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Posted: 11/3/2010 10:23:04 PM EDT
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I am a fobbit, off to Iraq. Uncle has issued me an M-4, Colt, 14.5", Aimpoint Comp M-4, flip up rear backup, & a non-free float quad-rail. Ordered from Cheaper Than Dirt the Magpull rear stock w/ friction lock, waiting for the Midway site to come back up to grab an AccuWedge & a stock cheekpiece. A few of my fellow fobbits have the forward grip w/ the pop out bipod on the bottom; I was issued some fancy 3 point sling that came w/ 2 pages of instructions, & promptly acquired a traditional M-16 sling.
IF I can get range time down range, I'll consider a full free-float forend, but I'll have to keep things subtle - it still has to come to the chow hall w/ me. Considering an EOTech or a Leupold CQT, but may stick w/ the Aimpoint - depends on rangetime - unless I go crazy by the weekend & buy the one $500 EOTech in stock before we zero. Downrange threats on the FOB range from possible sniper fire to light CQB - depends on how feisty folks get before we leave. My eyeballs are north of 35 & I rarely get trigger time. Very doubtful I'll be out running any missions. Planning a 25m/300m zero this weekend - have to qualify, & easiest to check that block when the zero's tuned to the match. May change in country, again, if I can get rangetime. Who makes the fancy front-grip/retractable bipod? Not the split-grip one that Cheaper Than Dirt sells. What suggestions on sighting systems do y'all have? (Have to maintain 1.0X magnification or very close to (1.1X) as well as internally illuminated - but I sure wouldn't mind some variable magnification) A flip on magnifier for the EOTech would seem to do the trick but it seems clumsy & liable to break. The Leupold seems quite nice but harder to acquire than the Aimpoint. Thanks for the help. Farmers Fight! backbencher |
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Do you have a budget for that optic?
If you stick with the aimpoint you can drop some cash on a flip-out-of-the-way magnifier like this one which will let you switch from the proven, fast target acquiring aimpoint, to a magnified 3x optic for engaging targets in windows down the street. I'd definitely stick with the aimpoint though, just because you don't have to worry about the battery shitting out on you. Grab a pair of Magpul MBUS (or just the rear if your M4 has the stock front sight- most likely) and call it a day on the optics. If you break the LT mount for the flip magnifier, you would be the first case I have heard of, and even then, your aimpoint will still be G2G. If you are really feeling squirrelly, the Nightforce 1-4x NXS like this would get the job done as well and give a little more in the way of longer range stuff if the need would arise (the dot will be smaller magnified so you get better precision). The mount itself is guaranteed to return to zero as you install or remove it and it practically bulletproof. The bi-pod grip is from "Grip-pod". You should be able to grab one at a local PX or have someone grab one for you. |
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Hot Link for Grippod You can find them on the EE new for $40-$50.
Also I would stay with the issued Aimpoint Comp M4 (free + up to 80,000 hours or over 8 years of run time and A LOT more durable than Eotech). Turn it on and leave if on your whole deployment. Stay with the KAC M4 RAS. No need to free float. You won't have a match grade barrel, match grade ammo or match grade trigger. -Ray |
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Sounds like the weapon you're issued is pretty well outfitted.
