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Posted: 5/8/2018 10:37:01 AM EDT
Lots of awesome retro builds, but does anyone have a practical A2 circa 2018?
While this concept is certainly limited by what the A2 is, it's still fun as hell to update an A2 with quality components. Here is my submission which some of you have seen before: 
The A2 in the above photo has a Kac M5 RAS. The rifle has a 1/2x1/2 NM rear with a blackhawk same plane aperture. The KAC Ras is a bit too heavy and made the A2 a little less practical than plastic handguards IMHO. The NM sights are a nice combo for the A2. Get you a NM rear and same plane while you can, even if its just for the parts bin. It needs 1/2 minute windage to accept USGI style apertures. These might go the way of the dodo in the future. I have a griffen compensator up front, a spikes trigger, and a cheapy sling. A1 buttstock in place from Cav. Holds spare bolt, firing pin, cam, all bolt small parts, oil tube, front sight adjustment tool, and FSB top sling adapter. This A2 is one of my favorite rifles. Since then I have ditched the RAS, then tried a Magpul handguard set ( a little heavier than need be ), and cav mfg handguards ( just right) and a Kerm Lock light mount. 
I have added and removed an Acog. Didnt like the chinweild and the reticle was not my favorite. 
So I am planning on another full round of A2 updates. I have my sights on a modern Quad rail. In this case a BCM 12 inch QRF which will weigh less than the stock handguard and barrel nut / delta setup. From here, a light and maybe a IR laser at some point. Also have a Larue trigger on the way. When I get all that installed, i will update with pics. Also installed a XS tritium front. Have not sighted in yet. Rifle is a smooth shooter ( as most A2s are) and the comp only makes it that much smoother. I launch 75 grain pills from it and once I FF it, i will sight it in for 55 XM193 and my pet load by painting the zero on the W/E drum. I have toyed with the idea of a binary trigger, but i fear the A2 stock and buffer might not be able to keep up with my finger. Its the funnest rifle I have to shoot. By far. With 75 grain pills and a 20 inch tube... It also hits pretty hard. 
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Posted: 5/8/2018 11:23:54 AM EDT
[#1]
That's a good looking rifle! I'm going basic with my AR, and am doing nothing more than the M&P-15 Sport 2 with an added carry handle in place of the flip up Magpul rear sight they come with, and I'll put a Magpul grip on it to fill my hand better and I have a pad for the stock, and that's it. No lights, lasers or other optics, at least for now.
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Posted: 5/8/2018 11:24:06 AM EDT
[#2]
Actually, I mounted my Light to it just the other day. On a MI FSB rail. But I just don't like it. It's makes it heavy and the light is too far out. I would toy with the idea of adding a rail to the handguards but I don't want to muck up the original Colt ones. I do have another pair, but they're the fat kind and I just don't like them as much.
My M4gery works better as my HD gun and I don't really need a light on the A2. But if it were my only one, I'd be figuring out a way to mount a light with adding as little weight as possible. Which would probably be just drilling some holes and attaching a rail like I did on my M4gery. But I definitely like yours and think a thread showing A2's with modern upgrades on it is a great idea!!!!! 
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Posted: 5/8/2018 11:27:06 AM EDT
[#3]
Needs moar collapsible stock like current US Army retrofits.
Better binary triggers have a bolt carrier position sensor that prevents hammer follow. Nice gat. I'd like to build a late issue A2, if only to drive some folks crazy. |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 12:09:22 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Needs moar collapsible stock like current US Army retrofits. Better binary triggers have a bolt carrier position sensor that prevents hammer follow. Nice gat. I'd like to build a late issue A2, if only to drive some folks crazy. JJREA the Kerm Lock is detachable and doesnt modify the handguards whatsoever. Really neat system. QUAD RAIL HANDGUARDS THAT FIT 20 INCH A2: Larue 12.0 - great handguard but a bit heavy by todays standards. 16.8 oz. G Mk7 - great modern handguard system, but really made for High Power. Weighs more than the Larue. BCM 12 inch QRF - based on the super lightweight BCM KMR and weighs 14.1 oz with hardware. - edit anti roation hardware does not fit A2! Centurion C4 12 inch weighs in at 15.3 with standard barrel nut. So going with the QRF seems the most appropriate. Lighter weight should make my A2 feel even handier. |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 12:15:34 PM EDT
[#5]
An early Gulf War updated A2? One with a shitty USGI 2xD cell flashlight duct taped to the front stock? Perhaps one with a smuggled Aimpoint on the upper deck?
