I have been throwing around the idea to get a BCM midlength for a long while now. Everybody seems to be preferring the midlength system these days, and with BCM offering 14.5’s with permed muzzle devices for just a few dollars more, its hard to beat not having to go the SBR route. I don’t mind the A2X being permed, as I am not a fan of comps and I do not plan on ever taking it off.
The idea for this build was to make it very light and maneuverable, and have a 14.5" barrel to make it easier for indoor use. I want this carbine to replace my 16" DD for HD use, but its currently in T&E before I decide to switch over. I read about the benefits and drawbacks of the lightweight barrel profile, but for my needs it suits me fine. I didn’t opt for a BFH barrel, as I am not a “high” volume shooter and will probably never really notice a difference between the two. I didn’t opt for a rail (at least not for now) to keep the weight down. Being a HD carbine, having a true rail isn’t really a necessity for me. I just need something to attach a light on, and the MOE handguard will do that just fine. None of my builds have a BCM Gunfighter on them, so I got one to try it out as well and see how I like it. (I really like it so far!)
I went back to the range today to see how it would shoot. With the DD A1.5 rear I had it zeroed in 6 shots. I put about a 150 rounds downrange, and didn’t experience a single issue with PMC Xtac M193, as expected. Recoil was more than I expected, in fact very similar, if not more than, a carbine gas. This could either be because I am running a H buffer, or that the weapon is lighter, or that I am using rather hot ammo. However, the driveability of the weapon is outstanding.
Right now its in its basic configuration, with no optic or light. That will come in due time, after I finish T&E’ing it. But I got to say, I am almost scared to put anything heavy on it. This build is just so light! I guess I am part of the “lightweight homo” crowd (credited to markm) now, but I’m proud of it.
Here was a quick photo op at the barn after shooting:
Looks great! I am currently collecting parts for a very similar build with the main difference being that I am using black furniture instead of the FDE, but it should look the same other than that. I plan to eventually throw a lightweight rail on, but for now I just went the MOE route since they are inexpensive, light, and I love the look and feel of them.
I really like the build. I am considering this setup after growing tired of dragging my BCM 16" middy through a very long building search the other night at work. Great part selection, great execution, great rifle.
Really, to the end of the FH it’s only a 1/2 inch. I almost think its an illusion from the longer sight radius compared to the carbine. The weight is also a contributing factor.
I got around to weighing it this afternoon. It was right at 6lbs, 3.6 ounces. It would be hard to get much lighter that that. Maybe without the magpul furniture it could go lower, but only by a few ounces maybe.
What do you mean? Maybe I am just tired, but I don’t understand that statement. My 16" barrel with an A2 hider is about 17" total. A 14.5" barrel needs to be permed to just over 16", right? So there should be about an inch of difference in total length.
I have the same BCM upper on my light weight rifle and I love it! (I also am running the FDE look w/DD lower parts )
Out of curiosity, what optic and light are you planning on putting on there? If you don’t want to put the light on your MOE handguard I would take a look at the MI rail section that locks onto the front sight post. I’m using on my LW rifle and really like it.
Troy TRX rail, CAR stock and DD front sight would get you a little under 6lbs. An A3 9mm upper with plastic port cover drops another 2-3 ounces. Even withought all that you will probably be able to keep the gun w/light + optic under 7.3lbs. Most AKM’s and '74 start at that weight.
I think It’s nice to see a middy without a FF tube.
I have almost the same build. Very light and reliable. The only major difference is that I am using an A1 rifle stock. Compared to my mid-length 16 inch or my 16 inch carbine, the 14.5 inch mid-length shoots much softer. Since the length of the A1 is just about perfect for me, I do not plan to return to either the Moe stock or the Vltor I tried. Try it, I believe you will like it.
Also, this configuration shoots everything I have tried. Wolf, Radway, all mil surplus run perfectly.
I have also tried DD’s fixed rear sight, Troy and MBUS. I like the MBUS best. I also mounted an H1. I tried both the DD mount and American Defense mount. Both are very good, but I chose the AD because it can be removed quickly.
I bought the 16in light weight carbine and they are dealt nice. Coming from a ddm4xv. Mine has the star as well. And ive figured since colt doesn’t use hammer forged barrels for millitary guns then I shouldn’t need one. Really hard to beat for a 400.00 dollar upper
