Another Fire Damaged AR - Test Firing - Part 4

Another Fire Damaged AR - Test Firing
A total of 5 parts had to be replaced to get this gun running:
-Buffer Pad (Discussed in a previous video)
-Pistol Grip (Discussed in a previous video)
-Extractor Spring
-Ejector Spring
-Disconnect Spring
1st Video • Another Fire Damaged A...
2nd Video • Another Fire Damaged A...
3rd Video • Another Fire Damaged A...
We have another fire damaged AR in the shop. We reassembled this AR without replacing ANY parts. We gauged it, inspected it, and then test fired it. We wanted to see what original parts will work and what will fail. Parts were only be replaced when we have a malfunction, then we retested until we had 100% function.
This gun cant be trusted for serious use, so we will help the owner get a new rifle. The important part is the owners and his family are safe.
Geissele has already offered to replace the Geissele FCG with a new one. I reached out to Daniel Defense and they will assist with replacing any of their unusable components. SOLGW is replacing the lower receiver.
The gun community can be a brutal place but the good ones in the community always find a way to help those in need.
The post below is how I found out about this AR:
pCj8Xt89Ao...

[@mckenzietotherow1790]

This is my rifle and I can't tell you how big my smile was to see this rifle shoot again. And again thank you very much Chad for reaching out to me and then going above and beyond to contact these manufacturers to try to replace it. Daniel-

[@seanoneil277]

It's amazing, eh? Even with the bowed magwell she runs. Worth display & demo as "resurrected from fire." Sorry about your fire.

[@RichardCranium321]

whatcha doin with that "bad" disconnect spring? lol... jokes aside, hope everyone was ok & nobody hurt in the fire. this was heartwarming to watch and i am looking forward to seeing it all done. would be a great "battle worn" finish, though, wouldnt it? p.s. i bought a geissle bolt catch because of this video, thing still looked new & its cool to see mfgr's coming together to help a customer in their time of need

[@JEJAK5396]

Sorry for your fire, my family’s house burned down in 2016, and I don’t wish that on anyone. Glad you’re safe, and that you’ll get at least one gun back to you.

[@Hellsong89]

If you dont mind, how devastating was the fire and where was the gun located in the house? Just wondering how hot it got and was is empty at the time? These details effect on what can be expected from another gun in similar situation.

[@seanoneil277]

@@Hellsong89 I've had to investigate fires, damage, causation in my career and I'd say one fire tells you nothing about another, for predictability's sake. For curiosity, sure. But it won't tell you anything about "what to expect" because fires are dynamic both within themselves and compared to other fires.

[@ToddEStewart]

Pretty incredible how durable the design is.

[@rpetty]

I learned more in 36 minutes than i have in most classes on AR-15 operations & maintenance. Well done.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

This whole channel is a treasure trove of information. I've got a whole sheet of diff in spec numbers he's rattled off over the years. Firing pin protrusion limit short and long, buffer spring length, carrier length, trigger/ hammer pin holes etc etc.

[@charlieghague]

Chad is a freaking treasure! I've learned so much watching these videos. It's really opened the platform up for me and I feel a lot more equipped to spot issues and diagnose problems. And I haven't even taken a class! That's just from watching videos. You're the man, Chad! You're really doing us a huge service putting this info out there for free. Thank you.

[@jjones503]

That's why they call him Chad. He's a Chad! Lol

[@d_murdatorres50]

Yeah for real man, i want to go to sdi and get my ffl and chad is helping me get a head start lol thanks chad your the definition of a chad

[@cheeseandpickles98]

I have aswell I will be seriously considering tuning up my springs

[@terrycostakis6284]

Agreed. The AR design is outstanding.

[@EarthAltar]

The troubleshooting value of this video alone cannot be overstated. Still, it was pretty damn entertaining to see that zombie gun raised from the dead. Thanks Chad! Happy New Year!

[@charlieghague]

I know. I could literally watch Chad work on guns all day long. It's therapeutic for me.

[@livefreeprintguns]

These are some of the best videos on KZbin period.

