Quote History Quoted:Sexy!
What are the specs of the rifle?
I'm still thinking a shorter can would be best so it doesn't negate having a short rifle.
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It's a Colt Commando clone...
Daniel Defense 11.5" LW barrel (from back when they shipped .625" at the FSB)
LMT M16 BCG and gen2 M4 stock + receiver extension (buffer tube)
Colt H2 buffer
Wolff XP action spring
AAC M4-2000 on 51T Blackout FS
PWA Commando lower
EOTech 553.A65
GG&G MAD BUIS
Magpul ASAP sling adapter
generic single-point sling identical to thisYour thinking is sound, regarding keeping the can and barrel shorter. If I didn't already have this setup before becoming LE (or if I was building a dedicated suppressed setup), I would go with a shorter can and probably even a 10.3-10.5" barrel. That's just better for in/out of vehicles, and I'd never have to consider removing the can for a really confined structure.
Mine is setup this way because I want it to work with a wide variety of ammo (anything I grab) both unsuppressed and suppressed, without having to adjust anything about the setup.
When I want suppression, I want maximum suppression. (The flash suppression without the can is also great.)
For LE work, being able to hear/communicate during and after the gunfire is good enough. If you are issued
one type of round, you can "set up" the weapon and dedicated can combo strictly for
that round with no problems.
I have other hosts for the can, so mine doesn't always live on this one weapon.
Another factor favoring a shorter barrel is that it's less likely the slight increase in max effective range an extra inch buys you is worth the maneuverability handicap, when considering published stats on LE engagement distances. (I DO tend to always assume I may have to be
THAT GUY that needs to take a 200(+) yard shot one day. You really never know).
Everything Combat_Jack said about ammo is correct. Our issued 62gr SP ammo isn't a horrible choice, but there are better options available. 55gr FMJ is
truly a poor choice, especially with today's options
AND American Eagle's weaksauce loading on that stuff, which is manufactured just for plinking/training/messing around.
There are plenty of reports and real-world performance data, testing, etc. which I bet you could get from LE firearms instructors for the asking, that would show why that is a poor choice for issue. I would attempt to steer administration away from that choice, if at all possible.
Dang it, now you've made me want to build a dedicated 10.5" + short can setup using the M16A1 which I was recently issued and a DD Mk18 rail a friend gave me.
Mk18 Block II time?
It would be the most legit "clone" ever. Yeah, gotta do it... lol