Hello, I am looking for a 16" M4 upper. I don't have a-lot of cash to spend, or enough knowledge to make the right call. I have a E.A. lower and a Bushmaster upper with a 20" heavy barrel. Should I go with a chrome lined barrel? Thanx.
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Hello, I am looking for a 16" M4 upper. I don't have a-lot of cash to spend, or enough knowledge to make the right call. I have a E.A. lower and a Bushmaster upper with a 20" heavy barrel. Should I go with a chrome lined barrel? Thanx.
whats your budget?
I have about $550 to spend, any more would be risking divorce.
and you're probably looking for a complete setup- bolt group, handguards, sights?
that's gonna be tough to do, and end up with something acceptable.
this gets you $20 over budget at $570 with the BCG and charging handle option, and you still need a rear sight- but it's the both the bare minimum and one of the best, at the same time. http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-1...urg-mid-16.htm
oh, you'll still need to get handguards too.
Another vote for BCM. Check out USMC03's website for more info.
BCM Complete AR15 Upper and Lower Receivers
The BCM would be the best quality for your application. If it boils down budget you have two choices.
1. Save a little while longer and get the BCM, bolt, CH, Handgaurds.
2. Look at another brand like RRA, Stag. They can be had complete for less $. I think PK Firearms online has complete Bushmaster and RRA uppers starting at $485ish.
I would save my pennies a little longer and go BCM but you still have choices.
Thanx for the quick responses. Tell me if this makes sense. I want to order the upper in a flat top because I want to put the flat top receiver on the 20" barrel for optics, and the bushmaster receiver on the M4. I have A2 sights on the Bushmaster receiver. Would I run into any problems with this approach?
I think I know what you are saying. You want to swap barrels from your current 20" A2 upper to a flattop upper correct? Then take that A2 upper and put it on an M4 Barrel/upper that you will be ordering?
Does that sound right?
If that is the case I would just purchase a flattop upper (NO BARREL) and do ONE barrel change converting your 20" A2 into a flattop A3. Then buy the M4 upper and be done with it. This all hinges on you having the tools and knowledge to pull off the barrel swap. Not hard but needs to be done correctly. Or find a smith who will do it for you or a buddy who has the tools. Don't do this on your own unless your ready to do it and have studied how to do it. Worse case is you kill yourself if you do it wrong.
To answer you first question about chrome lining. Its a matter of choice. Some say chrome or go home. Chrome does clean easier and will have a longer life but most people who only shoot casually would probably never shoot enough to wear out an AR barrel. Guys who shoot ALL the time, LEO, 3gun, the rich, will shoot enough to eventually wear out a barrel. Chrome will not be as accurate as nonchrome due to the slight imperfections/unevenness during the chroming process but again you will not notice the difference. Unless your interested in shooting bug holes it really wont matter to you. Most commercial AR uppers have chrome chambers and bores. Chrome barrels are usually considered an upgrade and cost a smidge more.
That's exactly what I was trying to say, are they compatible or would machining be required? I would be studying the procedure and doing it myself. I figured that would save me some money, Of course I would still have-to buy hand guards, charging handle, and whatever else. I will be taking your advise in the brand you guys suggested because I am no expert. Thank you all for steering me in the right direction, there are so many manufacturers it is very confusing to know what is what.
Ok. Then you need to buy some stuff and your budget is blown.
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Upper...p%20upper1.htm
This is one option for changing your A2 upper into an A3. Reuse all of your exsisting parts and you are GTG.
Then
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-M...4-14%20a2x.htm
Add an MPI bolt and Charging handle for $145 and some $20 handguards.
This would give you what I think you are after. Two complete uppers and one complete lower.
Eventually I would buy another lower either stripped or complete and then have two rifles. Its just more fun that way rather than swapping two uppers on one lower.
You will need some tools unless you have them or can borrow them.
AR barrel wrench - $40ish
Barrel vise or upper reciever vise block - $40ish
Torque wrench - ? Harbor Freight has them cheap for a one time use or rent one or borrow one.
Marine Corps Tech manual is nice place to start or there are many other books/manuals on the subject. Internet forums also have some nice detailed "how to" guides.
Good luck. Have fun. It is a pretty good feeling building your first AR.