WWSD: Rethinking the AR15 - CONCLUSION

[@raideurng2508]

"Force multiplying garbage" is one of the best phrases I've heard in a while.

[@rhvette]

You know, I reckon the arctic guys will appreciate that heat neutrality of the polymer and carbon fiber just as much as desert guys. Aluminum’s problem isn’t that it gets hot per se, it’s that it has a really low heat capacity and high thermal conductivity. So not only can it get literally blisteringly hot, it can get shockingly cold, too. I imagine having your face thermally bonded to the gun doesn’t help with concentration.

[@ryancarney7273]

MegaAlpakka Painted aluminum still gets cold, friend

[@snowstalker36]

@MegaAlpakka Steel Toes in boots aren't even directly exposed to the air, and have a covering on both sides. They still get so painfully cold working outside that I pay 3x the money to get the carbon fiber toes and not deal with that. Trust me, the Arctic guys will like that handguard just as much.

[@rowdyzack5914]

@MegaAlpakka theyre usually annodized not painted

[@zackzittel7683]

dA pAInt mAkeS iT a nON isSuE... Derp. Have you ever even been outside? Lol.

[@unfortunately_fortunate2000]

contact frostbite or rather, making the blammer operational with gloves on continues to be a major design criteria for many, many countries near or in or that share wintery winds with the arctic circle & surrounding areas.

[@jnault6441]

I think an important point to take from this I feel like might have been missed is waste. In today's AR Lego creations and cool guy gear, we've lost the idea of only what what we need and no waste. Don't waste your total available weight. Dont waste rail space. Don't waste length. Modern materials change the game for those restrictions. I think those "in charge" in DOD and LEO agencies need to take an advance approach and start extensively testing using similar methodologies you have used, but inserting their own "needs". Great job over all and very entertaining. As I've said before, there's a reason why you're channel gets my only monetary suppport.

[@einsatzgruppencommander740]

I mean, you make a pretty good argument but I feel like it's kind of irrelevant at this point. If you've been following the more recent developments, it's pretty obvious that the next US service rifle is going to be a significant departure from the AR platform, and probably even from traditional small arms in general. The US DOD and UK MOD I'll probably just going to stick with a few rounds and upgrades to the current platform, just to keep it up to speed until the next generation rifle comes online. There really isn't any provision for them to go to a WWSD rifle (as it would effectively mean that have to buy entirely new guns).

[@nataliakruschev5078]

Unfortunately, their 'needs' are often times exaggerated. They have high requirements and standards. Some might say impractical, but that's a different area entirely. But the buffer assist was a mistake across the board.

[@irishmhw]

This was a great series. Well thought out and nicely analytical. Less balls and more brains. Refreshing in the gun world and very informative. Keep on going!

[@Cohac]

Which is exactly why I love these guys. They're pretty much just informational, with no american nationalism and "yee-haw"-behavior.

[@irishmhw]

Cohac yes they neither try to shame nor try to be tacticool. They are being scientists about the topics imo. Start with a hypothesis and test it with data. Fantastic.

[@Plainsimple67]

@@Cohac 😂😂😂😂 NOW THAT'S FUNNY.

[@ratride1]

Thanks for narrowing down the plethora of ar add on and aftermarket parts for a lightweight build. Your in-depth discussion of why you picked each part was informative. Also helping me come up with the right questions I should be asking myself before I commit to a purchase.

[@CountArtha]

This feels like watching the series finale of a beloved TV show.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I have really enjoyed these videos... I'm bummed that this is the last one. Oh yeah, have y'all noticed that the components chosen are all out of stock :)

[@yurei8368]

I loved this series. It's what got me into InRange in the first place - a buddy of mine showed me the first WWSD video and I was hooked. Sad to see it go but there really is only so much they can talk about with these guns. And yeah - I find it quite compelling how hard it is to find these parts. Perhaps Ian and Karl will've Started Something here. I'm already seeing 'Ultralight' manufacturer rifles on the market, Faxon just released what amounts to an in-house WWSD carbine they pushed hard to get (just) under five pounds unloaded/no optic. InRange may not have *started* that trend but I imagine they helped emphasize it.

[@FirstDagger]

Have you missed that they said they will try to do follow up videos and putting guys with experience behind the gun ? Also I doubt that this is the last we have seen of these guns. Certainly many more event videos will feature them.

[@dominicbadura]

I feel that. I’ve got a completed AR, aside from the barrel. I’ve been waiting over a month for the 16” 5.56 gunner barrels to get back in stock, and I guarantee it’s because of this series that they’re in such high demand

[@AndrewB_M.D.]

Firstly OpticsPlanet! OpticsPlanet! OpticsPlanet! and use IRTV5 for 5% off I bought almost everything from them. Ill break down everything below Aero Precision Upper without forward assist - Wing Tactical Geissele Super Charging Handle - OP Faxon Barrel Perm Flash Hider, 14.5″ PENCIL, 5.56 NATO - OP MWI Low Profile Gas .625 block - OP MidLength Gas Tube - OP Faxon 13″ Carbon Fiber Handguards - M-LOK - OP Bolt Carrier Group - OP Holosun H503C Circle Dot RDS - OP GWACS Polymer Lower - KE Arms (only black :( ) KE Arms SLT1 - KE Arms KE Arms Safety - KE Arms JP Silent Capture Spring - OP Norgon Ambi Mag Release - Wing Tactical PDQ Lever - Teal Blue all other accessories (sling, sling loop, inforce WMLX, M-LOK pic rails, at Optics planet.

[@AndrewB_M.D.]

I will amend this by stating some of the items at optics planet may not be in stock, but they allow you to purchase them which for me is preferable to faxon or aero's websites which have a notify me button. for example I got a notification that aero had the upper back but when I checked the site (4 hours after email recieved) it was out of stock.

