User Panel
Posted: 12/5/2014 5:14:01 PM EDT
Well...just finished my first build and I must say I'm VERY pleased. The rifle balances well and feels "just right." Exactly what I wanted. Some may consider it a boring rifle or too much of a clone, but I think it fits my mission well. That said, I'm open to any comments.
Many thanks to ARFCOM for helping me navigate my first build. I read countless threads from the archives and posted a few new questions here and it was always exceptionally helpful. Here's some info on the build for anyone interested. Parts: Upper: BCM M4 profile carbine 14.5" upper group w/ pinned A2X Rail: KAC M4 RAS, covers, and VFG BUIS: Matech BCG: BCM (free w/ upper) CH: Spikes Lower: Spikes (spider) LPK: Spikes standard Buffer assembly: Spikes w/ T2 buffer Stock: B5 SOPMOD Grip: Magpul MIAD w/ medium backstrap Optic: Aimpoint PRO Contrary to popular wisdom, I did price everything out down to the penny. Thanks to users here who helped me discover the EE (had no idea it existed) I got most of my parts new/used which helped considerably with savings. That said, I probably paid a little more for some stuff just because. The Matech is an example....it came right off a new Colt SOCOM and I felt comfortable paying more than the $40 I was seeing elsewhere. Here's the breakdown (all EE prices "shipped"): Pricing: Upper group included BCG, pinned FH, no rail (from BCM) - $496.95 shipped KAC rail set (EE) - $100 MIAD grip (EE) - $27 Spikes CH (EE) - $20 Matech BUIS (EE) - $50 B5 SOPMOD stock (EE) - $80 Lower - $110 total LPK (Joe Bob) - $69.95 Buffer assy (Joe Bob) - $69.95 Aimpoint PRO (EE) - $315 Total: $1,338.85 I'm fairly pleased with that price given that I paid ~$300 less than, say, getting a Colt SOCOM + Aimpoint at retail. Weights: Some rough weights done quick and dirty on a postal scale: Rifle w/ loaded 30rd mag: 9lbs 2oz Rifle empty: 8lbs 2oz Rifle without mag or optic: 7lbs even. Seems about average for an M4 but I'm glad I didn't go with the SOCOM barrel, that's for sure. Sorry for the long-winded post. I'm posting all this hoping it helps someone in the future. Now it's time to go shoot! The family.. |
|
[#1]
Nicely done. Looks really clean. The only thing missing is a Geissele two-stage trigger.
|
|
[#2]
You practically stole that Aimpoint and SOPMOD stock at those prices. Nicely done.
|
|
[#4]
Are you allowed to say "here's my family" when it's a husband and wife pic?
Nice build |
|
[#5]
|
|
[#6]
It's always a good day with the birth of another rifle or carbine. Nicely done.
|
|
[#8]
Quoted:
What is EE ?? What is Spikes ?? Thanks ! View Quote EE=Equipment Exchange (orange link in upper right hand corner). Market for new/used parts and accessories Spikes=Spikes Tactical (well known manufacturer of ar15 components) |
|
[#9]
M4 "clone types" always turn out great, and the weight sounds about right but once you add a light prepare for a 9.5-9.7 lb gun loaded with just a red dot. The weight is the only negative about "M4s". |
|
[#10]
Quoted:
M4 "clone types" always turn out great, and the weight sounds about right but once you add a light prepare for a 9.5-9.7 lb gun loaded with just a red dot. The weight is the only negative about "M4s". View Quote I'm on my second "Block II" SOPMOD clone right now. After carrying those things around for a while, a standard M4 ain't so bad in the weight department. |
|
[#13]
Guys, can you help me decode some of these terms in the original post in this thread: Upper: BCM M4 profile carbine 14.5" upper group w/ pinned A2X What is BCM ? Rail: KAC M4 RAS, covers, and VFG What is KAC ? BUIS: Matech What is BUIS ? BCG: BCM (free w/ upper) What is BCG ? CH: Spikes What is CH ? LPK: Spikes standard What is LPK ? Stock: B5 SOPMOD What is B5 ? Thanks very much for taking the time to get me up to speed !!! |
|
[#14]
Quoted:
Guys, can you help me decode some of these terms in the original post in this thread: Upper: BCM M4 profile carbine 14.5" upper group w/ pinned A2X What is BCM ? Rail: KAC M4 RAS, covers, and VFG What is KAC ? BUIS: Matech What is BUIS ? BCG: BCM (free w/ upper) What is BCG ? CH: Spikes What is CH ? LPK: Spikes standard What is LPK ? Stock: B5 SOPMOD What is B5 ? Thanks very much for taking the time to get me up to speed !!! View Quote BCM = Bravo Company BCG = Bolt Carrier Group CH = Charging Handle LPK= Lower Parts Kit B5 = a stock company |
|
[#15]
Quoted:
Guys, can you help me decode some of these terms in the original post in this thread: Upper: BCM M4 profile carbine 14.5" upper group w/ pinned A2X What is BCM ? Rail: KAC M4 RAS, covers, and VFG What is KAC ? BUIS: Matech What is BUIS ? BCG: BCM (free w/ upper) What is BCG ? CH: Spikes What is CH ? LPK: Spikes standard What is LPK ? Stock: B5 SOPMOD What is B5 ? Thanks very much for taking the time to get me up to speed !!! View Quote Sure! I was in your shoes when starting out in this.... BCM = Bravo Company Manufacturing, a high quality AR manufacturer KAC = Knights Armament Corp, a maker of AR rifles and components, arguably most notable for their US govt contracts providing rail systems for GI rifles. BUIS = BackUp Iron Sights BCG = bolt carrier group CH = charging handle LPK = lower parts kit B5 = manufacturer of AR stocks As far as what those things are (i.e. "bolt carrier group" or "lower parts kit"), a search of this site will help, or you'll pick it up by osmosis very fast. |
|
[#16]
And in other news....I took the rifle to the range today and put about 150rds through it. All went well thought there were a couple issues; the buffer might be a bit much.
