I’ve always wondered what would have happened if the M16A5 had been adopted and the 20" barrel continued it’s service life. Likewise, I notice that adding a can to shorter rifle ends up putting you at an overall length not unlike having a 20" barrel, and I wear ear pro regardless. Having significant time behind 20 inch barrels only sweetens the deal, and who doesn’t like a softer shooting rifle with additional velocity.
Build list:
UBR Gen 2:About as tough as it gets, and you an still run A5 system.
Springco Green w/ A5H2 buffer;My traditional go-to.
Sionics Lower with Sionics LPK:I like the company, their QC is good, and they answer the phone.
K2 Grip:I dislike grips with a rearward rake, esp since I typically run my stock in a bit.
Geissele SSA: Wanted to try using the “best” trigger possible, and see how it stacks up to triggers that are “just as good”.
Vltor MUR1-A:My usual choice. I like the added strength in the case of a kaboom, and possibly helps with accuracy.
BCM medium ambi charging handle. I already had it on hand.
Mil-spec BCG: Sionics bolt carrier. I like that they use the improved fasteners, and the BCM bolt came matched to the barrel by Criterion Barrels.
Criterion Core 20’ barrel: I wanted the rearward bias from the tapered barrel, and was hoping for an accurate barrel.
BCM .625" gas block: Price was right when they were on sale. Gas tube was probably from Black River Tactical.
BCM Angled grip: I use mine as a handstop, and keep it close to where you’re forced to place them on an M4A1.
BCM 15" MCMR hanguard: Simple, lightweight, and rigid. All I need it to be.
Magpul Bipod Mount: Nice when you want a bipod, out of the way when you don’t.
Forward Control Designs 6315: My go-to for non-suppressed use. Works well, no extra blast.
Blue Force Gear Woodland Camo 2-point sling:My usual choice for sling, but I specifically wanted this camo pattern in keeping with the 20" barrel. QD swivels by magpul.
Spray painted with what I had on the shelf.
Primary Arms 3x Microprism ACSS Raptor: Great poor man’s ACOG. The reticle seems to work well enough with 77gr ammo when sighted at 200yds or with 55gr ammo sighted at 100yds. It works well enough for practice and keeps the build nimble for a 20".
The build came together well, shoots very flat, and is accurate. Easy to keep sub-2MOA or slightly less when using 77gr ammo, which is great given it’s set-up. On range days with buddies, people have remarked it’s surprisingly lightweight and flat-shooting.
