Product Spotlight: What Makes Foxtrot Mike Different?
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2023
- Buckle up because Caleb and his guest Paul Noonan from FM Products are here to tell us what makes Foxtrot Mike parts unique. This means they have a LOT to talk about! FM's design philosophy can be summed up as "simple equals reliable," which their current Mike-15 Gen2 operating system embodies. The Gen2 upper receiver does not need the traditional AR-15 buffer, buffer spring, and receiver extension. Everything is contained inside the upper receiver. Some details on specific assemblies:
CHARGING HANDLE: Paul explains the evolution of FM's unique forward charging handle, which is both convenient to operate and optimized to prevent failures.
BOLT-CARRIER: Aside from being about half the size of a standard AR-15 BCG, FM's carrier is optimized for reliability. A recoil lug on the gas key nestles into the top of the carrier, adding an enormous amount of strength to make gas key screw failures very, VERY rare. For an extra measure of safety, the firing pin is spring-loaded to eliminate risk of a slam-fire due to the inertia of the bolt slamming home. Even the extractor pin was redesigned so that if it fails, the extractor will continue to function! Every Foxtrot Mike upper comes with three spare extractor pins. Paul recommends replacing the pin every 2,000 to 3,000 rounds.
RECOIL SPRING / ROD: The nested, dual springs are wound in opposite directions so they won't interfere with each other, while the recoil rod nestles into the charging handle. Pulling the charging handle compresses the spring and moves the recoil rod back in a straight line. Simple and extremely reliable.
BARREL: Manufacturing a top-notch barrel is difficult and requires a lot of testing and checking of dimensions through the entire process. FM exerts extra care to make sure barrel-making tools are not overused. What's an "overused" tool and why is it bad? Paul explains. Obvious physical differences on FM barrels include flats for a for a 1/2" wrench behind the muzzle threads, so you can support the barrel when you install a muzzle device. More flats are the rear anchor the barrel to help ensure maximum torque is applied when installing the barrel extension so it won't work loose over time.
All FM barrels are vacuum-stress relieved to remove the stress caused by the button rifling process. This results in a longer-lasting barrel because stressed steel is more brittle and wears faster. Chamber reaming is done with extreme care. All of this adds up to exceptionally accurate barrels. How accurate? Foxtrot Mike 9mm Luger barrels consistently achieve 1 MOA performance - NOT an easy feat with 9mm!
GAS BLOCK / GAS TUBE: Variations in gas tubes can result in misalignment of the tube and the gas block, resulting in some gas loss, which can affect reliability. Some manufacturers solve this problem by making the gas ports larger on all their guns to ensure adequate gas flow for reliable cycling. The result is that many AR-15s are over-gassed guns. FM guns have just enough gas flow for reliable operation, which also minimizes recoil. Paul explains the FM process for making sure the gas tube, gas block, and barrel gas port are correctly aligned for correct gas flow.
TAPER-LOCK BARREL NUT. The taper inside the nut is cut on the same machine that cuts the taper on the exterior of the barrel. This provides a much larger bearing surface than the little flange on the barrel extension. When the barrel nut is torqued down, the barrel naturally aligns concentrically to ensure superb accuracy.
PICATINNY RAIL ADAPTER: This comes with every FM upper receiver and fits in the rear of a standard AR-15 lower receiver in place of the buffer tube. It lets you take full advantage of the Mike-15 / Mike-102 bufferless operating system by mounting an M1913 Picatinny folding stock on your rifle without having to buy a dedicated lower receiver. - Sport
Absolutely buying this dudes stuff. Great American helping his countrymen 🇺🇲
PSA bro. PSA. I love ftm, but PSA. Whatcha thank?
@michaeldavis5538 i have several psa products in my safe. Love them all especially my 103
That video just 10000% made me wanna buy a Foxtrot Mike assembly!!! I’ve never seen a video where the company has so thoroughly pointed out the things that make their product different and superior. The “caring can’t be stolen” is totally true and a great selling point. I can’t wait to get my hands on a FOXTROT MIKE upper for my AR-15!!!!
I have two FOXTROT MIKE 15s. And two MIKEs 45s.
The 45s have a Bolinas 13 Oz buffer weight. Less recoil then most 9mm carbines. The range guys name the 16in 45 Thumper.
1500 feet per second out of a standard Full Metal Jacket 45. Rings that feel like it got hit by a hammer. The 135 LEHIEH Defense loads. 1800fps from the 16inbarrel. I hand-loaded for a friend in Texas that shoots Wild bore. Drops them like they ran into a wall.
they put so much simple though into it that makes you think oh wow was that makes sense . why was this not though of before
This make me do the complete opposite. Have to change out internals every 6k and if it breaks it still meant to run? Do you know the level of maintenance on a rotary engine like an rx8? This gun has the same level of failure and upkeep. No thanks. This video is trying to recover from what military arms channel made which tell you the bitter truth.