Range report coming... |
|
[#17]
Quoted:
Guys, can you help me decode some of these terms in the original post in this thread: Upper: BCM M4 profile carbine 14.5" upper group w/ pinned A2X What is BCM ? Rail: KAC M4 RAS, covers, and VFG What is KAC ? BUIS: Matech What is BUIS ? BCG: BCM (free w/ upper) What is BCG ? CH: Spikes What is CH ? LPK: Spikes standard What is LPK ? Stock: B5 SOPMOD What is B5 ? Thanks very much for taking the time to get me up to speed !!! View Quote BCM = Bravo Company Manufacturing. They manufacture high quality URG's (Upper Receiver Groups) KAC = Knight's Armament Company. They are a military contractor that manufacture highly sought after rifle's and accessories for the AR platform. They usually aren't cheap, but they are consistently considered among the best. BUIS = Back Up Iron Sight. Typically folding to allow usage with rail mounted optics, although some are fixed (such as LMT or Daniel Defense offerings). BCG = Bolt Carrier Group. Consists of the Bolt Carrier, Bolt, Firing Pin, Cam Pin, and Firing Pin Retaining Pin. CH = Charging Handle LPK = Lower Parts Kit. B5 = B5 Systems. They started out manufacturing a "clone" of the LMT SOPMOD buttstock, which is a staple of the "SOPMOD" program (Special Operations Peculiar Modifications). They are a military contractor, as well as LMT, for this buttstock. Since their start, they have started manufacture of their own "re-design" of the SOPMOD buttstock, titled the B5 Bravo, which slims the stock down by deleting the storage tubes of the original SOPMOD. |
|
[#18]
Quoted:
Guys, can you help me decode some of these terms in the original post in this thread: Upper: BCM M4 profile carbine 14.5" upper group w/ pinned A2X What is BCM ? Rail: KAC M4 RAS, covers, and VFG What is KAC ? BUIS: Matech What is BUIS ? BCG: BCM (free w/ upper) What is BCG ? CH: Spikes What is CH ? LPK: Spikes standard What is LPK ? Stock: B5 SOPMOD What is B5 ? Thanks very much for taking the time to get me up to speed !!! View Quote This might help you in the future when it comes to the acronyms used here. I referenced it a ton when I first started reading up on this forum. You should also check out all the other FAQ threads posted above to get you up to speed. ARFCOM Acronyms |
|
[#21]
Good shooting. That just looks like brass on the deflector. Take a good cleaner and it should come right off. As for the failures, I would just shoot it more, break it in and see if it continues
|
|
[#22]
My BCM upper bounces a few shells off the deflecter also. My buddies Daniel Defence 300 BLK OUT does the same thing. Never noticed this on my Colt. I've noticed it has not scared the deflector, the marks just wipe right off when I clean it. No idea what the cause is.
|
|
[#23]
Sweet rifles brah. No weaponlight? The markings on the deflector are just that, brass scrapings from deflecting off it. CLP and a toothbrush or rag takes it right off
|
|
[#24]
Ok I feel like an idiot. I'l take a rag to the deflector and see what happens. Thanks.
