Who is SOTAR and why do you Gauge the AR so much?

[@AVH8TOR]

To be honest Chad as far as anybody on the KZbin universe goes I think you’re the best.

[@MrBadger]

As a machinist I appreciate tolerances and gauging. Your shop/classroom is awe inspiring. Thanks for the video.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Thank you Robbie. Believe it or not, many of the people who think gauging is pointless claim to be machinists. They say it's not necessary because they believe modern equipment won't produce parts that are not to proper dimensions. They also believe a +/- of something like .001 or .005 won't cause the AR to not work reliably or safely. I disagree with them because I have seen how those dimensions do matter.

[@Whitpusmc]

Instructor Chad I disagree with them, being able to precisely gauge all the components allows you to much more accurately diagnose issues that arise because of ganging of tolerances or out of spec entirely.

[@drake0074]

@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle If they don't think CNC MCs will produce parts out of spec then they don't know anything about precision machining. They are also overlooking the human aspect of QC and the propensity of some people to tinker on their own weapons.

[@hav2win]

@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle Hello from Philly. Your comment made me laugh. As a machinist/toolmaker for over 35 years, I've seen more junk made by supposed "machinists", than you can imagine. I've run just about every kind of metal cutting machine out there from every manual to almost all CNC's. I came up in the world during the very first examples of CNC machines. I ran NC machines at first. There was no computer controls, only numerical operation. The only way to determine if a part is correct is through gauging. If a guy told me it must be right bc it came off a CNC machine and claimed to be a machinist I'd know right off the bat he was an operator who changed tools inside a machine but had no clue how to cut metal. I've seen many instances of guys who are unskilled button pushers who try to convince themselves and their families, they are machinists. I've cut hundreds of different kinds of metal in all kinds of hardness stages. I could never convey much of my experience over a video. I didn't think anyone could be more detailed than I am, we surely think alike. It's the details that matter.

[@MrWjgonder]

@@hav2win Goes back to that old adage The devil is in the details.

[@2fathomsdeeper]

As a former military helicopter mechanic turned unit armorer, I know gauging is VERY important! Watched a guy blow his SP2 apart because he didn't think headspace was important after a barrel job, as all the parts are the "same size". They're not! My unit destroyed a turbine engine when counter-rotating shafts weren't gauged and touched at 103% RPM. $50,000 in taxpayer money wasted along with the pilot's shorts!

[@crazydave1145]

"along with the pilot's shorts"😂😂😂😂

[@calanon534]

..so, $100,000? XD

[@tylerihrke4657]

As a Mechanical Engineer, my brain cannot comprehend people being upset that you are checking that parts are the correct size so you can ensure correct function.

[@robertcowan8211]

THE MOST PROFESSIONAL AR CRAFTSMAN I,VE EVER SEEN....................

[@rjg3876]

The more you know. The more you know you don’t know

[@Skuba.1361]

R J G check out Duning Kruger Effect... you’re describing the valley of despair

[@mossranchoutdoors7249]

@@Skuba.1361 very true,the Dunning Kruger effect is rampant n the gun business. You only need to join just about any gun forum to see it in action.

[@michaelthacker6121]

You sir are giving people (essentially) the knowledge and the tools to keep themselves armed and free. Thank you sir!

[@terrygower3424]

I am a retired auto mechanic who operated my own business for the last 13 years with less than 1% warranty work over 13 year period I understand what you're talking about when they're supposed mechanics and or gunsmiths out there that are butchering people's cars and or guns I ordered your DVD course on AR 15s for my own personal use looking forward to receiving the DVD's in will most likely order several tools from you Thank you so much for the patience that you put into this perseverance and honesty.T.Gower

[@iSAAConrad]

As an engineer with lots of experience with machining, dimensional inspection, etc, it’s refreshing to see someone actually gauge and inspect and think about these rifles from the correct point of view. Great videos!

[@B3ASTBALLISTICS]

Just keep doing what you’re doing. I feel that I can speak for most of us when I say we love your videos. I was a machinist for many years and once that gets in your blood, tolerance is everything. A couple thousandths to a regular person seems microscopic, but a couple thousandths to a machinist is a mile.

