AR15 fun mods (suggestions)

Status
Not open for further replies.
U

usp_fan

Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2003
Messages
977
Location
Bismarck, ND
I'm thinking of taking my plane jane bushy / frankengun A2 format AR and doing something different.

I've thought about an M4 upper--but everybody's doing it and the end of the ban might make more options open along those lines later.

Flat top upper is my starting platform, I like the look of that float tube on Skunk's pic with him and the AR. What is it?

I'm thinking of chopping my 20" barrel to 18", turning it down under the handguards, threading it and putting on some sort of brake, and Installing some type of float tube that I can mount accessories on.

What needs to be done to the gas system to get an 18" barrel to work? Open up the port or is it fine?

Any suggestions on affordable iron sights for the rear? I'm on a tight budget--I can get the barrel work done by a machinist locally.

Who makes a less expensive ubber tactical float tube?

Thanks for putting up with my ramblings. You suggestions are appreciated.

--usp_fan
 
Flat top upper is my starting platform, I like the look of that float tube on Skunk's pic with him and the AR. What is it?
Click to expand...

Looked like a Knight's Armament tube to me; but Skunk can probably answer this better as Daniel Defense also makes a similar tube.

Any suggestions on affordable iron sights for the rear?
Click to expand...

The best value for folding iron sights I have seen is the ARMS #40 at $85-$95. You can also replace the aperture with any aperture that fits a standard AR15 aperture if you don't like the stock version.

Who makes a less expensive ubber tactical float tube?
Click to expand...

The Olympic Arms FIRSH is pretty rugged for a $179 float tube and has rails for mounting gear. Downside is that it won't be as tough as some of the more expensive tubes and will weigh more. I know of several in use with individual law enforcement officers and they are all satisfied with their purchase. I saved up and bought the Knight's free-float for my own carbine though.
 
Flat top upper is my starting platform, I like the look of that float tube on Skunk's pic with him and the AR. What is it?
Click to expand...

This?

insertion.jpg


It's not mine...actually if I get an AR I'm not sure if I'm even gonna put one on it (it sure is neat though and didn't make it as heavy as I thought it would be)...it belongs to another member here, I'll point him towards this thread but I think it's a Knight's.

If I had an AR-15 :banghead: :cuss: :fire: :cuss: :( :mad: I'd put a Singlepoint Sling www.thewilderness.com , a SureFire dedicated forend weaponlight www.surefire.com , an ergo grip, and an ACOG or Aimpoint.
 
I believe another downside to the FIRSH is that the front sight has to be removed in order to install it.

I'd really love to put some sort of SIR system on the front of my superlight, but $400+ is a hell of a price to pay. If anyone knows of a good, solid way to mount a vertical foregrip, that doesn't involve paying 400 bucks, I'd love to hear it.
 
MicroBalrog
Visiting 2006 (end of service), moving 2010 (BA)
Click to expand...

With the rate the SOPMOD program is pushing AR development, and the rate that SCAR and XM8 are pushing small arms development in general, by 2010 the rig you mention will be to 2010 rifles as the M1 Garand is to the AR15.

By the way, C-Mags are a fun novelty item; but not the best magazine.

ttbadboy:
If anyone knows of a good, solid way to mount a vertical foregrip, that doesn't involve paying 400 bucks, I'd love to hear it.
Click to expand...

Depends on how solid you are talking about. I assume you are aware of the Fobus SAMCO handguards and the various accessory rails designed to attach to normal handguards? They won't give you rock-solid mounts like a free-floated rails system; but they will let you use a vertical grip OK. I probably wouldn't execute any vigorous muzzle strikes or anything with them.
 
Flat top upper is my starting platform, I like the look of that float tube on Skunk's pic with him and the AR. What is it?
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that's a Knight's Armanent M5 RAS (non free-floated). Knight's DOES make a free-float version.

What ballpark figure were you looking for on the float tube?

The optic looks to be a Compact ACOG?

USP_fan, take a gander at the Bushmaster A2 profiled barrels. I have one on one of my AR15s, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another (if the timer ever arises). The A2 barrels balance nicely on an AR.

ttbadboy, a KAC RAS (non-floated) can be had around $280 last I checked. That is, if it floats your boat.

Jim
 
Thanks for the replys and keep 'em comming. I know this malady I have is called iwannacoolgun virus, but acceptance is the first step isn't it?

--usp_fan
 
I have been using the Fobus M33 handguards.

They have a rail on the top and bottom for mounting stuff.

I have a vertical foregrip mounted on mine. It works great. These handguards are not stiff enough to mount optics on and expect them to hold a zero, but they work great for flashlights and vertical forgrips.