[@PGTRegard]

This was a fascinating video series. Turned me on to the GWACS lower, which I now love. Really excited for the Lever Gun video series.

[@jasonjohnson6938]

How did you get your hands on a GWACS lower? I cant find any fir sale at all

[@sumyungguy8322]

Now they should do a "what would Kalashnikov do" rifle

[@InrangeTv]

Some of that will be addressed this year.

[@Bladsmith]

N Y E T, R I F L E I S F I N E - Mikhail Kalashnikov, 2018

[@BigMek456]

Didn't Kalashnikov even oppose the switch from 7.62 to 5.45? So "Nyet, rifle is fine" may have actually been his opinion on the issue lol

[@justjoeable]

I'm thinking what ian and karl would say is that the question will be up to the manufacturers and engineers based on what would be the most cost effective and simplest rifle to manufacture on a massive scale. I'll make the argument that kalashnikov would go with polymer and stampings.

[@joshuabrown7815]

That would just be a plain AKM

[@alchemist889]

5lbs, 2.9oz Nutnfancy: **heavy breathing**

[@oloflarsson1833]

As for the carbon fibre handguard, it's not that the carbon fibre doesn't absorb heat, it's that it doesn't conduct heat. As for that not being important in cold weather, that is actually a very important aspect in cold weather. Steel for instance, will conduct heat away from your body, 9300 times faster than air of the same temperature. At say -40C/F, touching steel will instantly hurt, the same way touching a scorching hot frying ban will and even a short exposure, can kill the tissue, that comes into contact with the metal. For me as a competition shooter, at competitions that are below the freezing point, keeping my hands warm, is my number one priority. That entails stuff, like keeping my handgun under my clothes, as close to the body as possible between stations (others use insulated bags with hand-warmers next to the guns grip), and having enough magazines pre-filled to run a complete competition, without having to fill up any mags.

[@darthhodges]

Karl: The safety's not broken I just have a screw loose. Everyone else: We already knew that, Karl. We've seen your Varestuleka videos.

[@einsatzgruppencommander740]

4:00 looks like a still shot from a new Tarantino buddy Western. These cinematic black bars are getting so thick that I feel like I should be watching this at an independent movie theater. I'm assuming your next series is going to be called "What would Fellini do?"

[@paulwhite959]

My grandfather recently passed; when we were going through his rifles I checked out his scopes. They were mostly Leupolds so not junk, even they weren't absolutely top end. Comparing those 1960s-1980s scopes to even lower end optics today was eye opening. We've come a long way

[@markir9]

I think you guys have nailed it - modern materials, light weight and keeping the spirit of the original AR-15 concept. So impressive, you have designed/assembled a gun that is probably the best AR ever! Well done!

[@markir9]

I just revisited this video - wondering about military applications. So the polymer lower, maybe not robust enough for that usage...what about a carbon fibre equivalent?

[@JG54206]

Not gonna lie you guys make a really solid point about modern red dots being pretty damn durable. I run a Romeo 5 because it’s what I could afford and my gun came with some cheap non Magpul poly sights which came loose and then promptly broke when I attempted to tighten them so they wouldn’t wobble. I’ve seen videos of a Romeo 5 surviving some pretty harsh treatment. I think I kinda agree. If you have an Aimpoint or an EOTech it’s that much better. If I do get some MBUS then I likely won’t be able to mount a magnifier without removing it.

[@Real_Tech_Skills]

Thank you for the excellent series. This type of content is why I subscribed to your channel on Patreon. I also did my own custom AR build. Your build is slightly lighter than mine, but I can live with another 6 oz. If I had used the polymer lower, 14" barrel, and carbon fiber forend it would almost match yours. I used some different parts, but we both have created excellent "go to" weapons if a SHTF moment arrives.

[@TheArmedHermit]

I recently finished a build that I’m using as my main defensive rifle & it’s strikingly similar to what you guys have done. I have a poly CAV15 lower but ended up going with an Aero Precision M4E1 instead. Here’s the setup: - Holosun 515C (what a great optic!) - Streamlight Protac on a M-lok cantilever mount - 2 point sling on qd mounts - 16” stainless barrel w/mid gas system - Magpul K2 pistol grip - Geissele charging handle - 13.5” M-lok free float rail (aluminum not carbon fiber) - Hogue overmold stock (it doesn’t pull my tactical beard hairs) Hate to see this series end, I really enjoyed taking the journey with you guys. Looking forward to what’s next.

[@filmsbydiek7316]

love the wide cinematic aspect ratio! I've been waiting for the final conclusion, have very much enjoyed the series and the thinking of the project. Looking forward to building my own, thank you for the in depth exploration.

[@ab5olut3zero95]

With respect, I personally have had to deploy my BUIS during qualification on the range prior to deploying. I really hear what you're saying about modern optics, BUT when/if your red dot M68 CCO fails for whatever reason- mine was for batteries- you REALLY do not want to be potentially on a two-way rifle range with a blind rifle. For your purposes- YES I agree- Holosun is a fantastic red dot, but for me personally, I will have some for of BUIS.

[@craigcrissman4651]

Did you just literally never change the batteries on that thing? They have a battery life of years. If you don't put at least new batteries in your rifle at the beginning of your deployment then that's on you.

[@Matt61702]

I wish Magpul would get on the polymer lower idea.

[@OrangeAmped]

Matt That is a polymer lower I would actually trust.

[@OrangeAmped]

I would imagine it to be something like an MOE AK triangle stock molded into a K grip and then the lower. It would have metal reinforcement where it matters. It would have more features than the GWACS. It would be more expensive. But it would be nice and worth it.

