TESTED! The NEW Thunder Ranch Edition Aero AR-15: A Turnkey Fighting Rifle

[@AeroPrecision]

You rocked that rifle, James! A pleasure as always.

[@Jedidiah-r1m]

Not a good enough thumbnail for you guys tell james

[@AeroPrecision]

@@Jedidiah-r1m We will pass along the message.

[@velociraptorlegs.]

Are they 1-8 twist???

[@AeroPrecision]

@@velociraptorlegs. Twist is 1:7

[@mandodelorian4668]

rocked that rifle like he rocks them booty shorts, get some!

[@Mogas0311]

“Don’t learn new shit in a fight”. Wise words from a wise man.

[@izdabombz]

You obviously don’t watch anime!

[@willl7780]

@@izdabombz 🤣

[@Mrgunsngear]

need one in my life

[@natestain7103]

Love your channel Mike!

[@Jeff.78]

For around a grand, that leaves plenty for a light and drum mags💸💸💸

[@gavinm1347]

Lol you always need every gun

[@MeadowShreder4]

Ryan Markham Don’t count on MBUS Pros.. My complete upper just arrived and has regular old MBUS sites, kind of feel like the people in this video misinformed me... Hope that’s where it ends.

[@chrisc5999]

Still out of stock folks

[@TheBillyReb]

Considering that Benjamin Franklin proposed that America's national bird should be the turkey, maybe Aero & possibly TR should bring out a limited edition "Turkey" AR-15.

[@Jeff.78]

My birthday occasionally falls on Thanksgiving and I'm all for a Thunder Ranch Turkey Rifle🦃

[@johnh.tuomala4379]

@crazy silly That was Jefferson.

[@J.Young808]

Palmetto made a Turkey AR lower a couple of years back. I got one and it says plucked and stuff on the selector. But I’d like an Aero

[@Killaknott27]

that lone dude out there with an AK in Clints class, I wanna know how much he yelled at you. hahah

[@olisk-jy9rz]

How much THEY yelled at him, you mean

[@Genesis23OPB]

"choice paralysis" never heard that before, but could not think of a better description of that condition myself 😁

[@Genesis23OPB]

@Jonathan Spier its basically the same thing, no? once you start analizing disadvantages and advantages of several things, you either end up not choosing at all or just barely.

[@hshs5756]

Does the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) work for shopping?

[@Genesis23OPB]

@@hshs5756 not of you have lots of good arguments on lots of different things im afraid.

[@lucasfilmfan]

I have always called it paralysis by over analysis.

[@MrStropparo]

Genesis23OPB potato chip aisle

[@derekstehl]

Aero makes awesome AR15's. I worked there for 3 years and I've seen every aspect of their manufacturing. It's top shelf.

[@erickzuniga3113]

I built an aero around 6 months ago. The value you get is amazing. Solid workmanship and insanely underpriced. I only fear that everything they make will keep on selling out.

[@AeroPrecision]

We appreciate that. Doing everything we can to keep up.

[@theoracleprodigy]

Just built one last night. It was very competitively priced and worked 100% today. It feeds better and runs better than my Saint.

[@philc8072]

I've built four Aero Precision M4E1's. They are no doubt my top choice now. They are so well made. Fit and finish are top notch.

[@jerdog333]

5.11 needs to make some James Reeves short shorts like how Aero makes the TR special AR-15. You'd be bigger than Jordan!!! Great videos brother. Thanks for all the great content. And please let me get a pair fo shorts before they sell out! Haha

[@andrewtucker7990]

The biggest thing I can take away from this is: Out of stock Out of stock Out of stock Out of stock

[@seanc6170]

What if you wanted to go to Heaven, but God said OUT OF STOCK

[@andrewtucker7990]

@@seanc6170 I think you already know the answer to that.

[@warrenharrison9490]

Still out of stock 1 month later😐

[@Strawman333]

When i see "in stock" i get so giddy... haven't been giddy in awhile.

[@andrewtucker7990]

@Remington Steel you and I both, my friend.

[@governmentcalamari9785]

Clint is a teacher at heart the smile he got when he said 50 years say it all

[@NoMadChib]

Haven't seen booty shorts in a while... what is this military arms channel or something?

[@robertmccann5838]

This ain't Rhodesia

[@johnL-xk2js]

Yeah he always wears those, just a little distracting considering the content. I might add it s also a fashion risk!

[@darrinjones9387]

Too Gay even for me.