[@christinepearson5788]

Three springs and it's ready for New Vegas. You earned yourself a Nuka Cola. This one was just as interesting as the first fire damaged video. Great job Chad, keep up the excellent videos

[@KristoffFry]

If I learned anything from this video, it is this: don’t underestimate the importance of the ejector and extractor springs.

[@djinfwb]

Amazing how few springs it took to have it functioning!! I noticed that all the springs that were replaced were “Compression” springs. Interesting!!

[@Bigdaddyslasher]

Bright and early

[@DogeMcLovin]

Always such interesting breakdowns for ARs that have been through unique situations. Great camerawork as per usual - thanks!

[@Antykain]

Pretty impressive results with the rifle.. and only 3 springs having to be replaced! Even more impressive! I remember reading an article some time back about Daniel Defense taking care of one of their customer who also had lost a DD rifle in a house fire. I believe it was a DDM4V7 if I remember correctly. The customer had posted somewhere showing the fire damaged rifle, and it got back to DD. DD reached out to the customer and asked them to send the rifle back to DD. In turn, DD sent the customer a new DDM4V7 in it's place.. I thought it was really cool to hear about DD doing this. Especially since is wasn't a manufacturer defect or the like. Makes me feel good about my DD purchase.. :)

[@malcolmpalm]

It's good to be back in the SOTAR shop hanging out and taking notes. Thanks for sharing!

[@markcmann]

Excellent video. I loved the step-by-step diagnostics of each spring. 🇺🇸👍🏻

[@DACFalloutRanger]

Man I've REALLY missed these long videos

[@bradleysmith4630]

It would be heaven to mess around in your shop.

[@terryboone3333]

I could watch this channel every day. You do a very good job of showing everything there is about the ar-15.

[@darkh0st]

I’m curious to know how these were stored when the fire occurred? Were they in fire rated safes or out in the open? Solid video!

[@seanoneil277]

Chad, this diagnostic on extractor and ejection function alone would be awesome. To have the other spring diagnostics is your Christmas present to us. Thanks as always for your wisdom and experience. Happy New Year to you & your family.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Really pretty cool and educational. Of course we all would just put an entire spring set in the gun. But its pretty cool to see how little it took to get it running again! Really great all the manufacturers are replacing their parts and you guys are helping him so much. I appreciate learning what it took to get it running as well. Thanks!

[@JJP937]

Dude watching you tear through the upper and lower and BCG so fast is impressive

[@Turboy65]

I'm honestly not surprised at all with these results.

[@waruikoneko1635]

I've learned more by watching your short videos than I have in years with the AR. TYSM!

[@n6mz]

Eugene Stoner == GENIUS. Really enjoy these kinds of videos, thank you.

[@alfonsogumucio7354]

watching you made me build my first ar, thanks Chad!

[@abolishtheatfandrepealthen6963]

Looking forward to watching this

[@kenharrison3364]

I’m surprised that only 3 springs were replaced. If it came back to me I’d want all the springs replaced. But great education video thanks. 😊

[@steveninaz9576]

Thank you Sir

[@CornpopOG]

I love the Maritime bolt catch

[@Nope145]

Every time I watch one of your videos I understand my weapon system a little bit better. Thanks for sharing.

[@Chris_A_]

*"End of the World gun"* *Amen to that statement*

[@thedeathwobblechannel6539]

I guess for the apocalypse preparer you should have stock, pistol grip and handguards stored somewhere, along with a few sets of springs.

[@newerest1]

Multiple complete rifles and an extra parts kit or two

[@guyfranks4354]

Audio is slightly muffled when the face shield is left down for commentary after test firing and when the 3 springs were replaced on the bench. I learned so much from this video. Thank you.

[@ricktenter1631]

Great info Chad. Thanks for the continuous information!

[@boxcomix1]

This guy ARs!

[@darknet180]

Glad you were able to assist, and interesting to see that the majority of the parts were still in usable condition. I went through an apartment fire that resulted in a total loss as well. Glad the owner and his family are alright, I hope they are able to recover soon.

[@eloiseharbeson2483]

These videos make me appreciate just how rugged that system is.

[@vinceburris2538]

Thanks Chad, great educational videos.

