sopmod clone block ll part alternatives?

[sig1473]

just an update, got all the parts for the gun except the colt barrel which is on its way. then its on to optics. any suggestions? i looked at the eotech exps3-0 but with the recall thinking of avoiding the eotech.

I went Aimpoint PRO in ADM mounts for both of mine.

[longshot2000]

I think for a "clone" the rail is pretty much the most important part. There is no substitute there.

I would agree. I am a clone nerd. M4A1 clones are actually not that hard. Block 1 is simple. Block 2 a little harder, but all of the parts are readily available, and prices are not insane. You then graduate to the Mk18 and then Mk12. There are some KAC fanatics that are paying insane prices for Knights parts, like triple tap flash hider ($700) and the folding front sight gas block (FSGB) for $900, the latter being put on 11.5" KAC CQB rifle and also the USMC SAM-R. Insane. I have started to use the ARMS 41-B FSGB, which is a pretty good alternative to the KAC FSGB.

Another area in the minutia is the Norgon ambi bolt catch. Yeah, it is good, but $90 for a $12 part, that you can buy elsewhere for $20, or more functional clones for $35 ? Also, barrels. Personally, I think you need a Colt SOCOM barrel. They are not priced that bad, but it is under the rail, and nobody is going to see if you bought a DD or BCM. I think those guys have pretty good barrels. I did get into a discussion with a SWAT leader last week. He told me "no more DD or BCM" He ordered some barrels for his squad, and it had to be Colt. He said that Colt just shoots much straighter and more reliable. Okay. He wanted to FBI Hostage Squad 11.5" barrels. He said that BCM and DD just were not hitting the targets. First I have heard that with short barrels. I mean, at 10.3" or 11.5", most people are not looking for MOA accuracy, but he was.

Bottom line is, you can make some intelligent substitutes where needed. I would not substitute the rail or the receivers. The rail is the rail. If you are going a clone, don't make it a Walmart clone. It is either a nice guy that you like, or it is a clone. I cringe when I see people writing: "Mk12 inspired SPR" or "Mk18-ish SBR." Bullshit. Who the **** gave you the right to be an artist? Get the right rail. You can do it. Also, for the receiver, it has to be USGI stuff, like Colt, FN or sometimes LMT or KAC. Don't go cheap with an Anderson or Aero receiver. You can buy Colt. Now, you don't need to spend $1,000 for an M4A1 rollmarked lower, unless you want to. (it is pretty cool), but you can find an M4 lower, and even an M4 lower without a QR stamp for a little more money. Same with the upper. Look for the "C" or the "F" stamp. For the BUIS, get the right sights. It is not that hard to find KAC. If you don't want to spend $160 on the new KAC 600m rear sight, buy a real USMC rear sight for 1/2 that. New taupe is okay on the front. Old taupe is really cool, and harder to find, and much more expensive.

btw -- not meant to be an advertisement -- but if anyone is looking for parts, and is having a hard time, let me know. Building clones is my passion. I can direct you to a place you can buy, or I probably have in my basement. Right now, I have three or four DD RIS-II FDE FSPs. I won't break your bank. Also, the FSP is the really cool rail for Block 2. I like the flat top as well, but there is nothing quite like a Block 2 with a SOCOM barrel and an FSP.

Cheers, and I am here to help and participate and mostly, to learn.

[1168]

just an update, got all the parts for the gun except the colt barrel which is on its way. then its on to optics. any suggestions? i looked at the eotech exps3-0 but with the recall thinking of avoiding the eotech.

I loved the Eotech on my work gun because they have a smaller dot that is still rapidly aquired and the frame doesn't seem to affect my field of view as much as the Aimpoint (Comp M2, I think I remember). If you want to be detail accurate, our block 2 Eotechs had the older type of 2x123 battery compartment. I think I remember them being tan.

An Aimpoint, Elcan, or ACOG is still a good choice if you don't want the Eotech. My second choice would be a Comp M4, even though the M2 would be more correct.

[BooneGA]

If you want to be detail accurate, our block 2 Eotechs had the older type of 2x123 battery compartment. I think I remember them being tan.

Not completely accurate. The single CR123 battery EOTechs are the current issue - IE, you are fine with either.

Rick

[CPM]

I just shot with 5th SFG and they all had tan EOTech's and a black FSP rail of some sort. I'm not familiar with those rails as I just had an M4 with KAC rail.

[feesix]

Not completely accurate. The single CR123 battery EOTechs are the current issue - IE, you are fine with either.

Rick

are they still issuing eotechs?

eotech no yes? are aimpoints issued? if so what configuration?

[Kilo 1-1]

From my understanding, SOCOM never issued a replacement for the Eotechs. Aimpoint Comp M4 have been seen on some national guard ODA Block 2s from some pictures I've seen. Micros were in use by some Ranger guys in limited numbers from what I've read up on. I will always defer to the folks who are doing the good work and have first hand experience with the guns, so take this for what it's worth.

[1168]

Not completely accurate. The single CR123 battery EOTechs are the current issue - IE, you are fine with either.

Rick

Thanks for the heads up.

[Diamondback]

Renegade, is the Excel spreadsheet your second screenie's from available anywhere? I've thought of building a similar Clone Cookbook and even proposed a community wiki, but no takers on the latter and found myself overwhelmed on the former.

[feesix]

just a quick update. the base gun is completed but i am putting it on hold for now until i get my sbr hk done.