[@MrMarnold6]

Hahahahaha

[@stevenhumphrey868]

@@darrinjones9387 you folks forget that every single military personnel LIVES in these shorts.

[@CzechoslovakGunStories]

I read Turkey Fighting Rifle and was wondering whether the poor animals really need such caliber or if Turks started making AR-15s... damn I need another coffee

[@joelerk6298]

How are Czech gun laws sir?

[@alphasierrazulu]

Emu War II

[@Taistelukalkkuna]

Turkey Fighting Rifle? You have my attention. Next Thanks Giving will be different.......

[@Johnny_Cash_Flow]

Same lol

[@TuckerDale89]

I thought i was the only one

[@Genesis23OPB]

1:59 hey James, did 5.11 only give you one knee protector? you sure as hell could have used a second one apparently.

[@tfbtv]

Ha. We were doing one knee drills and kinda rolled right into double kneeling right away.

[@craftsman89d92]

TFB TV used to being on both knees I c lmao 😂

[@davec.3198]

I was expecting to see 1" thick callouses on both knees...but that's just me. hahahaha

[@MongooseTacticool]

@@davec.3198 that's how he got the rest of the plane ticket! Lol

[@bfish9700]

I really want 2 of these stripped uppers. All of my AR's are no forward assist (mostly aero) and I love the M4e1 lowers, these look so good!

[@rustynut1967]

I'm building 2 ARs with Aero receivers and would have bought the no forward assist but didn't know of them.

[@starxlord9856]

@@rustynut1967 you don’t need it until you need it.

[@kingbaldwiniv5409]

Aero is one of the 2 or 3 parts makers I use in my builds. Always great parts.

[@schulzbrianr]

I swore the title was "Turkey Fighting Rifle"

[@Genesis23OPB]

glad im not the only one. damned be the lazy human eye that only reads the first and last letter to make up the rest in between by itself.

[@davidherbst]

Me, too. And I’m disappointed it’s not. I’ve been seeing a lot more wild turkeys around these parts than usual, and I’m starting to wonder what they’re up to.

[@tfbtv]

Ground birds *are* aggressive

[@joemoment-o1275]

@@tfbtv Emus and Australians...

[@jasona99]

Me too, and turkeys are shady AF

[@TommyboyGTP]

I like the no forward assist as a lefty because using an ambi charging handle, the damn thing is in the way and is a knuckle buster if you aren't wearing good gloves.

[@FlyingNDriving]

There's nothing else ambi about this rifle tho

[@TommyboyGTP]

@@FlyingNDriving That's fine i've been shooting mostly non ambi guns since i was a little kid and i'm in my 40's now. Only ambi features i've added to my AR was a safety lever. Everything else is easily reached.

[@darrinray550]

So, you need to use the vltor mur1a... Absolutely the best forged upper ever ever ever. I'm a lefty rifle shooter too

[@travisp11]

I wanna see a Fighting Turkey Thunder Ranch Edition Aero Rifle released engraved with a ¨Tactical Tom¨ on the receiver. Now that would be awesome!

[@Quality_Guru]

Aero Prevision is using automated measurement points at each step of the manufacturing process. Not sure if they are using statistical process control but their parts are built with the least of amount of standard deviation in their tolerances. I’m surprised that you didn’t know about their exceptional quality at a budget friendly price. They will keep pace with any of the high end ARs at half to one third of the cost.

[@thecuriouspatron]

I hate manufacturer's thinking that a "complete" upper doesn't include a bcg and charging handle. It's not complete at all without those. It's an "assembled" upper but definitely not complete.

[@h3brew]

Working on my 2nd M5 Aero 308. Has to be number 8 of my "builds" using there receivers and rails. Great stuff, and I dig that its made In my home state.

[@3eightiesopinion524]

I heard the only practical use for a forward assist is to lower the noise you make chambering a round. You let the charging handle forward slowly and tap the bolt home

[@gansior4744]

AR's kinda get dirty after some time. It helps to put the BCG into battery after charging or a press check

[@3eightiesopinion524]

@gansior4744 idk man ive never cleaned any of my ars or my ak. Easily have ove 1k rounds in all of them... they are atrociously discusting but they run

[@pukk9445]

i just watched an 18 minute commercial, and enjoyed it....

[@GammaAKF]

A video of James in actual pants? That's not what I came here to see.

[@dylconnaway9976]

Aero is definitely an outstanding company. Solid engineering and outstanding customer service.