It also sounds like you're going to be adding a ton of stuff to a weapon that will be slung over your shoulder most of the time. Your shoulders will probably appreciate less weight more than your fellow soldiers will appreciate how cool it is that your weapon looks different. I wouldn't let an Accuwedge within 1000 meters of a combat rifle, BTW. Edit: Oh, and the "traditional M16 sling" will automatically mark you as someone who spends all day with his rifle slung, if you're trying to impress people. Get a single point or a two point (my recommendation would be something like a Vickers VCAS). |
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Do you have a budget for that optic? If you stick with the aimpoint you can drop some cash on a flip-out-of-the-way magnifier like this one which will let you switch from the proven, fast target acquiring aimpoint, to a magnified 3x optic for engaging targets in windows down the street. I'd definitely stick with the aimpoint though, just because you don't have to worry about the battery shitting out on you. Grab a pair of Magpul MBUS (or just the rear if your M4 has the stock front sight- most likely) and call it a day on the optics. If you break the LT mount for the flip magnifier, you would be the first case I have heard of, and even then, your aimpoint will still be G2G. If you are really feeling squirrelly, the Nightforce 1-4x NXS like this would get the job done as well and give a little more in the way of longer range stuff if the need would arise (the dot will be smaller magnified so you get better precision). The mount itself is guaranteed to return to zero as you install or remove it and it practically bulletproof. The bi-pod grip is from "Grip-pod". You should be able to grab one at a local PX or have someone grab one for you. I'm sorry but I think the MBUS idea on his rifle is the absolute worst advice I have ever heard on arfcom, ever. MBUS is cool for the spikes tactical crowd, but on his issued rifle in IRAQ... 
< never been in the military, but recognizes bad ideas |
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I am a fobbit, off to Iraq. Uncle has issued me an M-4, Colt, 14.5", Aimpoint Comp M-4, flip up rear backup, & a non-free float quad-rail. Ordered from Cheaper Than Dirt the Magpull rear stock w/ friction lock, waiting for the Midway site to come back up to grab an AccuWedge & a stock cheekpiece. A few of my fellow fobbits have the forward grip w/ the pop out bipod on the bottom; I was issued some fancy 3 point sling that came w/ 2 pages of instructions, & promptly acquired a traditional M-16 sling. IF I can get range time down range, I'll consider a full free-float forend, but I'll have to keep things subtle - it still has to come to the chow hall w/ me. Considering an EOTech or a Leupold CQT, but may stick w/ the Aimpoint - depends on rangetime - unless I go crazy by the weekend & buy the one $500 EOTech in stock before we zero. Downrange threats on the FOB range from possible sniper fire to light CQB - depends on how feisty folks get before we leave. My eyeballs are north of 35 & I rarely get trigger time. Very doubtful I'll be out running any missions. Planning a 25m/300m zero this weekend - have to qualify, & easiest to check that block when the zero's tuned to the match. May change in country, again, if I can get rangetime. Who makes the fancy front-grip/retractable bipod? Not the split-grip one that Cheaper Than Dirt sells. What suggestions on sighting systems do y'all have? (Have to maintain 1.0X magnification or very close to (1.1X) as well as internally illuminated - but I sure wouldn't mind some variable magnification) A flip on magnifier for the EOTech would seem to do the trick but it seems clumsy & liable to break. The Leupold seems quite nice but harder to acquire than the Aimpoint. Thanks for the help. Farmers Fight! backbencher Save your money dude. Your issued shit is adequate. |
| do not even think about trying to put a free float rail on your M16! if you get caught breaking the barrel of your issue rifle by the SGM or your PLT SGT they will break your legs. I converted a few rifles to knights free float systems for my unit and it took a couple O-5 and above signatures on memorandums to get it done. I was the units Armorer and train the trainer certified on the weapon system. If all you are going to do is sling it on your nback and walk around all day on the FOB dont be "that guy" with all the crap on his gun that never went out on mission keep it simple and dont go trying to tear your rifle apart unless you are a unit armorer cause you will get yourself in hotwater real fast! |
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Definately do NOT get the MBUS; the one you're issued will be just fine. Save your money, and keep your ass safe. Having used both, I'd stick with the Aimpoint you're issued instead of buying an EoTech. Use a simple two point sling instead of the issue sling; I like my VTAC, YMMV. I agree that I doubt that you'll be able to put a FF tube on. I also don't know why you'd bother. If you really want a GripPod, get one. I'd want a really good weapon light, and call it good. |
