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Hello awesome people!

It's time to solicit for the August 2017 Q&A questions.  This go-a-round should include myself and Ian, so you have both our eyes and ears this time, so the topics can be pretty much anything InRangey.  Guns, tech, whatever.

We're getting so many questions, honestly, that it's getting hard to navigate...and I feel bad not getting to all of them, so we'll do our best as always, but honestly let's see if we can help this time by putting some parameters around the submissions:

*  Please only ask one question!

*  Please phrase the question as a single sentence, not a paragraph, if possible. (Within reason, I understand it might be complicated.  Not asking for 140 character Twitter nonsense here, but be concise).

*  Please understand we'll do our best to do as many as possible, but last time we received 150 questions and, unless we're going to become a Q&A only channel, that's not viable. :P

Thank you, as always, of course!

~Karl

Comments

Casey

If you could have an AR (10 or 15) in any caliber, what would it be?

Sam

Would you consider running a 4x acog with ACSS on your wwsd rifle?

Michael Paul

Roland-special style pistol set ups are making micro-comps popular on carry pieces. What's your thoughts and/or experience with them. Are they viable?

Paul Dame

What was the most interesting thing you learned on your recent trip to Finland?

Nicholas Farrar

Would InRange consider designing a SOPMOD like system based on the InRange WWSD project?

Nicholas Farrar

What options do we have for secure 2way comms? Commercial crypto is $$$ and you can't run crypto over HAM. If only there was a 2way wireless SSH based PKI system that was open source!

Grath

Given the opportunity to use them in a 2GACM, which of the MP40 vs PPSh-41 would each of you want to use?

The Gr8 Scott

Various military reseaech programs are increasingly showing conceptual future soldiers with technology lifted or inspired by sci-fi entertainment: are there concepts presented in sci-fi of truly far off tech that you guys feel would really make an improvement in real combat conditions, when that tech eventually makes a breakthrough?

Camilo Price

Concise version : Why is it safe-auto-semi on an AK selector lever? My original comment : Dear Karl and Ian, I am confused about the AK safety and the origins of the safe-auto-semi layout. I've heard countless theories about why it's made that way : a "gross motor-skills" swipe down of the safety would make it go to semi and avoid soldiers spraying and praying when panicking ; auto is first after safe because soviet doctrine was to always fire bursts unless you were short on ammo ; just more convenient mechanically ; soviet doctrine was to always leave the safety off when in a potentially dangerous area ; etc... What was the intent of Team Kalashnikov during design of the AK safety lever? Did military doctrine dictate or influence it, or did it come after the safety lever layout was permanently chosen? THANKS SO MUCH GUYS I LOVE YOU

Michael Smith

Is caseless ammunition truly an evolutionary dead-end?

Matthew Jackson

In the hypothetical, levergun armed squad of the 1880's, would you see a role for the early pump action shotgun?

Matthew Krotzer

Is there an reason, other than preference, to have a 2-stage trigger on a rifle today?

Christopher

With today's materials and innovation, What Would Kalashnikov Do? Just curious, since what would stoner do is such a great series. Thanks

Ryan Octopi

We all know with the advent of SBR'd M4s that the Mk.23/OHWS concept is all but dead but do you guys think there is or at least was a place where an "Offensive handgun" could prove viable over other designs and weapons systems?

Maxim

During the HaH natch there were several times that you needed to engage paper pistol targets on the ground basically within arms reach. Weren't you concerned about that from a safety perspective, especially given the rocky soil? Watching those parts gave me the heebee-jeebees!

Cyrus Freeman

What's your opinion on the Sig 320 kerfuffle?

Zachary Swatzel

I've seen Ian's RDB pop up every now and then over the past year. How is he liking it?

John Klear

A what if to chew on, should be right up y'all's alley. For whatever reason, alien invasion, zombie apocalypse, etc., the ability to make smokeless/high explosive propellants is gone or forgotten. All other knowledge of manufacturing, bullet/cartridge design, optics, etc. is retained. What would the next generation of military rifles be like now that gunpowder (black powder) and appropriate primers are once again the only viable propellant?

Travis Cole

What is your opinion on the rumor that the military has solicited a new light machine gun chambered in the .338 norma mag? Is it Overkill or no? Is it viable in a CQB environment? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this?

AB

What are your opinions on modern striker-fired (aside from bolt-action) rifles? It seems to be a rare design with the only iterations I'm aware of being the Czech Vz 58, Japanese Type 64, the Russian AS and VSS, and most recently the QBZ-95. Why do you think this is an uncommon design for rifles when it's so prolific in the pistol world?

