In the near future, I will be rebuilding some old M16/M16A1s into either carbines or Commando-length weapons, which would make them a little more suitable for entry work and social engagements. I am going to put flat top uppers on these, regardless, and we always stick some irons (ARMS 40) on there behind whatever optic we mount (usually EOTechs, with some Aimpoints and one Trijicon Reflex out there, somewhere).
As a part-time, apprentice, know-just-enough-to-be-really-dangerous-Armorer-type (got the neat little Colt certificate on my desk at work), and also wanting to be wise with my fellow taxpayer's money, I am strongly considering not pushing to buy any ARMS 40s this time. I have a shelf with a bunch of unused Colt M4 carry handles (left overs from the last bunch of carbines, which got EOTEchs and ARMS before ever leaving for the streets), and I am strongly considering chopping these and using them as a fixed BUIS. I figure that I might try using a Dremel, and if that proves too tough, I can go down to our vehicle shop, where they have some pretty decent tools that I have used to grind, chop and mill in some of my other ill-conceived projects in the past. What is the best cheap way to re-anodize or at least blacken the bare metal after I get done with my ameteurish hack-job on these poor pieces of Hartford metal?
An even better question is, "Should I really be imposing my butchery on the world?" Maybe this isn't such a "good" idea. Any thoughts on this? Any compelling reasons why I should just beg for the extra $90 per unit and buy the AMRS? If I do, what would be a good (and moral, and LEGAL, as in these are government property) way of getting rid of these otherwise useless carry handles? ANy thoughts?