Steve S.
08-01-13, 00:33
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/uvyqaqad.jpg
The meat of this upper is built around a Daniel Defense 14.5" Light Weight Midlength barrel w/ factory pinned low pro gas block (https://danieldefense.com/14-5-5-56mm-mid-length-1-7-lw-profile.html), Noveske upper receiver (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2118), misc lower, Daniel Defense lower parts kit (https://danieldefense.com/lower-receiver-parts-kit-semi-auto.html), and Daniel Defense BCG (https://danieldefense.com/components-parts/upper-half/complete-bolt-carrier-group.html).
This is a newish upper on a used lower. The upper has under 500 rounds through it, so this review is more on form rather than function of each accessory. This carbine was built around being as light as possible, for personal reasons.
Midwest Industries Gen 2 SS Rail 12" (http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=450) - The Midwest Rail caught my eye because of the weight - 9.3 ounces for the 12" version (as advertised). This upper was built about 6-9 months ago, so the rail game has changed a bit since with the popularity of KeyMod - but at the time it was one of the lightest aluminum rails on the market.
The rail is crazy light. That was my first thought upon receiving it. Coming from mostly quad rails, the latest being a Daniel Defense Omega X FSP, I appreciated the extra weight shavings.
The diameter of the rail is extremely small. By choking the rail out front, this allows great muzzle control and reduces muzzle flip.
I just recently received the rail panel kit. It's done perfectly - I wouldn't change a thing.... except possibly add a little more texturing.
One thing I really like is how the M1913 sections screw directly into the rail. No mounts or converters to deal with - just holes along the rail to allow direct attachment. Obviously the rail panels add weight and bulk, so the goal was to not use as many as possible and utilize the top rail.
I did end up using one of the small included rail sections, simply because it has a built in rotation limited QD sling mount. Mount n Slot offers a more lightweight, streamlined version for this rail... and I will pick it up eventually.
Installation was very easy, and including a wrench was much appreciated.
Anyone who thinks Midwest Industries is producing low quality items is crazy, because this thing is machined and marked perfectly.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/ehequze4.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/7yjese7u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/mame7y2e.jpg
^^Integrated hand stop
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/byre4y6a.jpg
^^Full choke grip
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/jamyny5y.jpg
^^Easily activate light
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/usehy8a8.jpg
Battle Comp 1.5 (http://battlecomp.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12) - I don't have a ton of experience with other compensators, but the Battle Comp works as advertised. It's a nice balance of compensating and flash hiding. Muzzle flip is minimal, especially when utilizing the skinny forend. I've noticed all Battle Comps have a distinctive "thump". It's not terribly louder than an A2... but distinct. Not nearly as offensive to shoot next to as some Surefire brakes I've been around.
What I like about the BC1.5" is how easy it made pinning to the barrel. It comes ready to go - a nice touch.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/6a8ysana.jpg
Unity Tactical Fusion Front Sight Hub / Ring Mount (http://www.unitytactical.com/products/fusion/) - This accessory, next to the rail, is what had me most excited. I love it. The concept of making a modular front mount is genius. It allows me to run what I need directly to the front of the carbine's top rail.
I opted for the folding front sight and 6P / Fury ring mount. The sight can be installed as either fixed or folding - a neat feature. For this carbine I currently am running a TR24 - so I kept it folding. I really liked that the ring mount can go on either side of the front sight - keeping it nice and tight at 11 or 1 o'clock. There's barely any clearance between the light and the front sight.... perfection.
Works wonderfully with the KAC 300M Micro Rear Sight (http://www.knightarmco.com/portfolio/micro-rear-flip-sight/).
While the Fusion is a little pricey, considering it's a top notch front sight and integrates tons of accessories from PEQs to WMLs to Handhelds (check their website), I think it's a pretty good deal. I believe the owner is a member, who's posts I've followed for years.
Finishing on all parts is top notch. The anodizing seems to match the Govt Dark Earth used on the Daniel Defense rails - a more "bronzy" dark earth.
Packaged nicely with easy to follow instructions.
