What actually breaks on an AR in the real world? What can you fix at the range, and what needs a bench, proper tools, and patience?

In this episode of Built to Last, Tim sits down with Brownells Senior Media Content Supervisor Caleb Savant for a deep dive into field repairs, practical firearm problem solving, and his experience as a gunsmith.

The conversation also dives into overlooked firearm issues like loose buttpads, stripped screws, crushed wood fibers, improper screwdriver use, and why seemingly small hardware problems can create major reliability and accuracy issues over time. Caleb explains the difference between temporary field fixes and proper long-term repairs, while sharing the mindset and discipline that come from both military service and years behind the bench.

Along the way, Tim, Jude, and Caleb discuss preventive maintenance, gas ring myths, extractor upgrades, lubrication misconceptions, and what separates a true system thinker from someone who simply swaps parts.

If you enjoy practical gunsmithing knowledge, real-world troubleshooting, and understanding why guns fail instead of just replacing parts until they work again, this episode is for you.

Send your bench questions, range stories, or future episode ideas to BuiltToLast@Brownells.com
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And remember, if it’s worth fixing, ensure it’s Built to Last.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode, we sit down and talk to KP Robinson of Grey Group, LLC. KP is a 22-year Senior Police Officer with the Des Moines Police Department and a 19-year Sniper Team Leader for the Metro STAR (SWAT) Team.

He also served as a Metro Transit Police Officer in Washington, D.C., during the DC Sniper era, bringing operational experience from high-threat, high-visibility environments.

We talk about what the pros use for precision rifle setups and gear, what's just fad, and what is non-negotiable.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode, Tim and Jude sit down with Michael Ware, owner of Controlled Chaos Arms in Baxter, Iowa. Michael started as a diesel technician before going into gunsmithing full-time. He's a self-taught gunsmith with years of experience as a machinist and received instruction from Gordy Gritters. We pick Michael's brain on being a gunsmith and his philosophy on life and working on firearms.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Estela, owner of Kevin Estela, LLC. Kevin is a professional fieldcraft and survival instructor with nearly two decades of experience. He’s the best-selling author of 101 Skills You Need to Survive in the Woods and Beyond the Field, a former Director of Training at Fieldcraft Survival, and a prolific contributor to hundreds of articles.

Kevin teaches what works because he lives it. Today, he breaks down the three firearms every prepared outdoorsman should keep on their homestead: the .22 rifle, a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun, and a .30-caliber rifle. We’ll also explore the difference between bushcraft and survival, the role of mindset, and what it means to take responsibility for yourself and those around you.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode Tim and Pete sit down with Jason and Steve Hornady, from Hornady Manufacturing to talk about their legacy, how they've had to adapt, and how they give back to the firearm community.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Ostrander, U.S. Marine Corp veteran, founder of Ostrander Defense, and program director of Gunsmithing Technology at Iowa Valley Community College. We talk about tools and resources for the 1911, whether you're a collector, competitor, or utilizing for home defense.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode, Pete Brownell shares the legacy Brownells was built on.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode, we sit down with Pete Brownell and discuss the importance of sharing knowledge in the firearms community.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.