Well this build has been evolving for quite awhile. I actually think it will stay pretty close to its present incarnation unless the M4C world convinces me of the errors of my ways. So without further ado, here goes.
The lower is a billet Tactical Innovations that I put together using a LPK from Grant. I substituted a Geissele SSA trigger and a Battle Arms Development ambi safety. I originally intended to use a Norgon ambi mag release but discovered the hard way that it wouldn’t work on this billet so it went back in the parts bin. Sad. BCM Mod 4 Gunfighter.
The only part on the lower that has come and gone a few times is the Tactical Link battery assist lever. I want to keep it off to keep this build simple but I keep putting it back on because I like the functionality. I have had no malfunctions with it in place even while using Tula. I know, I know but the stuff is inexpensive and my son loves pulling the trigger as much as me so what’s a guy to do? Besides, when I shoot out the barrel with this crap it will give me an excuse to build an upper which I have not yet attempted.
I did do some mild color fill, red/white for fire and safe. May the gods of M4C be kind to that transgression.
The grip is the Ergo brand. The stock is a VLTOR IMOD. Since I can’t put batteries in the grip I decided I needed a stock that would hold some 123’s for my light. I went simple on the sling. Blue Force offered this Victory sling as buy one get one free for a buddy so I figured that was a good way to help out an old buddy of mine. New sling, free sling, everybody wins. I used a QD front and BFG’s Universal Wire Loop with QD socket. From the pics you can see it single and double. I actually think this sling has pushed me over to prefer the unpadded vice padded slings. Of course I haven’t hauled it around all day over terrain and whatnot so I suspect I am not a great judge of that. Magpul ASAP receiver plate.
The upper was a box stock takeoff from a 6920. I removed the delta ring and cap and installed a Centurion Arms rail. Troy rear BUIS and Aimpoint T1 in a TangoDown rubber cover riding a LaRue QD mount.
The final parts were rail covers and fore grips. Went back and forth many times to arrive at what you see here. I had a stubby fore grip for a long time but I used it more as a hand stop and I had an AFG sitting around from a trade that I always thought was goofy but I tried it anyway. I discivered that I liked it enough to buy one in FDE. The rail covers also changed a bunch. Other than the pain in the ass factor when changing them out I love the Magpul enhanced XTM panels. Forgive my alternating black/FDE color scheme. I thought about lying and saying I did it to break up the pattern but really really I just thought it looked cool. Yea I know.
Final part was the light. I played around with a X300 but I ended up with this Franken light. I used the body from an old Surefire E2 then I added the protected push button cap and the KX2C head. I discovered that under recoil the light would cycle on and off. Probably not a huge deal since it occurred so quickly but it bugged me. Old school fix was an O ring inserted inside the tube under the battery stack. Everything tightened up, no issues. Gear Sector mount BTW.
Well, there she is. She is my pride and joy so be gentle but point out my flaws and I might readdress. Thanks for reading. Pete
On the subjective side of things, I would prefer a slightly longer rail, given the barrel length, but to each his own. FSPs are nice and robust, but do limit rail options somewhat.
True. When I bought the Centurion rail I didn’t adequately consider their longer version with the FSP cutout. That being said I don’t have a long wingspan anyway so it’s not a huge handicap to me.
A longer rail will also help with realestate for your lights and accessories.
I recently added a Midwest Industries Free-Float T10 Rail to give me a little more real estate but my handhold has remained unchanged.
Your AR looks fantastic I’m just merely pointing out some options.
Well I was actually somewhat serious about shooting out the barrel. I am dying to build an upper so I would go midlength with a longer rail. Still probably stick with a FSP though. I know aesthetics doesn’t mean anything in the big picture but it certainly is a bonus if you don’t lose anything by doing it. With my limited need of rail space I should probably look into key mod or mlok for the next one.
I played with my T1 forward and aft and it seemed more natural in the aft position. I have never read anything that pushed me to place it one way or the other so I just went with the more comfortable position. Neither spot was significantly different to my eyes so I would certainly listen to the rationale of one spot over the other. Thanks.
Not saying what you did was wrong. Traditionally they’re further forward. I found that when I have the T1 further forward the sight subtends my vision less than when it’s pulled back. But there’s no right or wrong - it’s what works for you! Either way, awesome rifle.
I’m going shooting when I get home this week so I will swap it forward and try it again. I also have a swfa ss 1-4 that I have zeroed for this rifle. They generally both go to the range with me. Not a big fan of the ss scope though. I much prefer my Leupold 1.5-5. Strange.
I recently started running my RDS to the rear. The FOV through the optic goes up a bunch while the amount it blocks your vision around it is small. I can pick up the dot a lot faster especially from awkward positions or shooting lefty. I’m using a micro though, a full-size M4 might be different, but the larger tube gives a better FOV anyway.
Troy charlie or delta… drop in but free float at same time… both have a fsp cutout and gives more real estate out past the fsp. Expensive tho. I paid $250 for my charlie rail. But i didnt have to worry about removing fsp or delta ring, changinng barrel nut etc. Just my 2 pesos.
Looks great to me!
Great M4gery build. I personally prefer a longer rail, but to each his own.
Lower looks awesome, and you roll the red dot more rearwards like I do.
Great looking gun, only two mods I would have made is going with a FSP rail for more rail room and different rail covers… However that is just my personal preference. As long as you like it and you are able to shoot it well your gtg. Plus you can always build more ARs later for all your needs… Building is addictive good luck…
