User Panel
Posted: 7/7/2011 12:07:43 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Lancelot]
So just an introduction to this thread - its purpose is to show off your Block II clone builds; here is a list of some of the common characteristics and equipment that the Block II M4A1s have:
THE Block II Chart (courtesy of Patriot_Man) Barrel: 14.5" M4 or SOCOM contour barrel Flash Hider: KAC NT4 Surefire 4P Suppressors: KAC NT4 Surefire SOCOM RC Rail System: Early Block II M4A1s still used the KAC M4 RIS/RAS DD RIS II in dark earth Vertical grips Tango down battle grip in tan KAC Grip-Pod Rail panels: Tango Down KAC Front sight: KAC flip up in tan standard front sight base (if early Block II with M4 RIS/RAS) Optics: Elcan Specter DR SU-230 EOTech SU-231-PEQ (EOTech 553) EOTech SU-231A-PEQ (EOTech EXPS03) ACOG SU-237 (TA01-ECOS) EOTech/Aimpoint 3x magnifiers IR Lasers: Insight AN/PEQ-15/LA-5 Flashlight: Insight M3 (SU-233/PVS) Insight WMX200 Rear sight: KAC 300m KAC 600m MaTech Buttstock: standard M4 (both older CAR style and newer "LE" style) LMT SOPMOD some reference pics Attached File Attached File early block II more early Block IIs Just to reiterate, you don't have to have an EXACT copy of a Block II M4A1 to post your rifle up here, but the purpose is to post pictures of our rifles that we've made specifically to emulate the issue Block II weapon system - if you've got a midlength carbine with an UBR stock that just happens to have a RIS II on it it is likely you did not intend the rifle be a "clone" of the newest generation M4A1, and probably doesn't belong in this picture thread. Rifles that have no Block II components ie standard M4geries with Block I Optics do not embody the purpose of this thread and though they are nice weapons in their own right, shouldn't be posted in this thread to avoid unnecessary clutter. Originally Posted By Augee: The easiest visual discriminator of whether you're looking at a SOPMOD equipped M4A1 or an MWS M4 is usually the identity of who is holding it. If it's a SOF troop, it's probably a SOPMOD M4[A1]. If it's a conventional troop, it's probably an M4 MWS. SOPMOD = SOF MWS = Conventional The SOPMOD program was initially fielded in 1996, and the two have not significantly converged or crossed over at all since then, and there is almost no commonality between systems used in the two. They are separate lines of development and evolution managed by two totally different components (Army and Navy). SOPMOD is run by NSWC-Crane to equip SOF M4A1 Carbines with accessories. There are two distinct "blocks" as identified by NSWC-Crane PowerPoints as the primary source of information, however, there was a "transitional period" of several years in which carbines with items from both blocks were used. Because of a PowerPoint slide that was published (IIRC?) 2006 showing a block labeled "phased replacement," it has become the colloquial term for "transitional" configurations. "Block x" does NOT refer, in an "official" sense to a specific configuration of rifle. It refers to specific modifications (read accessories) to the SOF M4A1 weapon system that are managed by Crane. Colloquially we refer to M4A1s with accessories from the first block of the SOPMOD program as "Block 1," while using "Block 2" to describe carbines with the RIS II, one of the last components of the second block of the SOPMOD program to be fielded. Carbines with the accessories/features of both blocks of the SOPMOD program, but without the RIS II, we refer to as "Phased Replacement." It is important to note, however, that this colloquial classification is generally limited to this thread, and others both here and on other sites that feed off of it. The important thing to understand is that the SOPMOD program is almost always limited to SOF only, and 99% of the time, the "actual" weapon in question will be an M4A1, not an M4. The M4 is a conventional forces weapon system, and is totally separate from the SOPMOD program and SOF modifications, though they were "inspired" by the SOPMOD program, almost every single actual item is different. The M4 is managed by the Army overall through TACOM, though the Marine Corps also manages their own programs through their own directorates for their specific incarnation of the M4. The M4 is a conventional forces platform, and is upgraded through modular weapon system (MWS) upgrades. There are no specific blocks, increments, or generations, and their specifics vary by time period, unit, and MTOE. ~Augee View Quote |
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"Soldier, you need to turn your ACOG off before the batteries die." - PMI Instructor, subject matter expert
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"Not proud of everything I've done, but at least you know I did it well."
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Fuggin' glitch. Show me the pics!
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16 inches be damned...