The best thing is the Fobus M33 only costs me $50.00 and just replaces your standard handguards.

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/handguards/fbs-m33.asp

Here is a pic.

fbs-m33.jpg



They have a new M44 version which has 4 rails, top, bottom, left, right

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/handguards/fbs-m44.asp
fbs-m44.jpg
 
That looks interesting, Cableman.

Is the vertical foregrip mounted well enough to that handguard so that you could just pick the entire gun up by the foregrip and not have it break off?

Also, how long does it take to add and remove the vertical forgrip? I'm not sure the rifle would fit in my case anymore with the vertical foregrip attached.
 
I am using the Fobus vertical forgrip - which was designed to be used with these handguards.

Here is a pic. - Cost was $28.00

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/botach/fobvergrip.html

botach_1768_64844555




You can carry the whole rifle just with the foregrip if you wanted to.
The nice thing about this forgrip is that you simply push a button on the side of the foregrip and you can slide the grip forward or backward, or all the way off if you want to. It takes just a second to slide the grip on or off. It really does work great and doesn't cost a whole lot. - Under $100 for the whole system.

If you want to mount a flashlight check this out.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/botach/fobflasmoun.html
 
With the rate the SOPMOD program is pushing AR development, and the rate that SCAR and XM8 are pushing small arms development in general, by 2010 the rig you mention will be to 2010 rifles as the M1 Garand is to the AR15.
Click to expand...

Unless something happens, of course.... we don't know what future rifle developement will be like.
 
Those Fobus handguard look neat and affordable.

I've also considered picking up a standard float tube and drilling & tapping for sections of rail. what do you think?

Les Baer has an interesting float tube with 4 rails. Recently featured on an AR reviewed by Clint Smith. It looks like it may be extruded and then milled.

Surefire was realy pushing their new forend set up in the latest flashlight propaganda magazine--It looked good, but pricey.

--usp_fan
 
I've also considered picking up a standard float tube and drilling & tapping for sections of rail. what do you think?
Click to expand...

It can be done, getting those rail sections to align with the upper receiver can be tough if optics mounted beyond the upper receiver are in your plans. With the number of free-float tubes on the market now, it is likely easier to just shop around.

Les Baer has an interesting float tube with 4 rails.
Click to expand...

Seen pictures but haven't got to play with one yet. I like the uninterrupted rail with no gap where the barrel nut is. I am curious about the weight as well. One thing that concerns me about that rail is that it has no venting on top, only on the bottom. This seems like it will be pretty poor for cooling and the heat that does escape is going to be venting out right where your hands are. Considering what Les Baer charges for their products, I can think of other proven options that I would prefer.

Surefire was realy pushing their new forend set up in the latest flashlight propaganda magazine--It looked good, but pricey.
Click to expand...

My understanding is that the Surefire forend isn't free-floating; but I understand retail should be in the $220-250 range - which is considerably cheaper than equivalent non-free-float offerings by Knights.
 
Skunky, when I get back, does free tofu apply to me too?? :D

I have two AR lowers, and I think, one is going to end up being an 18" upper, and a .22LR upper.. and I'll probably leaving the .22LR permanently on one of them.. hehhe
 
GG&G has a free floating forearm that looks interesting.

I've never seen one in person but one of the things it's got going for it is that you don't have to remove the front site.

Also you have the ability to mount rails at all 12 clock positions.

Here is a link
 
A little something I REALLY like is the "mid-length handguard" barrel as available from Rock River Arms or Armalite. It gives you a 2" longer handguard and sight radius on a 16" barrel than the Carbine, but (in my opinion) a much better looking package. Most of the rail manufacturers make forends for them, including ARMS, and according to MSTN, the new 6.8 SOPMOD or whatever it's called will be a mid-length platform.
 
usp_fan, if you're gonna do it, go all out.

rooney-m4.jpg


and if that ain't enough:

swissarmygun.jpg


(don't forget to have a few spare batteries in your tactical backpack! :scrutiny: )
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

K
  • Locked
AR15 in .22lr ?
Replies
7
Views
469
cslinger
C
K
  • Locked
So I've got this A2 upper...
Replies
8
Views
583
MrCleanOK
M
D
  • Locked
AR15 Accuracy question
Replies
5
Views
672
dmftoy1
D
B
  • Locked
AR-15 Handguards
Replies
12
Views
3K
wnycollector
W
Justin
  • Locked
Who makes my dream AR15 upper receiver?
Replies
15
Views
1K
Bartholomew Roberts
B
Back
Top