Plus literally everything is proprietary. We better buy a ton of spare parts, because if they go out of business😅
You can’t change anything from an hour or 15 platform to this platform and make it run again
Makes me want to buy another Foxtrot Mike Rig!
Great products and some Insight into their manufacturing process makes me a future customer.
This was great. If i knew how serious this company was i would have been buying their stuff for years
"I cant make it better than we do."
You could. Look at the riflespeed adjustable gas block.
That would be a huge improvement over the current fm15 oem offering.
You could make the springs captive to one another so no one puts them in wrong when reassembling.
The bolt terminus could be integrated into the recess for the buffer catch.
That being said, I really admire the ingenuity and innovation for the fm15 and FM as a team.
I have 1 FM rifle. And I love it. It’s a 7” AR9 I shoot suppressed. Extremely accurate, reliable and fun to shoot.
Good to hear James' name live on. Love or hate the guy, he loved the community.
I was glad to hear his names as well.
If you didnt like him, it means you didnt take the time to know him. I too was guilty of this and try to never judge anyone right away
Paul dealt with me on a customer service issue. The problem turned out to be another companies part interfacing with his. Even that didn't stop him from helping get my gun running. I recommend them 100%.
The fact I can buy an upper without having to buy another lower make this really appealing
I never thought about FM's stuff before. Thought they were decent quality but gimmicky. This video has changed my mind. This is awesome stuff and I love the passion from Paul. Thanks Brownells and FM
I was already planning on purchasing a FM15 upper before these videos started coming out, and now I’m even more confident in buying one. Can’t wait to finally get it and shoot it.
You sir, are the absolute best speaker I have EVER listened to in the firearms industry. I'm a building contractor and, for the most part, I know my product - it is VERY evident "YOU know your product"!!! Any intelligent manufacturer would welcome you - WOW!!!!!!!!!! I'm buying this weapon NOW, and largely because of your presentation.
Has Caleb checked out the shop yet? Been waiting for that video for ever...
A machinist and installer's fixes for some niche issues, I do like the mechanical fixes applied throughout the barrel assembly process, I'm amazed there are so few manufacturers that have a mechanical alignment assist for the gas block, it's such a simple change.
Engineered for accuracy and efficiency. What’s not to love. I want one now. Super stuff Brownells.
Great video! It is always good to see the passion behind the products. Thanks Paul for sharing.
I’m really glad you’ve made this video, because I was blown away at the cost of this kit in a good way, and thought it might be too good to be true, but I’ve seen the ingenuity in everything in this kit, and seen great reviews.
I have an FM rifle 9mm. I cannot say I really agree that they take care. After 200 rounds, the barrel came loose.. In addition, within those 200 rounds, I hade several double fires. I gave it back to the shop for warranty repair. They tightened the barrel and replaced the trigger. Same double fire problem continued. Only after replacing the trigger with a hyperfire, the issue went away. After 500 rounds the pin holding the weight in the bolt snapped in half and had to wait 2 months for a new one... Just saying dont take him at his word... Wouldnt buy another FM product, the people i met since then and had them had very similar issues.
This guy is an absolute legend in my eyes, the way he manufactures firearms is admirable. I'd do anything to work for FM.
awesome content: what I would like to see from Foxtrot Mike is to make a bufferless conversion for to work any mil-spec AR-15.
Would love to see the shop! (and more about the 7.62 specific barrel extension)
I will now be trying a Foxtrot Mike product.
You guys make great stuff. Love the hybrid lower, so glad you brought that back.
WOW ! Answering questions we never knew to ask but are so very important ! Thank you both !
Very informative and fun to watch.
This made me want to buy Foxtrot Mike products. I will be doing so.
Great discussion on a great product & company. Thank you Paul.
Great interview, great products for the people.
I just met him at shot show. Amazing guy. Amazing company. He’s a genius!
Thank you gentlemen. This video convinced me. Barrel talk set a new standard and bar for every other manufacturer out there if they were watching or viewing and I would be willing to bet they will.
I can't say enough good things about my FM15. The quality is second to none and I have not had one issue with it. I highly recommend picking one up, you won't regret it.
I am impressed! I will have one in the future.
Mike genuinely cares about his products and the end user. You scored one more cutomer. Thanks mike and brownells for this feature
Very interest video, the barrel features were well thought out.
Awesome vid, watched the entire thing and wish there was more!
sold. I was on the fence, until now
Never knew what made Foxtrot Mike stand out. This video is great.