[@GryphonIndustrial]

I like your philosophy. Anyone can just change out a given part and find "Viola! It must be this part thats bad!" but they don't know WHY that part was bad. Good stuff.

[@z50com]

I love inspection equipment. I was a Tooling Inspector at McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. . . .Now I sell Aircraft tools on eBay. . .PS: I really dislike chinese tools. . .

[@PowderMill]

I sure wish you had an "ONLINE " version of your courses. I'm guessing that it would be close to impossible, but one can only hope... 😊

[@dgr8t1]

Sooo as an AR enthusiast that has built a few AR’s and now watch your videos to discover what possible mistakes I possibly have made in the past will prevent me from making the same mistakes! Thank you Chad for your time and knowledge! And for putting it in an explanation for us knuckle draggers wanting to learn!

[@XtremeAdventures671]

Im just a hobbyist, but love to work with my hands. The little details were always intriguing. I definitely understand the need to know “why”. Even during my days of amateur racing, definitely used various gauges when building and testing engines we built and serviced. Keep them videos coming.

[@331StrokedGT]

Great video, being retired from a government agency as an armorer, armory supervisor and operator , I went to the private sector and sold, assembled and worked on the AR platform. I found that people were buying the cheapest parts from multiple manufacturers and wondering why their AR was not running properly. I believed in quality parts from reputable companies and I was called an AR snob by some. I tried to explain to them that it is more than slapping together parts, it's knowing how they work, how they fit and why they do things. I worked with a guy who had no formal training , practical knowledge or common sense at the last gun shop I worked at. If he had an issue, it was straight to KZbin for the answer. The gun shop's owner would let him take guns in and actually work on them. Since I was certified by multiple AR armor's schools, I lost my cool and had an absolute fit. I actually asked my coworker some basic questions and he didn't have a clue. He never heard of checking headspacing, didn't know the difference in buffer tube sizes, buffer weights or buffer spring coil counts, and actually argued with me on certain functions of the AR weapon system. He lost that battle. I would find myself fixing this guys mess ups when customers came back complaining about the weapon my coworker worked on still had problems. I would ask a bunch of questions to get an idea of exactly what was going on and when it would happen. My coworker never asked any questions relevant to the issue because he had no knowledge of how the weapon actually works. I eventually got tired of that garbage and quit shortly after he was bad talking me to customers and I called him out in front of the owner and the owner still kept him on after all the complaints by customers. Oh well, not my loss. Thank you for putting together this channel ! It absolutely reinforces everything I have been saying to that knucklehead and to others for years.

[@BarnDoor-won5ve]

I can totally relate, "snob" does seem to be the preferred term thrown around by angry people who don't like their crap explained why it's crap. Or they just say you're an idiot with more money than sense for investing in quality. And it never fails, friends always come to me for ar advice and I'll spend over an hour talking with them and offer to help in their parts selecting to build 3xactly what they want and what do they do? Go buy a damned radical firearms because it's cheap as ballz🤦‍♂️. It can be exhausting.

[@Sparks68]

Recognized the vintage Monkey Wrench on the tool board immediately! I have several in different lengths; great for turning large pipe and plumbing fitting nuts. If at first it doesn't turn, strike on it vigorously with its hammer head (designed to be used with a Slugger Wrench -- a manual impact wrench). Includes the very useful Automatic Thumb Detector to incite spontaneous expletives from its user if not already being shouted in frustration with stuck fasteners. Looks to be an exceptionally rare Left-Handed variant. Alas, the wrench Ford included with the Model T (and later Model A) was a Right Handed model without the Automatic Thumb Detector. Ford never had a Left Hand variant to provide to their southpaw customers.

[@unixguru7]

Chad, you have a very thoughtful and experienced way of resolving non-trivial problems. I really like your engineering focused approach and detail-oriented methodology to troubleshooting ARs. I could only hope for other gunsmiths/armorers to be 10% as knowledgable and meticulous as you are. I might agree with some users saying you don't need to know why a user-serviceable part is bad, but knowing that is exactly what puts you head and shoulders above self-proclaimed gunsmiths. Your work ethics and attention to detail is second to none. Thank you for sharing this privileged and interesting information with your viewers.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Thank you alx01 for sharing your thoughts and for the kind words.

