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Posted: 1/8/2006 5:31:18 AM EDT
I took off the Leupy 4.5X14 scope I used on my test mule Operator barrel and got around to setting up my rifle for general purpose use and as a practical tactical carbine.
I will list the parts used and the reason I chose them. Please feel free to comment and give your input on the components and reasoning. OPERATOR BARREL  Chosen for long life and good accuracy. Made on Rock blank, 1:7, M4 extension, NATO 5.56mm chamber, chromlined bore and chamber, MPI tested and inspected, chromemoly vanadium steel. Mid-Length gas system. MY OPERATOR RIFLE LEFT SIDE  1. LMT SOPMOD Stock. Chosen because I like the cheek weld, battery storage is a plus, rubber butt pad so it doesn't slip around on my shoulder and it is silent to operate and dosen't rattle. 2. Fixed front sight. Simple, it is indestructable. I did add my .034 diam. NM front sight post. 3. Phantom 5C1. Low flash, no dust signature, non-snag front 4. DD 9.0 Rail system. Slim, light weight and strong, and fit behind the fixed front sight. 5. Magpul trigger guard. Nice large opening for the trigger finger, smooth edges. Looks good too. 6. KNS Hammer/Trigger pins. Reliability, better trigger pull, no receiver wear and non-rotational, made from stainless steel. 7. LMT 2 stage trigger. Good 4lb trigger pull, smooth and bullet proof. Strong primer ignition and riveted in disconector. 8. PRI Big Latch on CMT charging handle. Makes charging drills easier. MY OPERATOR RIFLE RIGHT SIDE  1. Tango down rail panels. Strong, comfortable and I used one for the switch pad version for the Surefire light as I did not want a vertical grip hanging down on a rifle I may have to use in close quarters. 2. Surefire light. You need good illumination on any tactical rifle. 3. Tango Down Battle Grip. Good mid-sized grip. I keep an extra bolt and a small cut off punch in there. The punch is for taking down the Bolt Carrier Group should I need to change bolts. Spare batteries for the Eotech are in the LMT Sopmod butt. 4. Colt M16 Bolt carrier group. This upper will see full auto use. The bolt has been rebuilt with an upgraded extractor spring, black bumper and Crane O ring from Vincent Jiga, no hardware store junk. 5. CMT M4 cut, T numbered Upper. Simply the best at any price. Fit is excellent. 6. LMT Lower receiver. Good stuff, made to spec. Mil spec tube. 7. Daniel Defense Burnsed Sling Mount. 8. Troy single point sling. Not pictured. I love this sling. Simple, comfortable. Inexpensive for what you get. RECEIVER CLOSE UP SHOWING OPTICS ETC.   1. Eotech sight. Simply because I like them. They are rugged, dependable and I like the 65 MOA reticle with the 1 MOA dot in the center. Big circle for CQB, 1 MOA for fine shots. The construction of the heads up display is slim and does not impair peripheral vision of target surroundsings. I chose the AA version for home use for longer battery life and I don't plan on NVD on this rifle. 2. LaRue Eotech mount. Simply the best. It will allow me to quickly switch to the Pre-Zeroed Leupold MRT with Illuminated Reticle I have at home for this rifle. Both hold perfect zero no matter how many changes back and forth. The MRT is pre-zeroed at 200 yards. 3. Troy fold down rear BUIS. Again, in my opinion, the best. I use a fold down rear with the Eotech because I don't like my field of view obstructed with my primary sight, the Eotech. If batteries fail or I remove the Eotech the Troy can be deployed in less than 1 second. MAGAZINES, AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT FOR ANY RIFLE  All 5 magazines for this rifle have been test fired at least 5 times with full loads in this rifle. Each is equipped with a Magpul follower and a Ranger Plate. Each a a small mark on it to identify it is for this rifle. The Mags are NHMTG brand and have been flawless. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Length with stock collapsed: 33 3/8" Length with stock fully extended: 36 5/8" Height with no magazine from bottom of the Pistol Grip to the top of the Eotech: 10 1/4" Weight with loaded magazine: 8lbs 2oz. Well there you have it. My take on a practical, tactical carbine. Is there more on this rifle than absolutely necessary to get by, yes. But each component, in my mind, either adds to the flexibility of this unit or its reliability. Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 5:42:33 AM EDT
[#1]
Denny,
Good review and well thought out selection of parts. The ONLY thing I would change would be the LMT 2 stage trigger. Having attended numerous Patrol Carbine, SWAT Carbine / Rifle, and Civilian Tactical Carbine courses over the years......In these classes I notice a HIGH failure rate of 2 stage and match triggers. Experience has taught me to stick with the standard factory trigger. Just my .02, your milage may vary. |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 5:42:37 AM EDT
[#2]
Denny, dammit, STOP it!!