Garrett Schneider

In the various 2 Gun matches, I have noticed both Ian and Karl use a battle belt type system to reload from and carry things (even showcasing such post Hard as Hell). What are your thoughts on plate carriers and chest rigs for this purpose and how popular are they for 2 Gun matches like 2GACM and others?

Scot Brown

What's a normal day for Ian and Karl at the range like? What do they do for training when they're not shooting matches or testing out some crazy old gun?

Independent George

Why did it take so long for firearms training to move away from single-handed pistol shooting? Or to start teaching people to actually use their sights, for that matter?

Phil Clayton

Would you guys be interested in organizing a cleanup for some of the outdoor desert shooting areas? Thanks for the great videos guys.

Leonard T Schmandt

What about a variable magnifier on a flip to the side mount, are there any that are workable (brand/model). Eye sight not what it use to be, struggle seeing targets over 150 yards if the lighting is not right.

Sheldon Ross

Would you have considered another calibre for the WWSD project like 300 AAC blackout or. 458 SOCOM or any others?

Andrew MacDougall

To follow up with Leonard T Schmandt: Based on your experiences with the WWSD project so far, could you offer your views/recommendations on variable vs. fixed magnifing sights vs. red-dot-plus-flip-out-magnifier? I know Karl and Ian have differeing views on this, but what are the pros-and-cons, for what scenarios of use etc.

Brian B.

Karl, on your WWSD rifle, why did you go with a 14.5" barrel with a pinned and welded flash hider instead of a 16" barrel? I feel the 14.5" really limits the project by not being able to test various muzzle devices.

Charles Adams

Karl, did you receive your Walther CCP back from recall and will you be using it for a carry handgun once more. If so, has it replaced your revolver for primary carry? Have you detected a difference in the "internet of guns" re the recall of the Walther CCP, as "it's a dangerous, badly flawed handgun" and the somewhat similar issues of the Sig 320? (Which I've not heard is proof that it's a "dangerous, badly flawed product, as was posted on the 'net) to continue on the Walther vein, as it has a fixed barrel, it inherently has more potential for accuracy, but if one one to mount a suppressor, would or how would the innovative gas piston operating method of the action affect the suppressor? Was a suppressor ever fitted to a H&K P7, successfully?

Jacob Schaffer

It seems that the most recent assault rifles currently being produced or that are under development (e.g. SCAR, CZ 805/6. FB MSBS, etc) are all based on the AR-18 design and have been for some time. Why do you think this is the case and do you think that there are other historic rifles that are ripe for future designs to be based on as well?

Rhodie

If I were to send you back in time with all the technical drawings and knowledge you wanted, how far back could you possibly go and still construct a functioning assault rifle? How far back could one go and manufacture many of them?

English

Hey Karl and Ian, what with all the research and time you've put in with your WWSD rifles, have you guys thought about integrating some of your findings with that "poor man's saw" concept from way long ago? It was a really cool idea, and it would be awesome to see more, since you've got a couple versions of the rifle. Keep up the good work guys.

Whatismoo

What were soviet impressions of the M-16/AR-15 and 5.56mm?

Sam Willis

Do you think the tendency of composite materials(like carbon fiber) to crack and splinter rather than dent when impacted makes them unsuitable for use in military rifles?

Brian Herzog

I have a feeling you’ll find this a ridiculous topic, but recently I learned about the auto-glove – do you see any actual viable use for rapid-fire devices like this (or slide fire stocks, the BMF Activator, bump sticks, any other products you may have seen at Shot Show or in other travels), or are they just for fun at the range? It’d be interesting to see them in a match, but any practical application seems questionable.

Call me Lilly, Lilith if ya Nasty.

To Karl and Ian, a Wild West question. I've heard stories about how in the late 19th and early 20th centuries the American West was considered by many European Elites to be as worthy a location for going 'on Safari' as deepest darkest Africa (We see a glimpse of this in the 1994 film Maverick with a Russian Grand Duke). What are your thoughts on this and why do you think we haven't heard more about it? Why not 'Cowboys and Adventurers?'

Sharyn Hinchcliffe

We've seen the images of the men, the cowgirls along with the weapons that they used; what did the salon girls and other women use, and how did they carry?

