Build at last!

[iCARRY 0]

I like my carry handle. Nice and sturdy, does its job. I have a magpul moe hand guard coming.

[vladtepes 1,060]

You can do something like this

 

I have a mid length black moe hand guard with holes drilled in it for a rear sling point like that... I used it like that for a while but moved onto something else... If you want to go that route you can have it cheaply....

 

It's for mid length gas system

 

Also if you are just going to use irons... I have a rear AR sight that I do not use anymore... Also could go cheaply...

[Lalo 13]

If he got the upper I linked, then it's carbine length. I think the last things he'll need is a rear sight, magazines and ammo!

 

Ou can also do a quad rail like this.

 

All of these are two halves hat just drop in place and are held in y the handguard cap and the delta ring assembly.

[checko 180]

I have an extra carbine handguards as well if you're interested

 

 

Look like that with 3 small rail sections added on.

[5th4x4 0]

if you like carry handle then go with it. its your rifle. it will limit your ability to put a red dot on tho. but hey to each their own. you can always remove it and change it as you wish.

 

Well, a gun handle (rear) sight is the only thing that I've ever known... and I already know that I can (could) shoot the sh!t out of that setup.

That said, I have no other frame of reference. 

It's weird how I have altered my original ideas about building (after planning to buy) once you guys had encouraged me to actually build my own.

 

At one point all I wanted was the civilian/Jersey version of my beloved M16. But now.... I'm looking at stuff online, and I'm liking a lot of what I see. And I'm thinking that I probably don't need a replica M16 to be able to shoot - I just need the main elements and the confidence of my past experience with a rifle of that caliber and style.

(that's a big revelation for me - as strange as it might seem to some/most - but it's true. Believe me)

 

I'm extremely grateful for everyone's input, and I'm especially grateful for the links that have been provided. I may not have always gone with (/purchased) what was being linked to, but I have certainly used those links to learn what and why those things were being recommended. And then I have used that information in my own searches using that information. BIG HELP.

 

Btw kid, do you have a build thread here? I didn't find one - although I did come across your moto-x stuff here. And that brings back some serious memories for me!!!! I destroyed my Enduro 250 and Suzuki 370 (and myself!) getting wild on knobby 2-wheelers. 

Btw, you have the look. What look? The look that is known for saying...

"I feel the need" (the need for speed!)

 

: P

[5th4x4 0]

Lots has been posted here recently - much of which involves equipment available for purchase - so allow me to read everything fully, and then I'll PM about all of these items.

 

And tomorrow I'll post pictures of my upper (and more) so that everyone can see what I'm working with.

[pbkid6974 1]

No build thread. It would have been dead long ago as I've been at my build for 8 months. I have started a few threads on stuff I wanted opinions on tho. (Triggers, handguards and such)

 

And I do have that need for speed. I figure I'm only young once

[alowerlevel 77]

Im partial to the Magpul MBUS, MOE handguards and a Spikes Dynacomp.  Then get yourself a red dot, some mags and enjoy (after finding a decent deal on ammo for it, lol)

 

 

 

[Lalo 13]

It's a good thing you're keeping that upper in your house in PA until all the compliance work is done.

 

Pick up a muzzle break ASAP and drop the upper off at the gun smith to remove the old flash hider and pin/weld the new break and also shave off the bayonet lug. After that, the upper is clear to come to NJ and sit next to the lower.

 

For the lower, you may be able to pin the stock yourself at home while the upper is being worked on. There are numerous ways of doing this, all of which do not require that much skill. Read this thread.

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/49840-pined-stock-question/

[pbkid6974 1]

Yes that's a standard bird cage flash hider. It needs to be removed. I don't think it comes pinned and welded so you can do it yourself. A basic rule of thumb for muzzle devices is open end is a no go for Jersey. If it had a small opening slightly larger than the bore you would be good to have that welded on.

[5th4x4 0]

It's invaluable to know that when one's flank is suddenly exposed, that cover fire can be deployed until one's head can be extacted from one's arse.

Invaluable

 

Oh wait... what?

Yeah.

