AR Sponsor
Posted: 12/20/2007 3:19:41 PM EDT
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I want to do some changes to my AP4, but obviously am hesitant since while this rifle/combo appears to be the most popular AR .308 combo out there-not much experimentation has been done with the platform IMHO. I want to chop the barrel to 13-14 inches and permanently attach a FH to make it legal. I have the standard handguard, and want to gut it with holes and/or attach a permanent forward broomhandle. I want to find 30 round mags, to add to the "sledgehammer" image/role. Would love to lighten it, but that seems almost impossible, expecially after adding a Millet 1-4 
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My SASS is about to undergo somewhat of a transformation.  After debating on selling it, and no potential buyers, I kept it and decided to make into something different.I'm waiting on a 16" bbl to come in, plan on ditching the DPMS handguards for a Troy or Danial Defense FF, changing the grip, and changing the optic (a TA01NSN)..... Probably a few other mods on the way. Definitely getting another upper in a different cal too... |
It's a great rifle, no doubt, but I'd rather have a lighter weight, more 'general use' , 308 platform. And I'm still trying to find the tool to get the handguard off... 
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GlockSlap I wouldn't think you gain anything by cutting down the barrel to 13-14" except to dramaticly reduce the ballistics of the 308 round. At 16" the rifle will still perform well but at 13'-14" you're in the "no-telling' zone. I also think that there is no Flash Hider that will hide the flash from that short of barrel? By going to a fixed FH you're right back to 16" of total length and haven't reduced the over all length. Maybe you want to remove the flash hider and replace it with a shorter one? I know mine with TAP ammo has almost no muzzle signature at night so screwing with the factory hider is another "no-telling" zone. I tricked out mine with the free float quad rail, JP trigger, CAA adjustable pistol grip, XS 24/7 front post sight, extended recoil pad, La Rue BUIS, and I'm thinking of going with a Aimpoint 9000SC 2x 1 moa scope. I don't know about your rifle but I've had mine for 2 years and have run over 3000k rds through it without one malfunction. The thing is a tack driver with iron sights and chows all ammo. I would be careful how much you alter the rifle so as not to ruin it. Just my .02c worth. |
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Thanks CG, but chopping the barrel and adding a FH will bring it to a legal 16 inches, as opposed to 18.5. Thats a reduction in OAL will also make it a bit lighter (not much). The factory FH is pretty good, though not as good as a Vortex, it is a clost second. The primary reason your TAP ammo has little/no signature is it is uber high quality stuff with flash retard in the powder also. As far as barrel length goes, optimum .308 ballistics (law of diminishing return) is apparently 18 inches. DSA has a few 11 and 13 inch FALS running around, and they are still easily generating double the energy of the 5.56 in M4 barrels. There is always the chance one will ruin the gun, but in my experience of chopping barrels, that 2 inches will still run the bulk of DI rifles with factory spec'd ammo w/o having to enlarge the gas port. I'll look into some tools right now. Happy Holidays  |
That's kinda my thinking also. Chopping to 14.5 and perm. attaching a Phantom or the like. Yes, you dont get the maximum from the 308, but hey, it's still a .308.... I look at it as my 0-300yd heavy hitter..  ETA: Post '666'. Kewl.....
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