMAT product. They may ONLY be shipped legally by Hazmat-certified businesses. Some of the Auction sellers are not HAZMAT-certified. If your primer shipment is seized or not delivered because the seller was not properly certified, don’t expect to get your money back.
Brownells is continuing its popular Black Rifle Friday promotion through this entire weekend. Now through midnight on Sunday 11/28/21, enjoy big savings on uppers, lowers, barrels, buttstocks, rimfire conversion kits, AR optics, magazines and much more. Along with the attractive sale prices, you can save on nearly all Brownells products with special Black Friday weekend Discount Codes. NOTE: These codes are NOT limited to AR stuff — you can save on most products in stock.* But don’t delay, the codes expire soon.
Code RFA: 11% Off $200 | Code RFB: 12% Off $300 | Code RFC: 13% Off $700
Most Sale Prices Good Through 11/28/2021 at 11:59 pm CST. The special Discount Codes expire on 11/29/2021 at 11:59 pm CST.
*Promo Code Exceptions
Promo Codes are NOT valid on these brands: B&T, Bighorn Arms (Zermatt Arms), Crimson Trace, FN USA, Franklin Armory, Galco Int’l, Glock, Holosun, Kahles, LabRadar, Leica, Leupold, Nightforce, Raven Concealment, Ruger, SIG Sauer, Swarovski, Trijicon, and Zenith Firearms. Also Promo Codes are NOT valid on these product types (and more): barrel blanks, barrels (chambered), barreled receivers, bullets, case tumblers, cleaning rods, progressive presses, reloading kits, rifle stocks, shot, shotshell presses, ultrasonic case cleaners. See ALL Exceptions.
Popular Powders In Stock at Brownells at Reasonable Prices
We all know that reloading powders have been hard to find. And when you do find an appropriate powder, some vendors are asking crazy high prices. Well we’re pleased to report that Brownells has a number of popular powders IN STOCK today (11/20/2021), and the prices are quite fair, starting at $24.99 per pound for Ramshot Competition. Grab some excellent Hodgdon H380 for $33.99 per pound, or IMR 4198 for $38.99 per pound. CLICK HERE to see all available in-stock powders at Brownells today.
Save Money with Brownells Discount Codes
While you’re shopping at Brownells, don’t forget to use one of the current Discount Codes to save money. There are many current codes that can save you up to 10% on your purchase. And with special Pre-Black Friday Code RTC you get $30 off $300 PLUS FREE Shipping and handling through November 23rd at midnight. Fill in the applicable Code during checkout.
Current Brownells Discount Codes:
Code FR6: $85 off $875
Expiration date November 30, 2021
Code FR5: $55 off $575
Expiration date November 30, 2021
Code RTC: $30 off $300 and FREE Shipping/Handling
Expiration Date November 23, 2021 at 11:59pm
Code FR4: $25 off $275
Expiration Date November 30, 2021
Code TAG: $15 off $150
Expiration Date Unknown
Code SAE: $15 off $150
Expiration Date Unknown
Code PTT: $10 off $100
Expiration Date Unknown
Code Q63: Free Shipping/Handling over $99
Expiration Date Unknown
Brownells will donate a percentage of sales during Veterans Day week to Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW), a 501(c)3 charity dedicated to helping Purple Heart recipients of the Special Operations community. Donations to the SOWW organization will be generated by virtually all purchases this week from Brownells, including Current Sale Items.
Starting Monday, November 8, and lasting through Sunday, November 14 (11:59 pm CST), Brownells will track purchases made at www.Brownells.com and give 4% of those sales to the veterans’ charity, up to a total donation amount of $175,000.
