Hello all, first post here, been lurking for awhile now reading and learning. Some of you may recognize me from The akforum, where this place comes highly recommended, but it was time for me to stop upsetting Mr. Kalashnikov by posting AR questions on that site so here I am.
I have been shooting Military pattern rifles for 15 years, primarily AK’s but I have a fair amount of AR experience as well, but only on the actual shooting side of things, not much in terms of the mechanical aspects. I have read all the FAQ’s and posted threads and have come to some more questions for my specific situation that I was unable to answer using the search function and such.
I have(sort of had) a Colt Delta HBAR since 94. It is the “sporter” model with no bayo lug, big hole, sear blocker, etc. . It was fun/cool but never really what I wanted (a carbine). I attempted to sell it a few times with no luck. Being on a budget I decided that I would just use what parts I could to create what I wanted and sell the rest to fund it. My intention is to build a carbine that I can consider up to par in all aspects regarding reliability, durability, and function. This will be a weapon that I would use to save my life and the lives of others around me. I hate to use the term “Tier” but I want this to be on top.
I have some questions. they appear below In blue
What has been done so far:
Replaced the Colt A2 upper with a Daniel Defense big hole flat top upper.
Replaced the 20" barrel with a 16" Sabre Mid length gas system barrel.
Replaced the A2 stock with a Vltor Emod. I used a Vltor Mil Spec tube (old good one, not new crappy one). I also purchased a carbine buffer, spring, end plate and castle nut from PKfirearms. These items were not branded
Is there anything I should be concerned about in regards to the quality of these non branded items? Anyone know who makes them? Should I be using an H buffer?
The rifle is currently using the Colt BCG it shipped with. This is the half circle carrier with un-shrouded firing pin. The hammer has a stepped top section as well. The extractor has a blue insert and I can only assume softer rifle spring.
How critical is it that I update the extractor spring set up to the carbine length components if i am using a mid length system?
If I mill the sear blocker down to be flush with the top of the lower will I be good to use any carrier I want while still retaining the stepped hammer? I don’t quite understand the relationship between the stepped hammer and the un-shrouded carrier.
Should I even bother milling the sear blocker down? Or can I just continue to use the half circle carriers should I need to replace the current one? Is there any real advantage to the other styles in this application?
Lastly, is there anything else I am overlooking in taking this rifle length system down to a carbine length barrel with mid length gas system?
Any other comments or feedback, be they negative or otherwise I would greatly appreciate. It has become very apparent that I have a lot to learn about this weapon system. The only thing I know for sure at this point is that it is not an AK!
Sorry for the lengthy post, I cant help but be thorough, Its a disease.