[@seanoneil277]

alx01, method is a better word than methodology. Otherwise agree w/ your comment.

[@redpilledpatriot8484]

I am so jealous of this room full of magical, wonderful tools.

[@300whisper1]

Greetings from Finland! 🇫🇮 Been watching your videos alot lately since my interest towards M16 weapon platform knows no boundaries. Very informative youtube channel for sure.

[@williamboulanger3639]

It looks like you got a new tool. Did I see a live fire tank ? Thank you and your family for all the effort and knowledge you share .

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Good eye. We do have a new test trap. It's a Savage range system wet snail trap.

[@edberrios3679]

I can say that your in-person instruction is invaluable.

[@thomashanke6750]

I know this video’s been out for a year. I started watching some of his videos. Wow, wealth of information. He stated that the gauges are a money loser for him. If I had the funds I wouldn’t care the costs. The attention to quality he does would be worth it. Machining those gauges is very time consuming. Keep the good work, and how I wish I could attend some of your courses. I’m very much of a why guy. Why is or isn’t this piece working. I’ve increased my basic knowledge tremendously. I work with a guy that puts together ar’s for other people. Started asking him some questions on components and assembly and he had no idea what I was talking about. He thinks he knows it all too. Just walked away. He won’t be touching any of my rifles. Thanks for the information.

[@yoteoboth8449]

Chad, Thanks for taking the time to share and impart so much of what you have learned. Knowledge is better than coin.

[@Pro-Gunn1952]

I am a new comer to your Chanel! I am very impressed with your instructions and your shop! I thank you for this particular video. My plans is to follow as much as possible to learn more about our AR platform. As a Competitor and a Firearm Instructor for years,. This video has made me feel like a rookie. Now I am looking in more depth for my working knowledge of the AR platform.

The worst or shall I say the most troublesome build that I dealt with was a 300 blackout A.R. 15. I did not skimp on parts. And still wound up having trouble with cycling. Wound out having to use a specific special 300 blackout buffer spring with a carbine length gas system and a lighter buffer. Then it seem to run just fine but by the time I went through all of the troubleshooting to get to that point I had had it with that platform cartridge. And the cartridge wasn’t all that affordable anyway. And the AKM 7.62x39 worked so much better. I just purchased an AKM RAS47. Then I purchased a CMMG mutant 47. Haven’t had any problems with it. And it runs like a singer sewing machine. So I’ve definitely learned my lesson over the years. You are right they are not Lego system parts. If you get parts that are on the outside of The tolerances they’re not going to work and if they do they are not going to be very happy to each other.

[@m118lr]

“SCHOOL’S IN SESSION!” This is fantastic...how have I been missing YOUR channel? Going to binge watch what SOTAR (“you Chad”...1st vid I watched you introduced yourself..kind of) has produced. Been really giving my OCD a workout!

Continued; I started building my own A.R. 15‘s. I have eight now. My latest creation is an aero Percision lower with a rise armament 140 trigger And I have Bear Creek Arsenal complete 350 legend upper. What a nice shooting rifle. Hog hunting is great in Texas

[@drubradley8821]

WOW!!!... This was one of the easiest "hitting the subscribe button" events I ever had... Finally, somebody that isn't calling this process, LEGO's... Nothing that drive me more nuts, that hearing somebody charge themselves that building an AR is simple, just assemble and go. I am not saying folks can't do that, but, I quietly to myself, find it insulting to my years and year and years of efforts and learning and the amount of money I have spent to get where I am now. I think the only reason I don't say anything, is I always feel like I have more to learn, and am never shocked, when I do learn something new, rather, look forward to it in a great amount of hope. Maybe in many years from now, while upon my death bed, will I consider myself worthy of saying, I am one heck of a gunsmith, machinist, welder, fabricator, engineer, metallurgist, the list is long of all that goes into acquiring a full understanding of each of those. I was always worried that focusing on to many of these sciences, would not allow me to perfect what I wanted, hence a life time of constant studying of each faction. I can say, all though, it has taken a long time, (not that I was particularly in a hurry), but, the learning while blending all factions together, has allowed for me to see a full picture of each build, upon several types of firearms. Well, there is my two cents... I look forward to watching your content. Dru

[@gregsturgeon6497]

I have built a dozen or so. AR's. Now I'm going to go back through them with a better understanding of what I'm doing. I thank you.