[@OrangeAmped]

If they went with a triangle stock, I don’t see why it would be heavier; or the weight savings would be rolled into more metal reinforcement.

[@SinistralRifleman]

Magpul is never going to make serialized firearms unless they have a dramatic change in business model.

[@einsatzgruppencommander740]

SinistralRifleman Perhaps they could do what they did with the ACR, and design and develop the rifle, and then license it to an established firearms manufacturer for production (and hopefully they would pick someone far more competent than Remington or Bushmaster). Also, if they make a number of significant improvements that I think are necessary, it's probably not an issue if it weighs a _little_ bit more (you could still easily get a sub 6-pound rifle). This GWACS lower is a solid proof of concept, but it's severely lacking in a number of aspects

[@strub6732]

I built mine about two months ago and the parts are back ordered on most websites. Great job to the inrange team.

[@centblinde1450]

Canadian Army is still using a combined massive frag vest/plate carrier. It is bulky and restrictive, and I would be tempted to argue that the collapsible stock on our C7/C8 is ESSENTIAL with the armour, and sometimes added on that is heavy winter jackets and things such as that. My civilian guns, I don't care. If I wear armour, it's a plate carrier. I don't care if I can collapse my stock then. Also: Metal rails in the arctic are bad juju. The less temperature transfer in something I have to carry, the happier I am. You can wear gloves that are totally suitable for -40 with windchill, if you don't carry a gun, and have them all of a sudden be woefully inadequate with the gun. I hate hate hate hate carrying metal bullshit in that weather.

[@rifleslol]

Agreed, at 5'6" shooting an M16A4 with an IOTV on with plates in it is ridiculously difficult. Even an M4 with the stock only a couple clicks out is annoying.

[@TheBitwise]

Good point. Thank you for serving. I imagine these points also hold true in many other countries north of the 49th parallel. To any non-Canadians: even relatively southern Canadian cities can get ridiculously cold and regularly get 2 feet or more of snow; for example, one day not too long ago, Calgary (not far from the US border) tied with the South Pole for the coldest place on Earth (around -55° C). Understandably, I don't think Karl and Ian get much chance to shoot in those conditions in Arizona. I hope they eventually take a trip and try out inclement shooting conditions up north somewhere during the winter (even though the weather is what many of us here take trips to get away from).

[@einsatzgruppencommander740]

When you say you don't like metal rails, what exactly are you suggesting as the alternative? The Canadian method of staying with the traditional plastic handguard but using that small little 3-way mounting block on the gas block? That's severely limits the number and type of additional items you can mount on your rifle. For some units/militaries that's a complete no-go?.

[@aaronquak2139]

Using one optic (which is, until recently, a remarkable luxury! Cue kids these days comment) and no flashlights/fancy foregrip in conventional warfare scenario is a tiny price to pay, for not having your skin freeze to metal and rip off/muscle shake violently or seize from great cold. I like my skin and motor coordination more than my flashlight/tactical laser/foregrip/MILSTD1913backscratcher tyvm.

[@centblinde1450]

Einsatzgruppen Commander I totally agree on our current system. It's woefully outdated. I imagine a metal handguard with a coating to prevent heat transfer, or a carbon fiber as shown, or really anything that provides SOME help against cold would be acceptable. I don't much care the attachment system, obviously M-lok would be ideal but even a cheese grater could be fine too. As Aaron Quak said, skin is more important than ergonomically perfect mounting points.

[@iainburgess8577]

This project was fascinating. The design excerise, the historical thought, the defined goal, and the process were all very well presented, and I love the end result. The extremely responsible & historically respectful, and culturally respectful (Aussie) attitude you present is also deeply appreciated. Coming into this late, having recently found you. I'm Aussie, and have been interested but not in position to have a gun hobby. Even then, this was really great & I'd love to try one. Not likely to, but...

[@brenryan1]

Watch Ian hit himself in the face with his rifle at 27:05. Played it nice and cool...

[@EasedBluntman]

The slight smirk after says " Play it cool Ian, no one will notice"

[@brenryan1]

Luckily it was a lightweight WWSD build, anything else would have chipped a tooth

[@slinkie2971]

hahaha

[@GetMeThere1]

AND the 80% polymer lower. Leftists are trying VERY HARD to take this option away.

[@GetMeThere1]

@Fawthur Must have intended to respond to another comment -- not sure why I put that here. I was in fact disappointed to find that the unique lower they used doesn't seem to be available out there anywhere...

[@caseybrown5183]

Really enjoyed this series. Haven’t built a clone, but am incorporating many of the components into several rifles, including the first and only rifle caliber firearm my wife has ever enjoyed shooting. You guys are awesome.

[@appliedperformance773]

With red dots ( Aimpoint or EOTech variety). I run a fixed front. Try it out. It’s significantly faster for me. Also with a lot of reps and good consistent contact points it’s possible to be very accurate just using the front sight. Especially through the tube of a down/off optic.

[@MX5autoxer]

I thought they would mention that. If you shoulder the gun, get your normal cheek weld, and put the target in the center of the red dot with it off, you can hit targets under 50 yards fairly easily. If you add a fixed front sight its even more accurate.

[@appliedperformance773]

MX5autoxer Yeah fixed front does a lot. Along with what you’ve said With lower 1/3 it’s affective as height over bore reference in close stuff. It’s a fixed reference for parallax when shooting in tough positions. It helps with speed because it’s fixed. Then it’s an obvious second sighting system. Underrated setup for sure.

[@iLLeag7e]

Can't even accurately convey how much I love this channel. Don't ever stop.

[@MVrockersPS3]

Magpul should make a polymer lower like that. With that name and quality they would sell so many. Might even change people's thoughts on polymer lowers.