Modularity is the future of gunfighting, IMO.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/atyta2et.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/a6umyqyn.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/4ymetuju.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/edase2yb.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/yha2azy8.jpg
^^ TR24 on 1x
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/muququra.jpg
^^Previous Gear Sector mount placed light too far back.
Umbrella Corporation Grip / untextured (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3292)- This was given as a gift from a close friend. While I haven't gotten around to stippling it yet, I like that you can order them plain to do so yourself. It's a nice nod to the hardcore shooting community.
The angle and "girth" of the grip is perfect. Not too skinny, not too wide - just right. The pistol-like angle is preferred, as the A2 grip never seemed to feel comfortable. While other offerings were better, it never really addressed the angle properly IMO.
Storage isn't an importance for me. There's nothing I'd need to store on the carbine that's worth adding weight to it, IMO.
For an inexpensive grip, I will look no further in the future.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/paby2uvy.jpg
B5 Bravo Sopmod Stock (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/B5-Systems-SOPMOD-BRAVO-Milspec-Stock-Black-p/b5(1082)system-bravo-stock-blk.htm) - I went from a Magpul MOE to a Magpul STR on this carbine (and the last upper the lower was on). While I loved the STR - I'm not one to store things on the carbine (as mentioned). So when the B5 Bravo was announced - I really wanted to try one based on the weight savings. 4+ ounces off the back is nothing to scoff at when the front of the rifle is lightweight.
It has that comfortable cheek weld like the SOPMOD, VLTOR, and STR stocks, but is a good deal lighter than the competition. Fit is snug and the finish is great.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/7y8u7u2e.jpg
Honorable Mentions (that have been around awhile) -
The Trijicon TR24 (https://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product3.php?pid=TR24) is a great all around optic - if a little heavy. The weight savings of this build allowed me to comfortably run this 1-4x optic.
The LaRue mount (http://www.laruetactical.com/larue-tactical-sprm4-193-mount-qd-lt-135) is extremely solid, and when taking the optic off - I've noticed no shift in zero (at least not that I can discern in my shooting).
The Noveske upper receiver (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2118) is the best finished stripped upper I've ever purchased. The laser markings are beautifully crisp and clear. This lower was always tight on other uppers, but fits perfectly on this Noveske upper. The finish is a deep black without looking glossy. All threads looked perfect. I don't think I'll buy another brand stripped upper receiver again.
The BCM Gunfighter (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-GUNFIGHTER-Charging-Handle-GFH-Mod-4-p/bcm%20gfh%20mod%204%20556.htm) has been reviewed extensively. If you have the extra bucks to upgrade - it's well worth it.
This Daniel Defense BCG (https://danieldefense.com/components-parts/upper-half/complete-bolt-carrier-group.html) has saved me from needing the above Gunfighter charging handle. It's got a few thousand rounds through it without issue. It was carried over from a previous upper.
Conclusion - - This build turned out exactly as I'd wanted. It's a system built around what I was looking for. Future upgrades include the Mount and Slot QD Sling mount (http://www.impactweaponscomponents.com/product/qd-rotation-limited-mount-n-slot-for-jpi-inc-viking-tactics-inc-vtac/) to further streamline the rail - though I want to verify it works for the Gen 2 SS rail.
I also have a Trijicon SRS (http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product1.php?id=SRS) on order, but am debating using an RMR06 (http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product2.php?id=RMR&mid=Adjustable%20LED) (what the Glock is rocking in the pics) to further keep the weight down. The cons of the RMR on a carbine may be outweighed by the weight savings... and folks like Pat MAC seem to like their RMRs on carbines.
I know it's the Indian and not the Arrow... but sometimes a straighter flying Arrow helps. This "arrow" has been a huge improvement. It's over 2 lbs lighter than my previous go-to carbine, and I make the accessories work for me in an ergonomically sound way so that I can focus on getting hits.
