Post-ban build questions

AR/M4 AR Technical Discussion
1

Guys,

My first real “from the ground up” AR build will seem a bit odd for most of you: a 16 inch bbl, 1 in 9” or 1 in 7” with fixed FSB, light, CHEAP, POST-BAN (but decent quality) AR.

Yeah, an apparent waste of time and money, but I live in Massachusetts. I’m trying to put together a list of parts and accessories that will allow residents of this messed up place to assemble an acceptable AR with a minimum of fuss, compliance with the Massachusetts rules, and still not be a complete kludge if taken to another state.

I probably cannot compete (on price) with mass-produced, Mass-compliant models from BM, S&W, etc., but if I can make up for that with a slight increase in quality, then I should be fine. For example, the BM “post-ban” version isn’t bad (compared with what I’m trying to build), but has a pinned collapsible stock that should be replaced with an A1 stock, and a pinned “Izzy” muzzle device that, for my money, could be improved upon.

Here are some of my problems, and I welcome any advice on the subject.

It must have a muzzle device that is not a “flash suppressor,” which will be permanently attached. Not just for cosmetic purposes, but so the rifle can benefit from any coincidental flash reduction, flash redirection, or compensation qualities it may have, without being obnoxiously loud. My first choice would be a PWS FSC556, but that device is NOT cheap and may involve some legal compliance problems. (Here in Mass all it takes is one ambitious prosecutor to ruin your entire decade!)

I know there are a few threads out there on this subject, and I have read them all. I don’t think anyone has asked this precise question though.

What would you suggest if I placed an absolute top price at $50? Troy? RRA?

  • BCG availability has changed wildly from last year. Any configuration is possible (i.e., SA, FA, Colt “C” type). What would you suggest if the absolute top price was $120-$130?

  • Bbls vary wildly in price. To keep the price down, and anticipating that the user will not be putting more than 20,000 rounds down the tube in its lifetime, the bbl does not have to be chromed and will not require M4 cuts. Just now there is a significant savings on Doublestar non-chromed bbls. Two questions:

Is this not acceptable in quality?

What bbl would you recommend as a “regular” (usually available) cheap but decent bbl?

2

I am doing something of this sort right now (New York) same issues as MASS. I suggest NO muzzle device- brakes are loud and since for your state would have to be pinned/welded later replacement in another locale would be hard. My choice would be a del ton post ban compliant kit (under 500 bucks and reported good quality) for an A1 stock you can get cav arms or get a vltor fixed a1 length stock. get a good deal on a lower and you can have a rifle for well under $700.
I as at first going to do the part at a time thing, but there is no way to do it and get a better price than just getting a complete del ton kit or similar. and most of the kit suppliers right now send the top half fully assembled.

3

Cavdoc,

Thanks for the response. It’s hard to imagine getting a cheaper deal than the Del Ton kits. I assume they are in parts rather than fully assembled.

I think I would like to put a brake on the carbine. I consider this more of a demonstration piece than something I would use; but, I may use it as a loaner to my rifle/carbine students. I do not anticipate that I will use it outside of Mass for any reason, and I find the muzzle flash very annoying. :eek:

4

strongly urge no brake! brakes will INCREASE flash and noise. If the brake you use has an effect on flash it is therefore technically a flash supressor and then a no go in most “ban” areas (at least that is the story in NY).
The del-ton kits come with the top 1/2 fully assembled- only the lower needs to be “built”

5

I am currently getting parts together to build a rifle in NJ.

I am not building an inexpencive rifle by any means but still having to deal with the Ban state issue. The FSC556 is a great way to go and I am strongly considering it. PWS offers a PDF of a letter stating that the device was found to not be a flash supressor, so you “should” be good to go, just have the letter with the rifle at all times lol.

I also have no problems with pinning the muzzle device. I know qualified welders who do beautiful work and one drop of metal to cover the pin will be a walk in the park for them. Removing it should not be that dificult as long as I can see where the pin was, I have no problems cutting a $100 muzzle device off to re-use a $460 bbl.

I will also pin the stock, I have done in on the stock/buffer tube I used to replace the crap that came on my BM and had no problem in doing so.

I would built it as you need it, make it legal with as many pins and welds as need be, and go from there.

6

First decide what your going to do with the AR. If One of the possible uses is self defense/shtf then stay away from Del-ton or Model 1 sales. Just grab one from BCM and build up from there. A lot of people in MA have built some quality ARs. The local forum for that area is Northeasrshooters.com.

As far as a BCG BCM is hands down best on the market.