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Posted: 5/8/2018 12:23:13 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Needs moar collapsible stock like current US Army retrofits. Better binary triggers have a bolt carrier position sensor that prevents hammer follow. Nice gat. I'd like to build a late issue A2, if only to drive some folks crazy. Since I have been down this path, an M4 buffer, tube, and spring probably won't run right on a 20" rifle. It needs and A5 buffer kit. CMMG and VLTOR sell this kit, I have two, and they work. Even with the Fostech binary triggers, bolt bounce can still be an issue and cause hammer follow. I don't know why I seem to always be the one that has to figure this stuff out, but I had to put a Spikes ST-T2 on my M4 to fix that issue. I don't know what issues would show up with a 20" rifle, once you start messing around with a carbine buffer tube. My only update is the MBT: 
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Posted: 5/8/2018 12:43:53 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Since I have been down this path, an M4 buffer, tube, and spring probably won't run right on a 20" rifle. It needs and A5 buffer kit. |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 12:46:35 PM EDT
[#8]
An updated A2? That's called an A4.
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Posted: 5/8/2018 1:46:58 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
An updated A2? That's called an A4. I will answer for you lol: An M16A4 PIP. I have almost everything I need to clone one, but that's for later. First I have to make my A2 rediculous.
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Posted: 5/8/2018 1:51:33 PM EDT
[#10]
Daniel Defense used to make rifle length Omegas & Piston Omegas, but discontinued now. Only carbine & mid-length Omegas are left.
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Posted: 5/8/2018 4:53:33 PM EDT
[#11]
 25 yards to 300: Zeroing the AR15 and Basic Rifle Marksmanship i thought your rifle looked familiar. |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 5:43:33 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryThat's the rifle. I wish I had time to compete and do vids again. NHRPC was an awesome club and @fargo007 ran a sweet course. The above A2 never went to comps, but my A4... Plain jane A4 with Sabre defense barrel and a LMT detachable rear was hitting steel at 400 yards in my first foray into competitions. That was the first time I ever shot that far and I had to trust my sights and drum. It was a releif when I heard "HIT"! I think the fun with irons is the challenge. Hand me an ACOG and I would get bored at the range. Here is another updated A2: 
Another A2... ALG trigger, standard rear sight, FN upper and barrel, not too fancy but she was good to 600 yards. |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 6:28:29 PM EDT
[#13]
I know it’s the a2 forum but built an a1 upper pistol that I think is pretty cool. I’ll post up a few pics when I get home. I still need to get a light and mount for it.
Colt a1 upper 10.5 or 11.5” barrel don’t remember Shockwave brave CMC trigger Magpul slimline carbine handguards A1 flash hider Titanium takedown pins and a few other ti parts Magpul or bcm grip |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 7:20:45 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That's the rifle. I wish I had time to compete and do vids again. NHRPC was an awesome club and @fargo007 ran a sweet course. The above A2 never went to comps, but my A4... Plain jane A4 with Sabre defense barrel and a LMT detachable rear was hitting steel at 400 yards in my first foray into competitions. I think the fun with irons is the challenge. Hand me an ACOG and I would get bored at the range. Here is another updated A2: http://www.thenewrifleman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Tactical-Derp-A2.jpg Another A2... Crappy usgi trigger, standard rear sight, FN upper and barrel, not too fancy but she was good to 600 yards. |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 7:38:22 PM EDT
[#15]
@Knife_Sniper
I've seen a pic of a 20" AR you have. it has a VLTOR A5 stock and a Aero Precision handguard. That is a perfect iteration of a modern 20" AR. |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 7:41:56 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I know it’s the a2 forum but built an a1 upper pistol that I think is pretty cool. I’ll post up a few pics when I get home. I still need to get a light and mount for it. Colt a1 upper 10.5 or 11.5” barrel don’t remember Shockwave brave CMC trigger Magpul slimline carbine handguards A1 flash hider Titanium takedown pins and a few other ti parts Magpul or bcm grip I've seen a pic of a 20" AR you have. it has a VLTOR A5 stock and a Aero Precision handguard. That is a perfect iteration of a modern 20" AR. Pics incoming: 
