...about the steel casings chipping the extractor?
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The problem with steel is that it doesn't flex like brass, so the extractor experiences more wear each time it pulls a case from the breech. Over time, this erosion can result in worn/broken extractors and failures to extract (FTE). This problem isn't unique to the AR. Some firearms, like the AK & Galil, have robust extractors that can take more abuse. But steel cases still increase the wear factor, regardless. I haven't tested the endurance of my AR with steel cases, but I'd be curious to see how long it would last. That said, extractors are readily available. If you do wear one out, there's no problem replacing it.
Second, I bought a scope and the mounting rail and now am looking at bipods. What is a good brand and set-up?
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Versa pods are really good. Look for the ones with the notched adjustable legs (as opposed to the free sliding ones). Try
www.dsarms.com or
www.bushmaster.com. I got mine (notched leg model) from DSA for my SA58, but they work for any caliber rifle.
I think you can mount a versa pod on standard AR handguards, but I'm not sure how. Look at Bushmaster's site for this method. If you want to mount it on a Knight's RAS, check out
www.knightsarmament.com for their RAS & mounting hardware for the versa pod. ARMS will be selling a new mount called the SIR that you can mount the pod onto as well, but it's not available yet. Go to www.armsmounts, item #45.
...what can I do to my post-ban as far as telescoping stock, muzzle brakes, etc?
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With regards to telestocks, nothing. Bushmaster sells fixed "telestocks" (pinned in the fully-extended position) to give you the "look". But the inane '94 crime (criminalization) bill restricts them to rifles with preban receivers (Yeah, it does suck).
You've got some selections for muzzle breaks. Again, Bushmaster sells a few different brakes for post-ban AR's. Once again, the '94 crime (criminalization) bill restricts post-ban guns from possessing
flash suppressors, which are devices that reduce/eliminate muzzle flash to
all observers. Muzzle brakes reduce recoil, not flash, and so are legal. Flash hiders reduce flash from the shooter's vantage, but not from the other end. These, too, are legal. Check out the online catalogue at
www.bushmaster.comHopefully, this nonsense will permanently sunset in 2004 (The bill had a 10 year lifespan, renewable only if voted into law again).
'94 crime (criminalization) bill