Will this AR15 kit meet my needs?

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Roc_Kor

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http://www.m-aparts.com/productsDetail.asp?id=1315

I'm looking for an M4 (a3 upper type)-type AR15 (kit or rifle, don't matter) but with a 14.5" barrel and A2 flash hider that's permanently attached to make it legal length (don't wanna SBR it.) Most brands I've checked don't offer that because the A2 flash hider is usually too short to bring a 14.5" barrel to 16", but this site offers a kit that apparently does. Anyone have experience with this kit or brand? Any other brands (kit or full rifle) that others recommend that would have what I'm looking for?

(Fairly new to the AR15, don't own one yet)

Here's what I'm looking for:
-14.5" M4-type Barrel (with M203 cut in barrel)
-A2 Flash Hider (OR something very similar in appearance and design. I've seen a "Phantom" flash hider that pique'd my interest. Permanently mounted, of course, don't want an SBR.)
-A3 Upper (detachable carry handle)
-Bayonet Mount (that's why I want 14.5" barrel. 16" barrelled M4s can't mount 'em and aren't "real M4s")
-Telescopic Buttstock (M4 style)
-Obviously Semi-Auto
-everything else "standard M4gery"

I also can only afford so much so ~$1000 for a rifle or ~$600 for a kit would be ideal prices. I appreciate the help. Hahaha and don't ask why I'm so picky about the flash hider and barrel, I'm just like that. Thanks!
 
You might also consider the CMMG 14.7" barrel with permanently attached A2 flash hider. It is just long enough to make the total package come to 16.1"

With a 14.5" barrel, you won't be able to use a standard A2 flash hider because it is too short to bring it to 16". So you will have to find an aftermarket flash hider like the Vortex or Phantom that is a little longer.
 
Well this particular kit says that with the A2 flash hider permanently attached it's legal length. And will a bayonet fit on a 14.7" barrel? Sorry I'm just really... picky about these things. I haven't seen too many 14.7" barreled models.

And I wouldn't mind getting one with a Phantom so much. Is there any company that sells AR15 rifles or kits with Phantoms permanently attached?
 
Well this particular kit says that with the A2 flash hider permanently attached it's legal length.
Click to expand...

Then it isn't an A2 flash hider or it isn't a 14.5" barrel. It may be just like an A2 flash hider but a bit longer though.

Is there any company that sells AR15 rifles or kits with Phantoms permanently attached?
Click to expand...

Just about all of them offer that option I believe...
 
I would get either a CMMG or a Sabre Defence. Sabre makes a flash hider that is very similar to a A2 only slightly longer. Both of these makers use chrome lined 4150 grade barrels. The M&A is probably unlined 4140 steel.
Both of my 14.5" barrels have Phantom flash hiders. I'm pleased with them.
 
Yeah I'm checking CMMG's website out. Are they and Sabre defence good manufacturers? Any "problems" with their products or is everything pretty good? :eek:
 
Both CMMG and Sabre do good products. I have a CMMG barrel and I am happy with it, although they did locate the front sight base 1/8" out of place on that one run of 250 barrels.
 
If I was stuck with a permanently attached muzzle device (and I am) I would much rather have a flash hider that actually works, like the Vortex, or Phantom.
 
Yeah I've looked at all the other makers (inclduing Stag... I hear good things and see fair prices) but I'm quite picky about what I want in an M4gery. Wish it wasn't so but it's how I am. Maybe I shoud just get a 20" AR15 in an M16A2 configuration... much less picky about those. Hmm... any suggestions on which 20" M16A2-type is best? (strict A2 configuration only... still picky but not too bad on this one) Same price ranges please, ~$600 - ~$1000
 
CMMG is amazing quality, superior to the "commercial builders" including Rock River, Stag, Bushmaster, etc.

Parkerizing under the proper "F" marked front sight base, for example. Their customer service is also top notch.
 
Well, let me give you a little more insight into my latest home build.

CMT stripped M4 cut upper reciever & upper parts kit, charging handle , and CMT bolt carrier group - $230 shipped from Denny's Guns/GTS
CMMG 14.5" M4 barrel assembly w/ pinned Phantom - $309.95 shipped
Spike's Tactical "Infidel" engraved lower - $105 OTD at the Tampa gunshow
M4 hand guards - $15 from Spike at the show
Magpul CTR stock kit - $149 shipped from Kiser Munitions
Magpul MIAD grip full kit - $34 (whatever shipping was, it was part of an order)
RRA lower parts kit - $62 shipped from Pete/Legal Transfers

Uhh, let's see I had a gas tube & pin ($10), delta ring assembly ($10?) and detachable carry handle sitting around in the safe so I used them.

