XM177 Options > AR-15 / M-16 Retro Forum

Posted: 1/27/2011 9:47:48 PM EDT

I'm coming close to pulling the trigger on this...only have a few questions.

First off my choices for parts (XM Flashhider) its either Brick? and HeatnBeat?

and in terms of builders its HeatnBeat and 45bravo? (I hate to compare people but I'm curious what you guys think)

I know alot of people use the Bushmaster light weight 16" barrel. and have it cut down?

has anyone tried using the BCM or Daniel Defense Lightweight pencil barrels?

also does the donor barrel have to be a 16" or can it be a 14.5"?

Thanks in advance.

Posted: 1/27/2011 9:51:52 PM EDT

[#1]

I had the 45Bravo service on a LW Bushmaster barrel. Top notch work, but it took a very long time and I believe he's still behind.

If I were to do it again now I'd order the same barrel, one of Brick's moderators, and send it all to ADCO.

Posted: 1/27/2011 10:02:46 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
If I were to do it again now I'd order the same barrel, one of Brick's moderators, and send it all to ADCO.

That's what I did, and I'm pleased with the results.

As far as I know, Heatnbeat does not make moderators. Brick does, and 45Bravo did at one time. ADCO is also a choice for the barrel work. Between ADCO and Heatnbeat, I think Heatnbeat is less expensive but ADCO's turnaround is probably faster. Also I think Heatnbeat's pin & weld jobs are generally a little neater. If I recall correctly the BCM barrels are not exactly a true lightweight contour. But any lightweight barrel that is 0.625" under the FSB would be a reasonable starting point. 14.5"s included. Don't forget to have the bayonet lug (if present) and FSB forge flashing removed.

I think you'll like yours once you get it together!

Posted: 1/27/2011 10:16:47 PM EDT

[#3]

Don't forget to have the bayonet lug (if present) and FSB forge flashing removed.

why exactly? just curious.

Posted: 1/27/2011 10:20:46 PM EDT

[#4]

Because that's how they were, and they are services ADCO can do, so if you're already sending it to them to pin a FH, then why not?

Posted: 1/27/2011 10:24:26 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
Because that's how they were, and they are services ADCO can do, so if you're already sending it to them to pin a FH, then why not?

ah forgive my XM - rookiness.

so HeatnBeat cant do that kind of stuff?

Posted: 1/27/2011 10:30:13 PM EDT

[#6]

Both Heatnbeat and ADCO can do a proper XM177E2 treatment.

Posted: 1/28/2011 2:40:56 AM EDT

[#7]

Heatnbeat does not make the moderator.Heatnbeat can and will do ALL the modifications you need,ie,remove bayo lug,smooth flash on FSB,cut,thread the barrel etc..And he does them all very nicely.I give him nothing but + 1s for all the work he's done for me.

Posted: 1/28/2011 4:55:07 AM EDT

[#8]

With one exception, I've used ADCO for all my barrel work since Randall (AR15BARRELS.COM) went tango uniform. The one exception was my XM-177E2 barrel, which 45bravo did; great work, but it took an awful long time. I've bought parts from Jerrell (Heatnbeat), and he is a great guy too. ADCO is very professional and responsive, and usually have stuff back in a week or so. Here is a pic of a cut and crown ADCO did for one of my SBR's. Isn't it just beautiful?

Posted: 1/28/2011 5:39:29 AM EDT

[#9]

If you dont need a CL barrel, you can get a stripped Citidal .625 carbine barrel for $115 shipped, buy a Colt surplus fsb, a .625 round handguard retainer, a Brick moderator w/ring and send the whole thing to Heatnbeat.

Posted: 1/28/2011 5:56:13 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:

Don't forget to have the bayonet lug (if present) and FSB forge flashing removed.

why exactly? just curious.

The originals did not have them.

A bayonet would not slip over the moderator like they do on a three prong or birdcage.

Posted: 1/28/2011 6:19:01 AM EDT

[#11]

Kenda (a.k.a. TacticalTurtle) did a great job on mine. And she likes to trade. She did my XM177E2 barrel work in trade for some spare AR parts I had laying around, my only out-of-pocket cost was &8 for shipping to her. And it took only 2 weeks to get it back from her too.

Posted: 1/28/2011 9:41:10 AM EDT

[#12]

Bayonet lug shaved, because of snagging on vines and you cant mount a bayonet to it anyway with that moderator. I'm still learning but that's what i was told.

Matt R

Posted: 1/28/2011 11:00:32 AM EDT

[#13]

adco did my work with a 1 day turnaround. very fast and well done work.

i would use adco for all of my barrel work if i was to recommend it

Posted: 1/28/2011 5:03:52 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:

also does the donor barrel have to be a 16" or can it be a 14.5"?

Thanks in advance.

Doesn't matter since it gets cut down to 12 1/2" or thereabouts so the finished product is 16" (I did mine waaay back in 2000)

Posted: 1/28/2011 5:51:21 PM EDT

[#15]

I used a real XM177 barrel on mine.

Posted: 1/30/2011 4:48:31 AM EDT

[#16]

Yeah well you suck! So there!

I wish I had a real 177 barrel to do mine but alas, none to be found without sacrificing a kidney. On the up side it also saved me the stamp.

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