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Why in the world would you change the Aimpoint M4 for an Eotech? +1 +23 because thats the number of Eotechs I replaced for my company in Afghanistan last year with Aimpoints. like mentioned above you can turn it on and leave it on. Save your money for something that you can stick on your personal stuff not Uncle Sam's stuff. |
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Quoted: Why were the eotechs replaced? What went wrong with them?Quoted: Quoted: Why in the world would you change the Aimpoint M4 for an Eotech? +1 +23 because thats the number of Eotechs I replaced for my company in Afghanistan last year with Aimpoints. like mentioned above you can turn it on and leave it on. Save your money for something that you can stick on your personal stuff not Uncle Sam's stuff. |
| Dude....got back from Iraq in 2009. Sniper fire is a thing of the past. You will not be able to shoot back even if it does happen. Chances are you are going to be on Balad Air Base, Victory Base Complex or Al Asad Air base. The sheer size of those bases makes it impossible to locate or shoot back at snipers. Why the fuck would you want to load down your weapon with crap you will never use? Save your money and build a sweet rifle when you get home. Just keep the issued buttstock and Aimpoint on your rifle and send the Magpul stock home for a custom build. Iraq is about like Kuwait now so no need for the latest and most high speed gear. Just a pointless waste of money unless you are trying to be the tacti-coolest guy on the firing range and in the office. |
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Magpull rear stock w/ friction lock, waiting for the Midway site to come back up to grab an AccuWedge & a stock cheekpiece. Very doubtful I'll be out running any missions. backbencher How are you going to work that charging handle with a stock cheekpiece on it? Leave your rifle as it was issues and learn to use it, put the money you save towards ammo and training when you return. Why put an accuwedge in? They play between upper and lower does not matter. |
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I am a fobbit, off to Iraq. Uncle has issued me an M-4, Colt, 14.5", Aimpoint Comp M-4, flip up rear backup, & a non-free float quad-rail. Ordered from Cheaper Than Dirt the Magpull rear stock w/ friction lock, waiting for the Midway site to come back up to grab an AccuWedge & a stock cheekpiece. A few of my fellow fobbits have the forward grip w/ the pop out bipod on the bottom; I was issued some fancy 3 point sling that came w/ 2 pages of instructions, & promptly acquired a traditional M-16 sling. IF I can get range time down range, I'll consider a full free-float forend, but I'll have to keep things subtle - it still has to come to the chow hall w/ me. Considering an EOTech or a Leupold CQT, but may stick w/ the Aimpoint - depends on rangetime - unless I go crazy by the weekend & buy the one $500 EOTech in stock before we zero. Downrange threats on the FOB range from possible sniper fire to light CQB - depends on how feisty folks get before we leave. My eyeballs are north of 35 & I rarely get trigger time. Very doubtful I'll be out running any missions. Planning a 25m/300m zero this weekend - have to qualify, & easiest to check that block when the zero's tuned to the match. May change in country, again, if I can get rangetime. Who makes the fancy front-grip/retractable bipod? Not the split-grip one that Cheaper Than Dirt sells. What suggestions on sighting systems do y'all have? (Have to maintain 1.0X magnification or very close to (1.1X) as well as internally illuminated - but I sure wouldn't mind some variable magnification) A flip on magnifier for the EOTech would seem to do the trick but it seems clumsy & liable to break. The Leupold seems quite nice but harder to acquire than the Aimpoint. Thanks for the help. Farmers Fight! backbencher Sounds like your first deployment. A lot of what you are looking at doing is flat out bad, please stop before you do anything else. The accuwedge is useless, dump it. The typical stock cheekpieces block use of the charging handle, making them very dangerous. Dump that idea as well. A stock USGI piece of webbing is not a useful sling, dump that. The Aimpoint Comp M4 is one of the absolute best and most durable optics available. Dump your ideas of switch it out. Don't start playing with handguard replacement, its not going to help you, so dump that idea as well. If you are concerned about distance engagements, you might want to look at a 3x magnifier. What you have left out are the more important items, like magazines.... are you going with old beat up ones? If so, you need