Total cost ~ $906. Entirely home assembled, with all top shelf parts, especially the barrel. The barrel is 4150 steel, 1/7 twist, parkerized under the correct front sight base, has M4 barrel extension, etc. Features you will not find on the commercial builder's rifles nor the kit rifles.

That being said, some people don't care about those options, for this build I did.
 
There is someone or some company that makes an extended length A2 flash hider. It looks just like an A2 but the based is extended. It is designed for 14.5" barrels.

The problem is I don't know who makes it. I have seen pictures of it. Probably at AR15.com. I think this is what you are looking for.

Also, just bought a mid-length upper from CMMG last month. Top notch, well made, and no problems with 800 rds so far. I am very pleased with the upper. They have a very good reputation. So if you decide to go with CMMG, you are good to go.
 
Go ahead and get a Phantom flash hider.

Go shooting at dusk next to a guy with an A2, a muzzle break, or no flash hider(mini 14).

You will be amazed at the difference.
 
M-A usually lists chrome lined as an option; but not needed unless you plan to run 10K + rds. thru it, and is a little less accurate than a chrome moly barrel.

I've been more than happy with the 16" mid-length kit I got from them.
 
texlurch said:
M-A usually lists chrome lined as an option; but not needed unless you plan to run 10K + rds. thru it, and is a little less accurate than a chrome moly barrel.
Click to expand...

Not anymore, the technology has improved over the last 40 years. The accuracy loss is negligible.
 
Not anymore, the technology has improved over the last 40 years. The accuracy loss is negligible.
Click to expand...

Negligible, but still there, and depending on the application a point to consider.
 
Looking at this upper.

Ok,say I go with the following Upper from CMMG:
(If you click that link you have to scroll down a bit before getting to the upper I'm talking about.)

CMMG 14.5” M4 A1 SOCOM Upper w/Permanent Hider
All default options, except:
Bolt & Carrier Group (& T-handle): See Question 2 below
Handguard Options: See Question 2 below
Hider Option: Phantom C51
Rear Sights: See Question 1 below

Questions: 1. Should I get the Detachable Carry Handle from them or from another company? (price being the major factor, but don't want to skip out on quality)

2. Should I not get it with the handguards or bolt, bolt carrier, and/or T-handle (I assume that's the charging handle?) and get those from someone else? (Again, price is factor, but don't want to skip out on quality.)

3. And what else (parts, etc.) do I need for the upper assembly to be complete? (The lower assembly I'll figure out later.)
 
Last edited:
1. Most people never use those detachable carry handles. Personally I'd take the money I saved from not buying one and use it towards decent optics.

2. If you're planning on putting on a railed forend (I like the Midwest Industries), it would save you money to delete the handguards.
I'm sure their bolt carrier groups are fine but I am going with this one for my next build:
http://www.globaltactical.com/axami/shop.php?grd=360

3. EOTech
 
1. Well I do plan on using the detachable carry handle's rear sight quite often. I want the A3 for the option of adding optics in the future.

2. Nah I don't need railed forends now. This is my first AR-15 and if I ever get "sick" of its current configuration I can customize and change it. (Getting the gun is exciting, but as time goes on, the gun gets less exciting, customizing it much later makes it exciting again.)

3. EOTech... that'd be optics, right? Not looking for something like that now. Any other uh... essential parts for an upper assembly that I'd need?
 
That is the exact barrel I bought and it is outstanding. I only bought a barrel though, I assembled everything myself.

I too bought a BCG from Denny's Guns/Global Tactical. Denny stakes them himself and the price is sweet at $120 with free shipping. However, since you are buying a complete upper it is not worth the money to remove the BCG from the order at only -$85 and then pay $120 for one from Denny.

I don't have the cash for an EOTech right now so I put the carry handle on top, sounds like you should do the same.
 
If you ever plan on going with optics, save the money on the carry handle, and get a good back up iron sight instead. you can still use it like a regular rear sight, and when you do go with the optic then you have a back up iron sight already on the gun.
 
Oh, quick question. What exactly is this "F marked" front sight base and how does it differ from a "standard" one? Thanks for all the help, by the way.
 
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