[@user-cq6km9vq2m]

6:36. LOL I like how even when James is only two feet away, he's watching his Areo like a hawk. That's true love bro.

[@mastodon24]

If anyone is curious how much this build weighs (like I was); it comes in at roughly 8lbs 9oz (without magazine or ammunition).

[@DayBowBow]

Damn that's pretty heavy

[@MartyBugg]

I'm not in the market for another rifle. But I'm interested in any Clint Smith video for his wisdom. Thanks for all Clint content.

[@richardwaid4718]

Nice to see Clint’s validation of the Aero product. I have been hunting for several years with Aero upper and lower builds in 300 blk out. Several don’t have a forward assist. Glad to see the ones you were shooting didn’t have a forward assist. I always thought that was a solution looking for a problem. More credible than my opinion is the fact that my old gun smith buddy, former Marine only buys and builds with Aero parts “ best bang for the buck, says he”. I would like to recommend that you look at Rise Armament’s RA 140 trigger $129 if you want an outstanding trigger 3.5 lbs for a reasonable price. Ive found them on sale for around $90 before and bought 3. Huge difference from stock trigger! Thanks James for the video.

[@gavinm1347]

I love the forward assist, especially due to my winter climate. In northern NH we get freezing rain all fall and early spring. I’ve had it prevent my BCG from going into battery many times. Quick hit of the forward assist sends it home always. Rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it!!!

[@bishopgeorge1333]

Oh now I want one, I'm building the Aero Precision AR-10 .308 this will go good with the Thunder Ranch, great video for this retired military guy.

[@duncanhynes929]

An Aero M5 .308 18" chrome moly with M4-72 brake gave the 150gr NonTypical 2963fps out the gate, chrony set up 7 feet away. The 175gr Hornady match was clocking at 2450fps. 2415Ft/lbs and 2332Ft/lbs. 1/10 twist. Rifle built well, did change charge handle to a Breek Arms to clear scope better. Other mods like 2 stage trigger and ambi release and Ergo grip makes for a smooth hard hitting hog gun. Just heavy at 12 pounds with 20 box mags

[@miguellucero]

I neeeed this. Thank you for this build. Perfection.

[@h3brew]

Johnny B spotted! Plinking like Hill person! 😎 Yaa boi

[@kevinfitzsimmons1258]

thank you so much for your transparency on the 5.11 thing I really appreciate it.

[@danielclemens4701]

Aero offers great value with a great degree of fit and finish. Customer service is absolutely top shelf too.

[@AeroPrecision]

Thanks Daniel!

[@kelechenyi]

I just learned about Aero and that got my 1st build going(M5). Part of the reason I am getting into a build in December is because parts for the most part things are OUT OF STOCK. I see OUT OF STOCK and my love of going out and hunting down those OUT OF STOCK parts. Awesome Job on the run down of the AR15.

[@wonderloaf]

The slow mo Baywatch style running caused a stirring in my loins.

[@venomousduck2714]

Because of your praise, I ordered an aero x-15. I, too, thought too cheap to be good. Should be in for pickup in a couple days.

[@flying_houseboat8668]

I’m building the real Aero ultimate firearm. M5 .308 12.5” pistol. Doubles as a flashbang when clearing buildings lmao

[@thenathanr4243]

@Remington Steel I don't think Flying houseboat wants functional ears...

[@ChrisG1392]

Muzzle brakes are definitely loud outside but in a confined space I don't think they're going to be that much louder because the space already concentrates the pressure so the difference would be less than it is outside.

[@trilliamogdlocog4986]

I like the design alot I have a skeletonized lower made me realize even more benefits it can serve as.

[@dandexinventor]

Aero is my top choice when building my own stuff, which I have been doing for twenty-three years now...I really like the S1 hand-guard. These designs are well thought through. In other words, the choices I've made narrowing down what works well from real experience, parallels what Clint and AP came up with...a sort of second witness. I have another version with an 18" HBAR which shoots 3/8" groups consistently. When I can discipline myself enough to stop spending so much on this hobby and get to Thunder Ranch for training, I'm set.

[@marcppparis]

The video I want to see is Clint’s “review “ of the Pen-15

[@bigghoss762]

More manufacturers need to offer pinned and welded 14.5/14.7" uppers.

[@NGMonocrom]

I came................ For a great video, and I wasn't disappointed! Awesome. Better combo than P.B. & J.

