Fear & Loading: High Performance Brass?

by
posted on December 9, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
valve3.jpg

I’m always game for anything I can bolt onto my truck that’ll increase horsepower and improve gas mileage, so when I ran across a Texas firm producing caps to go on your tire valve stems made of handgun brass I had to take them for a drive. GYSOT Products isn’t claiming the four-packs will do either, but I figured there’s no way if I scored the .45 ACP version it wouldn’t give me more low-end torque for climbing steep off-road trails. I also theorized the .40 S&W should add at least another mile per hour in top speed. 

The market’s flooded with this kind of product for the holiday’s, with too much of the profits going offshore. GYSOT is an acronym for Get You Some Of That. The small company is based in the Lone Star State, products are made here in America and the owner is an avid shooter.

Bulletstems—the firm’s name for brass-covered valve stems—are available in raw brass, polished brass and polished silver. MSRP is $15.95 for the first two and the latter comes in at $20.95. You can also order special colors for that rocket ride, and even cufflinks. If I thought the .40 S&W versions would get me out of meetings faster, I’d buy a pair. 

These valve stem caps are the kind of bling that says, “I’m a proud firearm enthusiast,” so it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer.  Installation was a breeze and they apparently fit every tire out there. They worked on my truck with 300,000 miles, a new Tundra, Ford F-150, Dodge Caravan and everything else I could find before a neighbor threatened to call the police if I didn’t get out of his driveway.

Unfortunately, performance was disappointing. Gas mileage didn’t improve, nor did torque and horsepower. It still took 10 minutes to get my drive-through order at McDonald’s and no hot biker babes appeared.

They look great, though.

Latest

Belt1 1911 Timer
Belt1 1911 Timer

Tactical Belts For The Rest Of Us

Most shooters don’t need a "war belt." While enthusiasts like the idea of preparing for every contingency, the vast majority of us need a reliable platform for a range session, a training class or a local club match.

18 New Shotguns for 2026

Among today's firearm platforms, the shotgun remains one of the most time-tested, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Today's new crop of shotguns runs the gamut, giving modern shotgunners new options in nearly every conceivable category.

Derya Arms RAN Series: A New Take on the Lever-Action

Derya Arms' latest entry in the lever-action market, the RAN series of rifles and pistols, seeks to “reimagine” the modern lever gun.

Gun of the Week: Robinson Armament XCR-L

One man, Alex Robinson, took it upon himself to address what he saw as several shortcomings in the AR-15 design. He consulted with special forces operators and asked what they wanted in a rifle platform. The result was the Robinson Armament XCR.

Maryland Bans Glocks and the NRA Responds

Legislation recently signed into law by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore essentially bans nearly every Glock and Glock-style pistol on the market from being sold within the state.

The Armed Citizen® May 29, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.