[@MVrockersPS3]

Magpul has some of the best polymer in the industry and they could do modifications like removable pistol grips and adjustments for LOP among other things.

[@george2113]

I don't know how ke would feel about joining Magpul for support during the lawsuit

[@Mr.T711]

This was a most interesting project. Taking into account the historical and practical knowledge in the field have created a great reference to assemble a well rounded piece. Very interesting from manufacturing to practical handling and efficiency.

[@davidday6426]

Great job. Very informative series.

[@ibeemeeintp3033]

I enjoyed this school of thought and have implemented multiple of the suggestions to my defensive tools as needed. Thank you for taking the time to make this series 👍😎

[@Shellshock1918]

InRange, now in Panavision!

[@murphy7801]

Adds a spaghetti western feel

[@crunchysuperman]

I can vouch for the popularity of these builds - that pencil barrel was back ordered for several months. This project clicked for me from the beginning. I went with a different trigger, bcg, gas block & a few other items, but I think you guys found the best lower, barrel, handguard & optic for this build and I copied those. Mine ended up at 4.8 pounds and I love it! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@thorsteinwolfgangson2178]

A nice conclusion to a great project. I've learned many new things about firearms and ways of thinking that I really have to thank you. In regards to opinions of other people, I would like to see Larry Vickers and Nutnfancy shoot the WWSD rifle.

[@Carbide195]

Huh, I thought nutn died in a Cerakoting accident.

[@traviswinegarden355]

I have just become a patreon supporter at the 10 dollar level. I love what you guys do and I really want to support you.

[@DevMindset]

Thank you guys for doing the research and testing to make this happen!

[@TheOnyxGeneral]

I loved this series. It was very interesting and i learned a lot from it. I love this channel and Forgotten Weapons. They are the best channels on KZbin in my opinion. Greetings from Ireland.

[@herbvergara1]

You gentlemen did a brilliant job, and thank you for the list of components!

[@petesheppard1709]

EXTREMELY informative! Even if someone doesn't copy your rifles, the information about each part will help customize a rifle more effectively. FOR EXAMPLE, I have always been concerned about those skinny forearms getting hot from shooting; the carbon fiber unit solves the problem. AS TO WEIGHT, the fact that Ian was able to hold his rifle comfortably for half an hour is telling.

[@AM-hf9kk]

Way, way late on this but I'm just now seeing this series and loved watching it. I like the sound of that JP buffer, and I've definitely crossed the BAD lever off the list. I think it's hilarious that my bog standard budget PSA Freedom rifle with an M4 profile 16" barrel and forged lower with cheap red dot and BUIS weighs in at 5.5 lb. No gee whiz carbon fiber or ultra modern polymer lower here. Call it a "junk rifle" if you like, but it goes bang.

[@ZimbabweGoblin]

This is my favorite channel on KZbin. I love the idea of going back to using the AR-15 like it originally was intended. I liked it so much I've taken the time and money to build my own WWSD rifle and I love it! It's now my go to rifle. Fantastic work guys.

[@ThePaintballer1994]

Okay it's been awhile since I've watched any westerns but the framing and aspect ratio makes me think Ian and Karl are about to go down swinging

[@johnsartain6464]

I've only been a subscriber/supporter to the channel for about a year now, but in that time, InRangeTV has coaxed a much more thoughtful approach to gun ownership out of me than I would have thought possible in my younger-&-dumber teen's and early 20's; all of that to just say, thanks, Karl and Ian. Your influence on the shooting community is rightly deserved.

[@naganomancer]

Glad you mentioned the holosun in use with your nvg's. i have a pvs-14 on the way and had just ordered both the holosun reflex, and the same holosun red dot youre using and was a little worried about if id be able to mount my pvs on my rifle in exactly the situation you mentioned.

[@BillM1960]

What a fun sounding project and cool outcome. I honestly don't know that much about guns, but I love your channel(s). As an Engineer I really appreciate your attention to detail and particularly experiment in this case. Well done.

[@cburns0280]

I have loved this series! Thank you for the information and experiences. Tax return might need to be turned into a WWSD rifle for myself.

[@maxpower363]

Even though this project has been totally irrelevant to me due to the laws in this country, I Have massively enjoyed the technical aspects and the in depth evaluation of each component selected. Really interesting when the actual component engineering has been gone into. Cheers fellas, great series. 👍

[@juvonen1000]

I absolutely love this project. Kind of sad it is over, but now that it is could you make a playlist on youtube so all the videos are easily found.

[@gewamser]

I think you guys hit the nail right on the head, through informal research. I think you got an inkling of the importance of the very light AR after you used the SP1 in competition, and a lightbulb went on in your head...this is what Stoner intended! As I may have said before, the M16A1 in my view, was just about perfect, and the imperfections were minor trade offs. Obviously, you figured out practical improvements...without compromising the weight. With the A2 the military got off the wisdom of the light rifle. Having carried the A1 myself, and 60 pounds of gear...the lightness was crucial, but also the lethality of the 5.56 round. Never underestimate the round. Once the problems of the early AR's were worked out...it was great! And 95% of GI's exit interviews gave the rifle high marks. You examined a question a lot of people thought about but never had much data on. Bravo!

[@StMichaelW1]

This project inspired me to do my first AR build with not necessarily all these parts but going for the specific lower and something light on the upper. I got a 1-6 and have been waiting on Gwacs for 2 weeks. They seem to be getting popular and have a hard time keeping up with demand.

[@papacap979]

Menelaos 1-6 what are you shooting pencil length bullets

[@StMichaelW1]

I sent them an email, they're behind on buttplate production right now. It'll be closer to a month soon.