Fabian Haberhauer

I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on the practicality of taking the WWSD concept to different calibers (with as little change as possible: same lower, same handguard etc.). I’d be particularly interested in 6.5 Grendel for the scope/bipod one and .458 SOCOM for the “doorkicker”. Also: has anyone of you ever shot one of these two particular calibers?

Brian Clark

Given the US Army’s move back to 7.62mm NATO as an interim solution to a “perceived” lack of body armor penetration, what either real or conceptual cartridge do you think would be better suited for the goal the Brass is trying to achieve? The guys at P&S discussed at length and felt that 5.56mm was near optimal but with budgets, existing weapon systems, and training not being considered is there a better mouse trap even if it is only marginally superior?

Nick Champlin

Were there long range experts amongst the natives during the Indian wars?

Patriot

Karl, Ian, what is the story of the Yellow Teletubby and the Giant panda in the Carcano vs Mauser video?

MNETHTBRD

Why are there so few companies making new production .303 British ammunition, seeing as the Lee Enfield is generally well liked and still reasonably available?

Michael Stueber

On one of your WWSD videos, you guys mentioned that if you were building a DMR in a cartridge other than 5.56, it wouldn't be in 7.62 NATO. What _is_ your first choice for a long-range fighting rifle?

Edwin Grubbs

My question is regarding subsonic suppressed home defense. It seems that 45 ACP & .300 BLK are the most popular for subsonic, and they have very similar muzzle energy. It seems that .300 BLK with subsonic ammo gives up a huge benefit of having a long gun. I'm surprised that there isn't more interest in a powerful subsonic carbine that uses either fracturing or some other special ammo to avoid overpenetration. The polycase seems to underpenetrate even with supersonics, and it is too light to get much power when subsonic. However, something like the Lehigh Xtreme Defense or Controlled Fracturing could be closer to the goal. I thought Karl's idea of using a Saiga 12 gauge for home defense was interesting. However, I'm not aware of any subsonic buckshot. Would it just be better for me to just suppress a .300 BLK and use supersonics if I want more muzzle energy in a home defense scenario?

Alex Capps

To Karl and Ian, what are your thoughts on the P90 magazine design and do you see this as an interesting and creative dead end(like the calico helical magazine) or do you thing this could be a future avenue for a main service rifle similar to how double stack has largely replaced single stack magazines or how detachable box has mostly supplanted fixed box magazine(at least outside of California.)

Logan

What do you think the modern long gun landscape would look like if Eugene Stoner had not been around?

Saddlegap

What do you consider the best designed trigger? The most interesting?

Dylan Schell

How was the mosin nagant actually utilized by soviet soldiers in the early city combat of WWII, and was it in your opinion functionally equivalent in that role to the kar98k their opposition used?

Confused Dave

What is the deal with rifle calibre ARs that have less than 16" of rifled barrel? (not counting stamped SBR or permanent silencers) I see guys building a 5.56 AR with 10" of rifled barrel and a pinned and welded six inch "flash hider" or fake can. That sort of set-up has to be losing muzzle velocity and have a detrimental effect on ballistics. Is there something I'm missing or is it just a tacti-cool thing?

graham hudson

In the early years of the smokeless repeating rifle era, do know of any attempts to develop a pump action service rifle? If not, why do you think this wasn't pursued, and what problems they would have encountered? It seems like a magazine fed, pump action would have been attempted.

Reverend Charles

I spent a lot of time this weekend working on trigger control drills. Given the level of training required to achieve marksman level performance with current sear based trigger designs, do you see (or foresee) any other sort of design that eliminates the "slop, slack, squeeze" pattern? PS-Please don't answer any more "what's the best caliber" questions, at least for a while. Hasn't that been done a zillion times already?

Duke VonMeep the 2nd

Why was the Desert Eagle ever developed? It seems very impractical for Israeli forces to use that thing

John B. Clausen

Would it be legal for a european turist to participate in a 2-gun match?(Baring the guns and equipment used is borrowed)

Tim

Question for both: What match are you most looking forward to attending in the next year?

Evin McAlister

Why don't we see (besides UTAS) inverted tube mag shotguns, with the tube on top and the loading port skyward? Seems this would be a faster competition 2 or 4 shell reload (no flipping the gun), keep eyes and muzzle to threat, and be easier with stress-fumble-fingers.

Zac Donovan

You've mentioned optics and materials being the only likely improvements in the near future for firearms. If we expand optics to include sights or aiming systems what historical "game changers" are there that don't really fall into those categories? If I remember correctly, even cartridges came about because of improvements in brass manufacturing techniques and improved priming compounds.

