Posted: 4/28/2005 2:42:19 PM EDT
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Well, where do I start. I want to build an AR. A lightweight carbine. I really like the M4 look, but I have questions. A lot of questions. I don't want to spend a fortune, however I don't want a pos when I am done. The things I want. Collapsable stock, 16" chrome lined barrel, 5.56mm chamber, must have brass deflector, bayonet lug, flash suppressor. Price is a big issue. If the price is right I can fly this under the marital radar without to much greef. Upper, I like the idea of the flat top upper. The question I have is this. If you have a flat top and a standard FSB how to you mount optics at a level that would not be as high as a standard A2 upper? The FSB obscures the LOS right? The A2/flat top question is something that boggles the mind. I have an A2 upper on my Colt HBAR now and I also have a scope for it. As mentioned before a good cheek weld is nearly impossible for me. Has anyone side mounted optics on a carrying handle? The flat top is just extra $$. Is it worth it? Collapsable stock. I see at places the 4 position is standard and the 6 position is $30 extra. I like the idea of more positions, but is it worth the extra $30? Would I really need the extra 2 holes? Barrel. I like the look of the M4 contoured barrel. What exatly are they contoured for? I thought I read somewhere it was for the M203. Is this true? Can I get the lightweight 16" and get the sme result? I don't own a 203 and probably never will. Feed ramps do the M4's have these oh so special cut feed ramps I keep hearing about? What is their purpose? Finish. I like the "flat black" finish. I do not like the shiny or glossy black finish. Can someone help me with that? What finish should I be looking for, if I want the colt type finish? Sights. Are NM sights really needed? I see them as an option, but whay? aren't carbines considered 200m or less guns? I would think standard would be fine. Hand guards. What is the difference between CAR and M4, and M4 double shielded? Lowers, Are all stripped lowers created equal? I hear Stag stripped lowers are like $85 and the seemingly more popular RRA lowers are like $110? Whats the difference? Metal quality? Machining? I have seen sling swivels or D rings or whatever they are called that mount in the space under the FSB. They are positioned so they are on the left side and not the bottom. Where can you get these and can they be mounted on the right side. I am left handed if you have not figured it out. I am not looking to build the entire rifle. I like the idea of the built upper and the build your own lower. Sorry for all the questions, I know I have more but don't want to look too AR stupid. Can you guys give me a hand? BTW Thanks Dale for helping me spend more money. Nice rifle you got there. |
I think the flat top has more versatility and mounting an optic with a fixed FSB has never been a problem for all thhe M-4's Uncle Sugar has.
I had a four holer, took it to work on a drill press and made 2 more and painted black. you'll almost never need a 6 hole. I use the #1 exclusevlyfor all my shooting.
That's what it's for, a 203. if you don't have one, ya don't need it, as to the feed ramps, unless you do a lot of full auto, it's not needed. They were put there to address FTF issues on full auto, bolt bounce, and using limited issue rounds with a OAL bullet lenght longer then Issue M855, you don't need them. I like the M4 contour as I believe it is the best compromise between an HBAR and a Lightweight. I never liked Lightweight barrels cause my point of Aim would always move as it heats up after a few mags. The weight difference is neglagible. I have an HBAR on my Carbine and with all my other stuff my carbine hits about 9 lbs. I like HBAR's (personnel preference) and never thought the weigh was a big deal. most guys who bitch about um never carried one longer then a 5 day carbine class. That being said , my next built will be a simple fixed carry handle (got one layin arround after I converted to a flattop)with a M-4 contour 14.5" with a Phantom . (truck Gun) you can get Barrels with gas tube/handguards/delta ring for around $215 in the EE.
Stick with reputable vendors who stick with the Milspec Phosphate finish.
Are you a Highpower service rifle shooter competing at 600yards??, if not, you don't 1/2 min click sights. Most guys don't shoot good enough to use the full potential of NM sights. it's a 300Meter Carbine. anything beyond that and your using the wrong tool/ Stick with full 1 minute battle sights. you'll hit at 300m if you do your part...
M-4 colt handguards are thicker as they have two sets of inner aluminum heat sheilds (a development to deal with heat during rapid and full auto fire) I got buy with out them for years on my bushy. unless you do a lot of break contact drills that require you dumping 5-6 mags on full auto, not a "needed" feature. it's more of a personnel thick as to if you like slim or thick handguards. standard handguards have a single pair of inner aluminum heat shields.
A lot of them are made by the same company. I've been tempted to go with a cheap lower, but I'll probably stick with a Bushy as I trust them. That being said, I have not seen any negative reports on the Stags lowers, so they might be a good deal.
Those are issue side sling adapters (developed for rifles/carbines with M203's) The are held in place by two roll pins, Bushmaster is one place I know that sells them. And they can be mounted on either side. Disclaimer The above is my personnel opinion and does not reflect Dept Of Defense Policy...  YMMV
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Harv covered most everything, but...
Yes and no. You'll get a slight shadow, that actually decreases with higher power scopes IIRC. The best I can explain it is that the light "bends" the image around the FS. Depending on the height of the rings, it will probably be a non-issue.
The only "extra" you'd pay would be in a rear BUIS. Depending on the optic you want, an extra $100, when you're paying $1200 for an ACOG, really doesn't seem like a lot. While I'd love an ACOG, I can't afford (or utilize ... I'm a crappy shot) one. Instead, I run a dot in front of a fixed rear A2 (similar to a cut-down carry handle).
Olympic = Gloss Black Stag/RRA/DPMS/LMT etc = Flat Black Bushmaster = Purple  Colt = Flat Dark Grey
The logo (they're both produced on the same machines). Hope that helps some... |