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

1884 Trapdoor Springfield 1
1884 Trapdoor Springfield 1

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1884 Trapdoor Springfield

The U.S. military's first official breechloading service rifle was the Trapdoor Springfield, and of the line of guns that saw use throughout the late 19th century, one of the most refined was the Model 1884 Trapdoor.

A Retro Python: The Pietta Blacktooth Revolver

As the company did with the original Colt Single Action Army, Pietta sought to reproduce the Colt Python as closely to the original as possible with its new Blacktooth revolver.

Questions & Answers: Cylinder Swaps

I am a huge fan of anything .45-caliber, especially single-action revolvers. I have five Ruger Blackhawk revolvers in different barrel lengths, all chambered in .45 Colt, two of which have extra cylinders chambered in .45 ACP.

American Rifleman’s Editor Explains How This Historic Title is Staying Relevant

As the new editor in chief of American Rifleman—and former editor in chief of Shooting Illustrated—Ed Friedman has the critical and challenging task of bringing this storied title into the digital age.

Colt Gets $40 Million Contract for M4/M4A1 Carbines

Colt’s Manufacturing has been awarded a $40,863,564 firm-fixed-price contract with U.S. Army Contracting Command to produce M4/M4A1 carbines for sale to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Macedonia and Tunisia.

The Stenzel Industries SAK-21: A Uniquely American AK

More than an American-made AK, Stenzel Industries calls the SAK-21 “a modular, purpose-built firearm, developed to meet the demands of special operations forces and professional shooters.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.