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Posted: 1/10/2012 5:13:42 PM EDT
| I'm still researching my next purchase (first real AR), and am really leaning towards putting together a 14.5" AR with pinned flash hider. Here's the newbie question...if I don't get it assembled by a dealer like Smartgunner or a similar place, and buy the barrel first, is it too late to install a rail after the flash hider is already on? In my perfect world, I'd do a better quality upper with a 12-13" rail. I may be forced (to afford the quality that I want) to "build" this a couple pieces at a time, and just want to do things in the correct order. Thanks in advance for the help. |
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If you are going to be building the upper overtime then you would be better off sticking with a 16" barrel. If you decide to change rails later then you will either have to use a 2 piece rail that clamps over the factory barrel nut, a 2 piece gas block, or remove (destroy) the extended flash hider and have a new one installed.
If you want a 14.5" then get it built the way you want it in the beginning. Much cheaper and easier in the long run. YMMV, Rob |
| For the most part, though, I'm guessing that most one-piece rails slide over the end of the barrel, and therefore wouldn't clear the average FH. I'm hoping to use something like the Troy TRX Standard. I like the fact that it seems relatively low profile. I know there are countless other options, but I'd rather not find out after I've bought something that it won't work. Thanks again for the help...this site has been an amazing help! |
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Building on a tight budget, BTDT.
(Everything I do is done on a tight budget.  )
If you are truly building this a piece at a time, then buy the assorted parts you will need before you purchase your barrel. Mock everything up and if there are any doubts about anything, it's much easier to return an unused part and re-evaluate your setup. You will want to have everything that is going to have to go on first, before you have your FH pinned. So let the barrel be the last purchase. |
| This situation is like buying a smartphone.... waiting to get the right one leads to other options down the line that may seem better or have features you like. So you wait and what do you know another new thing comes out. Assess what is available and buy it put it together and shoot it. If you buy quality you will always have a quality upper no matter what the configuration |
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Quoted:
This situation is like buying a smartphone.... waiting to get the right one leads to other options down the line that may seem better or have features you like. Assess what is available and buy it put it together and shoot it. If you buy quality you will always have a quality upper no matter what the configuration Good point!  Thanks!
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