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Posted: 1/5/2006 1:20:18 PM EDT
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First off I would like to say hello to everyone as this is my first post here on the forum. I've been lurking around here for a couple of months absorbing all the great info available on here. I'm planning on getting my first AR-15 within the next month or so and would like something with a little more "thump" than the normal .223. I have had my eye on the .458 socom after reading about it on here, but after reading several post i want a 6.5 grendel too! My question is would these calibers be compatible with the MGI quick change barrel system, what would have to be changed to change between calibers, and where can I order the parts needed to do so. I would also like a .223 just for when I want to go out blastin' away paper at the range without blastin' my wallet away too. I just saw the new modular lower recievers too does anybody know how much they run? Sorry for the long post with all the ?'s. Adam hippie.gif |
| I am in the process of getting an order completed by Teppo Jutsu. It is an MGI upper (for the big bores - the ejection port has to be modifed some and they do that to the upper for you) and I ordered three calibers - 204 Ruger, 338 Spectre, 458 SOCOM. Barrels, brakes/flash hiders and three complete bolt/carrier assemblies and the handguard extension. So yes it is possible and a lot cheaper than buy three rifles. Get with Marty at Teppo and he can get you hooked up. I have an existing .458 here at the house and it is a great weapon. |
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I just placed the order and he ordered the parts from MGI and got to work on it. I would assume it would not affect the 6.5. Being all custom work, he could give you the best quote on the work as it would depend on what you want done. It takes time for him to get parts and get it together - again it is custom work - but the wait is worth it. I hope to have the thing together in the next couple of weeks and I will post it for all to see. |
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Adam, I would also add that you need to talk to Tom and or Marty if your heart is set on the 6.5 as one barrel choice. It is not completely clear whether or not AA will release the parts/rights to put togther just the barrels and bolts. You could be forced into buying a complete upper, to be stripped down to put into the MGI. I do like the looks of the 6.5, but I am not gonna play with anyone who has the attitude that this mine, and you can only have it the way I want to make it. Don't get me wrong, I can undestand that it's their baby, and I can appreciate wanting to control its production (for many reasons). Just compare AA's attitude to someone like Marty who is here almost every day, bending over backwards to cater to us variant oddballs. Craig |
| Yes, it works fine. I have that exact setup aside from the Grendel, but once it is released as a barrel only you can bet I'll get that too. You do need to open up the port. I did it with files and a dremel and juse kept going until the brass fit through easily. Then I ran my dummy SOCOMs through. Then off to the range and it works fine. Take more offf the bottom than the top and the port cover will close. The .223 and .458 DO take different bolts, I just used 2 different complete carriers. I got my MGI upper from Marty as well as a lot of help. I can't say enough good stuff about him and his product. Only downside is I just had to upgrade my single stage press to a progressive, the .458 is really hungry. I can't begin to guess how much it would have cost if I didn't reload to shoot it. I have put over 800 rounds through it in the last 6 months. Loading my own has kept that down to around $350-400 so far and cheaper now that I have horded about 500 pcs of brass. I guess if Corbon is still the only game that'd be pushing past $1200. I try not to think about it. Good luck-John |
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I'm with Craig on this. I won't do business with AA. I just don't understand their licensing issue. Folks like Marty at TJ and Tony at Tromix, as well as Tom and Mack Sr. and Jr. at MGI, are motivated and responsive to us, the customers. These are the guys we need to support with our business. I appreciate that AA needs to make a profit to stay in the market, but the idea that they won't market an MGI barrel/bolt package for either the Beowulf or the Grendel is ridiculous. Bill Alexander seems a nice enough guy, and is very knowledgeable. I just have to wonder what he has against the MGI product. That they are looking to support "other swap barrel systems" tells me Mr. Alexander has an ax to grind. Don't know what it is, but since TJ and MGI have won my loyalty with their customer service then AA will not have to worry about my business. I'll take it elsewhere, thank you very much. Buy a 6.8. Barrels are available and the ammo is finally starting to appear in quantity. Wayne |
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Well, hush my mouth! Tom comes through AGAIN! 6.5 Barrel available from ABS |
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Unique parts? Barrel nut. What's a barrel nut? Oh I know, that is a MGI QCB owner who is nuts for all the barrels that he will accumulate....... That is great news for all AR variant nuts. I can appreciate AA macro/micro managing the QC end of things on the final product. Heck, the Chinese seem to have Gore-Tex down pat. I look forward to seeing some reports on how the 6.5 performs with the QCB. Let's hope that it does not use some propriatary oddball barrel extension. The funny thing is that when I purchased my QCB I was pining away for a mid caliber AR. I decided to spend my money on the QCB, and see how things progressed. I almost entertained the idea of the MRP (monocaliberithic rail platform), but decided QCB and additional barrels. I am very pleased with the route that I chose. Perhaps these really are the good old days for AR owners. Craig |
To clarify this point, while AA may not be providing us with any barrels because of all their inventory being used for their own production, I have it on good authority that I can get barrels from their licensees. And bolts. And mags. And, since ABS barrels is finalizing the process of becoming a licensee for the 6.5 Grendel from Alexander Arms, I think that it just might be possible for me to call up Mike at ABS and order a few barrels, bolts, and mags. Seeing as how I handle all the orders for Mike, and seeing as how I am the one that made the contacts to AA to get ABS licensed, and did all the groundwork and speaking to Bill and John at AA, I don't really think this will be much of a problem.  I say this almost jokingly, because I have had a few rather long conversations with Bill Alexander recently, and it looks like smooth sailing for this combo coming up. It may take a little time for it all to develop and come together, regarding delivery times, but I have a very good feeling about it. Now, about the MGI QCB system: What's not to like? Nothing can match it, and it costs less than other "competitors", and uses normal AR barrels. I think that about sums it up. And in a matter of a few days when we finally release the Modular Lower, you can have a quick-change magwell lower to go with it. Let's see, MGI QCB upper, various ABS carbon fiber barrels, MGI Modular Lower. Hmmmm. Not seeing much down-side to this. Black rifle disease at its finest!!!
