Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Range Reviews: AGI Armorer's Course AR-15 Rifles

© 2009, 2010 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
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AGI Technical Manual & Armorer's Course AR15 DVD

You know, they say that the best investment you can make, is one that you make in yourself. And in these uncertain times, it is absolutely more true than ever. With the investment that many of us have made in our firearms, don't you think that knowledge is cheap insurance? With American Gunsmith Institute you invest in your skills and education at very reasonable prices.

When I received AGI's AR15 Technical Manual & Armorer's course, I eagerly tore the plastic off the DVD case and popped the disc in my computer. I have been looking forward to the opportunity to view American Gunsmith Institute material for a very long time, and when the opportunity to do so came, I jumped at it.

After spending ten minutes trying to get Windows Media Player to work right, I finally got to watch the DVD. Windows... Sheeeesh...

First things first, the DVD is digitally remastered from VCR tapes. So those of you that have only the very newest, you will find that the weapons themselves are a little dated. But other than stylistic changes to the AR15/ M16, there are no functional or mechanical differences between an M16A1 and M4. Bob Dunlap gives a very detailed and educational lecture along with a demonstration of working with and gunsmithing the AR platform. Bob is a down to earth type of narrator and instructor, so you won't get bogged down with jargon and technical discussions; but you will know the details when you're done.



The course is divided into:
  • History of the AR15: Bob delves into the history of the AR15, Armalite and Eugene Stoner.
  • Design and functions: Bob displays and explains how all the inner workings operate both individually and in concert with others.
  • Complete disassembly and reassembly: Bob tales us through a complete disassembly, from the bolt and gas tube, to the very last pin.
  • Proper cleaning and lubrication: AGI's own cleaning method is used and explained. Don't worry, it's not proprietary and I will be writing a post specific to their method, with a comparison to traditional methods.
  • Trouble shooting and repair: Bob covers all the usual suspects, and a few you might not be aware of.
  • Tuning Tips: Magazines, ramps, and barrels, extractors and ejectors; tips that you can use and perform easily.

Even if you are intimately familiar with the AR15 or the M4, an astute observer will pick up enough information to make his next AR that much more reliable and accurate.

The beauty of the DVD type courses is that you can refer back to a section with nothing more than a click of the mouse or remote control. Need to see how the bolt is assembled? Just go to that section and play it again. Forgot which spring went where? Check the included schematics.

The only thing that I think could stand some improvement is the schematics. They are taken directly from an Armalite AR-15 parts list. I think something a little more detailed and with better resolution would be better.

AGI has their Bulletproof Guarantee:

All of AGI's courses are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with any AGI video or product purchased directly from AGI, you may return it up to 90 days from the purchase date for a full refund (less shipping). The only question we will ask is "How did we fail you?"

How can you beat that?

I was pretty impressed with AGI's Technical Manual & Armorer's course, I learned quite a bit, to the point were I feel confident that I could take a box of parts, and put together a fully functional AR. I would rate this course a solid, definite buy for any AR owner.


And remember, it's made right here in the
United States of America!

AGI

AGI Technical Manual and Armorer's Course AR-15
MSRP: $39.95

This review can also be found at The Range Reviews: Tactical AGI Armorer's Course for the AR15

6 comments:

Gun Slinger said...

Always wanted to get some of these courses, but didn't know if they were worth it. Glad to know they are!

Thanks,
Gun Slinger

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your course with us. I just started looking at your blog, you have a lot of good stuff on here. Your other Blog, The Rasch Reviews: Tactical is pretty good too. Are you going to have some reviews unique to that site?

I just ordered the AGI Armorers course on your recommendation.

Keep up the good work!

Mike S.

Wild Ed said...

I have always found that watching someone do something on a video or in person is a much better way to learn than wading in with a book. I had a real problem taking the trigger out of the first AR I built until a friend showed me the ropes. If I decide to build an upper I will need this. Ed

Anonymous said...

Thank you for putting this review up. I was debating whether to get the course for the 1911 but I didn't know if it was worth getting it. Your review gives me confidence to put the money down on a DVD course.

By the way, will you be reviewing more of AGI courses? How about their gunsmithing course, do you think its worth it?

John

Albert A Rasch said...

Hey John,

I really think that the AGI Armorers courses are worth every penny. Like I said I can take a box of parts and turn out a functional AR.

I will be reviewing more of the Armorers courses in the future, and who knows, maybe I will have the opportunity to review the complete Bunsmith Course from AGI.

Regards,
Albert

Anonymous said...

Bunsmith?

Must have been in a hurry, eh?

LOL

JM