[@SinistralRifleman]

The CAV-15 Mold can run a part every 60 seconds. GWACS was out of the machined aluminum butt plates they now use. They’ll be shipping again soon.

[@deepbludreams]

Hopefuly all this business will allow tthem to design a gen 2 version of their lower, QD points would make this thing golden.

[@bedlamite42]

I've had a pair of Cav Mk2 lowers for about 12-13 years with no problems. One has been used pretty hard.

[@El__Leche]

Incredible, it's about as light as an M1 Carbine

[@LUR1FAX]

Yeah. To put it in perspective, that AR15 weighs about the same as two 1 liter cartons of milk plus one glass of milk.

[@USSEnterpriseA1701]

Well, it was originally supposed to replace the M1 carbine in Air Force service, while bringing a more effective cartridge into the mix. It may not be my favorite rifle design, but it certainly does what it was designed to do when configured properly.

[@kloper2550]

What I loved about this series was your willingness to learn from experience and change direction. You were not wedded to any component or idea other than the initial goal

[@LingLingFromQLD]

This is really the ultimate civilian rifle, if I had to choose one gun to have it would be a WWSD AR15

[@operator8014]

Ehhh. I would go with the longer barrel.

[@weasle2904]

@@operator8014 Then you can

[@operator8014]

@@weasle2904 That's true.

[@gnrfan713]

@@operator8014 16" is the way to go.

[@ashleycalhoun1824]

@@gnrfan713 Here I am with my 10 pound AR with a 20" barrel...

[@kckage]

I really enjoyed watching this series. It really gives me something to think about for my next build.

[@Dr_Cannibalism]

Having really enjoyed this build series, I have to admit that I hope we get to eventually see a "What Would Kalashnikov Do?" series for the AK platform.

[@skogib4846]

Not change too much at all I imagine. Kalashnikov wasn't doing anything groundbreaking with the AK, he was just taking other good mechanical things and putting them together in a functional package before almost everyone else. The difference in design philosophy is massive. Now, a "What Would Stoner Do" AK would be an interesting (and probably expensive and complex redesign) undertaking.

[@SPAZTICCYTOPLASM]

But it would look a lot like an AK.

[@skogib4846]

I hope so, AK are sexy bitches.

[@GC_Rallo]

I think the differences in design philosophy between Stoner and Kalashnikov make it so Stoner is a much more interesting figure to look into, but I do think it'd be cool if InRange atleast took a stab at a "WWKD" project and see how it goes. With Kalashnikov, he was more about making a rifle that could put as much lead downrange as possible without fail and while also being a cheap/simple design to manufacture. He did design one of my favorite rifles of all time, so I have alot of respect for the man, but I doubt a "WWKD" project would result in any revolutionary ideas/perspectives, considering his entire emphasis was on mass-manufactured, rugged rifles and he didn't seem to place much thought into refinement, things like ergonomics, precision accuracy, low weight, etc seemed to not be a huge deal. I'm not sure how much of that was Kalashnikov just building the rifle the Soviets wanted, or how much of it was his own idea of what a rifle should be however, so maybe it would be worth taking a look. Either way, regardless of my preconceived notions about it, I'd watch every damn video of the series!

[@Dr_Cannibalism]

Skogi, I would also watch a "What would Stoner Do" AK series, but I have to wonder if there are any options for low weight parts like the GWACS lower or the Faxon pencil barrel on the market for the AK. It'd certainly be interesting seeing them try to apply Stoner's design principles to it, but I feel like the cost and availability of parts might not be there for it to be realistically possible.

[@UKMilitaria]

This was a great series, looking forward to the next one.

[@mattpelter]

Okay, I realize someone else has probably said this: I understand Ian reasons on why the 14.5" "door-kicker" rifle but, I would figure that the add FPS would be welcomed. I have been slowly buying the parts needed for my own WWSD Rifle but I am glad I held off on the barrel. This actually makes me think about barrel length though, at the end of the day I will probably still go 18" barrel. Which the irony is that I live in a thick wooded area and you all live in open desert where I figured our barrel wants/needs would be just the opposite. (BTW, having just turned 30 today, I figure its time I grew up and got rid of my AR-15 that weighs as much as a M60 lol!)

[@bigt9745]

Get the 18 inch. The range and power is worth it

[@frankh4958]

Ok guys. As a vet who has been issued more than a few "modern" options and a few grab and run options as well.... This is the FIRST of a few million times the AR-15 has been presented to me with any hope of getting one in my hands as a shooter. I have hated these things for years, not for production, or stoner, but all the crap fixes that just aren't fixes in my eyes. I do one off bean fielders professionally and have turned down AR work for years. I am actually interested and moreover, am going to copy your builds for a noodle gun of my own (sorry, a name I may have trouble dropping). Let the money hiding from Bride and Grandchildren commence! VERY well presented! Please do update as time suggests. F-1

[@zwinmar21]

Allow me to give a specific rebuttal: For line infantry I would argue that backup iron sights are essential. Reason: you can not go back to the armorer to get your optic fixed and you have no say in how long you are deployed.

[@BIIGtony]

I somewhat agree but at that point - just put them in a case and throw the case in your bag. I do absolutely see the argument for having them on your person but just like with the bipot for Karls and Ians application - being able to put it on n a moments notice is great but having it on the gun 24/7 is too much of a downside.

[@aspenfacer-valentine4397]

BIIGtony If the sights are going to be in your bag, why not just pack a spare optic with a QD mount?

[@aspenfacer-valentine4397]

BRWaldo97 I thought soldiers were in charge of buying their own optics? But yes, cost (especially with an Elcan or ACOG) can be a problem.

[@scruggs6633]

Soldiers rarely get a say in what weapon they get or what is on it.