All great. What was the best group you shot when testing this barrel for accuracy? and which load? George |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 5:51:18 AM EDT
[#3]
Federal 69 gr Match. 3 groups, 5 shots @ .65 average. 10 shot rapid fire .85. These were all shot bagged in good and tight. Certainly not practical accuracy but simply a test of mechanical accuracy. TAP 77gr. 2 5 shot groups in .75 average. Not an accuracy group but just blastin' ammo Winchester Q3131A 1.5 to 2 inches. Plenty good for just plain old range fun without breaking the bank. Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 5:55:53 AM EDT
[#4]
Excellent post, Denny.
It's refreshing to see not just a list of components, but also a rationale for their selection. Kudos. |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:05:32 AM EDT
[#5]
Thanks feral.  I put a bit of time into this post. I build a lot of rifles and uppers. I have my own opinions on what to use on a particular build and I also get a lot of input from guys that have lots of real world combat experience. I have been guilty in the past of just listing components on a particular build with no explanation of why each part was used. I am going to try to do more posts not only listing the parts but also why they were chosen and the role the weapon is to play. Thanks again, Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:09:38 AM EDT
[#6]
Very well thought out selection.
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:11:56 AM EDT
[#7]
Looks like a very heavy burrel...Nice rifle though!!
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:19:21 AM EDT
[#8]
Here ya go Weight of barreled upper. Includes BCG, Rail and CH. Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:20:28 AM EDT
[#9]
Denny, what does "bagged in good and tight" mean? Sandbags bracing the rifle? under the stock as well?
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:21:35 AM EDT
[#10]
Roger that. Front and rear bags to minimize my shooter error. Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:22:40 AM EDT
[#11]
Nice!!!
I guess it comes in handy to have all those parts available for a build, I imagine. 
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:39:58 AM EDT
[#12]
[veiled ad]All those parts are available to you too.  [/veiled ad]Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:43:48 AM EDT
[#13]
Thanks Denny. One of the best posts I've seen in a long time!
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:47:10 AM EDT
[#14]
Oops, went to your site and looked it up. The missus is gonna hurt me. 
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:55:27 AM EDT
[#15]
Nice dinner, chick flick, sex. While she is still glowing, lay it on her. Tactics are involved in more than gun fights. Denny 
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Posted: 1/8/2006 8:13:32 AM EDT
[#16]
Chuck Thanks bud, I spent some time on this one. Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 8:21:30 AM EDT
[#17]
Another very nice rifle with more than just looks!!!
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Posted: 1/8/2006 8:32:33 AM EDT
[#18]
I love it whan a plan comes together!
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Posted: 1/8/2006 9:04:32 AM EDT
[#19]
Great carbine!
That is about as much as you will ever really need right there. The only thing I would change is the Eotech (I'm an Aimpoint man). |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 9:13:30 AM EDT
[#20]
Nice gun, I'm jealous!
But where did you get the barrel? I did a google search for Rock Blank barrels, but didn't come up with anything that would take me to a manufacturer or distributor. |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 9:31:06 AM EDT
[#21]
Hi Denny!
