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SC, USA
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Posted: 3/6/2024 11:48:45 AM EDT
Like the title says, I am starting my first build. I bought a stripped lower M4E1 in kodiak brown. I want to slowly buy parts and build it by myself, for myself. Hopefully this is the right location for this post, im new here.
I had a question about whether or not buying the enhanced version vs threaded version is worth it? I understand i can only use Aero's enhanced handgaurd with that particular upper. Are there other things to be aware of with these enhanced parts? Second question is Aero always seems to be out of the stripped enhanced uppers in brown. Is there a better place to be looking for these? Ive looked around places that have been suggested to me. But everywhere i look only has the threaded M4E1s. |
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MI, USA
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Posted: 3/6/2024 12:23:47 PM EDT
[#1]
There's a HUNDRED PLACES that sell Aero receivers and cheaper than Aero sells them on their own site.
Aimsurplus is one of my personal favorites. Just personal preference, but I'm not big on proprietary stuff. I prefer to be able to use whatever handguard I want. That's not to say there's anything wrong with the Atlas handguards. |
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MI, USA
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Posted: 3/6/2024 12:31:16 PM EDT
[#2]
I also would recommend not using the enhanced upper, unless you’re really into the rail it uses. Otherwise, the world is your oyster.
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 3/6/2024 1:07:52 PM EDT
[#3]
If you buy the Enhanced version, you will regret it in the future. It locks you into ONE handguard, which by the way, is HUGE in circumference. The only reason to use that Enhanced variant is if you want to build an upper with a suppressor set back into the rail. Otherwise, the M4E1 is the best option, as nearly every rail/forend on the planet will fit.
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Posted: 3/6/2024 2:15:50 PM EDT
[#4]
Personally I like the enhanced upper/handguards and have been using them exclusively for years.
The handguard attaches directly to the receiver, not the barrel nut so it is more rigid. Usually don't have to worry about indexing the barrel nut for the gas tube. Just torque to the value you want. Plenty of room under the handguard for most any gas block. I don't think the handguards are too big. I don't mind having to use a specific handguard. It's not like change them anyway.  Attached File |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 3/6/2024 3:39:41 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bluedog82: I also would recommend not using the enhanced upper, unless you’re really into the rail it uses. Otherwise, the world is your oyster. x3 ^^^ |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 3/6/2024 7:40:09 PM EDT
[#6]
Thanks for the input. I am specifically building this as an Aero gun. Had the expectation to use only their recievers and handgaurd anyway.
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SC, USA
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Posted: 3/6/2024 7:43:50 PM EDT
[#7]
Yeah. I intended to build an "Aero" gun. At least their receivers and handguard. Eventually i would like to supress it, so setting it back into the handguard sounds cool! Hadnt thought of that. Thank you for the advice
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Posted: 3/6/2024 9:08:31 PM EDT
[#8]
Having built one years ago, I'd say no. You can still buy an aero receiver and handguard, but skip the enhanced. It sounds cool in theory, but not only are you locked into specific handguards, but I've found that the stupid little torx screws strip way too easy. If you decide you want to change barrels, use a BRT tube, a different gas block, you may find that to be a whole lot more difficult that you expected. That's just my experience with it, but id never do it again. Also wort considering, unless they've changed things since I did mine, it requires a rather large diameter handguard. If you want to go with M4E1 receivers, that's fine. I'd get the one with the standard threads though.
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Posted: 3/6/2024 9:14:23 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BrickYak: Eventually i would like to supress it, so setting it back into the handguard sounds cool! Hadnt thought of that. Thank you for the advice Plenty of reading material on this too. I'll give you the one word summary - heat. Do you want a suppressor under your hand? I don't. Sure, it looks cool. Whether or not it's practical has varying opinions. |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 3/6/2024 9:17:18 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BrickYak: Yeah. I intended to build an "Aero" gun. At least their receivers and handguard. Eventually i would like to supress it, so setting it back into the handguard sounds cool! Hadnt thought of that. Thank you for the advice Maybe just tuck the rear, but a can surrounded by aluminum is gonna get HOT |
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MI, USA
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Posted: 3/9/2024 8:19:17 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By cb4017: Personally I like the enhanced upper/handguards and have been using them exclusively for years. The handguard attaches directly to the receiver, not the barrel nut so it is more rigid. Usually don't have to worry about indexing the barrel nut for the gas tube. Just torque to the value you want. Plenty of room under the handguard for most any gas block. I don't think the handguards are too big. I don't mind having to use a specific handguard. It's not like change them anyway. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/45352/20221017_115303__Medium__jpg-3151053.JPG And there's the totally legitimate upside. They must be selling or they'd stop making them. Just not my preference. |
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USA
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Posted: 3/14/2024 3:38:21 PM EDT
[#12]
Aero Enhanced is fine for precision rigs, maybe not the ticket for CQB or recce.
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Posted: 3/14/2024 4:03:10 PM EDT
[#13]
Might not be right for you if you play Musical Chair with parts, I have built a couple and like them.
I built a precision rifle out of one with a Larue 20" barrel and it can cloverleaf at 100 yards with IMI 77gr OTM MOD1 when I do my part. |
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Posted: 3/14/2024 8:20:26 PM EDT
[#14]
Just an FYI, if you get the enhanced upper then you are pretty much locked into their compatible rail, or other BAR nut type rail, however with the standard upper you can use any rail you like, even the BAR type rail from Aero.
Remember that the Atlas rails are not for the enhanced uppers, but they do look much better on a threaded M4E1 upper than other non-Aero rails would. |
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USA
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Posted: 3/14/2024 8:30:35 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By x248716x: Aero Enhanced is fine for precision rigs, maybe not the ticket for CQB or recce. Why not? The enhanced rails are much stronger on the receiver than standard rails. I can only think they would be superior for cqb type stuff too, especially if the rifle gets banged around much. Extra strength is never not better.;) |
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Posted: 3/14/2024 8:41:09 PM EDT
[Last Edit: WrenchGuy]
[#16]
Originally Posted By Rbass: Why not? The enhanced rails are much stronger on the receiver than standard rails. I can only think they would be superior for cqb type stuff too, especially if the rifle gets banged around much. Extra strength is never not better.;) Totally agree, the only drawback is the non-standard design, though its not a huge deal as other BAR type rails can be used, or the build can be moved to a standard receiver, if ever needed. |
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USA
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Posted: 3/20/2024 2:30:43 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Rbass: Why not? The enhanced rails are much stronger on the receiver than standard rails. I can only think they would be superior for cqb type stuff too, especially if the rifle gets banged around much. Extra strength is never not better.;) Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Rbass: Originally Posted By x248716x: Aero Enhanced is fine for precision rigs, maybe not the ticket for CQB or recce. Why not? The enhanced rails are much stronger on the receiver than standard rails. I can only think they would be superior for cqb type stuff too, especially if the rifle gets banged around much. Extra strength is never not better.;) Girth. for ease of handling, transport in cramped spaces, shooting alongside barriers, usually you want the slimmer profile. yeah, it comes down to personal preference. |
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Posted: 3/20/2024 7:54:15 PM EDT
[Last Edit: WrenchGuy]
[#18]
The OD, or girth, of the enhanced rail is only an issue if you might have less than large hands.
I’m 6’3” and find the Aero rails to be very comfortable for my hands, but others may not. I have the enhanced rail on my .308 and it’s looks and feels great. This is on a standard upper with a BAR nut mount, works fine. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 5:49:53 PM EDT
[#19]
I built my AR9 pistol with a barreled Aero upper. Runs 100%. Is it the best or lightest? No, but didn't cost a fortune & works.
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