Talk me out of "Dissipator-Style" CMMG Upper?

[ZombiesAhead]

Ever since I purchased my Bushmaster 16" Carbine, I have realized how much I like the AR iron sights and I've pined for a longer sight radius. I've been thinking about this for years, but it's finally becoming practical for me to purchase a Dissipator-style (rifle-length handguards, sight-radius with mid/car-length gas 16" barrel) upper to mount on my Bushmaster lower.

How about CMMG's version? I really like it because they offer a medium-length gas system under the handguards as opposed to the carbine-length that Bushmaster sells.

Details - CMMG M101M - ~$650

16" Medium Contour 5.56 Barrel, 1/7 Twist
Flat-Top Receiver (I will mount my detachable carry handle)
A2 Flash Hider

Specs from the CMMG Site

Mil-spec certified 4150 chrome-moly vanadium steel barrel
Hard chrome lined chamber and bore
M4 feed ramps
11 degree recessed target crown
F marked forged front sight base
Parkerized Barrel including under the front sight base
Forged A3 upper receivers are T marked and have extended feed ramp cuts (M4 ramps).

Everything I hear about CMMG is pretty good, especially for the price. Is there any reason this wouldn't be an awesome all-around rifle? I want something that's as reliable as a traditional gas AR can be. I mostly shoot the green-tip 5.56 brass but I also like to cook through some Wolf at the range.

 

[dispatch55126]

Well, can't talk you out of it. This is what my next build is going to be. I really like the mid-length gas system and full length hand guards.

 

[briansmithwins]

The medcon barrel makes it a bit front heavy, I had one. After a 4 day rifle class I had my local smith turn the barrel down to A1 profile which made the balance much better.

Otherwise it's a great setup. BSW

 

[jpcolt76]

Go for it! I have the CMMG 14.5 w 1.5 phantom government profile middy and it is an awesome light carbine. I also have a Bushy dissipator and like the dissipator setup. No complaints with either.

 

[ArmedBear]

The only reason I can think of is that the full-length handguard doesn't allow you to put a bayonet on the rifle.

I've been wanting one, too... I have a 20" that will take the bayonet just fine...

 

[highorder]

I really like the mid-length gas system and full length hand guards.

As do I, so my next move is going to be adding a rifle length free-float tube to my middy.

 

[ArmedBear]

What kind of tube do you plan to use, highorder?

 

[highorder]

My apologies to the OP for the drift

Here's what my middy looks like currently:



I have looked and considered most of the FF tubes on the market. I dont need a billion rails, and I really like the idea of having a smooth place to put my hand. I also want to mount my front sight on the end of the tube, and my light on the left side.

That led me to the YHM-9432A Customizable Free Float Forearm.
http://www.yhm.net/store/forearms.html

It comes with a short rail and a full length rail; you can mount things only where you want them, and leave everything else slick. The new stuff come with anti-rotation screws that keep the tube rock solid. The rifle length seems to be sold out everywhere, but it's a back burner project right now.

I'd rather not completely tear my upper apart to reassemble it, but if I understand correctly that wont be necessary. I'm going to convert my stock FSB to a low-profile, and cut the delta ring off. If I do go this route, I may strip the upper and turn some weight off the barrel while I have everything apart?

I'm open to comments and suggestions...

But like I said, I'm elbow deep in my Model 12 rebuild right now.

 

[Al Thompson]

ZA, I have one and it works fine. Look around - I've seen'em as low as $550 through AIM (I think). I'm over the 2k mark on mine and I'll get around to cleaning it one day soon.

 

[Zach S]

As noted, its a bit front heavy. Stake or 242 the gas block set screws. Mine came loose after a few hundred rounds.

Not long after I got my upper, I shot a 20" AR that had been cut down to 18, I think I'll go that route for my next one or re-barrel mine someday.

 

[Eightball]

Everything I hear about CMMG is pretty good, especially for the price. Is there any reason this wouldn't be an awesome all-around rifle?

Mayhaps a lighter profile barrel for the weight issues, but the mid-length gas system is ideal for a 16". Only problem with the dissy is that you can't mount a bayo (I do).

If your intent is to stick with irons, a dissy seems to be the way to go.
Do it.