to consider getting decent ones. I know a lot of units issue new mags, but there are still plenty that don't. Bad mags means your weapon is unreliable, and that would take high priority for me. There are guys here with deployments, and guys who seen combat up close, but there are also a lot of guys who base their comments off no real world experience. Watch what you read, don't get sucked into listening to someone who thinks they are cool because they have been on ARFCOM a long time or plays Call of Duty. More important than just your safety, is your team and your family. You owe a duty to them, take it serious. While I haven't been over there since Desert Storm, I stay involved with the MIL, am a firearm instructor, and city cop. Find people you can trust that carry a weapon for a living, and listen to them. Stay safe, and thank you for your service. |
| Nice step in admitting your a Fobbit. All the extra stuff you are wanting to get dump it as in stick was saying. The sling and flashlight is a good idea. I have a VTAC sling and a Surefire LED. I have a grippod but its sitting in my room. I use a Magpul AFG because I will be on the FOB for majority of the time and I dont anticipate long range shooting. Your reflexive optic is fine. No need to change it out to an Eotech. Aimpoints are durable and g2g. Everything else, leave it as is. Save your money and buy that stuff for your personal stick. By the end of the deployment, you can afford almost any upper tier stick on the market. |
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Watch what you read, don't get sucked into listening to someone who thinks they are cool because they have been on ARFCOM a long time or plays Call of Duty. From my experience, my highest kill death ratios are using noob tubes (M203). I use danger close as a perk. It helps with the blast radius. 
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Why in the world would you change the Aimpoint M4 for an Eotech? +++++++1 –––––––––––––––– 1 Its user preference and application factors; both have advantages and disadvantages. I am sick of internet guys acting like that battle has been fought and that Aimpoint won. Take it from someone who carries their rifle into harms way every day, its just user preference and mission circumstances. AZHOKNY |
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Everyone in Iraq is a "Fobbit" now...
Anyhoo, I've deployed twice, plenty of outside the wire time and only bought a good pair of binos to have on me in A-stan because the issue compacts were crap and the Steiners are humongous. Save your $, use your time to wait on sweet deals and slowly buy parts for your dream AR when you get home. |
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Wow! It's been a whole service ago since I posted on here, & the response was tremendous. Thanks much. The stock's already been ordered; one of our PSD folks has one, & I like how it takes up the slop. I should be able to pull it off before I turn it in next year, but the money's no issue @ the moment. Sniper fire's unlikely now, but I worry about the situation a year from now, as well as LN's & TCN's on the FOB.
I've not ordered the AccuWedge or the cheekpiece, so I'm interested in why they were criticized. I can see how the cheekpiece could impact the charging handle, but I also imagine I can cut it down to fit. If someone's tried cutting one down, please let me know. Thanks for the reassurance on the Aimpoint & my forend, & I already have BuIS installed. When I'll zero the BuIS is an entertaining thought, but that's the Army. Interestingly, the only other person using the GI sling is a former Marine, b/c we both shoot w/ a hasty sling w/ torque on the forend. That's the only reason I'd want a free-float, and if someone's got a suggestion on a different sling that doesn't take a genius to install & adds stability while shooting, I'm interested. They issued us T.H.E Mamba, & when I saw the elastic & the two page instruction sheet, it stayed in the bag. Appreciate all the help. Farmers Fight! backbencher |
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Sounds like the weapon you're issued is pretty well outfitted. It also sounds like you're going to be adding a ton of stuff to a weapon that will be slung over your shoulder most of the time. Your shoulders will probably appreciate less weight more than your fellow soldiers will appreciate how cool it is that your weapon looks different. I wouldn't let an Accuwedge within 1000 meters of a combat rifle, BTW. Edit: Oh, and the "traditional M16 sling" will automatically mark you as someone who spends all day with his rifle slung, if you're trying to impress people. Get a single point or a two point (my recommendation would be something like a Vickers PADDED VCAS). Tweaked slightly, but basically this. The Aimpoint M4, KAC RAS, etc are fine. Leave it alone but get a nice sling. Ok, mayyyyyybe a MIAD, but that's it! 