[@darioinfini]

Really satisfying watching you work. Like OCD satisfying. Confidence. Competence. Completeness.

[@paulis7319]

This almost makes me wanna throw one of my AR’s in the burn pile, replace the damaged parts, and use it as an “end of the world” gun at the range. It would definitely be a conversation piece. 😂

[@nohandle74]

Man u are not shy with the juice

[@johnwitherell6662]

Very excited about that new magwell gauge.

[@musician445]

This was an awesome opportunity to showcase diagnostics.

[@awesomedave8484]

Thanks for sharing.

[@edwardwade2696]

Very informative.

[@richevans1270]

Wow this video is so great for diagnostic info !

[@ElTejon47901]

Great video. Simply fascinating.

[@slappp6163]

I would love to see a 100yrd 5 shot group

[@bmoraski]

Very educational. Thanks.

[@jp71889]

Love these videos man. So informative and becoming therapeutic

[@ThePatriotParadox]

Awesome Chad.... And this is an amazing system that we're all learning about and can't get enough of!!!! Great video

[@davekreitzer4358]

Another great video Chad ! Really surprised only three springs and good to go , even the distorted receiver worked , fabulous !!! As always , looking forward to the next video , thanks for sharing !!! 😎

[@triton302]

Fantastic video Chad. Can't wait to see what else you have in store for the rifle.

[@GickelsGaming]

this was just an overall awesome video on how to inspect, function test and lubricate a firearm!

[@omegaentertainment1]

Very informative and educational video. I'm at idiot for thinking the original grip survived the fire and there was an A2 grip on it haha. ***

[@veronicaskov3752]

In Japan they call old people living treasure and he is clearly one.

[@bobfugazy4916]

Thank you Sir. This was very educational to me. Thanks for taking the time to make this so that we can all be more educated on the AR15.

[@leedixon4962]

Another great video, The fire damaged series of videos are some of my favorites.

[@claponclapoff6]

After 30 plus years of house painting I want to put my brushes away and become a gunsmith and or armorer.

[@RichardCranium321]

i wouldn't necessarily say that was a "bad" disconnect spring.... lol

[@channelmachinebroke9638]

it looks pretty cool with the fire damage, obviously not the most trust worthy but im glad that it still works.

[@jzenlasaar7558]

Amazing! Thank you Chad!

[@johngalt176]

I love the bottle of home made sriracha around your neck. lol

[@charlesgillette2925]

Outstanding Video thank you.

[@neil2945]

Thanks for sharing

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

Chain saw protection uses ballistics nylon. If you want some more leg protection.

[@johnwallace7694]

This channel is the best , i just stumbled upon it , Great content , im hooked

[@Jim202030]

So I am not a tard with these even though I am new to AR, I grew up around hunting rifles and shotguns and was always an AK fanboy which I think is good for young men that just need something that works when you need it. But your channel really helped me nerd out on going to he next level man. I love the attention to detail and the little tips. i.e different lubes and gews blue green red. Things to look out for with ware. Big time on understanding the gasing and implications, signs of one way or another, and the work arounds, feed ports too. Also, love the black aluminum stuff, my expensive flagship had a big scratch that really helped make less annoying. I feel a cheap rifle put together right far outweighs high end builds not put together with care and foresight for the sum of the parts.

[@marktucker6749]

One of your best videos!

[@lzxray6781]

God Bless Eugene Stoner, he took a lot of crap from the swamp ordnance department and others but he persevered. I think he would be proud of how his design has become so popular to the American people.

[@sar4x474]

You should do one on rifles damaged in boating accidents. I heard that happens a lot.

[@20sasrog06may27]

awesome,, nice tips

[@toshmiller5571]

Thanks Chad

[@nickloven6728]

That lube looks like forbidden vape juice

[@Jetsetterak]

Chad great work as always and if anyone gets the opportunity to take a SOTAR class , I would definitely recommend taking a class !

[@claytonb7915]

I know I'm late to the game...I recently discovered Chad and Donna. I'm subscribed and watching the backlog of videos because I love all of the content and really appreciate your attention to detail; both in the educational information and the videography! Thank you and keep up the great job. Also, are the reproduction magwell gauges available for purchase and I missed the store?