Weight WITHOUT Optic / Mag - 5 Pounds 9 Ounces
Weight with TR24 - 7 Pounds 12 Ounces
Weight without Optic or Light - 5 Pounds 3 Ounces
* Weights done with Electronic USPS Postal Scale
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/pe3e4a4e.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/2y6e3u2a.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/geju8e5u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/uhupevym.jpg
** Sorry for the crappy pics... I'm no photographer.
The meat of this upper is built around a Daniel Defense 14.5" Light Weight Midlength barrel w/ factory pinned low pro gas block (https://danieldefense.com/14-5-5-56mm-mid-length-1-7-lw-profile.html), Noveske upper receiver (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2118), misc lower, Daniel Defense lower parts kit (https://danieldefense.com/lower-receiver-parts-kit-semi-auto.html), and Daniel Defense BCG (https://danieldefense.com/components-parts/upper-half/complete-bolt-carrier-group.html).
This is a newish upper on a used lower. The upper has under 500 rounds through it, so this review is more on form rather than function of each accessory. This carbine was built around being as light as possible, for personal reasons.
Midwest Industries Gen 2 SS Rail 12" (http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=450) - The Midwest Rail caught my eye because of the weight - 9.3 ounces for the 12" version (as advertised). This upper was built about 6-9 months ago, so the rail game has changed a bit since with the popularity of KeyMod - but at the time it was one of the lightest aluminum rails on the market.
The rail is crazy light. That was my first thought upon receiving it. Coming from mostly quad rails, the latest being a Daniel Defense Omega X FSP, I appreciated the extra weight shavings.
The diameter of the rail is extremely small. By choking the rail out front, this allows great muzzle control and reduces muzzle flip.
I just recently received the rail panel kit. It's done perfectly - I wouldn't change a thing.... except possibly add a little more texturing.
One thing I really like is how the M1913 sections screw directly into the rail. No mounts or converters to deal with - just holes along the rail to allow direct attachment. Obviously the rail panels add weight and bulk, so the goal was to not use as many as possible and utilize the top rail.
I did end up using one of the small included rail sections, simply because it has a built in rotation limited QD sling mount. Mount n Slot offers a more lightweight, streamlined version for this rail... and I will pick it up eventually.
Installation was very easy, and including a wrench was much appreciated.
Anyone who thinks Midwest Industries is producing low quality items is crazy, because this thing is machined and marked perfectly.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/ehequze4.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/7yjese7u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/mame7y2e.jpg
^^Integrated hand stop
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/byre4y6a.jpg
^^Full choke grip
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/jamyny5y.jpg
^^Easily activate light
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/usehy8a8.jpg
Battle Comp 1.5 (http://battlecomp.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12) - I don't have a ton of experience with other compensators, but the Battle Comp works as advertised. It's a nice balance of compensating and flash hiding. Muzzle flip is minimal, especially when utilizing the skinny forend. I've noticed all Battle Comps have a distinctive "thump". It's not terribly louder than an A2... but distinct. Not nearly as offensive to shoot next to as some Surefire brakes I've been around.
What I like about the BC1.5" is how easy it made pinning to the barrel. It comes ready to go - a nice touch.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/6a8ysana.jpg
Unity Tactical Fusion Front Sight Hub / Ring Mount (http://www.unitytactical.com/products/fusion/) - This accessory, next to the rail, is what had me most excited. I love it. The concept of making a modular front mount is genius. It allows me to run what I need directly to the front of the carbine's top rail.
I opted for the folding front sight and 6P / Fury ring mount. The sight can be installed as either fixed or folding - a neat feature. For this carbine I currently am running a TR24 - so I kept it folding. I really liked that the ring mount can go on either side of the front sight - keeping it nice and tight at 11 or 1 o'clock. There's barely any clearance between the light and the front sight.... perfection.
Works wonderfully with the KAC 300M Micro Rear Sight (http://www.knightarmco.com/portfolio/micro-rear-flip-sight/).
While the Fusion is a little pricey, considering it's a top notch front sight and integrates tons of accessories from PEQs to WMLs to Handhelds (check their website), I think it's a pretty good deal. I believe the owner is a member, who's posts I've followed for years.
Finishing on all parts is top notch. The anodizing seems to match the Govt Dark Earth used on the Daniel Defense rails - a more "bronzy" dark earth.
Packaged nicely with easy to follow instructions.
Modularity is the future of gunfighting, IMO.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/atyta2et.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/a6umyqyn.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/4ymetuju.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/edase2yb.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/yha2azy8.jpg
^^ TR24 on 1x
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/muququra.jpg
^^Previous Gear Sector mount placed light too far back.