Dana Greene

I'm interested in who you guys are. What is your favorite band and why? We learn alot about guns from you guys but we don't learn about you, you guys are the reason I watch and support.

Brandon

Short version: Why did "rifle revolvers" never become a thing during the relatively lengthy time period between auto-indexing pistol revolvers and multi-shot, magazine-fed rifles? Longer version: There was a relatively huge time-gap between pistol revolvers taking over the market and the advent of lever- and bolt-action rifles, but I can only think of a couple revolving-cylinder rifles (or shotguns) during that time - guns we very occasionally see on Forgotten Weapons - but those (IIRC) almost all of those not only predated pistol revolvers but were also indexed by hand. What caused people to not only stick with truly single-shot rifles for all that time, but (AFAIK) barely even *experiment* with auto-indexing revolver systems for rifles (and/or smoothbores)?

Franklin S

Tips & Recommendations for insuring a firearms collection?

Scott MacKenzie

Talk about BCGs and what are the advantages of different types, ie. lightweight v heavy, phosphate/ nitride / NiB and is the added cost worth it?

Tyler H.

I've been wondering recently if revolver capacity could be boosted by developing something of a .30 Magnum cartridge. The .30 Carbine cartridge is nominal, but is not optimized for revolvers. I'm imagining something akin to an 8 shot k-frame cylinder on a j-frame. Could it work?

Anthony Hope

Why is a blowback submachine gun in 9mm Luger considered safe but blowback handguns in 9mm Luger are typically deemed unsafe and not a good idea?

Cameron Zucker

With the Army currently on the warpath for obtaining a 7.62 NATO "interim combat service rifle," what is the breaking point for individual equipment weight, both in combat effectiveness and individual soldier compliance (eg. equipment being left behind).

Dan

what is the worst gun that you really like?

Sean Smith

How is off grid living going? Any chance of more videos on that? I am kind interested but kind of freaked out about the idea in sub -20°F winters and no heat

Joseph S.

Do you guys have any plans around doing more gunsmithing content? I know Ian had done a few videos with GunLab.net many years ago, and it would be potentially interesting to see some content like that as well.

bird

With the recent developments in passive exoskeletons what future use do you see for passive and active exoskeletons and maybe even power armor?

Ian

What's a good starting point for a D.O.P.E. card or notebook? Or just a commentary on D.O.P.E. in general.

collin simpson

can we look forward to a what would Kalashnikov or even more you what would Browning do (shotgun and pistol)? also have you had any good experience with public ranges? i currently go to a neighboring parish's sheriff range and enjoy it they have RSOs and inmates clean it plus it is all free. in Louisiana by the way, you said you travel here often can you say what for?

Hugh

Have you thought with the WWSD rifles to have multiple rifles not just your current two. Example. a MK.1, Mk.2, etc. And just whenever it's convenient look at a different way to do them?

Dylan Porter

Hypothetical: For whatever reason smokeless gunpowder is never invented for use in small arms. How do you think continued use of black powder would impact firearm development, and even warfare tactics?

Jon B

Can you guys recommend a good quality firearms related podcast? Most are garbage and I spend a lot of time driving so I need something with the intelligence and tech of InRange & Forgotten Weapons. Love the channel! P.S - How on earth do you survive an Arizona summer? Is it like being inside an oven on the surface of the sun?

MichaelPee

Given unlimited money, materials, equipment and, most of all, skill, what historic weapon would you build from scratch and why?

PHAZE

When shooting a right-handed bolt action rifle left handed, which hand should you use to work the action?

Brendon Burns

Karl; HK type rifles and Germanic engineering seems to be a particular passion for you, just as Ian likes French designs.

Terry Buchholz

Is too much hype put on how a bullet performs in gel blocks since humans aren't made of gel? It seems that ammo manufacturers are "teaching to the test" in developing a round that reaches 12"-18" and has sufficient expansion. But, what does that data actually tell us and how do we use it to narrow our choices for carry ammo? Thank you.

Voss

I was wondering what you both thought about stocks and concepts that try and marry the AR-15 and a traditional rifle stock. I'm specifically thinking about the SCR, or Sport Convertible Rifle from FightLite, formerly Ares Defense. It seems like a good idea and the way the SCR lower receiver is designed seems to eliminate the issues associated with the stocks designed for use in ban states. I know there are drawbacks associated with the design, such as a proprietary bolt carrier and fire control group, but I just wanted your thoughts on the concept and the rifle. Thanks for anything you have to say.