[@kennethking817]

Your videos are a Great service to the general public . Helping consumers make Decisions of Purchase based on Quality & Price Etc , I for one appreciate the knowledge an Information I've seen watching this Channel . Thank U .

[@snuffysmiff]

I've just discovered your channel and only watched 4 or 5 vids-so far, but have already learned so much from them. Thank you, good sir for everything you do!

[@jamesregan2181]

I have just discovered your videos and am highly impressed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@Thebigsailor007]

I saw this video before I left for work. And knew I'd enjoy watching it. I'm with Robbie, gauging and understanding what you're physically checking is something that slips by most people. The most I hear 'normal' everyday people talk about gauging ARs is headspace. And even that gets muddled on the internet. I was pretty awe struck when I came across your channel because I knew there had to be be MORE gauging done to ensure quality, but the depth of it and the tolerances dealt with are more than I previously considered.

[@toynazi]

I remember when this came out. It just jumped back out on my feed so I had to watch again. I have learned alot from you. I am no armorer but I have built many AR's for friends and myself. This channel always gave me info I never knew. Or showed me tools I didn't even know I needed until I saw them here. I have nearly perfected builds. What parts to use and what brands and parts to avoid. There are little extra things you can do to a modern AR to make sure they run smooth for a long time. I have learned alot of those by trial and error.

[@PowderMill]

Dear SOTAR / Instructor Chad: How about a "SOTAR APPROVED" list of parts and accessories that are good quality...?? And.. Videos on build / repair topics that you CHARGE for... 👍🏻thanks again.

[@m118lr]

Oh man, I second AND third THAT comment...We’ll even wait! GREAT Channel Chad, had no clue as to what I was even missing...

[@OuijaSTi]

This is an excellent idea. I hope you guys can put one together.

[@OuijaSTi]

I've actually found a list he put up on Facebook. You can find it by searching on whatever search engine you happen to use.

[@nicks6837]

I believe you take gun smithing to the next level. Because you are so extensive and professional. I wish I could go to your school and learn from you.

[@augreich]

As a Mechanical Quality Inspector gaging is absolutely necessary!!!

[@shocker998md3]

I'm glad to see your channel is chugging along! I'll be sharing some of your videos with some of the armorers I work with for some additional info for them. That 18" noveskee is still hammering away after your expertise. Your crayon eating pal down in NC.

[@MikeTatman]

Just discovered your channel last night. I’m addicted. I love the AR platform and have assembled a lot of them. I have a lot of pro tools already just as a home gamer but I want to learn more. I want to know I’m doing it right. I will take your class very soon. Thanks for all the awesome content.

[@tazmo2004]

I’m so glad to see someone doing this with AR’s that actually has a clue. Don’t know how many people I’ve talked to that say “You never have to check head space on an AR, it’s built in!” Only out numbered by the “I built it myself!”

[@jeffprice6421]

The AR pattern rifle is a precision machine. Whether it works or not comes down to thousandths of an inch deltas. Man aren't readily reachable inside the bolt carrier, so gauges are how you measure. Anyone criticizing that, doesn't know what they are talking about. Bubba don't need gauges, but when his stuff breaks, he won't know why or how to fix it. He will be replacing parts wholesale until it starts to work again. Really enjoy your content. Very educational for me. Mechanical engineer, former naval gun systems engineer.

[@abolishtheatfandrepealthen6014]

I recomend this channel to all the newcomers i talk to. The amount of knowledge ive gained here is priceless to me since it enables me to more effectively work on my guns confidently.

[@thomasarcturus8947]

Just found this channel. Binge watching now. KZbin is awash with amateurs (including me). So nice to hear from a true professional. Thank you for sharing your expertise!! Wish I could get to a class, maybe 2022.