Really nice package there. Great looking too! |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 9:31:16 AM EDT
[#22]
I like the barrel profile. I've been kicking around having a 6721 barrel trimmed down to a similar thickness.
I also like the closed Phantom. The ones with teeth catch on damn near everything. I don't think the looks of the teeth justify the amount of snags, but then again, looks never make up for much. When looks do matter, God made alcohol for those single guys. Nice light weight rail choice. Do you loctite the DD on your personal builds? On the fixed front sight issue, I'm glad to see there is someone aside from myself who feels that stronger and simpler is better. I like the PRI biglatch, its small enough to not grab on things, but made well enough to make a difference. I'm a MIAD fan, but grips are an individual choice, so there isn't much room for comment there. Same with the KNS pins, I like the look, but I'll hold off until I have a pin that enjoys wandering. If I had a set, I would probably use them, but it just isn't anything I can justify going out of my way for. I love the feel of the LMT 2 stage, but I wouldn't put my own butt on the line with one. I'll stick to the single stage gritty, ugly nasty trigger. I just don't have the faith in them that I need to use one for duty. One of these days I'll run one on my Mule/ T&E/ Training weapon and see how it holds up over time and extended round count. I'm also an Eotech fan, so I'm right along with you on that choice as well. Out of everything, I like the barrel most. Mostly because I have already been kicking around the same thing. Run some classes or extended drills and update the thread. I know someone who doesn't understand will come along and comment about the increased weight of your chosen barrel, but those are people who are missing the point anyway. Thanks for the thread, its a good one. |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 9:37:41 AM EDT
[#23]
It is a barrel that is made specifically for me. I use a Mike Rock chromemoly vanadium blank, 1:7 and then they are profiled to my spec's and headspaced by Compass Lake Engineering, chrome lined by US Chrome and then sent to my shop for mil spec parkerizing and assembly. The barrels have a proper F height front sight and are parked under the FSB.
The barrels are heat stress releaved, proof fired and MPI tested. I designed this barrel for extreme use and heavy enough for a silencer with minimal POI shift. Here is a pic of the barrel stripped.  Barrel Markings  The barrel is called the Operator. We are currently out of stock but another 50 are in production. Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 9:53:09 AM EDT
[#24]
Thanks for the comments Stick. I always value your observations in the threads here. Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 9:53:24 AM EDT
[#25]
Thanks, I'm definitely interested. If you don't mind could you drop me a note when you get some more in stock? |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 10:03:53 AM EDT
[#26]
Very nice Denny!
I really like that barrel configuration. I think it will go will with your GT lowers The only thing I would change would be the 2 stage trigger. I'm a standard FCG guy but to each his own
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Posted: 1/8/2006 1:11:03 PM EDT
[#27]
Hey Denny, How come you did not use your own lower? Conflict of interest? Wouldn't a CMT lower fit better because it came from the same company? Also could you put me on your waiting list for your next operater batch coming in ? Carlos.
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Posted: 1/8/2006 1:15:12 PM EDT
[#28]
I hate you Denny!
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Posted: 1/8/2006 1:51:30 PM EDT
[#29]
Very nice, Denny.
Any chance we will ever see a Mike Rock barrel in a superlite configuration?
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Posted: 1/8/2006 2:33:01 PM EDT
[#30]
Mid length kicks ass! Nice weapon.
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Posted: 1/8/2006 3:33:40 PM EDT
[#31]
Oh, trust me it will, as soon as the lowers come back from being anodized again, in black. Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 3:56:11 PM EDT
[#32]
Denny,
Nice! Let's see some pics with a lower profile gas block [LaRue] and a rifle length rail.  ETA: Sorry about "dee". I've been drinking. |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 4:53:21 PM EDT
[#33]
I built a few like that but didn't get pics taken of them before they shipped. Maybe some of the owners will help out here. Denny |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:08:55 PM EDT
[#34]
Thats freakin NICE Denny.