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I got to put my hands on one of these about a week or so ago. Swapping out barrels is quick and simple. I was quite amazed at the ease of the changes. Hopefully I'll get to put some rounds through it soon. Can't afford one now but I could see it's usefullness in the future. |
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Darn it, Tom, I'm going to go broke buying stuff from you! Seriously, I know I'm definitely in for a 6.5 barrel/bolt combo. And a Lower. And additional magwells. Will MGI pay for my divorce attorney?  Timing on this announcement couldn't come at a better time. I have a live fire demo on Thursday. I'll add this to my talking points. Wayne |
Adam, The price and release date will be set sometime this week, according to what I've been told by Mack, up at the MGI factory. There is a small amount of product in stock right now, and there are some decisions being made about price points, and the way the product will be "bundled" for best results. At this time, the most recent information about the bundling of the product, is that the Modular Lower will be sold as a complete lower receiver package, with a full standard lower parts kit, and pistol grip, and collapsible carbine buttstock, and with the AR15 magwell only. Then the AK magwell will be sold separately, in a "caliber conversion parts" category. The modified bolt carrier for use with the AK mags will be also put under that category, as will all the future magwells. The reasoning behind this concept is that it can keep the initial cost in the "more affordable" range, by not adding every conceivable part into the initial bundle. We're projecting selling a fully complete lower with a removeable AR15 magwell at a price range that is commensurate with a top quality flagship product, and it is not going to be a "bargain basement" price. That gives an entry level that is higher than any normal complete lower, but it is not "out of sight". Then, when people want to use the caliber change options, they can do so by purchasing the magwells and accessories that my be pertinent to that particular caliber change kit. Anyone who wants to buy it all at once, can also do that, in an "a la carte" fashion, Also, we didn't want to "force" anyone to buy the AK magwell, if they didn't plan to use that one, and were holding out for the other caliber-change magwell kits. The initial calibers will be anything that normally will work with mags which will go into an AR15 magwell. The first "caliber change" magwell(available at initial release too) will be the AK47/74 magwell(and the modded bolt carrier, and other parts). Other magwells for caliber conversions will follow. Essentially, we are marketing this item as a premium product. We're doing that because it IS a premium product, and has features and capabilities that are beyond anything out there for an AR15. However, we are trying to make the price within reach for people to buy. It's a fine line to walk. Our development costs for this product were very high. We won't even break-even until quite a large number of them are sold. |
I was affraid that I was going to have to compromise on caliber and not be able to get what I really wanted. Oh and Tom can you give us any specifics on the modular lower for example price, release date, and exactly what calibers will be available.
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Thanks for the quick reply Tom. It definately looks as if I'll be going the MGI route with my first AR build. Please keep us posted on any changes and new info.hippie.gif Thanks again, Adam |
The new MGI Modular Lwer Receiver system has now been released in a limited initial quantity, in our ad on the Equipment Exchange. After we run out, we'll accept back-orders on the next production run, which is due in a few weeks. Link: www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=125&t=321244 |
The link in the above post leads to the EE ad for the lower. It is a complete carbine lower with 6-pos stock and complete lower parts kit with AR15 magwell for $500 plus $20 shipping. AK magwells sold separately for $150 We are running very short on these now. Most of them have sold out until the next production run in 2-3 weeks. Only a few are left. The MGI QCB upper receiver is $595 plus shipping, and we have totally sold out of stock on them now, to people buying the modular lower with them as a package. We should have more of them in stock in about 1-2 weeks. Apparently there were alot of people waiting for this package to come together, because we are about empty here now! |
I don't expect them to be priced any differently than any other ABS barrels. We will offer carbon fiber versions, and all-stainless match barrels too. Still working on finalizing the licensing agreement. Shouldn't be too much longer. |
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