[@williamriversiatse835]

Outstanding info! As a gun nerd, I appreciate what you do. I need to take your course

[@azgardener79]

You have a very impressive setup. I've been enjoying your videos. You have tons of great tips.

[@Mntnphotog]

You should do a video on the missing military gauges you want for your collection. Wouldn't be surprised if you are rewarded for all your excellent videos.

[@bobcroumlich6888]

I recently discovered your channel and appreciate the great information that you are sharing. I have successfully built quite a few AR's (which were subsequently lost in a boating accident) but you definitely take things to the "next level" of detail. Keep up the good work!

[@crazydave1145]

So many boating accidents this year😂😂 I had 2 myself & am already planning the next 2

[@OuijaSTi]

The application of metrology to the American Rifle makes total sense to me. I don't understand why people would be opposed to it. I always point people toward the Moore book "The Foundations of Mechanical Accuracy" as a fundamental text on the basics of precision and manufacturing.

[@YardWood2316]

I would consider myself at least a competent gun person. Particularly when it comes to AR 15. I have built/fixed/maintained my cust. And my own guns for 10 years now. And I would Absolutely consider SOTAR to be the best and most competent AR and gun Smith that I have ever seen since I have been a gun owner ~20 years. He is also a very articulate professional and teacher. He can convey information that is otherwise very dry and some may consider boarding to people in a way that they can, (in my estimation and opinion) understand and utilize. So, good on you sir, and all who are thinking about becoming more competent and knowledgeable in the AR or general gun community. I would absolutely say your in good hands with this outfit. And to SOTAR (cool sounding acronym BTW) you guys keep that up and more specifically; keep on keeping Specs within spec when it comes to aftermarket civilian AR parts. Because if no one is being taught to look for and identify what is technically acceptable ie: materials, treatments of parts, tolerances ect. That cheapo company's will just go Wylde ... and invent stuff that is either; a huge pain, flat out dangerous or seriously stupid! Because for serious people buying for example a new upper, Barrel, gas system furniture maybe even another optic for that particular upper and mussel device so that they can use one lover for multiple calibers. That for some people starts to get costly. And if I buy a BCM charging handle for 120$ because BCM does make the best charging handles. Well a Damn charging handle should never cost $120 bucks!! That's ridiculous, however I could buy a more inexpensive charging handle but I will lose on functionality. I often run a 1×4, 1×6 or 1×8 LPVO. and it is often difficult to (and most of you will know before I even finish this sentence) Jack the charging handle sometimes mostly due to the size of the ocular lens of the optic and to one degree or another the placement of the forward asst. And getting a larger handle is not practical because they snag on stuff and I'm not prepared to risk that scenario. You guys already know which "scenario" I'm alluding to. If not, then I'm sure you dont care about this topic anyway. Anyway, plus BCMs handles make an excellent and unparalleled seal, by way of their design. At the upper receiver and where it meets the receiver extension from so much gas in the face when I'm running my 10.5 SBR suppressed. In addition to that their charging handles are obviously of up to complete spec. Or exceeding in the quality of the materials. Example is I have ran a BCM handle on one of my SBRs for 2 years now. And I have had zero problems with any of my BCM charging handles. And I would be saying, well really what "problems" could your rifle possibly encounter from a charging handle? And that would be a fair question. And the answer is not many however I had a friend and customer get a look-alike Radiant charging handle for Wish. ...I wasn't even aware that wish had charging handles and mussel devices. But indeed, unfortunately yes, they do. And they come from china, they cost 2, 3, 4 dollars and they look just like the first Radians that we all loved when they first came out if your that old. They were awesome and made great. However, the Chinese wish versions are straight up junk!!!!! My customer when he finally brought me his rifle. The inside of his upper, the gas key on his carrier and somewhat the carrier was almost destroyed. He later told me that after a short time he had reached the point that he had to after roughly 2 to 3 times of use of the charging handle to attempt to remove stoppages he had to break the gun; remove the BCG and handle and attempt to bend (by hand) the handle back into shape under all 3 axis. So short version: the ridiculously weird amount of bending, flexing , twisting and compressing it did forced deep gouges in the inside of the upper and depositing shards and bits of aluminum from the receiver as well as the handle itself. And those shards worked their way into the bolt into the barrel extension and into the fire control group. If that weren't enough, the handle having the rigidity of a piece of spaghetti. Would grab the BCG and forcing the gas key and and BCg to tilt up towards and that late time that piece of junk was in that gun he was at the range he had a FTF and cleared it. He then manipulated the handle and got a round to feed. A couple of rounds cycled and then for whatever reason the bolt cycled picked up a round but instead of picking up that round and seating it and itself home. The bolt way tilted up and to the right sufficiently to ram right into the gas tube and I'm sure everyone can imagine put a stop to that range day. I fixed his rifle at a significant cost to him. And realized I realized what can happen when people don't care or don't pay attention to spec. And keeping a standard. In my estimation SOTAR embodies this excellent attitude of excellence and maintaining a certain standard. Thank you SOTAR!!