[@cracklingvoice]

I was the armorer for a company that deployed to Afghanistan in 2013. Far as the weapon itself, no changes. Things like firing pins, bolt carriers, etc, were not replaceable other than by me or trained weapons maintenance personnel. For attachments like grips and optics, most of my company had invested in some kind of personal item. I had a Knights Armament foregrip on my M4. A few squads worth of people had various combinations of foregrips, slings, lights, and all manner of stuff on their rifles. I didn't mind so long as it fit on the racks since I would recognize certain combinations for certain people and wouldn't have to hunt around. A few people did have a personal optic, in the event they were issued a rifle capable of accepting it and not given a corresponding optic to mount. I still issued optics to more than half of my company, mainly ACOGs and M68 CCOs. Our machine gunners had their own optic type that was issued, can't recall the nomenclature.

[@MegaGouch]

I think this is a great conclusion. You guys are correct in saying a 14" barrel light weight AR can easily be pointed/used/fired with one hand due to the weight being very well centralized, and realistically a 14" barrel is not giving up enough ballistically to a 16-20" barrel that the sole reason you may miss a target would be attributed to the barrel length even out to 600 yards. Personally the only things I would change/add are: Suppressor - I don't live in the USA and these are cheap and easy to obtain and make any rifle so much nicer to be around. QD sling - Be it QG flush mounts or some for of hook, I think being able to remove/re-position a sling easily can be helpful. Lower power optic - I agree that for all the reasons you mentioned a red dot offers a huge amount of flexibility, but there will always be times that a 1-6x optic is a big advantage.

[@briangc1972]

"Why has the AR become a 12 lb behemoth thing?" he asks. Because the tacticool guys need the extra weight to reduce recoil....

[@josuelservin2409]

Thanks for this incredible and detailed project. Even if I'm in a country where I can't aquire a rifle like this, because I love the history & development of weapons, and this look forward to what this plataform can be in our day and age is trully enjoyable. I look forward to the next project! (Even if it is not on youtube)

[@garrettstoker1177]

Excellent job

[@jared016]

Loved these videos, its going to be a bummer to see them go. I know you said you wanted to get them in the hands of some people to try and I hope we will get some videos out of those. Also, would love if you guys where able to do some videos with other KZbinrs. Keep up the good work.

[@Bob-rg3gf]

How about an episode WWSD: suppression. That seems to be the next big thing for the M4...

[@ClawPhD]

This was a great series, please keep these project builds/vids going!!!

[@thomaswallace1319]

Would you have any interest in bringing back the longer barreled gun, or looking into a slightly heavier profile barrel in order to look into an automatic rifle concept similar to the M27? Something designed to be a base of fire for suppression using short bursts of fire but much more maneuverable than an M249?

[@Porty1119]

I'd argue that, unless used as part of a proper MG team, a magazine-fed weapon is far superior to a belt-fed weapon, due to the tendency of a single man to become task-saturated.

[@haasf1513]

It appears that nearly every component selected for this project is now on back order. That should tell you just how influential InRange is as a content provider. Too bad I will need to wait to assembly one, but great content guys. Very well done.

[@angryroostercreations5194]

"you can't Grok this" In 2020 i Grok it. and i'm probably the only person that got that reference.

[@geodkyt]

No, no you weren't. LOL Too bad Karl didn't also throw in "On the bounce" when discussing dynamic movement.

[@BirdyinBOI]

No you weren’t.

[@tripplewhipper]

If you've got a pec15 then sure you probably don't need back up irons because you've already got 2 sighting systems unless of course you're running them as a close range option due to having a scope as your primary sighting system, especially if you prefer to have it at higher magnification for longer range use. Also back up irons can be mounted according to space you have left over, yes you might lose some sight radius but it is a back up not your primary. Do whatever works for you at the end of the day I wouldn't compromise your primary optics for the sake of iron sights but if you can fit them in then why not, the weight they add is negligible at best. Good video as always guys, thanks!

[@BraydonPrice.]

I don't get it? No light weight bolt carrier group? Titanium adjustable gas block matched with a light weight buffer spring? Would you figure saving weight there makes the gun less reliable?

[@Lv-sl3rm]

They used a captured buffer for reliability because of the pin possibly breaking and getting into the FCG, and the lighweight carrier just rubbed them the wrong way with all of the material that was being removed and would recommend a full auto capable carrier or semi one because of reliability.

[@Agallx]

I have mine built with the KP-15 and its intense how light and handy it is.

[@Osmosium2507]

Will you do a mudtest with your WWSD Rifles?

[@4uck7h3Stat3]

It would most likely function just like the other AR they mud tested, and if they mud tested these beautiful rifles I'd have to look away.

[@SgtKOnyx]

I suspect they will do better than the standard AR they already tested

[@shaggnar2014]

They sort of did, only thing that changed is there are even less egress points for dirt. Although I'm uncertain about the ambi bolt release

[@Beuwen_The_Dragon]

They are Ars mate, they've already mud tested Ars.. Mud testing another Ar will be no different than the other Ars they've tested.... It would be redundantly repetitive. =]

[@einsatzgruppencommander740]

A lot of people are saying that this is unnecessary because they already tested a standard AR. However, you're significantly under estimating how different materials and tolerance stacking can significantly change reliability. Just the difference in how the fire control group or the buffer operates in a polymer lower when filled with debris might completely change the outcome (or not). Same thing with the magazine. I think it would be worth testing, though I can understand them being hesitant about wanting to mud up these pretty expensive rifles

[@NookyAvenger]

Thank you for that project, very interesting endeavor and necessary reflection about what was the primary vision of this rifle. I would rock the 10" handguard, less weight and you don't need the space anyway.

[@BH-21-00]

If you need back-up sights, the irons are so small and light you can carry them off the gun and install as needed.

