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Posted: 3/2/2003 5:08:13 AM EDT
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Looks like I'm going with the Oly 9mm upper; just a couple of questions. I'll be attaching this to a pre-ban lower, so I'm assuming the regular carbine buffer. I've already picked up some sten mags in excellent condition, and I'm going to go visit SOCOM manufacturing, which is just a few miles awary for the mag block adapter. Olympic's magazines are probably easier to deal with, but I don't like the price and was hoping the adapter and unmodified mags are as reliable and trouble free. Any feedback on using the block adapter...any issues? Just playing with the magazines it a mag well...they seem to fit pretty good, how tight is the lock up with the SOCOM block? Seems like they wouldn't have a whole lot of play. I'm also planning to send the upper to Kurt for one of his KKF Tac3 Brake...The upper will eventually go on a post ban, so I want to keep it that way. The 9mm upper is just too darn tempting! No, it's not a replacement for my other ARs, but just thought it would be a great house gun, and trainer for the wife and kids. Last question is about optics. Just want see what other's are using. I'm getting the flat-top, and I have a spare removeable A2 handle, the DPMS detachable rear sight and an ARMS #40 flip sight. I use irons for a while, but want to add an Aimpoint or another low/no power optic for short range work. I'm assuming an Aimpoint or maybe the EOTech would be great, but I was also thinking maybe an OKO for light weight would work as well? Appreciate any feedback, ROCK6 |
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I've hand no problems with my Socom setup and with the exception of a few turds, the (cheap) Sten mags work fantastic. Obviously, the ergonomics on the 9mm AR is the same as a .223, with the exception of the paddle-style mag release on the block. You will have to fill in one of the holes on the back of the Sten mags (JB weld, etc.) so that the mag release does not catch on it when removing the mag (a small issue unless you need a quick reload). There is a little play with the mags/block, but nothing big, more than an AR, less than an AK... IMO, the 9mm AR is great if you want a good practice gun because ammo is cheaper than .223, but is still just as heavy and recoils the same as the .223, which isn't much. |
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Thanks for the feedback, that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the advice on filling the hole on the sten mags...I'll keep an eye on that one. Hopefully it doesn't kick as much as the 5.56mm; I've fired 9mm carbines before and they've all been really mild to nill on the recoil side. Just thought it would be good for the wife and kids. Thanks, ROCK6 |
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I had a different experience with the socom block. I didn't like it. I opted to stay with the OLY converted mags, and had a local machine/welder shop duplicate the mods for me on the ten STEN mags I bought to go with the SOCOM block. Even had a loader made up that will fit around the Sten mag and Modified block. Still happy with the OLY step-up though, if I could just get bolt lock back on the last round. The only reason I could see going with the Colt system |
| I also opted to stay with the Oly mags. They work very well, and so far they have been very reliable. I tried to order the loader for the modified sten mags from Olympic and the last time I checked (admitedly its been some weeks ago) they were out. Mark, do you have any in stock???? Thanks, Rod |
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Just curious as to what problems were encountered with the socom block? Fortunately SOCOM Mfc is about 20 minutes away...and I really like the idea of using unmodified sten mags. Is the block too loose? Do the mags lock up tight enough, or do they have a lot of play? I have heard that the mags can stick a little when removing. The biggest question are the unmodified magazines with socom block reliable? I can live with the paddle release and even no bolt-hold open, but I don't want an unreliable system. ROCK6 |
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Well, Of the 500-or-so rounds I have shot through my Oly 9mm/Soccom/Sten mag setup in Tactical matches, I've had zero (0) failures that were actually associated with anything but a bad mag. Big deal, its a $3 throw away. If you can justify spending $40+ on a modified 9mm mag, go for it. But in doing so, you negate any of the benefits of having a 9mm rifle. There is NO other reason to own a 9mm rifle other than the cheap ammo (and mags). Repeat, None. Otherwise, they handle and recoil the same as their 223 progenitors, with the exception of the mag release and no bolt-holdback. |
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Quoted: Actually another reason to have one would be if your heated indoor range only allows you to shoot pistol caliber carbines (no necked cartridges for the backstops sake) and you want to shoot your carbine in the winter without freezing your rear off... Or in the summer without drowning in a pool of sweat. |
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Quoted: I also opted to stay with the Oly mags. They work very well, and so far they have been very reliable. I tried to order the loader for the modified sten mags from Olympic and the last time I checked (admitedly its been some weeks ago) they were out. Mark, do you have any in stock???? Thanks, Rod Yes, we have them in stock! |
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Quoted: Actually another reason to have one would be if your heated indoor range only allows you to shoot pistol caliber carbines (no necked cartridges for the backstops sake) and you want to shoot your carbine in the winter without freezing your rear off... Yup! Can't shoot .223 Rem in the public bays at WSI can you? |
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The Oly modified mags are nice but they are not priced competitively when folks can buy two dozen Sten mags for little more than the price of one Oly-modified mag and then drop $60 for the block adapter. No problems with my SOCOM block adapter other than needing to tweaks some of the mag springs and lips to get the feeding reliable. |
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I have owned a number of the Oly Arms 9mm uppers and currently have 4 in different configurations. I like the OKO sight on the flattop upper. I get extremely tight groups with the OKO. The SOCOM mag block works well, but I don't like using the paddle. The modified Sten mags allow you to use the same technique for mag changing as you do with the .223 setup. One thing to keep in mind is that you can send a Sten mag to Oly Arms and they will add the adapter and refinish the mag for $25. Also, don't forget the Lanchester 50 round mags that look just like the Sten mags but are longer. You can send these to Oly Arms but do not refer to them as Lanchester mags as they will say they only modify Sten mags. If you send them in refer to them as 50 round Sten mags. That is what I was told to do by someone at Oly Arms and that is what I have done. What buffer you use is not an issue with semi-auto function. It is only an issue in full auto, and then the type of buffer you use will change the rate of fire. Charles Tatum Alamo Professional Arms |
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