That the one? Its funny that the Marines abandoned the A4. I know why the M4 is better for x,y, and z reasons, but to replace the A4 with a HK just blew my mind. Someone shared photos of the M16A4 PIP program with me and I was told not to share them... But all the money we would have saved using non-proprietary off the shelf components makes me angry. It has two versions and 16 and 20 inch barrels were tested as well as suppressors and compensators. Both iterations of the m16A4 PIP utilized a M4 RIS II and had KAC folding sights. Ver 1 had a magpul stock and ver 2 had a Vltor stock. Magpul MIAD was present on both. Both were outfitted with ACOGs. Both had a 2 stage trigger. Maybe KAC or G by the shape of it. I think the tested PIP rifles would have served the Marines just as well as the HK but that's life. If anyone wants a clone the m16a4 PIP ver 2 go buy a daniel defense 16 inch RIS II rifle and replace the stock with a FDE vltor imod and the grip with a magpul miad both in FDE. Add KAC sights, add ACOG. Boom. M16A4 PIP clone. As for my A4, well I like it too. :) |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 8:08:15 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: A1/A2 whos counting? This one was a neat project but it got supplanted by a Criterion barrel that was then turned into a straight jacket. Pics incoming: http://i1.wp.com/www.thenewrifleman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Aero-Precision-Full-Rifle.jpg?resize=1024%2C768 That the one? Its funny that the Marines abandoned the A4. I know why the M4 is better for x,y, and z reasons, but to replace the A4 with a HK just blew my mind. Someone shared photos of the M16A4 PIP program with me and I was told not to share them... But all the money we would have saved using non-proprietary off the shelf components makes me angry. It has two versions and 16 and 20 inch barrels were tested as well as suppressors and compensators. Both iterations of the m16A4 PIP utilized a M4 RIS II and had KAC folding sights. Ver 1 had a magpul stock and ver 2 had a Vltor stock. Magpul MIAD was present on both. Both were outfitted with ACOGs. Both had a 2 stage trigger. Maybe KAC or G by the shape of it. I think the tested PIP rifles would have served the Marines just as well as the HK but that's life. If anyone wants a clone the m16a4 PIP ver 2 go buy a daniel defense 16 inch RIS II rifle and replace the stock with a FDE vltor imod and the grip with a magpul miad both in FDE. Add KAC sights, add ACOG. Boom. M16A4 PIP clone. As for my A4, well I like it too. :) |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 8:32:41 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Since I have been down this path, an M4 buffer, tube, and spring probably won't run right on a 20" rifle. It needs and A5 buffer kit. CMMG and VLTOR sell this kit, I have two, and they work. |
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Posted: 5/8/2018 8:37:20 PM EDT
[#19]
YO!
Thanks for the shout out Knife_Sniper! 
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Posted: 5/8/2018 10:34:12 PM EDT
[#20]
Here’s my modern a1 pistol slapped in the old school colt 20rd mag for the picture.
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Posted: 5/8/2018 11:38:40 PM EDT
[#21]
I've seen plenty of pics of 20" A2's with carbine extension. CD says they use an H6 buffer.
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Posted: 5/9/2018 12:08:34 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Here’s my modern a1 pistol slapped in the old school colt 20rd mag for the picture. http://pic100.picturetrail.com:80/VOL351/7575719/24318977/413882516.jpg http://pic100.picturetrail.com:80/VOL351/7575719/24318977/413882517.jpg |
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Posted: 5/9/2018 12:39:34 AM EDT
[#23]
I have one im building right now. If i can get my new vice stand finished thursday, and the barrel installed, ill post it up.
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Posted: 5/9/2018 3:43:44 PM EDT
[#24]
Disclaimer: this has since been recycled into a scoped flat top, and the A2 upper is going back to an M16 clone. |
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Posted: 5/11/2018 7:12:16 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've seen plenty of pics of 20" A2's with carbine extension. CD says they use an H6 buffer.  CD |
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Posted: 5/11/2018 2:35:31 PM EDT
[#26]
Not quite A2, but certainly fits the spirit of the OP. My contemporary A1 SBR... 11.5” 5.56mm and its 10.5” matching .300BLK upper. One of them actually used to be an A2, but I just like A1s better. It’s got one of those light weight BCGs to aid in tuning the binary trigger.
 Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 5/11/2018 4:17:21 PM EDT
[#27]
HOT!
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Posted: 5/11/2018 4:20:17 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I couldnt warm up to a collapsable on my A2. Clone appropriate but I just couldn't do eeet. JJREA the Kerm Lock is detachable and doesnt modify the handguards whatsoever. Really neat system. QUAD RAIL HANDGUARDS THAT FIT 20 INCH A2: Larue 12.0 - great handguard but a bit heavy by todays standards. 16.8 oz. G Mk7 - great modern handguard system, but really made for High Power. Weighs more than the Larue. BCM 12 inch QRF - based on the super lightweight BCM KMR and weighs 14.1 oz with hardware. Centurion C4 12 inch weighs in at 15.3 with standard barrel nut. So going with the QRF seems the most appropriate. Lighter weight should make my A2 feel even handier. Here's my HD carbine now. Except I rotate the stocks almost daily. LOL. It has a waffle on it right now..... 
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Posted: 5/23/2018 8:09:47 AM EDT
[#29]
Knife_Sniper you running gov’t profile WW Rifle length barrel on your A2 sword?
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Posted: 5/23/2018 11:44:32 AM EDT
[#30]
Sure is. WW is the A2 go to around here.
If anyone has any concers about them on a A4, i have a colt HBAR NON F marked FSB on another rifle and with a magpul fixed buis it zeroed fine. No extended front sight needed. |
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Posted: 5/23/2018 11:56:17 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sure is. WW is the A2 go to around here. If anyone has any concers about them on a A4, i have a colt HBAR NON F marked FSB on another rifle and with a magpul fixed buis it zeroed fine. No extended front sight needed. |
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Posted: 5/24/2018 8:09:38 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sure is. WW is the A2 go to around here. If anyone has any concers about them on a A4, i have a colt HBAR NON F marked FSB on another rifle and with a magpul fixed buis it zeroed fine. No extended front sight needed. |
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Posted: 5/24/2018 12:41:06 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Knife_Sniper you running the WW A2 or HBAR M4 for Service Rifle Matches? I am building a service rifle legal Colt HBAR. |
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Posted: 5/24/2018 1:22:28 PM EDT
[#34]
Up to date for about 1993
. Didn’t want to run quad rails because I preferred a slimmer hand guard. Couldn’t find the need to run a free float MLOK. May change up the flash light mount.
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Posted: 5/26/2018 4:15:02 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Out of curiosity, do you know how much it weighs??? Would be a good way to do it. Here's my HD carbine now. Except I rotate the stocks almost daily. LOL. It has a waffle on it right now..... https://i.imgur.com/UpKbzvq.jpg |
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Posted: 5/26/2018 11:02:45 PM EDT
[#36]
Ounce lighter than the MI FSB rail attachment. Not bad.
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Posted: 5/28/2018 2:02:23 PM EDT
[#37]
Dropped in a MBT today and wow.
Its like stepping on the gas of a F1 racer compared to the stock trigger. I was able to string 5-10 rounds together like a sewing machine on crack. Very satisfied! The updates will continue. |
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Posted: 5/28/2018 2:13:16 PM EDT
[#38]
mine (which is actually an A4 clone) and set up close enough for me.
DD Omega instead of KAC RAS (I like free floated) Tango Down rear stock QD Hogue pistol grip ACOG TA-31 RCO A4 Trijicon Bobro mount Bobro vertical forward grip MaTech BUIS Bushmaster lower and upper with a Bushmaster 20" 1/7 govt. profile barrel Colt BGC Geissele SSA-E Trigger |
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Posted: 6/15/2018 3:14:36 AM EDT
[#39]
I'm down with this, I've got a spare a2 upper I've been trying to find a use for.
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Posted: 6/16/2018 12:29:48 PM EDT
[#40]
If your one of those rare people who actually like A2 handguards and want a light, these are very sturdy.
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Posted: 6/29/2018 8:42:08 PM EDT
[#41]
Awesome builds and gear ideas gents.
The next phase of my build will be here shortly. I needed some titanium to ensure the weight was just as light as the stock system it is replacing. But at the same time it has to look... Authentic to the A2 experience. 
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Posted: 7/19/2018 11:23:46 AM EDT
[#42]
Welp...