[@percisionshot4331]

Man I’ve built a few guns but I learned some things watching this video. Just became a subscriber

[@737Garrus]

I call that USGI Magwell Gauge "The Hammer Of Truth" thanks to an earlier video where such a gauge was involved.

[@matthewlogan4616]

that barrel really looked like it got really hot. you can see the rings on it

[@BobbyB910]

Dude you got a sub this is awesome stuff

[@jefferyboring4410]

Bud gave me a fire damage psa freedom it was really bad I only used the bolt barrel and all other steel trigger etc parts and the stock tube it’s a good running gun with new receivers and springs and plastic. I had to re torque the bolts on the bolt they came loose

[@craiggarrett2603]

It's amazing what can be done with guns that people assume are totaled. My dad accidentally put a .30-06 round thru his sako av .300 win mag, which broke the stock, blew out the extractor, blew open the floor plate and bent/blew out the spring and follower. When I inherited it I had the barrel checked for safety and since it was a 30 cal he put thru it the barrel was ok. I replaced those parts above, and put a new sling, scope, and bipod on it and she's back to like new.

[@coltonevans3054]

That AR gives clapped out AK vibes. Very cool

[@thedeathwobblechannel6539]

I have to admit the bore of that barrel looked pretty damn good

[@11ride4life]

Geissele trigger, smith vortex flash hider, FN lower he had nice parts there. Similar to a few AR build of mine

[@bglenn2222]

I would love to hear a short video on your thought process for your application of lubrication. So much of where you added doesn't see any contact with the receiver. Also, extra oils attracts carbon and gasses. I'm not in any way saying you're wrong. I'm truly curious of why you recommend what you're recommending. Also, I run that same lubrication. I've done over 1k rounds on a single application and still had lube where I put it at the start. I'm incredibly impressed with Spec76!

[@kylehansen6580]

Think it's just a peace of mind thing. Like he said, it's like a dipstick. If it's dry you might want to lube a tad

[@MultiOutdoor1]

Any tips on removing spray paint from a upper without stripping the finish underneath? Thanks

[@rossearles4333]

You might have done this already, but with all of this gauging you do with tolerances etc, I think it would be cool to assemble the "test/gauge-perfect" rifle build! That is the whole reason for testing all of these tolerances, correct? Make the "perfect" rifle per spec! Thanks for the great vids as always, sir!

[@privateassman8839]

15:19 😳 almost ND'd there

[@hongshephong3301]

Perfect i love this video

[@Mikey1951ful]

It's alive!

[@DDGVET4]

When replacing the extractor spring what is your take on an extractor spring insert and "o" ring? Gimmick or a true upgrade? I really enjoy these videos showing real world repairs to damaged and inoperable firearms including the use of specialty tools. Thanks!

[@seanoneil277]

There's at least one SOTAR video in his back catalog discussing the spring & insert & o-ring questions, I've watched it before but can't recall what its title is.

[@alexugorcak6159]

Thoughy enjoyed your video ,your the man

[@brandonrupp5880]

What about guns recovered from boating accidents? There are probably a lot of those. Lol.

[@williamtreadway9574]

Ohhh, interested in the mag gauge!

[@kevinbachant8811]

Think you could bend that mag well back closer to spec in a vice possibly?

[@kainhall]

12:36 just because i had to replay it a few times.... . he said "buffer already popped out their.... idk if you guys caught that" . i thought he was talking about "popping the trigger" or something but ya... you can see when he pulls the lower back... the buffer popped out (or maybe he didnt pull it back.... and it was the buffer spring that moved it back)

[@joshuakang4507]

Hey Chad, love your videos. I wanted to ask what your opinion is on the current AR15’s made by Colt

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Colt AR's are consistently good. I see lemons from time to time, and they don't always look pretty but the inspection processes they use reduce the chances of a lemon making it out the door.

[@BenMurr]

What roll pin punches do you buy? I see the one you drove the ejector in with was captive.

[@davidwarren4034]

I'm sure this was covered in the class but I don't remember, what is the point/ purpose of the insert in the extractor spring?