[@BH-21-00]

If you zero them before your optic and witness mark them, you do not.

[@grafixbyjorj]

5:30 The polymer lower/carbon fore end should be just as nice in cold weather as it is in the desert sun. Conduction is what makes hot or cold metal uncomfortable to hold. Lower thermal conductivity and lower specific heat capacity reduces the issue whether it's AZ or AK

[@509Gman]

grafixbyjorj Alaskan here. I concur. I haven’t played with CF, but I can tell you I only want to touch the wood parts of my shotgun when chasing snowshoe hare south of 0°F (gloves be damned).

[@Murphy82nd]

"Some $450 beater rifle that you probably don't want anyway." I don't think the cost of the WWSD is crazy, but this comment is, to me, perhaps ignoring the current state of the market. Brownells has had Aero Precision complete rifles with mid length gas systems for ~$550-$600 pretty regularly. You don't have to buy a DD or BCM to get what is a pretty nice rifle. Now it won't be as light as this, but it also won't be as expensive (and I totally get you have to add in the optic and other component costs). Is the cost worth the weight reduction? It may well be. My point is merely the market is very competitive currently. I think a lot of these weight saving elements could be applied individually and still yield some results to go with the philosophy of weight savings.

[@robertbogan225]

This lower plus any 200 complete upper makes a light Sub 450$ gun.

[@andrealoi4426]

Great series! I've enjoyed it a lot and I think that what you have done, both conceptually and practically, is outside the ordinary. Specialists in the industry and in the military should really look into that.

[@chopinbloc]

If the enemy has NVGs, they'll be able to see the light emitted by your NVGs if they are mounted to the rifle and left on.

[@warlordgonagy143]

Mate, if they have NVG's and they can see the small amount of light emanating from the sight, then they can see you anyways. The point they were trying to make is that an IR laser literally is an arrow pointing directly at you that can be seen for miles around, as opposed to a small plume that you would only see if you were looking directly at the gun anyways.

[@egsmachine]

like a watch, the rifle falls below the threshold of awareness. great series. thank you

[@d4ngru5h83]

Shame I cant do this over here in the UK :'(

[@d4ngru5h83]

On that note however we can get 22rim fire semi autos, so maybe I could get an MnP 15-22 and do this, or is it not compatible?

[@d4ngru5h83]

RockHumper haha, yeah rather sadly I don't see us getting any more freedom in anything (not just firearms) anytime soon, someone has been sent to jail for making a joke in a video that someone deemed offensive, an elderly man was arrested after killing a man in self defense who'd broken into his home. They're also talking about banning 50bmg (for literally no reason), and banning online knife sales, oh yeah, and airgun licencing. Yeah, no freedom coming our way anytime soon I don't think.

[@Pcm979]

Same here. How tough is legally moving to the US, again?

[@d4ngru5h83]

Pcm979 if I were living in different circumstances I'd move to the us or some European country so I could follow a hobby without having to bend over to the government, however the farm ain't gonna look after itself.

[@darthpanzer]

Saiv a loif, bin dat noif. Sorry couldn't resist.

[@levik1832]

I'm really digging the extra wide aspect ration vid format...makes the content seem even more epic! :) Cheers!

[@kodiakkeith]

Try a glass optic in a wet and misty environment and you might change your mind about irons. After all, the front sight can be folded down out of the way and the rear carried in your bag like any other small bit of gear. It isn't just a matter of electronics being more subject to fail in a humid environment, but the glass itself will constantly be fogged, beaded with moisture even when the electronics continue to work. I don't disagree at all with your trust in new electronics, but as backups go, irons are inexpensive, weatherproof and small enough not to be a carry concern.

[@aspenfacer-valentine4397]

I live in Virginia, we have a lot of 90% humidity 90° days. Even during extended range sessions the only scope I've had fog up on me is a Tasco 4x my grandfather bought in the 80's (granted that's out of a sample of three scopes in total). Besides, if that's a concern just get an open reflex sight like the EOtech or the Holosun 510. That way the optics would only fog if they're cold

[@RevRaptor898]

I've got a lot of hours with a steyr aug glass sight as issued standard (old school fixed scope) never had it fog up ever. I guess it could happen but I've never seen it.

[@SgtKOnyx]

They shouldn't fog if they're sealed correctly. (Hint, your car *isn't* sealed correctly)

[@deepbludreams]

Any good optic won't fog, i've never once heard of an ACOG or similer cost optic have issues like this. This is why good optics are sealed and filled with nitrogen.

[@kodiakkeith]

I wasn't referring to an internal leak and subsequent fogging, but rather to wet glass itself. I spent most of my life in coastal Alaska and trust me, when hunting there you will either have BUIS or wish you did.

[@danbuell492]

Thaank you good sirs for your unbiased, well educated opinions. Great info!

[@ThePaintballer1994]

I'm very interested in seeing a "What Would Cooper Do?" series centered on the Scout Rifle. Especially in response to the legions of people screeching about bolt guns not being obsolete. I kinda just imagine a modern Scout Rifle would be some kind of AR10 with a 16 inch barrel or something like that.

[@bryans.3130]

Tremendous work gentlemen. Outstanding!

[@martinzyka6432]

What is the reasoning behind the aspect ratio? I'm genuinely curious btw.

[@InrangeTv]

Focus on content instead of 5:53 ANTS ON GROUND

[@piotraria6809]

Ultrawide is great but you should upload it without black bars. Now i have black bars on the left/right/top/bottom in fulscreen on 21:9 monitor.

[@SgtKOnyx]

InRangeTV now we have to notice the specific way the wind shifts the brush at 18:13

[@spoeny]

InRangeTV Now I want to see those ants... GIVE US THE ANTS!

