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Thread: Is there any easy/cost effective way to get a 12/13" hand guard and BUS on an M4?

  1. #1
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    Is there any easy/cost effective way to get a 12/13" hand guard and BUS on an M4?

    Long story short is, I like Colt's, but hate the short hand rail and iron sights.

    I Live in Lexington, KY and the biggest gun shop in the area sells 6920's with the MOE trim for less than $1200.

    Good deal! Right?

    I just can't stand the short hand rail or sights. I think Colt's are a good bang for the buck right now, but I would really prefer something like a Troy 13" rail with Troy BUS.

    I guess I am asking is how hard is it to strip off that front sight? Some folks have told horror stories, but I wanted to see if they are accurate.

    I am also wondering how the stock gas block would work with a third party rail???

    I would appreciate any help I can get here. I am not new to rifles, but I haven't bought anything new in a looong time. Colt seems to get just as good of a review as some other brands that cost more; DD, Larue, LMT, so I thought I would start there.

    I doubt this would ever really be used for HD, I have the Glocks for that. Would for sure be called on for a SHTF situation. For sure the gun will see time at some classes next year. Beyond that, who knows.

    Thanks ahead of time, Giff

  2. #2
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    Troy Delta; love your FSP, it's strong and you can open beers with it.

    Cutting / re-profiling is better than removing and adding some other gas block, IMO. Thats not too difficult either-




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  3. #3
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    Are you asking about removing the FSB or perhaps chopping it down to make it low profile? Or would you be happy with a rail that goes around the FSB?

    How familiar are you with disassembling these rifles? Some handguards require a different barrel nut. the work you will have to do will differ depending on the rail you choose. are you looking at any rails in particular?

    I guess in short, difficulty depends on the tools you have and your ability to use them (or willingness to learn).
    "A tit in hand is worth two in the window"

  4. #4
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    Your best option is to cut and shave down the FSB and use it like a low pro gas block. All you need is a Dremel, vutting wheels, some emery cloth and then something to refinish it. It will take you about 45 minutes or so. Clean it up good and then paint it with some hi temp flast black paint.

    I have done several of these and they are good to go. I am sure that if you use the ORANGE SEARCH button, you will see pics of cut and shaved FSB's. I can also recommend the Centurion Arms rail without reservation. 3 of my AR's have Centurion rails on them.

    Quote Originally Posted by Giff74 View Post
    Long story short is, I like Colt's, but hate the short hand rail and iron sights.

    I Live in Lexington, KY and the biggest gun shop in the area sells 6920's with the MOE trim for less than $1200.

    Good deal! Right?

    I just can't stand the short hand rail or sights. I think Colt's are a good bang for the buck right now, but I would really prefer something like a Troy 13" rail with Troy BUS.

    I guess I am asking is how hard is it to strip off that front sight? Some folks have told horror stories, but I wanted to see if they are accurate.

    I am also wondering how the stock gas block would work with a third party rail???

    I would appreciate any help I can get here. I am not new to rifles, but I haven't bought anything new in a looong time. Colt seems to get just as good of a review as some other brands that cost more; DD, Larue, LMT, so I thought I would start there.

    I doubt this would ever really be used for HD, I have the Glocks for that. Would for sure be called on for a SHTF situation. For sure the gun will see time at some classes next year. Beyond that, who knows.

    Thanks ahead of time, Giff



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  5. #5
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    What do you have right now in the AR15 platform? A lot of military personnel have actually engaged bad people with "short" hand rails and iron sights and have lived to tell about it. Does your "tactical" needs exceed theirs? You have a LGS that sells 6920s, consider yourself lucky. Buy one, shoot it, get intimate with it. It will let you know what you need to be better. Who knows, over time you'll become your own SME.

  6. #6
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    I say bust out the ole dremel tool and get to work. If it turns out terrible, buy an aftermarket lo-pro gas block.

    Just because people used short rails in the past doesn't mean you should settle for anything less than what makes you comfortable. The more comfortable you are with your rifle, the better you'll shoot.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3 AE View Post
    A lot of military personnel have actually engaged bad people with "short" hand rails and iron sights and have lived to tell about it. Does your "tactical" needs exceed theirs?
    When I was in we also had other little things, like air support and artillery. What does that have to do with anything?

    Iraqgunz nailed it, another option would be getting a basic 6920 if that is cheaper and you are going to mod it anyway. Chop the FSB, drop on a Centurion Arms rail, and enjoy it.
    Stick


    Board policy mandates I state that I shoot for BCM. I have also done work for 200 or so manufacturers within the firearm community. I am prior service, a full time LEO, firearm instructor, armorer, TL, martial arts instructor, and all around good guy.

    I also shoot and write for various publications. Let me know if you know cool secrets or have toys worthy of an article...


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  8. #8
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    +1 on the centurion rail, maybea little more scratch than the troy, but worth it IMO. I don't think I'll ever use another brand of rail. I use the cutout model because I like the FSB.

  9. #9
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    I just performed a FSB chop and it was pretty easy to do. If you have access to a Dremel and or an angle grinder you pretty much have everything you need. Also, I left the upper completely assembled except for the gas tube. leaving the upper assembled made taking the whole assembly to a bench grinder for the final shaping an easy task.

    I highly recommend this approach. If you have any questions about the process PM me, I'd be glad to help.
    "A tit in hand is worth two in the window"

  10. #10
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    What is the best option for refinishing the fsb after cutting and grinding it?
    I've seen people say paint and others use aluminum black.

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