[@markgualtieri2264]

Thank you sir I have learned more from you in a short time about this rifle and how it works.

[@PhilipThibedeau]

Your videos are VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

I definitely need to invest in a good boar scope. I like the videos you’ve done on the autopsy of the barrels. Wow definitely cannot see that stuff with the naked eye. And it greatly affects the accuracy or lack there of of the rifle

[@shawng7902]

I'm a tool nut. Anything I own, instantly I have to have every tool needed to work on it. From being an ASE master in auto world to now working in aerospace alloy industry I have tools for everything. You have thrown so many things my way lol. Now I have bolt vice, carrier key tool, plus all the crap I've yet to order. When you opened that pin guage set I had to show it to everyone. In that 1st autopsy video I showed my buddies. I said you had to have several grand worth of guages and tools laid out. I'm finding that out for sure piece by piece. My AR builds have taken over my racecar build for time being as I have 100s not 1000s to blow through.

[@briandady9030]

Great video,as usual, gives a look into the art of making the AR an effective and reliable tool!

[@mjpermin]

Absolutely love it. Not sure how i'm just now finding you, but you definitely have a new subscriber.

[@m118lr]

mikey permin ..I know, right? I just found his channel TODAY..

[@PowderMill]

Thank you for your content. It is far better than most, that's for sure! 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@jeffsingleton88]

Nah man. Given today's market i think your approach is much needed and much appreciated

Wow I would love to take the course; but I’m on a fixed income and there’s no way I’m going to be able to get to Maryland. So, I will watch every video that you make and learn all I can from them. The next best thing. And I have also over the last four years started accumulating armor’s and gunsmithing tools. Gauges and machinist gauges from when I was in machinist school at the local college. I bought my first two AR platform rifles in 2005. Both from DPMS. I had had some armors training in the army. Combat military police Ft. Bragg, NC

[@amoose8439]

I'd love a breakdown video of the museum gauges

[@charlesgillette2925]

I agree with what you are saying. Check your weapon correctly. Know the reason it is not working, or why it is failing or about to fail.

[@mr.excitement689]

I don’t even want to begin to imagine how much money you have invested in all those tools and gauges. Holy cow

[@kevinthompson2308]

Not only are you transferring what you've learned, you could be averting someone from doing something that could cause verious serious accidents. Thanks for your service.

[@Tree_Dee]

A man my age should not be this exited over a YT video. I am so glad I found yours! There are a lot of questionable things posted on this YT thing about this subject.

[@chrisl7228]

I don't know how I have never found this channel before today. Thank you for what you do and being willing to teach all of us.

[@ReubenOaks84]

I appreciate all your videos and the knowledge you share with us. I would love to one day attend your classes. Thank you Chad and God bless

[@scalecraft4663]

I appreciate your science and engineering in precision. It has given me a lot of good info on my first DPMS ar15. Thank You

[@squarewave808]

9:25 LOL @ “shop is kind of a mess” = cleaner than my garage has ever been

[@choke666]

Love what you're doing! I personally have only had 8 AR's. They MOST DEFINITELY ARE NOT Lego's lol! As I've learned along the way, and watch your video's ALOT becomes clearer. THANKYOU.

[@dorianleclair7390]

Great video explaining why you do what you do. You have a wealth of knowledge.