I love my Foxtrot Mike Guns! ! VERY high quality! Long live FM Products! Innovative products!
I would have LOVED to know the charging handle needed the op rod screwed out to release the charging handle. Ugh
No documentation was sent with the blem upper and not a lot on here. I finally found one vid.
I'll give them props that the tech people even replied on a Sunday! I like despite that issue.
I have one of the FM-15 pistols in 556 that runs AR standard magazines. Love it. Got my SB side folding brace the day the Alfabit Gang announced they were verboten. Glad that's been addressed satisfactorily.
Looking at another that uses 556 AK mags. I have dozens for an Arsenal AK. Some really good reviewers are giving it less than positive reviews. I really wish I could just blow through $ and not pay attention, but I'm one of those 'blue collars' that had to stretch to make sure everything is squared away at the end of the month.
This is the video I needed the see. I’ve been eyeing these uppers. Now I must have one for sure. He’s what America is supposed to be about.
Bought a FM 9mm Upper years ago, it is amazing!!
Interesting stuff 🤔 👌 ill be buying from you for sure 😅
Educational and entertaining 👍
I would just like to make a comment on FM Products customer service, as I did unfortunately have 1 of their parts that was out of spec (no QC department can ever be perfect, and it was an individual part they they definitely would have caught had they been using the part on a pre assembled assembly), but anyway their customer service was great and they promptly resolved the issue. The problem part was a barrel nut, and the minor diameter of the threads was slightly undersized. I have 7 FM Products handguards and just ordered one of their 9mm complete uppers on black friday. Definitely a fan of their stuff and im sure the 9mm upper will be great. Their handguards are my favorite and their products are priced so the common man can afford them.
If youre contemplating on getting something they make, do it. You won't be disappointed. And in the unlikely event that something isnt right with it, they will take care of you. Good people.
Respect for the FM. Now I have to try one.
talk about taking the wheel and then just reinventing it and making it 10x better. this guy just blowing competition away
Tour the facility for us! I love these guys!
😮impressed by the common sense details that FM is implementing. I will buy few fm15, w/o question 👍🏿
Amazing product!
These guys are so good all they need to do is market more. They've got the stuff to back it up!
I love the FM product, everything just makes sense
great job
Thank YOU !
Thanks for the in depth look…and get Paul a mug dang it
Great video im gonna buy Foxtrot Mike products now
Barrel chamber quality is one of the most important machining processes for reliability..I have seen many popular upper end barrel manufacturers fail the chamber function and head space gauge..
Outstanding demonstration. @Foxtrot Mike, make it in 300 blk please!
There have a solid durable feeling that is unlike anything else I’ve held.
Really enjoyed this video. Would like to see Steve there too.
Nice LEGO annology, Caleb!
Thank you for selling me on not buying the BRN-180 and going with the cheaper option.
Definately wear saftey glasses when disassembling/reassembling the fm15. Ive had my punch slip and the spring assembly come back at me during reassembly and stick in my forehead blood everywhere hahaha.
I also reached out and had fm send me a folding para charging handle for my fm15 as I found the stock one a little awkward, their customer service is top notch.
That 1913 adapter is cool but it does come loose. I changed it out with a KNS precision adapter but, then my BCG was hitting the guide rod locking block. So I added rubber washers to soften the impact.
Just pucked up my fm9 already 200 rds down range no issues she about to get some jewlery on her
I’ve had a Foxtrot Mike FM-15 16” upper for about six months now, and I am very happy with the function, reliability and accuracy of the system. That said, I do have a few observations:
My upper came with the older style charging handle retention set screw. When I went to change it to the opposite side, I followed the included manual and loosened the set screw, but the charging handle would not come loose. After e-mailing FM products, I was told about the second set screw, that was mentioned nowhere in the manual. This should probably be added as an FAQ on the FM website.
In the last month, and probably 500 rounds fired, one of the handguard retention screws had vibrated loose. When I used proper size hex wrench to tighten it, the threads on the handguard side stripped, with what I feel like is a low amount of torque. The 10-32 screws are steel, but the threads on the handguard are aluminum, and only about 3/16” deep. I get that this is probably to keep the handguard slim, but perhaps a threaded steel plate could be inserted for the 10-32 screws to thread into. I bought a longer screw and a nut, and jury rigged it.
I like the pic rail adapter included for the buffer tube hole, but due to state law dictating my build, I would like to see a flush version without the pic rail. I’d pay money for it!
Contact fox mike I think they would make it right..
@@Mm-ik9uq eh, my fix works well enough. I just think the design of the handguard could be improved.
I'm buying one, take my money!!!
After watching this I must say Mike does seem to care about the end product an I will be getting one of FTM 's uppers if not the complete firearm.