Umbrella Corporation Grip / untextured (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3292)- This was given as a gift from a close friend. While I haven't gotten around to stippling it yet, I like that you can order them plain to do so yourself. It's a nice nod to the hardcore shooting community.
The angle and "girth" of the grip is perfect. Not too skinny, not too wide - just right. The pistol-like angle is preferred, as the A2 grip never seemed to feel comfortable. While other offerings were better, it never really addressed the angle properly IMO.
Storage isn't an importance for me. There's nothing I'd need to store on the carbine that's worth adding weight to it, IMO.
For an inexpensive grip, I will look no further in the future.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/paby2uvy.jpg
B5 Bravo Sopmod Stock (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/B5-Systems-SOPMOD-BRAVO-Milspec-Stock-Black-p/b5(1082)system-bravo-stock-blk.htm) - I went from a Magpul MOE to a Magpul STR on this carbine (and the last upper the lower was on). While I loved the STR - I'm not one to store things on the carbine (as mentioned). So when the B5 Bravo was announced - I really wanted to try one based on the weight savings. 4+ ounces off the back is nothing to scoff at when the front of the rifle is lightweight.
It has that comfortable cheek weld like the SOPMOD, VLTOR, and STR stocks, but is a good deal lighter than the competition. Fit is snug and the finish is great.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/7y8u7u2e.jpg
Honorable Mentions (that have been around awhile) -
The Trijicon TR24 (https://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product3.php?pid=TR24) is a great all around optic - if a little heavy. The weight savings of this build allowed me to comfortably run this 1-4x optic.
The LaRue mount (http://www.laruetactical.com/larue-tactical-sprm4-193-mount-qd-lt-135) is extremely solid, and when taking the optic off - I've noticed no shift in zero (at least not that I can discern in my shooting).
The Noveske upper receiver (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2118) is the best finished stripped upper I've ever purchased. The laser markings are beautifully crisp and clear. This lower was always tight on other uppers, but fits perfectly on this Noveske upper. The finish is a deep black without looking glossy. All threads looked perfect. I don't think I'll buy another brand stripped upper receiver again.
The BCM Gunfighter (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-GUNFIGHTER-Charging-Handle-GFH-Mod-4-p/bcm%20gfh%20mod%204%20556.htm) has been reviewed extensively. If you have the extra bucks to upgrade - it's well worth it.
This Daniel Defense BCG (https://danieldefense.com/components-parts/upper-half/complete-bolt-carrier-group.html) has saved me from needing the above Gunfighter charging handle. It's got a few thousand rounds through it without issue. It was carried over from a previous upper.
Conclusion - - This build turned out exactly as I'd wanted. It's a system built around what I was looking for. Future upgrades include the Mount and Slot QD Sling mount (http://www.impactweaponscomponents.com/product/qd-rotation-limited-mount-n-slot-for-jpi-inc-viking-tactics-inc-vtac/) to further streamline the rail - though I want to verify it works for the Gen 2 SS rail.
I also have a Trijicon SRS (http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product1.php?id=SRS) on order, but am debating using an RMR06 (http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product2.php?id=RMR&mid=Adjustable%20LED) (what the Glock is rocking in the pics) to further keep the weight down. The cons of the RMR on a carbine may be outweighed by the weight savings... and folks like Pat MAC seem to like their RMRs on carbines.
I know it's the Indian and not the Arrow... but sometimes a straighter flying Arrow helps. This "arrow" has been a huge improvement. It's over 2 lbs lighter than my previous go-to carbine, and I make the accessories work for me in an ergonomically sound way so that I can focus on getting hits.
Weight WITHOUT Optic / Mag - 5 Pounds 9 Ounces
Weight with TR24 - 7 Pounds 12 Ounces
Weight without Optic or Light - 5 Pounds 3 Ounces
* Weights done with Electronic USPS Postal Scale
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/pe3e4a4e.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/2y6e3u2a.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/geju8e5u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/01/uhupevym.jpg
** Sorry for the crappy pics... I'm no photographer.