Brownells Gun Tech™ Caleb Savant gives up a little love for one of the least-understood parts of the AR-15 rifle. No, he’s already explained the forward assist…. We’re talking about the DUST COVER over the ejection port! The dust cover is there to prevent dirt, debris, and dust from getting into the firearm’s action while you’re carrying it or transporting it. When you’re actually shooting the rifle, the force of the ejection gases will keep dust and dirt out of the action. The military needs the dust cover on their M16s and M4s because of the dusty environments they may be operating in, like Iraq and Afghanistan. The semi-auto AR-15 is not the exact same gun, but it does have an exposed bolt carrier, too, hence a dust cover is included on most civilian ARs. For sport and competition AR-15 shooters, the dust cover is probably not strictly necessary. But it’s there if you need it. In fact, the Kalashnikov AK-47 / AK-74 series of rifles actually has TWO dust covers, one on top of the receiver and the selector lever actually serves as a dust cover.
Check out our earlier Smyth Busters video, “Is the AR-15’s Dust Cover Really Necessary?”
And if we’ve stimulated your interest, “Does the AR-15 REALLY Need a Forward Assist?”
NOTE: The products in this video are to be used only for lawful purposes, including hunting, self-defense, collecting, and competitive or recreational shooting. If you purchase any of them, you are responsible for understanding and complying with all federal, state, and local laws that apply to the purchase, possession, and use of these products.
Note to readers: Please click the share buttons above or below. Forward this article to your email lists. Crosspost on your blog site, social media, internet forums. etc.
Yes, there were enough people that didn't understand the dust cover. I'm not here to judge, just to educate!
"are you serious"
JJJ
My competition rifle with custom receiver doesn't have one… but it's not meant for rolling around in mud and dirt either.
Why would anyone not want a dust cover?? It really came in handy in the Yuma, AZ desert, even inside a vehicle. In fact, we issued a plastic flash suppressor cover to further prevent the ingress of dust an dirt.
Where i live i get that fine soft dust all in my rifle. The strike ind polimer dust covers are great ,they have a rubber gasket that keep more dust out compared to the GI metal ones
My Army days pre-date our nation building in the Middle East by a lot of years but I ate a whole lot of desert southwest sand from Ft. Bliss to NTC to 29 Palms. You learn quickly how much lube is enough and yeah, it’s a DUST COVER. 😂 hilarious!
Good video.
While serving in extremely dusty environments in the middle east, found closing the dust cover, sparingly using CLP and covering flash hider with a small balloon helped keep my M16 reliable.
People are funny.. It's not a military firearm, but if you are using in a duty situation..lol I love guns, but stop being silly.
It’s really sad that Brownells has to explain the function of a dust cover. If you are too dumb and ignorant to realize the purpose of a dust cover, you have no business owning a firearm.
The squabbles over these topics just go to prove how dumb people are becoming. If you are too stupid to know the reasons then you are just that…
2:40 Boomers Coping and Seething.
That handgaurd looks a lot like the Midwest industries gan4 but it says brownells on it. Is that just a MI with the brownells logo or did Brownells do a copy. If it costs less or weighs less I would definitely buy it. Does anyone know the answers to my curiosity’s
perhaps its to keep dust out🤔🤫
Conclusion : Its depend on the role of your gun
Yes. you need a dust cover if you deploy in combat and maybe drag your rifle around a desert or jungle.
No. you dont need a dust cover if you only shooting in the range for fun or lighten some weight for ipsc or what ever.
Thank you for your service. God bless
Media: genZ is so smart!
Also the media: genZ, please stop eating detergent and don't boil chicken in NyQuil.
Caleb: the dust cover is for dust
GenZ: words are violence and I don't feel safe around people who disagree with me!
Wait, so you are telling me it wasn’t meant to be laser engraved with a two part snarky phrase?
People that don't see the logic in a dust cover for their AR-15 probably shouldn't own one. Obviously the action of the gun the bolt carrier group is a area that you would want to keep as clean as possible. The dust cover is a little added protection to help make sure your gun is going to work when you really need it to.
Graphite or oil? Oil collects dust!
So the dust cover is for keeping dust out?
WOW!!!
I live in the desert, they are very useful.
I wish this video was 3 seconds long.
"To keep the dust out." ::Roll credits::
Moon dust. Probably what geologists call loess soil. Incredibly nasty stuff.
Video should have 5 seconds long………Mouth Breather…..it's to keep dirt and dust out of the rifle when not being fired …….
lol @ "Let's not make this political" Amen.
Use your damn dust cover cry babies.
As a Marine it KILLS ME to see people walking around with that dust cover open. I seriously want to rip that rifle out of those folks hands.
Because it's important!