[@mdfroman2235]

I've been all Aero all the time since the M4E1 first came out and don't think twice about sticking a Noveske, DD, BCM CHf-CL barrel or LMT enhanced bolt in Aero's excellent forged receivers.

[@wellregulated8725]

Pretty much the 14.5” that I did! Awesome collaboration!!

[@ucdan5]

The line to adopt Clint Smith as your grandfather starts after THIS GUY!!!!

[@CJLiveFromTheOutdoors]

Great video! Thanks!

[@jakebarbet2549]

Another great video, thanks!

[@B3nz1on]

Ok you got me I want one !! **OUT OF STOCK**

[@marvinbrock960]

Aero Lowers are the best! No roll pins! Threaded Allen screws for bolt release and trigger guard! 🇺🇸

[@stefens3135]

I've been trying to buy to lower. Sells out immediately.

[@stayfrostie2583]

Unfortunately you can't hardly find anything in stock at Aero Precision... but I am glad you are able to acquire one. I have been checking for almost months now for an 10.5-11.5 built upper with email notification. Haven't had one 10.5 come in stock YET...

[@sensi247]

Good honesty on how sponsors work. Goes well, you get a plane ticket and we get decent content 🤙

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

I have an ME5 from Aero I use for hogs. Really accurate rifle; I LOVE it!

[@briarus1000]

"never learn new shit in a fight" should be made into an "epic guy" shirt. i don't usually learn new shit in a fight, but when i do i learn it fast!

[@peacefromwar7564]

Picked up the 14.5 upper. Paired with a colt bcg & ch. runs like a sewing machine. And light a/f. I built it off an Aero lower (windowless).

[@brucemasson]

Too much fun at Thunder Ranch. Looks/feels like home.. Nice vid..

[@MrMarnold6]

"Do you want to do that over again?" "Nope." Your videos are the awesome.

[@dwighthopkins6566]

I recently purchased a complete Aero AR-15 mainly because of the price. I knew they had a good reputation so finding a very lightly used one for under $500 was a steal in my opinion. The gun runs flawlessly but if I could change one thing it would be deletion of the forward assist like Clint specified on the TR model. The "jam button" did exactly that to me on my first outing with the gun. Old habits die hard and it took me about 20 minutes to disassemble and un-jam the rifle. A bad magazine was the cause but that jam button made things way worse. This is a great rifle that Clint and Aero came up with!

[@AeroPrecision]

This is exactly Clint's point on the forward assist. Why would you want to force something in to the rifle that didn't want to go on it's own?

[@dwighthopkins6566]

@@AeroPrecision exactly right. The problem is that I was trained that way and I've spent years overcoming that. That recent event just reminded me how bad that habit is and how it could seriously affect a fight in a permanently negative way. Train, train, train! Thanks for the commentary and thanks for making such great quality firearms at reasonable prices.

[@robjohnson639]

It took a while to get mine. I really like it !!

[@Mp-jw1qg]

i run the thunder ranch lower with the aero atlas s-one upper, bootleg 4 position adjustable bcg and rise armorment ambi charge handle. this gun runs like a sewing machine!!!!!! mines mag locked and juggernauted for california, i run reloaded ammo, i custom load and swage my own rounds so i opted to have a forward assist but i have not needed it at all. im about 4000 rounds through it, most of them hand loaded and like i said, you can hammer nails in with it at 50 yards. total cost was about $1100 may 2022. you dont need an adjustable bcg but it sure does run good in these recievers.

[@topturretgunner]

Hey James’s. To slightly paraphrase a line from one of my favorite movies 13 Hours. Shorts? On sharp gravel? Strong move dude! Now back to more serious topics. I enjoyed the video and found it informative as well. Clint Smith and Thunder Ranch. WOW 😯. The man and facility are legendary in the firearms community. I can relate to Clint as he’s got probably just a couple years on me. I’m Vietnam era military and a “baby boomer”. My dad was WWII and served in the Pacific theater. Yep! I’m into firearms. Used to collect them but now I just keep around what I deem necessary for self protection. Keep up the good work James. Thanks again for another good video. Be safe.

[@roymenke1909]

I have essentially the exact same gun I put together a few years ago using Aero M4 parts. I would love that non-FA upper receiver. I shoot left handed and would like to do away with that assist stabbing me when it’s slung.

