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Posted: 3/6/2005 3:03:29 PM EDT
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Can someone outline the differences between the CAR and M4 uppers. Is it just the handguard? I'm buying an upper soon and want to know the difference. The M4 uppers typically more expensive - why? I searched for this answer before posting, I really did. Thanks. |
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This is a question I've had on this issue and this seems like the proper post to ask it. It was my information that the barrel profile was not the only diference between the CAR and an M4. Isn't the real diference in the upper receiver used? What about the M4 feed cuts in the A4 receiver? I didn't notice them in an A3 flattop I built recently for a bull barrel. Are the cuts in the A4 receiver just an added reliability measure and not completely needed or, do you have to have the cuts if you are using and M4 cut barrel. or, am I completely offf base here and reading too much into this as I usually do? I can build them, I can make them look pretty and I can shoot them well but, I'm just staring to completely learn the system and this is one of those issues that I need to read more on. |
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Not all M4's come with the cuts. Some M4's come with different handguards. On Colt's and LMT's, the A4 reciever is slighly higher, along with the front sight base. That is the proper way to do it, but not all M4's are created equal. As far as the M4 cuts go, if they are in the upper, you will need an M4 barrel extension. If they aren't, it won't be necessary. The consensus seems to be that the cuts aren't necessary for reliability. I'd just get an LMT. Mine was gorgeous, and ran great. With quality, you only cry once. |
| The Car was a short M16A1 with an A1 Upper reciever, 11.5" light barrel with a 1/12 twist, and a 2 position telescoping stock. It was the M177. Anything built now will have an A2 Upper and a A2 barrel with a 1/8 or 1/9 twist. If you go with the 11.5" barrel it will have a 5.5" flash hider permitly attached. The M4 orginally had an A2 upper, 14.5" A2 heavt barrel with a 1/7 twist with a cut out to accept a M203 gernade launcher, and a 4 position stock. It was orginally full auto, and the M4A1 was 3rd burst. The current M4 has evolved to the A4 upper (A3 flattop w/ with removable carrying handle) to make use of the different optics available and semi, 3rd burst, and full auto. The SF & Seals have made their own mods to the M4 by adding Rails, Forgrips, different stocks, pistol grips, custom paint jobs, and God only knows what else, which are finding their way to line unit weapons. Colt also makes an M4 Commando which uses a 11.5" barrel with no cut out for a M203. The barrel cut out will only make it look like an M4, it does nothing else for you, unless you are going to attach a GL to it. 14.5" or 16" are both available barrel lengths with cut outs and the 14.5" required the flash hider or brake tobe permitly attached unless you register it as a short barrel rifle (illegal here in Michigan). You also have a choice of twist from 1/7, 1/8, & 1/9, maybe a couple more, but those are the ones I've seen. The Car barrels can be A1 light 11.5" or 16" or A2 heavy barrels 11.5", 14.5", or 16" and same twist available. So many choices, but I say build what suits you and make it your own, that's what the real M4's have evolved to with the guys who use them! Hope that helps! |
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