Adam Chang

What are your thoughts on the traditional gas system ARs vs piston adaptations (like the HK 416)?

Chris Gunawan

In regards to piston ARs, why haven't design such as the Taiwanese T-86 and T-91 (Wolf A1 in the US) proliferated in the world as much as the HK416 and its derivatives? It seems like a solid system that's been around for years.

Alex Pierce

I really enjoy the series with HMG and and Faxon as I come from a manufacturing background. Do you have any plans for some factory tours and more in depth discussions on the design and manufacture of firearms? Keep up the great work!

Kenny VanCleave

Ian has an extensive firearm collection. My question is where do you purchase them? Auctions, private sales, retail or.....

Gregg Harper

I have put together a 10" SBR (AR-15) and am in search of a suitable sighting system. Goals are to be lightweight and compact. I have a worsening astigmatism so my red dots are all but gone now. Even low mag. scopes are heavier and bigger than what I'd like. I feel this leaves me with irons, which is fine. I particularly like the fixed ones from Scalarworks and plan on a set when available again. Is there an option I am missing? I would set the effective range of the rifle to 200yds tops.

Caleb Ray

Between the seemingly three major technologies being developed for weapons (case-less ammunition, energy based weapons, or rail gun technologies) which, if any, do you think may become viable for small arms in the foreseeable future?

Paul Montanari

Any opinions on the M27iar vs. RPK and other mag fed automatic rifles? Any chance for a comparison or 2 gun match of semi-auto clones???

MarvinCZ

Why do all modern double-stack pistols use single-feed magazines, even though double-feed magazines are more reliable (I'm looking at you, Ian's Glock mags) and easier to feed?

John Ohme

Do you guys have a favorite knife?

Ed Motlin

With marijuana being decriminalized and legalized in several states, would it/is it even be possible for someone like me, who has past infringements on possession, even acquire either an FFL or C&R license?

Sean Gallagher

after cleaning a rifle do you run a clean patch to wipe the oil out of barrel before going shooting the next time or do just shoot and don't worry about it.

Austin Chappelear

What are your thoughts on the Holbrook device for M1 Garand? Does it take away too much of the historical feel from the rifle, or does it provide a bit of help to the modern shooter, in a stressful environment?

Herk

So I'm not the only one to ever think this!

Herk

Have you guys considered doing morale patches for sale? I think that the InRange logo would be a good start. Another good one would be an 'operator' kicking a door down with the caption: "I'm from the Internet and I'm here to help."

michael wood

Has any country other than the old Soviet Union come up with a heavy machine gun to rival the M-2 Browning?

Kyle Dumond

Ian and Karl: With the Sig, Walter, Remington, and other recent quality control issues with new releases from modern manufacturers it begs the question- has there been a shift in manufacturing quality, safety standards, or culture? Or are we just more acutely aware and informed about poor preforming new products? Thanks guys, keep up the good work.

James Woods

Why have no manufactures created a true bolt action Ar style upper? I'm not saying like a British AR15 straight pull conversion. But like a mouser style bolt. Leaning more towards the .308 platform AR.

Iain Hutchinson

Thanks for the great work guys. I know you hold a high regard for lightweight intermediate cartridges and your 2 gun events certainly support that. But do you feel that the heavier intermediate cartridges (450 bushmaster, .458 socom) based around Jeff Coopers "thumper" concept are not viable?

mrkermit

What are your thoughts on cryptocurrency? Is BTC / LTC relevant to the world of firearms? Thanks!

Phillip André Frontéri

What have to be done to make an bullpup be any good? As you mentioned earlier you dont plan to desogn an bullpup when wanting to design a great rifle. You are often planning to make an Bullpup to start with. But what trades would it need to have to beas good as standard rifles that bullpup so far dont have managed that well.

Alex

with the success of the SGT-44 from HMG, what do guys think could be next? I have a vision of an M-1 rifle chambered in 5.56 with polymer clips.

Marklar

What's your opinion on 10.5 or 11.5" 5.56nato rifles in regards to weight savings versus ballistics capability. A 10.5" WWSD style rifle, or even standard AR with just with a slimmer barrel would be pretty dang light and handy. I'm thinking 0-250 yards.

Spencer Lane

What are some common mistakes intermediate-experienced shooters tend to make, i.e. "I know that!" and then they screw up out of old (bad) habits or hubris?