RobertTheTexan
05-16-18, 21:09
I debated "Optics and Mounts" but this is neither.
So I bought these BUIS a few years ago. I bought them from the same company that developed and sold the TacOps-1 and TacOps CQB charging handles which I did a review on some months back. I don't even know what FMC stands for. It is my understanding they were made specifically for this company (Mech Armor), why they didn't have a different name, who knows. The sad part of this story, is these are really solid back up irons. They probably aren't perfect, but I really haven't found any fault with them - in function or design. They are spring loaded, and pop up quickly, but do not lock into place. A small knock will have them return back upright position, but if you press it all the way down it locks in place. Release button is nicely machined for a positive grip on your finger tip, with or without glove. I've moved them from one AR to another. I did clean them up and hit them with my Aluminum Black, so they look pretty again, but they did have some gouges, and nicks and worn anodizing. (Thanks Birchwood-Casey!!) Sitting here writing this, I do find it rather interesting that I've sold off KAC folding sights, a fair share of Troy's (My go to), Magpuls etc. But I've held onto these. Maybe because they aren't made anymore, but then again, I did sell my stripped KAC lower, which also is no longer sold.
I would say that the function and finish are in line with their charging handle, which is to say, really high quality. The only negative is that on some scopes, the rear sight touched, but had enough leeway (from the spring I guess) to push down another millimeter, which was all it took. I never observed any of the objective or bells with any damage.
Now for some pics
https://s20.postimg.cc/g2p1iqwel/6_A311884-2_C2_D-4_D6_B-_B9_F9-_D51275_CD1294.jpg
Vertical position.
https://s20.postimg.cc/9c8k99yy5/7_F167_BF7-7917-4_C32-931_C-7_CDD32_D1_D0_E6.jpg
Aggressive pattern on the spring loaded release button to allow the sights to spring up in position.
https://s20.postimg.cc/7kflecsfx/F8_D68_DD2-_D760-4_C1_E-_BC43-748364378_F42.jpg
The scallops on the windage knob is actually pretty nice for getting a good grip with cold/wet fingers as I discovered during one of our cold spells winter before last.
https://s20.postimg.cc/i79ejsvgd/116_E12_C0-1_A78-40_B7-9779-5_D8068_FCFF83.jpg
Thanks for any insight or comments!
RTT
The "Rest of the Story". Not to be accused of making super-freaking long posts again, I left you with a trimmed down version up top. Stop now if you have reached your maximum word limit. :) Down here is more about the company and some other stuff they did. Mech Armor had contracted a machine shop in Florida I believe who did the machining and CNC work. Unfortunately, that machine shop/manufacturer was bought out and the contract was not renewed by the new corporation, not sure but it seems they weren't interested in the "little guy". So the BUIS fell by the wayside after having quality issues with another machine shop they were going to try and use. Those BUIS never saw light of day, and the project was eventually dropped. Prior to all of this Mech Armor also made armored turrets for M1114 Humvee's. The Praetorian-1 and a smaller version Praetorian-2, which were designed and deployed from 2006-2010. (To the best of my knowledge) Sometime after that, the same guy who designed the turret, designed the Tac-Ops charging handle. Not sure of the exact time frame for the BUIS, but my best guess is around 2013-2015
So I bought these BUIS a few years ago. I bought them from the same company that developed and sold the TacOps-1 and TacOps CQB charging handles which I did a review on some months back. I don't even know what FMC stands for. It is my understanding they were made specifically for this company (Mech Armor), why they didn't have a different name, who knows. The sad part of this story, is these are really solid back up irons. They probably aren't perfect, but I really haven't found any fault with them - in function or design. They are spring loaded, and pop up quickly, but do not lock into place. A small knock will have them return back upright position, but if you press it all the way down it locks in place. Release button is nicely machined for a positive grip on your finger tip, with or without glove. I've moved them from one AR to another. I did clean them up and hit them with my Aluminum Black, so they look pretty again, but they did have some gouges, and nicks and worn anodizing. (Thanks Birchwood-Casey!!) Sitting here writing this, I do find it rather interesting that I've sold off KAC folding sights, a fair share of Troy's (My go to), Magpuls etc. But I've held onto these. Maybe because they aren't made anymore, but then again, I did sell my stripped KAC lower, which also is no longer sold.
I would say that the function and finish are in line with their charging handle, which is to say, really high quality. The only negative is that on some scopes, the rear sight touched, but had enough leeway (from the spring I guess) to push down another millimeter, which was all it took. I never observed any of the objective or bells with any damage.
Now for some pics
https://s20.postimg.cc/g2p1iqwel/6_A311884-2_C2_D-4_D6_B-_B9_F9-_D51275_CD1294.jpg
Vertical position.
https://s20.postimg.cc/9c8k99yy5/7_F167_BF7-7917-4_C32-931_C-7_CDD32_D1_D0_E6.jpg
Aggressive pattern on the spring loaded release button to allow the sights to spring up in position.
https://s20.postimg.cc/7kflecsfx/F8_D68_DD2-_D760-4_C1_E-_BC43-748364378_F42.jpg
The scallops on the windage knob is actually pretty nice for getting a good grip with cold/wet fingers as I discovered during one of our cold spells winter before last.
https://s20.postimg.cc/i79ejsvgd/116_E12_C0-1_A78-40_B7-9779-5_D8068_FCFF83.jpg
Thanks for any insight or comments!
RTT
The "Rest of the Story". Not to be accused of making super-freaking long posts again, I left you with a trimmed down version up top. Stop now if you have reached your maximum word limit. :) Down here is more about the company and some other stuff they did. Mech Armor had contracted a machine shop in Florida I believe who did the machining and CNC work. Unfortunately, that machine shop/manufacturer was bought out and the contract was not renewed by the new corporation, not sure but it seems they weren't interested in the "little guy". So the BUIS fell by the wayside after having quality issues with another machine shop they were going to try and use. Those BUIS never saw light of day, and the project was eventually dropped. Prior to all of this Mech Armor also made armored turrets for M1114 Humvee's. The Praetorian-1 and a smaller version Praetorian-2, which were designed and deployed from 2006-2010. (To the best of my knowledge) Sometime after that, the same guy who designed the turret, designed the Tac-Ops charging handle. Not sure of the exact time frame for the BUIS, but my best guess is around 2013-2015