[@jordanlarson8310]

0:20 is that an Aero PCC? I've been waiting since shot for that thing to come out if it is

2:03 “I was like okay is it okay if I bring my short shorts”

[@johnrambo5619]

Damnit! Just bought an Aero lower yesterday before watching this. For $10 mire I could have gotten the thunder ranch.. guess I'm going back tomorrow to get one of them too

[@scaleworksRC]

Nice setup & love the windows! I have a 10.5" barrel on mine for what it's built for. That said, it came with the standard A2 flash hider and while it looks cool at the range, the huge fireball could be a problem indoors like the muzzle brake you mentioned here.. haha. When I put the rifle together, I intended on putting a dragon's breath tip on it to throw the fireball forward, but the shroud it came with covers the end of the barrel where you put the tools. So, it's more of a chore than just cranking off the tip and changing it out. Thanks for the reminder!

[@stewdun2426]

“...like beating people off, so to speak....then without missing a beat Clint asks - do you want to do this again? SEE 4:58. Man this guy can talk. But James expression was totally - what did he just say - YOUR look caused Clint to ask. Amazing.

[@brandonlalande-mu6zx]

The mounted helmets on the wall in the background are so cool!

[@chadgronsten9023]

James bought some matching Aero short shorts as well.

[@Mr1gun]

I thinking the skeletonized mag well & no fwd assist, is for weight reduction as well as function/ reliability. Clint likes a light rifle.

[@channelchupathingee9195]

I want one! Can't wait till they are available again.

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

Aero Precision uppers and their Ballistic Advantage barrels are just as good as most other high-end stuff you'll find. Their BCG's are excellent, but there's not anything "above and beyond" that you'll get from them over a PSA/Toolcraft BCG. The machining of their products is excellent, for instance, you can take one of their uppers and stick it on any lower and it will fit well. If it doesn't, then there's probably something wrong with the lower. Now, I can say the same thing about PSA, but PSA has a bit more sloppy tolerances, more akin to MILSPEC. Full disclosure, I'm not affiliated with either, and I own way more than just those two, but from personal experiences, both go bang every time, never had any function problems with either Aero or PSA. But for overall quality, Aero is a step above PSA on most levels.

[@glennpackard7191]

Great information

[@runNgun88]

I have been using Aero Precision for a while! I have to get one of these lowers!!!

[@tedmarynowski3881]

I love my Anderson AR15 and my Canik sfx

[@seansappok1141]

Aero is such a good company, affordable quality, pleasant surprise

[@rustyshackleford9446]

Just bought one. Fn awesome! Good video guys💪🇺🇸

[@sharedpollard4407]

Aero Precision M4E1 is the only stuff I buy for my lowers and uppers.

[@davemarques9601]

The skelontonized mag well makes sense

[@mavricxx]

I'm loving this rifle, just wish theymade it ambidextrous and gad the liwer like ADM where you can lock the bolt to the rear with the mag release lever but with the magwell cutout.

[@billp3337]

A mag well window! Drag that lower through muck. Nope not happening. Reminds me of old Guns and Ammo articles. Pay me enough and your product is perfect.

[@radis_noi_r]

Indeed what a great ar manufacturer :) I built my latest ar around their receiver

[@AeroPrecision]

Thanks for the support!

[@starkat70]

curious what why is the forward assist unpopular ?

[@gottabtru1]

"Shut up and take my money" has never resonated with me until now. When will this be available? No link to purchase?

[@Citizen2ACitizenLLC]

Long time viewer... I thought I was subscribed... I am now... I’ve been building Aero’s for 7 years now... I swear by them

[@jacksquat2067]

I built an M4E1 (upper and lower) last year with Magpul furniture and Eotech, and it's the rifle I'd grab if society collapsed. Great stuff.

[@ThePatriotParadox]

Really like aero and this rifle made by Clint, I would love to get my hands on

[@jobo1647]

I'm in Canada, it's probably illegal for me to even think about shooting an AR-15 since May 1st, but if I could... this sounds pretty good.

[@MrAlphapapa]

However unlike the flexible Aero AR-15 platform,you can only get the James Reeves upper and lower as one package.

[@xxdizannyxx]

I can't wait for the ram ranch edition

[@VictoryOrValhalla14]

I used a version of this rifle Heidi had a few years ago, it worked. Not much else to say about it.

[@18ipmg]

School branding is a good industry direction for optimal development.

[@MrStropparo]

Sold. Out. !!!!!!!

[@MrLee23]

Love my aero w/ba ss 223 wylde

[@secondamendment8773]

Are you also going to review the Thunder Ranch AK 47 from Rifle Dynamics?

[@tfbtv]

Yes.