I purchased a BCM QRF rail and it didnt quite fit the A2. The anti rotation tabs were too narrow to fit the A2 so I nixed that idea. Still looking to upgrade the A2 further, just dont know what direction. |
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Posted: 8/11/2018 8:41:22 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Welp... I purchased a BCM QRF rail and it didnt quite fit the A2. The anti rotation tabs were too narrow to fit the A2 so I nixed that idea. Still looking to upgrade the A2 further, just dont know what direction. |
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Posted: 8/13/2018 4:37:32 AM EDT
[#44]
Great thread and some awesome build ideas. I have a classic A2 FN clone with the BCP A2 SAFE SEMI BURST lower, FN upper and BCG, WW 20" barrel assembly, standard stock. The only nod to "modernization" is the ALG ACT FCG. Its one of my sweetest iron sight rifles. Smooth shooter and very accurate. Old school is good too!
Keep up the great work! This is the #001 first A2 clone lower produced by Black Creek Precision. They are great quality and "available" but are now produced "as ordered" so typically 6-8 weeks. The fire select is covering BURST. 
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Posted: 8/13/2018 4:53:06 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Do you think the QRF rail can be modified to work? It could work, but I wasnt satisfied with bending the plate. |
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Posted: 8/17/2018 10:10:23 AM EDT
[#46]
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Posted: 8/17/2018 4:40:41 PM EDT
[#47]
Awesome!
So my new plan is to keep the plastic handguards and switch out the steel barrel nut with a titanium barrel nut. Then a magpul modern rifleman sling to complete the build. An Acog would be nice too but those dont fall out of trees. |
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Posted: 8/17/2018 9:22:25 PM EDT
[#48]
A2s with rails just dont do anything for me..... Just my opinion...
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Posted: 8/17/2018 11:19:05 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: A2s with rails just dont do anything for me..... Just my opinion... |
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Posted: 9/8/2018 9:15:07 AM EDT
[#50]
Quoted:
Lots of awesome retro builds, but does anyone have a practical A2 circa 2018? While this concept is certainly limited by what the A2 is, it's still fun as hell to update an A2 with quality components. Here is my submission which some of you have seen before: http://www.thenewrifleman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Dirty-A2-with-Ears.jpg The A2 in the above photo has a Kac M5 RAS. The rifle has a 1/2x1/2 NM rear with a blackhawk same plane aperture. The KAC Ras is a bit too heavy and made the A2 a little less practical than plastic handguards IMHO. The NM sights are a nice combo for the A2. Get you a NM rear and same plane while you can, even if its just for the parts bin. It needs 1/2 minute windage to accept USGI style apertures. These might go the way of the dodo in the future. I have a griffen compensator up front, a spikes trigger, and a cheapy sling. A1 buttstock in place from Cav. Holds spare bolt, firing pin, cam, all bolt small parts, oil tube, front sight adjustment tool, and FSB top sling adapter. This A2 is one of my favorite rifles. Since then I have ditched the RAS, then tried a Magpul handguard set ( a little heavier than need be ), and cav mfg handguards ( just right) and a Kerm Lock light mount. http://www.thenewrifleman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kerm-Lock-Rail-M-Lok-Alternative-34.jpg http://www.thenewrifleman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kerm-Lock-Rail-M-Lok-Alternative-35.jpg I have added and removed an Acog. Didnt like the chinweild and the reticle was not my favorite. http://www.thenewrifleman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ta47R-carry-Handle.jpg So I am planning on another full round of A2 updates. I have my sights on a modern Quad rail. In this case a BCM 12 inch QRF which will weigh less than the stock handguard and barrel nut / delta setup. From here, a light and maybe a IR laser at some point. Also have a Larue trigger on the way. When I get all that installed, i will update with pics. Also installed a XS tritium front. Have not sighted in yet. Rifle is a smooth shooter ( as most A2s are) and the comp only makes it that much smoother. I launch 75 grain pills from it and once I FF it, i will sight it in for 55 XM193 and my pet load by painting the zero on the W/E drum. I have toyed with the idea of a binary trigger, but i fear the A2 stock and buffer might not be able to keep up with my finger. Its the funnest rifle I have to shoot. By far. With 75 grain pills and a 20 inch tube... It also hits pretty hard. |
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