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Glitch
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Originally Posted By secretwheelman: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51791869077_2525ba8c4c_o.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51792816676_59df8c8b61_o.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51793554395_ceea2c7891_o.jpg View Quote I like the blue/gray going on there. |
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God will not look you over for medals, diplomas, or degrees – but for scars
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Originally Posted By stagepaint: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/219864/A46E2C7D-8B79-48E3-8426-A525584F24C5_jpe-2225362.JPG Interesting configuration seen on 3212 Unredacted View Quote Watched that a couple weeks ago. The more I watched, the more pissed off I got. |
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God will not look you over for medals, diplomas, or degrees – but for scars
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Originally Posted By SecretSquirell: Watched that a couple weeks ago. The more I watched, the more pissed off I got. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By SecretSquirell: Originally Posted By stagepaint: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/219864/A46E2C7D-8B79-48E3-8426-A525584F24C5_jpe-2225362.JPG Interesting configuration seen on 3212 Unredacted Watched that a couple weeks ago. The more I watched, the more pissed off I got. This is the kind of stuff that should be front and center in our society. Instead it's what did Lady dumbass wear to the VMA's. It's infuriating. |
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Highly regarded PSA expert
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Originally Posted By teamjawbox: This is the kind of stuff that should be front and center in our society. Instead it's what did Lady dumbass wear to the VMA's. It's infuriating. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By teamjawbox: Originally Posted By SecretSquirell: Originally Posted By stagepaint: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/219864/A46E2C7D-8B79-48E3-8426-A525584F24C5_jpe-2225362.JPG Interesting configuration seen on 3212 Unredacted Watched that a couple weeks ago. The more I watched, the more pissed off I got. This is the kind of stuff that should be front and center in our society. Instead it's what did Lady dumbass wear to the VMA's. It's infuriating. Agreed |
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God will not look you over for medals, diplomas, or degrees – but for scars
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I got a OEM2 upper with the shaved gas block. Will the RIS II rail fit without any clearance issue?
Thanks. |
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I would assume so, depending on who shaved the gb. ADCO did my Colt Socom and it fit just fine.
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Originally Posted By StealthGuy: Brownells ships slower than old people fuck. https://i.imgur.com/qxh4ufi.jpg View Quote The shipping rate you chose, i.e. "5-7 Business Days" is actually how long they take to process your order. |
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Originally Posted By Bman2k: I got a OEM2 upper with the shaved gas block. Will the RIS II rail fit without any clearance issue? Thanks. View Quote I know which exact shaved gas block your talking about. It should, I had a friend who took that very block and installed it under a Geissele MK16 13” on a SOCOM barrel. He has and had no intentions on a clone but like me like the rail. It fits fine and it’s tighter than the RIS II. I’m thinking about using one on a 16” mid on the same rail for MY version of a modern REECE. I have numerous clones and do shoot the shit out of them, but one thing I’ve learned while clones are close to ideal, they are not ideal for all applications and I’m wa ting something for mine, great truck gun, and even better lightweight coyote gun. |
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How much crack did you have to smoke to reach that conclusion, a $20 rock or Whitney Houston level shit?
”Guitargod1985” |
Originally Posted By StealthGuy: Brownells ships slower than old people fuck. https://i.imgur.com/qxh4ufi.jpg View Quote |
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Originally Posted By StealthGuy: Brownells ships slower than old people fuck. https://i.imgur.com/qxh4ufi.jpg View Quote |
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IG @bayou_bengal-rifles
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Rejoice my fellow cloners. I have secured a SF4P. The block II is nearing completion. Again.
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IG @bayou_bengal-rifles
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Originally Posted By LsuJon: Rejoice my fellow cloners. I have secured a SF4P. The block II is nearing completion. Again. View Quote Attached File |
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Originally Posted By secretwheelman: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51791869077_2525ba8c4c_o.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51792816676_59df8c8b61_o.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51793554395_ceea2c7891_o.jpg View Quote Sick camo scheme, love it. |
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Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God. - Benjamin Franklin
Freedom is a Light For Which Many Men Have Died in Darkness. |
Originally Posted By Kidnap_44: Sick camo scheme, love it. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By SecretSquirell: I like the blue/gray going on there. It's not what I was originally after, but just said "fuck it" and let it ride. |
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"Not proud of everything I've done, but at least you know I did it well."