How SOWW Benefits Wounded Veterans and Active Duty Personnel
SOWW’s main mission is to provide therapeutic outdoor experiences to wounded veterans from the various Special Operations forces of the United States military. SOWW also offers other services and counseling to both Special Operations veterans and their families. SOWW is a not-for-profit group that provides outdoor experiences and therapeutic retreats, as well as assistance with medical, physical, and mental therapies for both veterans and active-duty members of the U.S. Special Operations Forces who have been wounded in action. SOWW is funded by donations and is run and operated by unpaid volunteers. Its low operating costs mean over 93% of all donations directly support the veterans and active duty personnel SOWW serves.
“SOWW does great work to help people who have put everything on the line for us and our country,” said Vice President of Marketing Ryan Repp. “Brownells has supported SOWW for a long time, and we are proud to keep finding ways to help them help our Special Operations veterans.”
To learn more, and see short video interviews with veterans who have benefited from SOWW’s efforts, visit the Brownells SOWW page.
About Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW)
SOWW (Special Operations Wounded Warriors), a 501(c)(3) charity, was formed in August of 2012 for the distinct purpose of providing outdoor experiences to a select group of both active duty and veteran U.S. Military Special Operations Forces, that have received wounds in battle, and have received our country’s prestigious Purple Heart Medal. To donate or to get more information, visit www.sowwcharity.org.
SOWW President Jud Kuhn Talks about His Organization:
In the face of growing online censorship across many popular social media sites (such as YouTube), Brownells has launched a new online resource to help customers build their own AR-15 rifles at home. Hosted at Brownells.com/HowToBuild, the new web page features step-by-step, interactive videos. Featuring Brownells Gun Tech Caleb Savant, the videos show the AR-15 build process with easy-to-follow directions and expert advice. There are currently four AR Build videos: Introduction, How to Build Your Lower, How to Build Your Upper, and Troubleshooting Guide. See all videos at: Brownells.com/HowToBuild.
Each of the videos have an easy search button on the upper left-hand corner, allowing viewers to navigate to specific parts of the video. This will help viewers access key parts of each video and find the information they need. For example, the Lower Video has specific sections on trigger and buttstock installation. There is also a video on how to properly test fire and troubleshoot an AR-15 once it’s built.
In addition to the instructional videos, Brownells’ AR Builder Site also provides links to all the parts, tools, and accessories required to build an AR-15 rifle. There are specific links to uppers, lowers, triggers, grips, buttstocks, bolt carrier groups, handguards, barrels, gas blocks, muzzle brakes and more.
“Several social media platforms have banned videos and other content showing how to build firearms,” said Brownells V.P. of Marketing Ryan Repp. “Because of Brownells’ long-time support of the Second Amendment and individual freedom, it made sense for us to create a professionally-produced video and resource center to assist rifle builders of all skill levels make the rifle of their dreams in the comfort of their own home or workshop.”
If you read our lengthy article on 
The Brownell’s article explains: “Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves (generally between 20-80 kHz) to remove a variety of contaminants from objects immersed in a liquid. The result of these high-frequency sound waves is a process called cavitation. These high frequency bursts of ultrasonic energy produce a three-dimensional wave of alternating positive and negative pressure areas as the sound wave passes through the solution. During negative pressure, microscopic cavitation bubbles form and will continue to grown until they reach resonant size. As the positive sound wave passes, the pressure rises rapidly and implodes these tiny bubbles. Before these minuscule bubbles implode they store a tremendous amount of energy. These bubbles can be as hot as 10,000 degrees and have as much as 50,000 lbs per square inch of pressure. This sounds alarming, but you have to remember that these bubbles are microscopic in nature and pose no harm to anything, unless you are a carbon /powder residue deposit on a cartridge case!
When this cavitation bubble implodes near your brass case, it transforms the bubble into a jet about 1/10th of its size. This jet of energy can travel as fast as 400 km/hour. At 43 kHz, as is the frequency for our L & R HCS 200 ultrasonic cleaner, this is happening 43,000 times per second. This micro-burst of extreme energy is responsible for removing contaminants from the surface of your cartridge brass. Ultrasonic cleaning can reach into crevices and inaccessible areas and remove surface debris that can’t be cleaned by any other process.”