[@johnfarrow3463]

I can’t wait until August 2021! I’ve attended a few build classes & Armorer’s classes for various pistol types & companies. However I ve not taken any AR Carbine/Rifle Armorer classes. I will be attempting to get a spot for 2022, & building my tool box. I thought I had all the tools I needed to build an AR, which if I have many, but after witnessing the workspace here, I’m a very long way from having “All” the tools mechanical or otherwise. Very rarely do I look forward to diagnosing or realizing how much I don’t know. But in this case I am!! Great Videos & Thank You for all of them!!

[@pitchandlimb]

Great explanation to a few questions I'd had from watch his video's. Brilliant gap filled between mil-spec and civvy gun ownership!

[@redfish426]

I wish those free bore gauges were for sale as well as the no-go gauges and also a list of the gauges needed for certain parts of the AR and where they can be bought or not. For beginner gunsmithers/armorers learning the vocabulary and matching it to the picture of the item can be intimidating at first since we don't have as much experience. Especially those of us who are in different states that don't have access to an excellent course and instructor such as Chad/SOTAR.

[@ryandavis775]

Ironically located in Maryland, home of the school for 45Bravo and 2111 for military small arms repair courses. Spent a fair amount of time in Aberdeen as a 2111 in the 90's. Love these videos as I am passionate about AR's as well. Would love to take this course just to hang out with like minded individuals. Probably learn a thing or two along the way! I've never seen gauging on this level before and now find myself just relaxing after work enjoying these videos. Unfortunate the courses are booked up till next year.

[@William-Bill-Munny]

This video makes me feel better about attention to details that others often dismiss as obsessive. Thanks for the inspiration towards sharpening skills and improving my AR knowledge. Its a rabbit hole worth exploring - GREAT VIDEOS

[@f16grinch3]

Extremely enjoyable amd educational. Another area of something I already enjoy to increase my enjoyment. Appreciate your giving out of your knowledge

[@jondavidmcnabb]

I have been around weapons and machinists my entire life.. I have engineered many many complex systems. The old adage that you get what you "inspect" not what you "expect" has always applied to any complex system. Stacking tolerances, quality vs precision, yadda yadda yadda. What most people (typically young people) don't understand, is that they original engineer had a concept that had to be evolved. That took time, money and a shit ton of trial and error to refine it. At the end these things were turned into specifications. Those specifications can generally be turned into gauges. I always tell young engineers to be humble, to listen, to ask reasonable questions, and to try and understand the "Why" of the equation.

[@lynncollinsworth6108]

❤ your school!! I would like to attend myself

[@ThomasHA1982]

that "museum" had me drooling like crazy!!

[@CM-dp5mw]

To me it’s like an art form. To know a weapon system in and out and perfect it’s operation is really…beautiful. I see shooting the same way. It’s a martial art and there is a million little things to learn and try to master. The attention to detail is the beauty of the thing.

[@justinm.791]

Anyone who questions your gauging process simply doesn't understand tolerance stacking and the impact it has. Considering the amount of commercial products available for the AR15, IMO it's incredible that we don't have a significantly higher number of catastrophic failures.

[@TOMAS-lh4er]

Im so glad I found this channel !

[@crazydave1145]

Me too!!

[@Braunschweiger89]

Would love to have a list of the guages related to checking the BCG. I know it's probably easier said than done finding all these tools at once. I've been working on AR platform rifles for about 7 years (probably handled over 100 ARs) - many of your videos and the tools used, I could definitely have benefited from during troubleshooting. Would love to take your class - far, far away though!

[@robdeskrd]

Two words are the founding principal of this man's system: fault tolerance and if a person would fault this man for that don't tolerate them "fixing" your weapon.

[@claponclapoff6]

Hello. The way you inspect the free bore of the carrier and the bolt figment , I would be proud to own a bolt carrier made by you because I know the free bore would be perfect and smooth. Made with tolerances worthy of an efficient seal to the bolt

[@IamONaLIST]

I was a Unit Armorer in the Army back in the 90's. We didn't get all these cool gauges, they were reserved for Battlion and Depot level.

