I have two M85NP's and I was going to trade one of them for an AR15 pistol so I could have a compact, lightweight weapon when on the trail. I'm rethinking that and exploring as an alternative of maybe putting one of them on a diet as much as possible. Maybe turning down the barrel, putting a folding buffer tube with a soft foam wrap like the AR pistols had when they first came out years ago and use iron sights only. Kinda like a Micro Draco chambered in 223.

What's involved? I would put an A2 birdcage flashhider and dump the 4-piece Bulgy I have so the gas port size would need to account for the lack of back-pressure that the Bulgy provides. Anybody have any data on this or know if it's been done? Thanks

With the prices of m85s going up due to production ceasing, you could probably just find someone to trade you an slr106 pistol (8-8.5" barrel) for yours.

I would require shortening of the gas tube (this would be the most labor intensive part given the flange positions), gas piston, and handguards. If you were to swap the M85 handguards for AKSU pattern handguards, it would require the barrel to be turned down and the retainer replaced with a Russian/Bulgarian pattern (if the FSB diameter and the retainer diameter differences will allow).