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Wow! It's been a whole service ago since I posted on here, & the response was tremendous. Thanks much. The stock's already been ordered; one of our PSD folks has one, & I like how it takes up the slop. I should be able to pull it off before I turn it in next year, but the money's no issue @ the moment. Sniper fire's unlikely now, but I worry about the situation a year from now, as well as LN's & TCN's on the FOB. I've not ordered the AccuWedge of the cheekpiece, so I'm interested in why they were criticized. I can see how the cheekpiece could impact the charging handle, but I also imagine I can cut it down to fit. If someone's tried cutting one down, please let me know. Thanks for the reassurance on the Aimpoint & my forend, & I already have BuIS installed. When I'll zero the BuIS is an entertaining thought, but that's the Army. Interestingly, the only other person using the GI sling is a former Marine, b/c we both shoot w/ a hasty sling w/ torque on the forend. That's the only reason I'd want a free-float, and if someone's got a suggestion on a different sling that doesn't take a genius to install & adds stability while shooting, I'm interested. They issued us T.H.E Mamba, & when I saw the elastic & the two page instruction sheet, it stayed in the bag. Appreciate all the help. Farmers Fight! backbencher I've never carried an M-16 in combat, but FWIW, I have carried an M-14 in combat. That said, I would not stick an unneeded piece of rubber in my weapon that could break apart, and gum up the works––especially since that piece of rubber doesn't really do anything. I'd rather deal with a little slop between the upper and lower than chance something coming loose at the worst moment. However, I will defer to those who have carried the M-16/M-4 for the final say on the Accuwedge. |
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I was in Iraq from 05-10 and I am currently in Afghan... dont mess with your rifle... if you are a fobbit then you arent going to need the thing anyways. DONT REPLACE ANYTHING on the rig... they frown on that kind of stuff.
keep the rifle and mags clean zero it and run it as is. |
| A friend of mine just returned from Iraq and from what he says you wont even need your rifle. He was out running missions every day and when they were engaged they were not even allowed to shoot back. I am no MIL or LEO but the advice to keep your rifle the way it is sounds like some good advice. |
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+100 for PMAGs. Carve your name and/or last 4 in each one so no dicks try and take them.
I am a platoon leader in Iraq right now. Its been said, but here she is again, DO NOT MODIFY YOUR RAIL SYSTEM. That takes far more authorization than you will be able to get. If you wont leave the wire the whole time except to go on R&R, leave it the way its given to you. 3 point slings have too many buckles, webbing, and straps. They get caught on every piece of everything else and you can only shoot from one shoulder; no dynamic anything. 1 points are the way to go, if you actually do CQB. My Troop added some stuff to all our M4's last tour. All ours have LMT SOPMOD stocks, CAA pistol grips (bigger and more comfortable than std), and MI Single point QD slings. I had a PEQ2 laser but its garbage so I turned it back in to the arms room. I have a Surefire and use it quite often. I also snagged a grip pod from arms room, mostly to prop it up in my CHU when Im not out on mission. Our troop has Aimpoint M2s, ACOGs, and a few Talons; I have an ACOG, also everyone has a Matech BUIS. I bought my own PMAGs and I have a BAD lever I use from time to time. We built a 25m indoor range out of hesco baskets on our outpost so we can actually shoot, range time at the big FOB is unheard of, so glad Im not there. 90% of the time I carry my M9. The rifle stays locked up in my room. Only comes out when I go to the range or go on mission. Oh yeah, get with your platoon sergeant and/or master gunner and get all your accessories tied down with lacing wire. God help you if you loose a sensitive item. |
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After years of being in Iraq and Afghanistan, I suggest you leave your rifle along. Keep it clean and watch your feed lips on your issued mags. Do not over load your mags by sticking 31 rounds in them. Turn in unservicable ones for new ones or buy some PMags. There will be times during the shamals (sand storms) that it will get fithly, keep it clean. Only thing I'll suggest is a light if going outside the wire. While the chance of using your rifle on a FOB is miniscule, its still a combat zone and do not get complacent. My FOB had a ground attack a few months ago and one sapper did make it inside the wire before meeting his end. I would also suggest that you reread Stickmans post (even thou I prefer a two point sling).
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