I am taking the 5.45x39mm plunge! updated 09-23-09

[Jay Cunningham]

I went ahead and ordered a S&W 5.45mm upper from Talon Arms.

Comes with one 30 Round Magazine and Bolt Carrier Assembly

SKU: 812005
Model: M&P15
Caliber: 5.45 x 39mm
Action: Semi-Auto
Barrel Length: 16"
Barrel Twist: 1 in 8"
Front Sight: M4 Post
Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
Receiver Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
Finish: Hard Coat Black Anodized
Chromed Comp: Barrel Bore, Gas Key Bolt Carrier, Chamber

I have a lower that I can beat on that will go perfect with this upper. I figure I will shoot this gun for practice. After I run a 1080 round tin of corrosive through it I'll evaluate. If it runs well I'll consider making it a training gun. If it chokes a bit (which is what I fully expect) then I will probably just keep it a practice gun. Actually I have no problem at all with a practice gun that chokes a bit - I can work on malf clearance. I just won't bring it to a class.

I ordered a few extra mags from CProducts and I plan on distinctly marking them.

I'll update as I can to show my results.

[Paulinski]

Interesting.

Please update once you receive it and have some range time.

[crossgun]

Thekatar

Just a little FYI. I bought two complete MP15s in 5.45x39 just before our class. Neither one of the rifles ran with the shitty C Products mags that were supplied. The rounds would crash into the feed ramps just below the cuts and just sit there. As you can imagine I was a little pissed. HK and standard issue GI mag with green follower (5.56) ran with out issue. I was running Wolff ammo.

Before I hang all the bells and whistles on it I need to get it worked out. Talked to S&W customer service and the guy I spoke to was not even aware they made a 5.45 or that it had a different mag. I told him I would send him a video so he could better understand the issue and pass it along to the so called "rifle guys". I also plan on sending it to Ernie because I know he gives a shit. Custer service is sending me a call tag so they can send me another shitty mag instead of addressing the problem.

I believe Smith and Wesson is going to get a black eye on this because they trust the function of their weapon to an inferior supplier. I own over 50 C Products mags that I’m trying to sale because they just don’t work reliably.

Just be aware of the C Products mag. I have had nothing but problems with their 9mm mags as well.

Congrats on the new rifle and watch the mags. I will keep you posted and let you know how it works out.

copperfield

[markm]

CProd seems to be the Olympic Arms of Mag production.

I can remember that nut at Cprod getting pissy with me on TOS when I pointed out their QC issues to shooters who asked about them.

[Jay Cunningham]

Neither one of the rifles ran with the shitty C Products mags that were supplied. The rounds would crash into the feed ramps just below the cuts and just sit there. As you can imagine I was a little pissed. HK and standard issue GI mag with green follower (5.56) ran with out issue. I was running Wolff ammo.

Very interesting - thanks for the heads up!

As I said I fully expect there to be snags in this but I hope it runs at least *most* of the time...

[rob_s]

CP's involvement here is one of the reasons I've stayed away from these uppers.

I already have one project (9mm AR) that I was relying on CP magazines for which is now teetering on the brink because of them.

[Jay Cunningham]

CP's involvement here is one of the reasons I've stayed away from these uppers.

I already have one project (9mm AR) that I was relying on CP magazines for which is now teetering on the brink because of them.

Agree to an extent but if what Copperfield says holds true then I can just return the 5.45mm mags and designate some USGI aluminums for 5.45. We shall see... as I said I'll report my results. If the CProducts don't work I will make it known.

[Solid]

Just remember you have to clean the barrel with something water based. Otherwise that corrosive crap will sit and eat the barrel.

[Jay Cunningham]

Just remember you have to clean the barrel with something water based. Otherwise that corrosive crap will sit and eat the barrel.

I am a big believer in the boiling water flush, with the WD-40 purge.

[Failure2Stop]

I really want one of these to work out. It seems to be superb way to approach high-volume training on an AR platform.

Can anyone comment on the differrence in recoil impulse between a 5.45 and 5.56 in an AR upper? I have shot plenty of 5.45, but all in other platforms. Just wondering if there is any appreciable difference.