I’m in the process of building an M4 style ar. I have my lower completed and plan on buying a completed upper. I was going to order a Stag model 3 from Rifle gear and have them swap the gas block with an a.r.m.s. 41 silhouette front sight, but from my understanding stag does not parkerize under the front sight. I assume you would be able to see the silver metal between the 2 areas of the barrel that a.r.m.s. clamps on to. If this is the case would I be better off going with a CMMG which is parkerized under the front sight? If I did go that route I see Rifle gear has them for $625.95 and aim surplus has them for $547.15. I would save money with aim surplus, but couldn’t get the a.r.m.s. mounted. Does anyone know of anywhere else online that lets you add things to the upper before they ship it out? I would love to order from riflegear, but that price seems too high. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
My Stag is parked under the FSB.
Well thats good to know. Have they always been finished under the base? I could have swore they weren’t. I will just go with stag, because I’ve heard Cmmg can be mostly hit or miss. I am however looking into their .22 conversion. Thanks
I would get neither. I would go to Pauls’ site and buy something from BCM. You will be much happier with a much better product and from a guy that makes a lot better quality stuff. You can get a complete upper for about the same price you have listed with BCG and CH.
My CMMG has been perfect…I’ll buy another one!
Sparky
What Jack OSU said. Sparky can’t let go of the fact he has a POS in many educated eyes. Love ya’ Sparky. We’ve seen this deficit many times before so don’t feel bad. Not one single LE, .gov, or .mil agency uses CMMG for many reasons. That should be a HUGE indicator.
Don’t know of anyone that would trust their life to a CMMG or even run one in a quality carbine class.
Why waste the $$$ when a quality Colt, BCM, or other carbine can be had for not much more.
See the Chart and PM individuals in the know.
I don’t think park. under the FSB should really be a basis of purchase, but between those two, I would say Stag.
But just a tad bit more money, Bravo Company is the best alternative. They’re taking the market by storm and for very good reason. Awesome customer service and best prices for Milspec Ar parts
After looking into BCM I think they might be a better option. Bravo Company probably wouldn’t install a flip front sight for me though. I could do it myself, but really don’t want to mess with it. Still irritated over getting the roll pin into the bolt release on the lower. Does anyone else have positive reports on BCM uppers?
My CMMG has run great. I did upgrade the extractor spring with one from BCM (already came with a black insert, which should be updated on the chart now that they ship with these). Since most of the shortcomings on the chart are concerning the bolt carrier group, upgrading to a BCM bolt would rectify the situation.
my cmmg barrel runs great!
Look around the site a little and you will find that BCM is the favored brand of many in the know. What is it you want to do with this rifle anyway, because in most cases a standard FSB is not a hindrance but a reliable alternative to an optic?
It’s just going to be a weekend shooter, but I still want it to be up to the challenge if the need ever arose. I already have an aimpoint for an optic and I know most people use them with a front sight post, but I would rather have the option. Thats why I leaning towards the a.r.m.s. 41 flip up front that has that classic look, but can be folded down when not needed. One thing that I’m not sure about with the BCM is the 1:7 twist rate. If I only plan on shooting 50-60gr. it seems that would be a handicap over a 1:9. I’m not worried about wanting to shoot heavier, because I’m already planning on a 6.8 upper to fill that spot. Another thing I was curious about with an BCM m4 upper is availability. Seem to be sold out everywhere. I’m also trying to find out if a .22 conversion kit would cause any harm to the gun other than fouling it up a little and need to be cleaned.
To be more blunt, CMMG is grab-bag shit–pay your money and take your chances. Keep the ARMS junk off your stick if you want it to perform when it needs to. The stag is a viable option, but still not up to par with the BCM. The 1:7 is not a handicap, but will expand your options to go larger. I would hold off on the 6.8 and do the 5.56 right if cost is a concern. Read the stickies, especially the chart, as it shows you the specs and what is important about them.
If you get a lower third co-witness mount for your aimpoint, the standard FSB will not get in your way at all, but will still be there (at the bottom of the optic) in case you need it. The flip-front will serve no purpose for a carbine with an RDS and will needlessly drive up the cost.
There is a reason BCM availability is less than some others–because it is actually worth buying. I have two BCM uppers, and I have never had a problem with either.
OUCH! well… anyhow. My first choice was actually a BCM… but at that time. the gunstore somehow coudn’t get 1 to be imported.
Cut out the middleman… find a shop that charges a reasonable fee to do FFL transfers, get out your credit card, and order it online yourself… you don’t even have to talk to another person. 
“imported” … I don’t live in the U.S.
Im here in the Philippines. Half way around the world.
stuffs takes months to get here.
Consider starting with the 6.8spc. The 5.56 is a handicap in comparison (flame suit on!) Get a complete .22LR upper and proceed. If you really need a 5.56 in addition, stick with the known performer which is currently very reasonably priced: BCM.
ETA: if you’re running an Aimpoint, I agree you should consider co-witnessing. I got a YHM folding FSB/GB tower (pinned on), but don’t really see the need, since even with 3x it’s barely noticeable. I assume with 2x it may be a problem.
At Bravocompanyusa.com they have a 14.5in M4 with (NFA). Whats (NFA)? Does it have to do with the short length and could I even own it legally if the flash hider wasn’t permanent? Which brings me to my next question. Is a 14.5 barrel w/perm. flash hider an option. Will the shorter barrel hurt velocity or accuracy?
I’m probably just going to go with an LMT upper. I would like a BCM, but who knows when they’ll be instock. I hear LMT makes one of the best. Does anyone know if my Aimpoint Comp M2 with a Qrp mount would be high enough for 1/3 cowitness. It has the spacer installed for extra height.