Ordering Vltor VIS, need suggestions on other mods

[emc]

I have an older Bushmaster M4gery, with the A-2 upper (14.5 inch barrel, AK style muzzle brake). I really dislike those sights and that receiver configuration, and after looking into some other combinations, said the heck with it, and decided to get the VIS system and do things right. BUT, there are a few remaining things that I'm kicking around here....

1. Keep the existing barrel and do the following
a. Go with the 10in or the 12in fore end for the VIS (Suggestions or thoughts on proper length fore end?)
b. Remove the existing front sight and go with low profile gas block
c. Buy appropriate iron sights
d. Buy appropriate (Eotech, Aimpoint, etc.)

2. Cancel the order with Vltor and contact Noveske and order the following
a. 16in barreled upper with Vltor VIS system and full BUIS sights for front and rear.

I've heard some good things about Noveske, and I admit to being an accuracy nut. I want to be able to hit it if I can see it. I know that Choice No. 2 would be more expensive, but it would also save me the time of doing the work myself and offer the advantage of having it done by someone who is well regarded and good at what he does.

Any thoughts on this? I would have posted to AR15.com, but they are still down for the count, the last time I checked.

Thanks!

emc

 

[SnakeEater]

I'd recommend building your own using the VIS and the barrel of your choice. You'll save a ton of cash and the rifle will be every bit as good as Noveske's. The money saved can go towards high end optics. Pride of doing it yourself is something that shouldn't be overlooked either.

As soon as cash allows I'll be building one using VIS, POF billet lower, and WOA SPR barrel.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Well, remember that the AK brake is pinned on to the barrel. Will you need to remove it to install the VIS or a low-profile gas block? If so, the extra time and expense may make the Novseke option less expensive than you think (and a much better barrel as well). It would also let you ditch the A2 upper for a flattop...(didn't see that in your mod list for the Bushmaster).

 

[emc]

Our esteemed moderator has brought up a good point that I've had in the back of my mind. Yes, I was looking at removing the front sight altogether. The longer fore end I was looking at (10in. or 12 in.) would require that I install a low profile gas block and remove the existing front sight post. This would be doable by me, but would require a LOT of time to do it up right and not hose the exterior of the barrel. Thankfully, my father is a gunsmith, and he would certainly be willing to do this, but I'm reluctant to drag him into a project like this. Plus, I would need to get this shipped to him in order to get the work done.

Thanks,

Ed

As a clarification, I know that the Vltor VIS is a monolithic rail system, so the upper receiver is included as an integral part.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

My bad, it had slipped my mind that the VIS was a monolithic rail. It would probably be easier and cheaper to hack the existing front site post into a low-profile post rather than cut and remove the AK brake. There is a nice tutorial at AR15.com on how to convert the standard FSB into a low-profile gas block.

I'm not sure what the cost difference is; but the Novseke is a nice barrel and a quality product. If the cost is within a couple of hundred dollars of your homebuilt job, I would go with the Novseke unless you just enjoy building.

 

[emc]

Well, I attempted to speak with someone at Noveske several times. Left multiple messages, and finally said the heck with it. I'm ordering the twelve inch fore end on the VIS, and will order the additional pieces that I need and then make arrangements to farm out the work that I can't do myself. It will be more hassle this way, but it shouldn't take days to get a return phone call. I well understand busy, but when my clients or prospective clients call, I call them back within four hours maximum. Just a sore point with me. Anyhow, thanks to Bartholomew and to SnakeEater for their comments!

Ed