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Posted: 1/8/2006 6:16:25 PM EDT
[#35]
damn fine looking rifle.
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Posted: 1/8/2006 7:03:58 PM EDT
[#36]
 Looks good Denny! I like the profile on that thing, I'll be saving my pennies.
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Posted: 1/8/2006 8:30:53 PM EDT
[#37]
Wow, Denny yours look awesome and always an inspiration for my build.
 Here's my Operator build version, components not listed are same as yours: Phoenix FS LaRue 9.0 rails TD VFG and Magpul ladder rail protectors KAC 300 m BUIS Colt M4 upper, 6721 lower and CH Wolff extractor spring Norgon ambi mag catch Stag Arms ambi selector Magpul MIAD grip Vltor club foot Modstock kit with rubber buttpad BlueForce IDF style two point sling Aimpoint M2 with KAC mount but will replace it with LaRue when available My furniture and sling colors are dark earth, coyote brown and tan. All parts were bought from the EE except for the receivers. Future planned improvements are SureFire tac light and EOtech. My Operator is only slightly heavier than my LMT 16" M4gery but still very easy to move around. It's lighter than my stock 6721 before I modified it. It took me about nine months to finish my project and it was worth it. I'm very satisfied with my barrel and I'll post pics of my Operator version soon.  |
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Posted: 1/8/2006 9:08:34 PM EDT
[#38]
Tagamundo...
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Posted: 1/8/2006 9:43:06 PM EDT
[#39]
Just found a use for my tax return
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Posted: 1/9/2006 3:10:30 AM EDT
[#40]
I've asked Denny to post or paste my pic of my Operator with:
Larue 9in Larue gasblock CMT upper Vortex Troy BUIS (front still on its way) Noveske lower (borrowed from my SPR N4) LMT Sopmod stock RRA 2-stage Trijicon TA31f The optic will be changed to Eotech when the LT mount arrives. Trigger is being reviewed. |
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Posted: 1/9/2006 4:05:12 AM EDT
[#41]
Nice gun! I would've gone with an aimpoint for a CQB rifle, i've always thought that the EOTECH might enjoy a little extra precision for long shots while i like the AP for simple rugged operation in close.
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Posted: 1/9/2006 4:54:08 AM EDT
[#42]
Excellent Denny !
Love the weight and contour of the barrel - Perfect !
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Posted: 1/9/2006 6:53:56 AM EDT
[#43]
Geohans Operator build.
 Larue 9in Larue gasblock CMT upper Vortex Troy BUIS (front still on its way) Noveske lower (borrowed from my SPR N4) LMT Sopmod stock RRA 2-stage Trijicon TA31f The optic will be changed to Eotech when the LT mount arrives. Trigger is being reviewed. |
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Posted: 1/9/2006 7:09:46 AM EDT
[#44]
Feral wrote: "It's refreshing to see not just a list of components, but also a rationale for their selection."
Totally agree! Thanks, Denny, great lookin' weapon! John |
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Posted: 1/9/2006 7:40:53 AM EDT
[#45]
tag
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Posted: 1/9/2006 5:40:48 PM EDT
[#46]
Thanks! In the future you will see more of this type info and also specs, weight, length etc in my posts. Hopefully this information helps. Denny |
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Posted: 4/1/2006 9:44:01 PM EDT
[#47]
I love the rifle, I know its an old thread but I love the rifle.
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Posted: 4/2/2006 6:58:32 AM EDT
[#48]
Sweet rifle Denny and I don't know how I missed it!! I've been eyeing a mid-length setup for awhile and you've got my mind ticking...
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Posted: 4/2/2006 7:36:40 AM EDT
[#49]
Is that a chromed or stainless barrel extension Denny?thanks
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Posted: 4/2/2006 7:55:32 AM EDT
[#50]
Great build! I have been trying to decide between a middy with 9.0 and fixed front or 12.0 with flip up front. Is there much weight penalty for the 12.0 vs. 9.0? Which balances better?
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