[checko 180]

Im partial to the Magpul MBUS, MOE handguards and a Spikes Dynacomp.  Then get yourself a red dot, some mags and enjoy (after finding a decent deal on ammo for it, lol)

 

 

 

Looks familiar lol

 

[blksheep 466]

What stock are you going with? I am thinking of an A2 stock for one but am having difficulty finding one locally for a decent price. I want that classic look this time around.

[alowerlevel 77]

 

Looks familiar lol

 

 

 

Haha, copycat...    

[checko 180]

What stock are you going with? I am thinking of an A2 stock for one but am having difficulty finding one locally for a decent price. I want that classic look this time around.

A2's are awesome. I really liked mine except it was a touch to long for me.

[5th4x4 0]

What stock are you going with? I am thinking of an A2 stock for one but am having difficulty finding one locally for a decent price. I want that classic look this time around.

My original plans included an A2 stock. I wanted to build the most M16-ish looking rifle that I could, since it was what I knew and what I was (very) good at shooting. (albeit in a distant former life)

But the more time I spent on these boards, the more I saw what others had done with their rifles, and my plans went right out the window. Not that I'm looking for every bell and whistle - because I'm not; I still want only what I need - but I've decided to change things up a bit.

 

But since you've already been through this, I think it's cool that you are going with the A2. Lots of storage in those, that's for sure. And sturdy. Also heavy though (then again, unless you're going out hunting with it, you won't be humping it for miles and miles, so that won't matter much). 

As for local/good price... I'm a neophyte when it comes to purchasing (my rifles were "issued", not "shopped") so I can't help you with that. I've had a lot of help from my "personal shoppers" here in this thread : P

 

btw... 

If I ever build another (or re-build this one), I'll definitely go all classic. But as for this one, I went will a magpul ctr (allegedly arriving in the next day or so). Very much un-classic.

[vladtepes 1,060]

Im partial to the Magpul MBUS, MOE handguards and a Spikes Dynacomp.  Then get yourself a red dot, some mags and enjoy (after finding a decent deal on ammo for it, lol)

 

I agree with the whole red dot thing.. every AR and AK I have owned has had a red dot on it (except my 308 AR that had a scope) you can pick up a magnifier also if you want for those longer shots.. 

 

[5th4x4 0]

Damn! That's gun porn!

Is that yours Vlad?

[vladtepes 1,060]

Damn! That's gun porn!

Is that yours Vlad?

 

 

yes I have a different handguard on there now... but yes that is one of my ARs.. 

people are not sticking to "traditional" old school m16 type look because there are so many modern accessories that aid in shooting.. 

[5th4x4 0]

yes I have a different handguard on there now... but yes that is one of my ARs.. 

people are not sticking to "traditional" old school m16 type look because there are so many modern accessories that aid in shooting.. 

Yup, even the grunts are personally customizing their issued rifles before they deploy these days.

[Krdshrk 3,878]

 

Dude.  Magpul on a Magpul mag?  Just get a ranger plate!

[vladtepes 1,060]

Dude.  Magpul on a Magpul mag?  Just get a ranger plate!

 

had them from pinned USGI metal mags... so just reused them... just gives a little more sticking out of mag carrier.. 

[5th4x4 0]

It's been awhile since I've posted anything here, and that's due to the fact that I've been so freakin busy that I haven't been able to do anything with my rifle at all :/

But busy or not, I really need to carve out a bit of time for it, so here goes.

 

First of all, it's almost done (as in fully functional). If I had a mag and some ammo, it would be functional.

What it still lacks however (aside from a mag and ammo) is handguards and sights/optics.

 

I'll deal with the handguard part last. Right now I could really use some experienced guidance in relation to sights/optics.

As many of you who have followed this build (and my arrival here on NJGF) know, my experience with this type of weapon is/was with the M16. Therefore when it came to sights, my only experience was the carry-handle rear sight and standard mil front sight.