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Originally Posted By stagepaint: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/219864/A46E2C7D-8B79-48E3-8426-A525584F24C5_jpe-2225362.JPG Interesting configuration seen on 3212 Unredacted View Quote That rifle is very intriguing the more I look at it. I've got a Leupold 3.5-10 and a 14.5 barrel with FSP I could put to work on a new project. I thought I was set on a non-FSP block II, but that rifle has got me thinking. |
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Highly regarded PSA expert
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Originally Posted By secretwheelman: Went a little heavy on the greyish tan, but I'm still happy with it. It's not what I was originally after, but just said "fuck it" and let it ride. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By secretwheelman: Originally Posted By Kidnap_44: Sick camo scheme, love it. Originally Posted By SecretSquirell: I like the blue/gray going on there. It's not what I was originally after, but just said "fuck it" and let it ride. I could see that working fairly well in an urban and rural area. |
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God will not look you over for medals, diplomas, or degrees – but for scars
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Looks slick! As I get more used to the better eye relief of the Razor it’s making me slowly start to reconsider the Elcan and ACOG on my Block II’s.
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Originally Posted By HD2006: Looks slick! As I get more used to the better eye relief of the Razor it’s making me slowly start to reconsider the Elcan and ACOG on my Block II’s. View Quote The 1x is pretty legit. I probably won’t be able to zero it until Wednesday. Time to build a shorty upper again for the su-230. |
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Originally Posted By StealthGuy: Brownells ships slower than old people fuck. https://i.imgur.com/qxh4ufi.jpg View Quote Fuckin true that. Ever since my first order with them that went from CA to NY back to CA. Took a month |
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I survived the California MagRush 3/29/19 - 4/5/19
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@secretwheelman
Very nice camo job there. |
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Originally Posted By HD2006: After another fantastic pin and weld by John Thomas, I am finally able to move the Block II FSP off the SBR lower it was sharing and onto its permanent home. https://i.imgur.com/fHChh9k.jpg https://i.imgur.com/buYiVrv.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ob7bAiq.jpg View Quote Nice! Pic thread. |
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Originally Posted By HD2006: After another fantastic pin and weld by John Thomas, I am finally able to move the Block II FSP off the SBR lower it was sharing and onto its permanent home. https://i.imgur.com/fHChh9k.jpg https://i.imgur.com/buYiVrv.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ob7bAiq.jpg View Quote That is awesome |
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Highly regarded PSA expert
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Originally Posted By pc-ops: This is mine. I love the turd color might switch to a rmr instead of the t1 footprint optic, added offset irons from magpul. this is going to be my shooter https://i.imgur.com/yahTXZQ.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SSnyQTe.jpg View Quote I do like your optic setup :) |
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Originally Posted By HD2006: After another fantastic pin and weld by John Thomas, I am finally able to move the Block II FSP off the SBR lower it was sharing and onto its permanent home. https://i.imgur.com/fHChh9k.jpg https://i.imgur.com/buYiVrv.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ob7bAiq.jpg View Quote @HD2006 What safety selector is that? Looks perfect for us lefties |
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Originally Posted By x_red_beard_x: @HD2006 What safety selector is that? Looks perfect for us lefties View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By x_red_beard_x: Originally Posted By HD2006: After another fantastic pin and weld by John Thomas, I am finally able to move the Block II FSP off the SBR lower it was sharing and onto its permanent home. https://i.imgur.com/fHChh9k.jpg https://i.imgur.com/buYiVrv.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ob7bAiq.jpg @HD2006 What safety selector is that? Looks perfect for us lefties That is the revised Colt semi-auto ambi that comes with the most recent production Colt SOCOM rifles. It’s reversible, same as the other Colt semi-auto ambis but it’s not “hot dog” styled. |
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IG @bayou_bengal-rifles
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Originally Posted By HD2006: That is the revised Colt semi-auto ambi that comes with the most recent production Colt SOCOM rifles. It’s reversible, same as the other Colt semi-auto ambis but it’s not “hot dog” styled. View Quote My semi-auto Colt ambi selector’s “other side” lever is different from yours. The flat part with the pointer is larger on yours, and it’s pointy, not just a notch. I suspect that’s not the only difference in the levers. And my semi selector is not at all reversable. On the subject of ambi selectors, I have had to adjust my grip; the left side lever is (not really but it feels) in the way. Maybe I’ve had a not-so-great grip all along, but the first knuckle on my index finger bumps into the lever when it’s in “SEMI”. Is this just a matter of getting used to it (I hope)? |
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"--you can't conquer a free man; the most you can do is kill him."