Quoted:
Sweet rifles brah. No weaponlight? The markings on the deflector are just that, brass scrapings from deflecting off it. CLP and a toothbrush or rag takes it right off View Quote Thanks. No weapon light yet. Don't really have any need for one at the moment and don't want the weight (or cash outlay) just now. Plus, then I gotta start figuring out the whole weapon light world. |
|
[#25]
Quoted:
Ok I feel like an idiot. I'l take a rag to the deflector and see what happens. Thanks. Thanks. No weapon light yet. Don't really have any need for one at the moment and don't want the weight (or cash outlay) just now. Plus, then I gotta start figuring out the whole weapon light world. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Ok I feel like an idiot. I'l take a rag to the deflector and see what happens. Thanks. Quoted:
Sweet rifles brah. No weaponlight? The markings on the deflector are just that, brass scrapings from deflecting off it. CLP and a toothbrush or rag takes it right off Thanks. No weapon light yet. Don't really have any need for one at the moment and don't want the weight (or cash outlay) just now. Plus, then I gotta start figuring out the whole weapon light world. I have almost the same exact rifle as you. Down to the upper/stock/rail everything. Even the same vert grip same rail covers setup in the same place lol. Only difference is I have an EOTech on it instead of an Aimpoint, I have a SOCOM profile barrel on it and a Surefire M951. I recommend you get that Surefire. You can find em for $50 on the EE thats where I got mine. It's the cheapest way to get into a high quality model. It's the older model Army issued Surefire. |
|
[#27]
Yeah, we'll see. I just can't bring myself to do the light thing right now. Can't see any use for it and the M951 is just so HUGE. That time will come I'm sure...
Oh, and the brass "stain" on the deflector came off easily with a rag. |
|
[#28]
Quoted:
Yeah, we'll see. I just can't bring myself to do the light thing right now. Can't see any use for it and the M951 is just so HUGE. That time will come I'm sure... Oh, and the brass "stain" on the deflector came off easily with a rag. View Quote If you plan on using this rifle for home defense then I can't stress how important a weapon light is. If this is just a range toy then don't even worry about it. As for the brass markings, told ya |
|
[#29]
Quoted:
Yeah, we'll see. I just can't bring myself to do the light thing right now. Can't see any use for it and the M951 is just so HUGE. That time will come I'm sure... Oh, and the brass "stain" on the deflector came off easily with a rag. View Quote Light & Lasers |
|
[#30]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Yeah, we'll see. I just can't bring myself to do the light thing right now. Can't see any use for it and the M951 is just so HUGE. That time will come I'm sure... Oh, and the brass "stain" on the deflector came off easily with a rag. Light & Lasers Very helpful link. Thanks. If I decide to use this as an HD weapon I'll be sure to get a light for it. Right now it's just a range and training gun and stays locked up in the house. |
|
[#33]
|
|
[#34]
Yep, it's a KAC along with the rail and covers. I had to shave about 1/4" off the back of the VFG to get it and the covers to work together in the position I wanted them
Quoted:
Knights Armament Company (KAC for short). Same company that makes the drop in handguard. Nice stick OP. Surprised no one busted your chops about the 3 shot groups View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
What type of VFG is that? Knights Armament Company (KAC for short). Same company that makes the drop in handguard. Nice stick OP. Surprised no one busted your chops about the 3 shot groups Thanks. Yeah, same here. They teach three-shot groups at Front Sight. That's the only formal training I've had and just never thought to change it. What's the consensus these days....five? |
|
[#35]
I'd like to take the rifle out and get some "glamour shots" outdoors, but the work schedule hasn't been permitting that. I'll post here when/if it ever happens.
|
|
[#36]
Nice build. If you are going to "paint" the safety selectors, you should probably paint the Spikes roll-marks on the lower. JMHO
Derek |
|
[#37]
If I was building up my "beau ideal" of a carbine, it would probably not resemble that one in any way . . . but you know what? That's a heck of a carbine. Congratulations, dude. Enjoy it in good health.
|
|
[#38]
Looks good. I built an early OIF clone with parts I had sitting in my parts bin and now it is one of my favorite rifles. Love the M4 look.
|
|
[#41]
Love it. Good job! My current build was begun with that outcome in mind, but like usual it morphs into something else...I rack disciprin
|
|
[#42]
Quoted:
Guys, can you help me decode some of these terms in the original post in this thread: Upper: BCM M4 profile carbine 14.5" upper group w/ pinned A2X What is BCM ? Rail: KAC M4 RAS, covers, and VFG What is KAC ? BUIS: Matech What is BUIS ? BCG: BCM (free w/ upper) What is BCG ? CH: Spikes What is CH ? LPK: Spikes standard What is LPK ? Stock: B5 SOPMOD What is B5 ? Thanks very much for taking the time to get me up to speed !!! View Quote Study those, they are used a lot in the AR world. |
|
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.