I love reading that ocean of information. If it's not included I'll pass on that product.
Because guy said "it's inclouded" instead of "free", we can be sure this guy is legit without marketing BS.
I own FM! Will not change it for the world.
What other gun that is sold in the market today comes with 3 internal parts and a piece of paper saying this part will break and it’s recommended every cleaning or breakdown that this pin is replaced.
I now leave your purchase in your own hands and your safety.
I’m an AR guy and I like customizing it, and choosing parts is part of that. Give me the option to use a standard ar barrel and any gas block. You do that, I’ll buy 10 of these.
Or, give me CHF + CL barrel options, or heavy barrel “marksman” style uppers.
Have loved and used your products for years but mmmmm did i like that “we love redundancy”
Want to buy that Pic Rail Adapter.
Buy one, seriously, get an upper at least, i love my 9 inch FM15, so much fun, folding stock, can fire with stock folded, HK type charging system.
Looks sweet as F and runs reliability.
Don't wait, buy one now.
Do they not make full rifles anymore? I can’t find em anywhere. Also where are you seeing 9” barrels. I see 5’s 10’s and 16’s. I want an 8 ideally. Do I just have to get my own lower?
Bought 2 of the gen 1 uppers .. 1 runs amazing the other needs more gas .. Seems to not wanna run steel case .. So even the rear charging gen 1 seem good .. Prob should send in the 1 that's not running goid cause I'm sure they fix it
Been had my gen2 fm15, military arms channel dropped a video showing some faults tho.
Did I hear the spring loaded firing pin is compatible with standard bolt carriers ?
I take it the barrels are not chrome lined ?
Hmm, my FM-15 2.0 13.9" that I bought just a few months ago from Brownells had the plastic 1913 inner piece, and no urethane shock absorber. Is this a problem?
after watching this video i purchase a Fm15 gen 2 upper from you. I couldn't find a FM website so i thought i would ask a question here. Do you recommend using on a polymer lower? Is the roil impulse on this system harder or softer on the buffer tube area of the lower? I know thats a failure point with these polymer lowers and tradition DI rifles.
Can you use this upper on a brn-180 lower from brownells where the picatinny is already on it?
Having trouble swift my charging handle to the other side . Doesn’t let me unscrew the rod
quick question ... can you put a 300BLA barrel on this ? bolt is the same will the gas system fit ? and would the spring be enough ?
or should the gas block be changed and adjusted so its not too strong ?? anyone ??
Like Blackout Defense Quantum?
I've got a Quantom DTL 13.7 pin and weld.... I've changed some parts in my FM-15 (trigger, grip, safety etc)... but damn it's competes with all my high end rifles including my Blackout .. SUPER lightweight, VERY accurate, no recoil at all, such a great weapon .. ESPECIALLY for the price I feel confident and saying that there are no other competitors in that price range not even close
I've got the new airborne charging handle and adjustable gas block coming for my FM-15 once I've those on there, I just don't see many rifles competing with it...
I think that the reason Noone patented the spring design is so that people like FM could create new inovative firearms without having to worry about patent infringement.
Knights Armament used a dual counter wound recoil spring in the sr25k in the 90s. I could swear I remember a patent claim back then about it. Can't imagine Reed leaving control and money on the table by not patenting it.
Foxtrot Mike makes an AMAZINGLY soft AR, I own two of their uppers and they're my favorite builds to shoot. However, due to the proprietary nature of their gear, it's not something I'd go with for a SHTF build.
This is why I only use aluminum BCGs, if foxtrot is using a 5oz bcg and two small springs imagine a 5oz aluminum bcg with a big buffer spring
Love this company. Just hate the build with aluminum first and sell and then use steel when they can afford. It's a business I guess at the end of the day. Love my fm products.
What is the difference in the mike-15 and the mike-102?
Wow ,re engineering something that was already engineered ,working perfect ,not broken no need to overcomplicate how it was
You can say that about almost every variant that has a popular original. People like variety.
20" model coming soon?
Now if they can maker that Foxtrot Mike upper assembly work with registered NFA lower and add a sear trip.
Rest In Peace James Yaeger
I would buy this product in 300 Blackout, but don't see it being an option!
Can you run the fm15 gen 2 upper with a regular buffer tube , spring, and buffer if you can’t use a folding stock?
You can use it with a regular tube but you still wont need the spring and buffer.
Why have flats on the outside of the bbl to torque down the bbl nut when the tapered bbl nut covers those flats? Doesn't make sense to me.
I want one. Forgive my ignorance, but does the charging handle also work as a forward assist?
It does not. However the bolt carrier has a divot (where the dust cover shuts) that you can shove forward with your thumb
🇺🇸
How much for a 16”?