[@cudan2941]

You sir, are an asset to the gun community!

[@jefferystrange7476]

Just subscribed. Thanks for the thoroughness and detailed information. Awesome inventory of tools and equipment. 👍

[@ricardoallen786]

Any plans for large frame AR content? I know there isn't any consensus specs on those types rifles. I just did a 308 build and it was a learning process that I didn't mind sinking a bunch of money into, a good thing because not everything works, even things that are supposed to be the same pattern LR308, AR-10 etc... While the scope and amount of info you provide for the AR-15 is hard to come by, these types of details for the large frame platforms are nearly impossible to find. Great content all the same, very informative and entertaining I think 👍

[@jimmykrause6643]

It's because of the many variations of the original AR10 design that this type of gauging and troubleshooting become exponentially harder. I've been dealing almost exclusively with large frame AR's for over 30 years, and in that time the most "builder friendly" platform to come out of it all is the DPMS LR-308 with the most aftermarket support. That said, tolerance stacking can still plague the LR-308. Since there isn't a laid out TDP for any of the platforms that exist outside of the companies manufacturing them, parts manufacturers work off of each other unaware of changes in dimensions that might have been added for performance or reliability.

[@1nv1c7u5m4n30]

This is a GREAT channel and I watch it religiously

[@dannybarton940]

I am on my first scratch build. It's going to be a long project as I am retired and funds aren't what they used to be. That said, I want to build something exceptional and seeking information is how I stumbled upon your channel a couple of days ago. So, you have a new "knowledge sponge" in your subscribers. My concern at this point is buying from manufacturers that take the time to gauge and guarantee tolerances so I don't have to bear the expense of purchasing the tools to do it myself. You have already convinced me that a chrome BCG is what I want. In your opinion, who does it best? Oh and the lubrication video...Holy Hot Sauce! I guess I'm going to have put on some rain gear and give that a try.

[@Ayns.L14A]

3:47 Sorry I got distracted by the go-cart mounted mini gun?????

[@johnwalker365]

I’m a guitar builder and just like a gunsmith or armorer, many specialized tools are needed to perform checks without having to completely disassemble the guitar or remove the strings. There is a company called Stewart MacDonald (aka Stew-Mac) that has built a great business from modifying tools and selling them to help hobbyists and professional luthiers diagnose and fix issues on guitars with greater ease. The owner, Dan Erlewine, is very much like Chad. He loves to share his knowledge and love for guitars to help everyone enjoy their instrument more by fixing or tweaking it. Chad - your modified tools would make a great addition to SOTAR and diversify your business. Check out the Stew-Mac website, videos, etc. Maybe this can help you to grow your business. Your videos and info is amazing. I wish you all the best!!! And keep up the GREAT videos!!

[@ngtarz]

thank you so much for teaching me so much... will be watching all your videos!!

[@SoloRenegade]

Your school is also effectively a museum of AR tools and gauges.

[@dealerofburningsalt3649]

Anyone knows someone good for an AK? Always wanted to learn that system. This guy has a talent, experience and passion!

[@lyrooo326]

Oh wow I love the way your workshop looks.

[@Oper8or]

I am not an armorer or a gunsmith. I'm just a guy trying to learn as much as he can about the AR15. Like I previously said I am going to budget for the two day course, hopefully within the next year or two. Your method of teaching seems to work very well and would help an idiot like me learn what i need to learn. :)

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

We are all perpetual students. There are no newbies or dummies at my courses. :)

[@chipsterb4946]

Interesting perspective on armorer vs. gunsmith. 👍 I’m gradually expanding my knowledge base, but I know Smith & Wesson revolvers. Not Colt, not Ruger, just S&W. Glocks are relatively easy. 1911s are more complex and unforgiving. I know enough to take care of my M1A. ARs are more complex, mostly because of all of the variables affecting the gas system. SOTAR is a fantastic resource. P.S. your rolling pegboard cart is an awesome idea!

[@tommcfarland5368]

Finally!!! A gunsmith/firearm version of AvE!! Fantastic!

[@GunFunZS]

This guy is meticulous Ave is winging it. Complete opposite ends of the spectrum.