[@MX5autoxer]

InRangeTV The wide angle was really pleasant. I noticed it right off the bat and thought you were going to make a joke about spaghetti westerns.

[@armoredman]

Thank you for this - I ended up with two of the Cav 15 poly lowers almost by accident and feel much better about building them up. Glad to see you are in AZ - I do my shooting and videos at the Casa Grande range. I met Ian at SHOT 2915 but there is absolutely no way he would ever remember me. :D

[@stefanwolf88]

Is it possible a What would Kalashnikov do / WWKD project - do you think you can apply the same light is fast and fast is good concept to an AK? Or just go buy one of the Jim Fullers guns?

[@hiei248]

Stefan Wolf yes. Spam this to the top!

[@adamr9444]

The AK wasn't designed like the AR though... The AR was designed entirely around the new "space-age" materials of the time. Aluminum and polymers, versus steel and wood. Not that that's a bad thing, but you just can't build an AK like you build an AR.

[@erikd2628]

I'm not sure there's a lot that could be done without being a manufacturer yourself. The best the aftermarket could do for an AK is furniture and optics right now. If I had to piece together something, I'd basically just be looking at a RD gun with maybe a QD mount for a can, AKT trigger, stock of your choice, and the new KNS adjustable piston if it's as nice as it looks.

[@JosephHarner]

Nah, completely different design goals there. For a WWKD project I'd like to see them target lowest cost and highest reliability with fewest compromises.

[@blackrifle3742]

I finished my first AR build, an man i wish i saw this series before i started ordering parts. im having serious regrets lol you guys made some great educated choices on your parts. i hope to build a WWSD AR15 one day

[@raylandraybels9462]

Same, I just threw some m4 profile barrel that I don't know the manufacturer and a billet receiver and have always regretted it.

[@swillm3ister]

Now I'd like to see a new relevant project, What Would Stoner do if he lived in New York?

[@michagebicki5714]

Nothing more to say I guess

[@YesIHaveManyProblemsThanks]

Get the frick out there!

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

Ironic that the AR was developed by Armalite in Hollywood, California.

[@IMfromNYCity]

He would have stayed and fought to the bitter end. Don't flee, because if you do so the anti-gunners will follow you and enact the same restrictions in your new state (just look at Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, and Vermont as examples).

[@con6lex]

I think InRange is planning a series on “what to do if in a restricted state”. There are options like fixed-mag AR, featureless AR, Area SCR, lever gun, SKS.

[@MrChrischi81]

Thank you for all the work you did ,the information gathered by you guys is very valuable

[@character1hotel]

You guys should compare these rifles to the KAC SR-15. People say that it's the rifle that is the true next generation of AR15

[@papaianiuarmy3111]

Herbie Shin true

[@Carbide195]

AFAIK the biggest advantage of the SR-15 is the 'E3 enhanced bolt' with rounded lugs. www.knightarmco.com/weapon-features/e3_bolt/multilug_impoved From an engineering standpoint, they do seem much less likely to suffer from cracking around the base of the lugs (resulting in lugs shearing off), or from the squared corners of the lugs chipping off. I'd bet if you built two bolts with exactly the same steel with exactly the same heat treat, the E3-style one would have a longer lifespan, (I'm unsure of how noticeable that increased durability would be if you're not firing full-auto semi-regularly). However, while KAC sells the E3 bolt standalone, they don't appear to sell E3 barrels standalone, only selling them as a complete upper. Bolt: www.knightarmco.com/12983/shop/rifle-partsaccessories/sr-15-e3-bolt-assembled Upper: www.knightarmco.com/12528/shop/rifle-partsaccessories/upper-receiver-kit-sr-15-carbine-mod-2-14-5-barrel-urx-4-m-lok

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

It's really the proprietary aspect that kills it. I would be interesting if all AR-18 clones started using rounded bolts and barrel extension lugs and that standardising was retroactively applied to AR-15 parts.

[@SK-bu1ft]

Or the LMT New Zealand contract rifle...

[@shaggnar2014]

Hardly, the only true next gen AT-15 is the Adcor with the forward charging handle. It only lost out on the new US Army contract due to cost issues

[@mmelgoza1983]

What an amazing series! Sad that it's coming to an end! Let's see some WWSD reaction vids!

[@yankeeredneck7229]

Had to re-watch the video you're selling them now in 2020

[@TheDougwoods]

Me too man. I rewatched the whole series.

[@MauldtheMan]

I did quite enjoy this series; thanks for putting it all together, fellas. You dispelled a lot of myths and championed many more otherwise less accepted (by the majority) alternatives for the AR. With the AK market beginning to offer so much in the way of accessories and upgrades, I'd like to see a WWKD (What Would Kalashnikov Do) type project in the future after said market really starts takes off. Mind you, I realize that Mr. Kalashnikov had completely different end goals and usability ideas for the AK when it was made, so the project would have a completely different catalyst but the end result would be just as interesting.

[@jimt1864]

Did Karl quote Heinlein? You don't "grok" this, statement about 23 minutes in. Just another reason I like these guys, some many other reviewers/presenters become one dimensional operators and loose themselves. InRange stays true to who they are. Thanks for the series, I look forward to the next one.

[@nickhankey3370]

That caught my attention too. This is still one of my favorite channels.

[@zibingotaeam3716]

I noticed it as well, am I part of the cool guy club now? To be fair, its a very fitting way to describe what he means to say.

[@con6lex]

“Grok” used to be used in the computer field, and that is where Karl came from (maybe still is)

[@happyhaunter_5546]

I really really enjoyed this series. Thanks Ian and Karl. Looking forward to the next big thing; still planning on the what-if levers were standardized? Thanks for the best content on the internet.