Pistol upper build for AB Raptor
Hello all,
I did my paperwork on an AB Raptor 8 in .338 with a 3" reflex, and have an estimated 2-4 months for it to get out of jail. I purchased it with hunting in mind, but can see no reason not to let it reside on a home defense pistol when it is not out looking for Bambi, so a pistol upper is in my near future, for sure. I have been reading up on this and have a few questions I am hoping you all can help with.
1) The Raptor is 1.625" Diameter. Some of the handguards list a larger interior diameter than this, but say they can use suppressors up to 1.5".
- Is this because 1.5" is a typical size?
- Are there other clearance issues inside the handguard that need to be considered when fitting a suppressor into it?
2) The Reflex chamber on the raptor is 3" and goes back behind the muzzle, over the barrel. I am trying to determine what my shortest possible barrel is, not that I will definitely use that length, but I want to know my starting point. My understanding is the gas port is about 4" forward of the chamber.
- About how far forward of the gas port does a gas block extend?
- It seems like a 7" barrel would certainly would be too short?
- An 8" would probably be closer, but might be a little too short?
- A 9" seems unlikely to be too short?
Appreciate any experienced feedback you may have for me.
Thank you
-AZ