 

Now before we get too far, let me show you my upper

(this is from the website, since my digi-cam is still taking crap pictures)

 

 

BCM Standard 16" M4 Carbine Upper Receiver Group

https://www.bravocom...e=BCM-URG-M4-16

 

I've already had OSA grind off the bayonet lug and swap out the flash suppressor with a Yankee Hill muzzle brake, but otherwise that's the upper that I'm working with.

 

As far as configuring for sights/optics, my needs for this rifle are HD and range practice. (btw, not bench/stationary support stuff. I will hold my rifle)

And if I should get lucky enough, I'd like to be able to use it for extended distances (which means as far as is available for me to shoot).

Obviously that last part will be rare (or never, although I hope not), but once I have this rifle ready to go, believe me, I would love to make friends with people who own land. Lots and lots of land. Therefore I'd like to be able to test my abilities over long distances without having to own multiple sight systems (if that's even feasible, of course. Feel free to correct my ignorance as necessary).

I honestly have no idea about sights or optics. I wish I did, but I don't. I've certainly done some research, but it becomes an overwhelming blur after a while. And besides, I wouldn't know overkill from useless. So picking what I actually need is proving to be a crap-shoot for me :/  

 

Ok, as for handguards;

Some of you have already mentioned items from your own stocks of parts, so now is the time that I said that I would start looking at and considering things. But obviously I want to focus on the handguards first, since the other ancillary items will likely be attached to that (or the upper). 

 

In addition, I would appreciate if anyone has any ideas/examples of handguards/rails that are sorta streamlined and not too clunky. I'd actually prefer a little bit of curve or an element of softness over simply jagged blocks. Ultimately I would like to combine both form and function, and not just function (nor just form).

Therefore if anyone knows of anything along those lines, I would definitely appreciate a heads-up as to where I might obtain something like that. 

(btw, I spent about an hour searching handguards in google images the other night. I had opened at least 40 or so tabs of links to sift through, but one of those links locked up my browser and crashed it. UGH. Nothing but frustration and wasted time. I'm sure I dropped an f-bomb or two... or more. Definitely more)

 

I have to say that I've really enjoyed this build so far (even though it's had it's frustrating moments) so I appreciate the help and the encouragement that you have all provided to me. And yes, I did cheat myself on the upper. Guilty as charged for buying it already assembled/configured. I know that I limited myself a bit by doing that. But the next time I build (and btw, no need to mention anything to the wife about that quite yet : P ) I'll build every inch of it.

[bhunted 887]

Matech BUIS you'd probably love.... They can be had for good price on ebay....

[checko 180]

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/classifieds/item/761-wtswtt-ar-accessories/

 

Just sayin

[checko 180]

BTW that uppers is gtg bud. You didn't limit yourself too bad, standard 16" GI profile, still got your choice of comp, your choice of handgaurds.

[5th4x4 0]

Matech BUIS you'd probably love.... They can be had for good price on ebay....

You had referenced that in a PM. I checked it out. Marked-up and dialed-up like a cockpit : P

First two places I tried to check prices/availability said "out of stock". There's no greater buzz-kill.

I never even think of ebay. I guess I should start doing so.

[checko 180]

I would caution you about eBay. LOTS of fakes floating around. Definitely check feedback before buying.

[bhunted 887]

You had referenced that in a PM. I checked it out. Marked-up and dial-up like a cockpit : P

First two places I tried to check prices/availability said "out of stock". There's no greater buzz-kill.

I never even think of ebay. I guess I should start doing so.

I figured you'd like a bit of old school. I'm gonna order a set myself when I get around to it.

[pbkid6974 1]

i have troy folding battle sights. you would only need a rear and you would be ready to shoot. im still looking for a good price on an aimpoint but i will be adding one as soon as i can afford it.

 

as for the hand guard, look into an actual hand guard and not a quadrail system. come up with something you like and we can give you our experiences with them. personally i went with a free float system that uses the original barrel nut. its a troy alpha battle rail. i had to cut and grind my front sight into just a gas block. it is not hard to do. i have seen 2 piece free float hand guards as well. these usually have a hole cut for the front sight to be used as is. here's a thread i started when i was trying to decide. hope it helps. http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/52111-free-float-rail-suggestions/