New AR pistol - FerFrans CRD reviws

AR/M4 AR Pistols & Pistol Caliber ARs
1

Hello All,

I have decided to compile two threads into one. Here is my finished AR pistol, and a breakdown of the build. I also want to review the Concussion Reduction Device from FERFRANS.

I started with a Wilson Combat forged frame set with the intent of using the upper to build the .223 pistol, but it has been set aside for a .300 blk upper. I found a slightly used Sig 10" piston upper for a good deal and picked it up. I wanted a 10.5" - 11.5" gun for the ballistic advantage, but also in hopes of getting over 26" OAL so I could use a forward grip if I wanted to. I used a Spike’s tactical lower parts kit to complete the build.

The gun was not over 26" at this stage, but since the AFG is not considered a forward grip it is a non-issue. I added MBUIS and an EOTech on a YHM riser. The muzzle device is a FERFRANS CRD (more on that later). Since there is no stock I wanted the sight a bit higher for a chin weld which makes it more comfortable.

Here is a photo of my wife shooting it.

Since then I have added a Law Tactical side folding stock, and wanted a CAA side saddle, but did not find a great way to make up the difference in size between the buffer tupe and the missing stock. I found an what I think is the best answer and purchased a buffer tube cover and CAA side saddle setup from Thordsen customs.http://www.thordsencustoms.com/shop/AR-PISTOL.htm. All together with shipping I think it was $85. I also added an Inforce WML from Travis Haley’s company. This is a wicked little light!

Here is how the pistol sits now. The buffer tube cover adds about 1/2" to the length of the buffer tube, and the side fold kit adds about 1/5". This makes for a much more natural feeling / sight picture while holding the gun up to your cheek to shoot, or if you choose to use the gun in a manner other than its intended build, to shoulder it. The side fold makes for compact transport in a backpack, or other discreet case. I used a magpul sling swivel buffer plate (I forget the designation), but had to heavily modify it to work with the side fold. I t works OK now, but the buffer tube cover also had to be modified and if I had to do it again, I would have gone another route.


Now for the CRD.

This muzzle device consists of a brake / compensator, which works very well, and a shield which slips over it. The down side of a muzzle brake is it violently vents the gas sideways, which is ok if you are the only guy on the range, but sucks is you are shooting in a stack, or over the shoulder of another person. (I am a SWAT guy, so I know this to be true:D) The muzzle brake also sucks when shooting from within the confines of a vehicle, or off of the ground as debris will be flung all over. The CRD causes the gas to be pushed away from the shooter, but after the stabilizing effect has been applied to the gun. You get the positive of the brake / compensator without the blast. I purchased it from ArmsUnlimited:https://www.armsunlimited.com/FERFRANS-Muzzle-Brake-Concussion-Reduction-System-p/mb-crd.htm

Here is a video from FERFRANS
http://youtu.be/O8-ju332HAA

I don’t always trust online demonstrations and in my experience you get about 90% of what they promise. However; I put the device through its paces and confirmed what is shown in the video. The thing simply works. I hope to put this upper on my Colt Commando in the next couple of weeks and film some full auto fire for demo purposes. I missed out on being able to film when we had some powder snow on the ground, so I guess I’ll have to wait til next year for that.

If there is anything you would like to see a better photo of, or more description about just let me know.

2

Why didn’t you just go with the Noveske Pig? There is a whole lot going on with that pistol.

IMO i’d ditch the 12 o clock mounted wml and get a 45 mount and free up some top rail space. You’d also gain some sight radius as well out of it.

Just seems a bit cluster****ed if you ask me.

3

I would have to move that buis out front.
Looks like a nice build, probably stupid fun with the colt lower

4

They are about the same radius as a 7" gun, and are back up anyway. Only there in case the EOTECH goes down. Plenty of sight radius to hold minute of man at 150 yards.

5

Seems kind of silly to not run a 45 degree mount for the light moving it up a bit for better reach on it, while gaining more sight radius out of it as well. But each their own.

6

You really are set in your opinions aren’t you? :).

7

No doubt. It was just opinion. May I ask if you have weighed it as it sits with the LAW folder?

8

Not really. Just scratching my head as to why? Seems just clusterd out to me personally. On my 10.3 barrel and a 10 rail my light at 45 degrees and a sight all the way up front and there is barely enough darn room left to grip the thing unless I’m riding way back with the receiver hold stance that has been obsolute for a very long time. Like said to each their own, I just know I would maximize space and reduce having the entire top rail practically used up.

9

I guess I don’t understand. I am gripping the gun all the way forward with my arm almost locked out. I hold the AFG and my thumb activates the light. I get that you like the 45 degree mount my thumb wraps over the top (we are talking about 1/2" here) and it works pretty slick. I can post a pic if you like.

10

I have not yet, but I will and let you know.

11

8.4 lbs empty.

12

With this setup the light activation is ambidextrous, which can not be achieved w/ a 45 mount. As to having more top rail space, I wonder why? What else are you wanting to put there?

Here are some pics. The first is how it is set up now. The second is with a 45 mount. There is not much difference in the grip, and the front sight moves forward about 1". I had to mount the 45 to the gas block to be able to grip the gun as far forward as possible. If I mounted it to the side rail I’d have to grip back toward the magwell like you describe.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

13

You mounted the 45 degree mount to the top rail, so you basically lost space and didn’t gain anything. I meant move the front sight ALL the way up to the very front, basically creating a spot for your thumb to reach out and rest above the 45 degree mounted light. Something like a thorntail 45 degree mount, mounted on the left side rail would free up space, increase possible reach, and the light would basically sit by your thumbs webbing when your thumb is reached above it wrapped up over the top rail.

Only problem I see in doing that is you would need to ditch the mbuis as it would probably melt clamped to the GB.

14

I guess we will agree to disagree. I don’t see the advantage of making all of the changes for a little more sight radius in backup sights. Thanks for your input though.

15

You’re an idiot who has never done any training whatsoever. Wtf would you lose ambi dexterity of your weapons light just so you can add an inch of sight radius of backup iron sights. So you can hold your hand out further? The thumb goes over either the light or front sight. Not to mention, if you need a longer reach, build a longer rifle.

16

Nice name calling. Glad to know you are an expert on the background of random members here.

I have a surefure fury mounted on the 45 on one rifle, and can access the clicky tail cap with either hand just fine. The if you need a longer reach build a longer rifle, is about the most ignorant idea ever.

Ps, typically its the people who resort to name calling who are the ones who havent trained, been to carbine classes etc. The ones who have, are typically a lot more humble and professional.

Good day.

17

@High-Gear , actually, if Mrs High-Gear can chime in with regards to the 3x magnifier…since I noticed she wears glasses.
curious if she experience any astigmatism when using the 3x mag.
I’m in the market but, read about the astigmatism with 3x mag.

thanks

18

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?237184-Aimpoint-3x-Magnifier-Astigmatism-Query

Theres also many MANY more threads on different forums about this. Just google up Astigmatism with 3x aimpoint magnifier (of course can switch aimpoint with sparc, eotec, or whatever brand you like in the search, but aimpoint typically brings the best replies, as their end users are typically on a less brain dead scale than those with dots like the SPARC etc).

I’ve actually seen some people who actually can use a RDS fine without a magnifier, but issues with one, that ditched the magnifier, and used a 1-4x scope, and had the RDS on a 45 mount similar to what alot of the 3G guys do with their Hollidots (Lupi, fast, dr, etc)

19

Thank you for posting my “same” query.