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Posted: 1/10/2011 10:01:15 PM EDT
Ok, so I posted earlier my parts list for my build and I had a couple of guys suggest going to the 14.5 mid-length AR. I did some research and some reading and once again I am changing my mind on the build given a few factors that I personally would like. This is where you guys come in, now I may sound kind of like a newb which in retrospec I am since I have not built an AR yet so please bear with me if I may ask some nonsense questions. Someone has to ask them right!! 
My specific questions. 1.) Knowing the 14.5 middy needs a pinned and permenant compensator to make it legal length, is it possible to change out the front sight and replace it with a low profile gas block? 2.) If I can change out the gas block, what FF handguards would be my options for this type of setup and what length? In all I would like to have a FF handguard that covers the gas block and then some. I envision the handguard to cover most of the barrel with only 2 or 3 inches of barrel exposed! Is all of this possible with the FH welded on? If anyone has pics of there builds that compare to what I am speaking of please share, I would love to see them! Thanks SD79 |
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Sure it can be done. 12.0 rail, shaved front sight base, etc. Is that my only option for the front sight is to shave it? Is it even possible to put a low profile gas block on? Im not familiar with how the front sights are attached and/or removed. Thanks SD79 |
| If you look at their website again, they offer that configuration already. Its a 14.5 middy with a permanently attached flash hider and low profile gas block, with a range of ff rails you can have on it from Troy to MI. You'll have to buy a bcg separate thru them, but it still comes out the same price, if not cheaper than buying everything in pieces and doing it yourself. |
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Id just go 16" mid and solve all the problems you think you might have. This ... I have several 16" and 18" middies and they are all smooth and accurate shooters and very reliable with everything I have fed them. I personally have never owned a 14.5 middy before ... but I have heard they are kind of finicky about ammo (they don't like the cheaper low pressure stuff) due to the short dwell time. 
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14.5 middies are the shiznit. Mine is actually a 14.9" but it runs like a champ. Never had a single failure in several thousand rounds of Wolf. Once running about 500 rounds in a day without cleaning. Black goop was dripping out of the action, but she never chocked once.
If guys are having issues with short stroking it's either because the rifle wasn't built right or they aren't lubing it right. Mid is the best choice for both 14.5" and 16" barrel lengths. To answer the OP's original Q's: 1. Yes it is, but you really don't want to. If you want to do it without removing the muzzle thingy you need to cut the A2 FSB off then use a 2 piece clamp on like the YHM. You'd be spending money, making work for yourself and wind up with much lower quality. Just chop the A2 in place and be done with it. 2. Pretty much anything. If you don't chop the A2 you can use a 2 piece clamp on style. If you do chop many of the others become usable, it just depends on if you can get the barrel nut over the FH and GB. What you're envisioning is entirely doable, you just need to plan ahead. Probably the best option is to have BCM or Smartgunner put the barrel nut for your desired rail on prior to installing the FSB and muzzle device. Once you figure out what rail you want we'll be able to give you more guidance. Here's mine: 14.9" WOA midgas medcon, JP rifle length tube, perm'd YHM phantom. 
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14.5 middies are the shiznit. Mine is actually a 14.9" but it runs like a champ. Never had a single failure in several thousand rounds of Wolf. Once running about 500 rounds in a day without cleaning. Black goop was dripping out of the action, but she never chocked once. If guys are having issues with short stroking it's either because the rifle wasn't built right or they aren't lubing it right. Mid is the best choice for both 14.5" and 16" barrel lengths. To answer the OP's original Q's: 1. Yes it is, but you really don't want to. If you want to do it without removing the muzzle thingy you need to cut the A2 FSB off then use a 2 piece clamp on like the YHM. You'd be spending money, making work for yourself and wind up with much lower quality. Just chop the A2 in place and be done with it. 2. Pretty much anything. If you don't chop the A2 you can use a 2 piece clamp on style. If you do chop many of the others become usable, it just depends on if you can get the barrel nut over the FH and GB. What you're envisioning is entirely doable, you just need to plan ahead. Probably the best option is to have BCM or Smartgunner put the barrel nut for your desired rail on prior to installing the FSB and muzzle device. Once you figure out what rail you want we'll be able to give you more guidance. Here's mine: 14.9" WOA midgas medcon, JP rifle length tube, perm'd YHM phantom. http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bushflyr/ARBuild/IMG_3743.jpg Bushflyr, Thanks for that very helpful info! I really want a middy and I think I will go the route of having them install the low pro gas block and FF rail before the FH is installed. Do you know anything about the Battle Comp 1.5 Compensators? I was going to have them put that one on. BTW your Middy is F**kin' sweet! That is almost exactly what I want and I love the way it looks!! Is that duracoat or something else? So I was think of this configuration from BCM http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-14-5-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Troy-TRX-p/bcm-urg-mid-14%20trx11std.htm |
Thanks.  It is Duracote and was a total PITA to do. As to your BCM, do it. That's pretty much going to be my next build. Either a BCM or DD 14.5" lightweight middy. Battlecomp 1.5" (no personal experience, but I've read good things and want to try one out) and a full or mid (haven't decided yet) V-tac tube. (Not the JP, the Troy. Just installed one on my pistol and it is friggin sweet.)
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