Heinlein NRA Life Member Glock Certified Armorer Certified AR15 Armorer Certified M1911 Armorer |
Originally Posted By HD2006: After another fantastic pin and weld by John Thomas, I am finally able to move the Block II FSP off the SBR lower it was sharing and onto its permanent home. https://i.imgur.com/fHChh9k.jpg https://i.imgur.com/buYiVrv.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ob7bAiq.jpg View Quote I like the reversible safety, but being a lefty I go with the Schmid that has the extended left side lever, I’d like to try the reversible but I’m not sure how well the short lever would work if I have to go right handed? |
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How much crack did you have to smoke to reach that conclusion, a $20 rock or Whitney Houston level shit?
”Guitargod1985” |
Originally Posted By LsuJon: Finally got a 4 prong secured to finish this up. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/316069/44CA31ED-D255-4A7F-93E6-36BE2561EF8D_jpe-2236669.JPG View Quote |
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Originally Posted By RichieRich562: Finally picked up a Geissele Razor mount. Now just need to find a new lower. The poverty pony makes me feel like a pleb, and my Colts are already being used. https://i.imgur.com/17GwJpP.jpg https://i.imgur.com/qmhfEDD.jpg View Quote Razor looks good on there |
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Hey onii-chan, I need me sum potato chippies
USA
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Been keeping an eye out for the 14.5 SOCOM barrels and haven't seen any reasonably priced lately. They are going for over $1000 on GB, is that normal?
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Originally Posted By ARguy81: Been keeping an eye out for the 14.5 SOCOM barrels and haven't seen any reasonably priced lately. They are going for over $1000 on GB, is that normal? View Quote No that’s not normal. People are nuts. I’d buy 3 CLE barrels before I spent more than $300 on a socom. |
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Originally Posted By HD2006: I’ve got Colt semi auto ambi’s on all of my builds. The legitimate Colt semi auto ambi’s are reversible, same as the standard semi auto non ambi selectors that come on factory Colt rifles. I go with Colt semi auto ambi’s specifically because they are reversible because as a lefty I prefer the short lever on the left side so it doesn’t dig into my hand. I did purchase a “Colt” semi auto ambi from AU recently and it was not reversible, I suspect that while it was made by Schmidt Tool, same as Colt, it was actually not produced for Colt. My short side levers are all identical on mine. The long side lever on all mine except the one from the new Socom are hot dog styled and identical to the non ambi Colt selectors. The only difference with the new one on the Socom is having a long side lever styled like the full auto selectors. https://i.imgur.com/vL0OwQz.jpg View Quote I went into the safe and checked mine. You’re right about the lever. I must have been thinking about a different ambi lever. And I just didn’t see that it was reversible. I guess it didn’t come up because I shoot right-handed. |
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"--you can't conquer a free man; the most you can do is kill him."
Heinlein NRA Life Member Glock Certified Armorer Certified AR15 Armorer Certified M1911 Armorer |
Originally Posted By GHPorter: I went into the safe and checked mine. You’re right about the lever. I must have been thinking about a different ambi lever. And I just didn’t see that it was reversible. I guess it didn’t come up because I shoot right-handed. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By GHPorter: Originally Posted By HD2006: I’ve got Colt semi auto ambi’s on all of my builds. The legitimate Colt semi auto ambi’s are reversible, same as the standard semi auto non ambi selectors that come on factory Colt rifles. I go with Colt semi auto ambi’s specifically because they are reversible because as a lefty I prefer the short lever on the left side so it doesn’t dig into my hand. I did purchase a “Colt” semi auto ambi from AU recently and it was not reversible, I suspect that while it was made by Schmidt Tool, same as Colt, it was actually not produced for Colt. My short side levers are all identical on mine. The long side lever on all mine except the one from the new Socom are hot dog styled and identical to the non ambi Colt selectors. The only difference with the new one on the Socom is having a long side lever styled like the full auto selectors. https://i.imgur.com/vL0OwQz.jpg I went into the safe and checked mine. You’re right about the lever. I must have been thinking about a different ambi lever. And I just didn’t see that it was reversible. I guess it didn’t come up because I shoot right-handed. Southpaw problems |
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Originally Posted By HAMBURGERATTACK: Is anyone using an Arisaka Offset Picatinny mount with a RIS2/KAC front sight? I'm just trying to figure out if it fits or if the screw for the KAC is going to interfere with the surefire... https://i.imgur.com/OuomFJvm.jpg https://i.imgur.com/6mNQTt3m.jpg View Quote |
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"Not proud of everything I've done, but at least you know I did it well."
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"--you can't conquer a free man; the most you can do is kill him."
Heinlein NRA Life Member Glock Certified Armorer Certified AR15 Armorer Certified M1911 Armorer |
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