Better than Mil-Spec?

[prepare]

List and/or describe proven improvements that are better than mil-spec. This not a list of items that people just like better but upgrades that actually improve the function and/or use of the AR/M4 platform

For example: (short list)

1. Medium contour barrels- better balance, harmonics, distributes heat more evenly

2. Ambidextrous charging handles- better manipulation characteristics

3. Triggers- accuracy

4. Free float hand guards- accuracy

5. Pistol grips- better grip angle

6. A5 Buffer System- enhances function


Also would like to discuss nitride. Not sure if nitride is better than phosphate for barrels and BCG's but starting to lean towards nitride as having better corrosion, ware, and added lubricity characteristics.

[MegademiC]

List and/or describe proven improvements that are better than mil-spec. This not a list of items that people just like better but upgrades that actually improve the function and/or use of the AR/M4 platform

For example: (short list)

1. Medium contour barrels- better balance, harmonics, distributes heat more evenly

2. Ambidextrous charging handles- better manipulation characteristics

3. Triggers- accuracy

4. Free float hand guards- accuracy

5. Pistol grips- better grip angle

6. A5 Buffer System- enhances function


Also would like to discuss nitride. Not sure if nitride is better than phosphate for barrels and BCG's but starting to lean towards nitride as having better corrosion, ware, and added lubricity characteristics.

Kac bolt

Wouldnt a pistol grip be an example of something that offers no improvement other than the shooter liking it?

[Warp]

Add to the list: Gas system length. Carbine gas on a 16" barrel (the 'commercial mil-spec' rifle is a 16) is definitely not ideal.

I think some stuff listed in OP might arguably be just what people like better, particularly pistol grip.

The Vltor A5 definitely belongs on the list, as does free float.

[M Sadler]

Better than mil-spec is a specious concept. Different than mil-spec? Now you have a conversation.

[mlberry]

Mil-spec does not mean the 'best". It simply means the design specifications set down for rifles/equipment purchased for the military. If you have a part that in not to mil-spec but actually works better, more durable and in all ways better than mil-spec; it is not mil-spec. My civilian M4 is not mil-spec. It has a 16 in barrel for one thing. On the other hand there are parts of it that are mil-spec.

[mack7.62]

Magpul PMAG
Barrel steel, I believe DD and FN are using different blends and FN does the double chrome
Geissele triggers

[1986s4]

I'm pretty new to AR's but it seems a valid question would be what does the user intend to do with it? But I get the question. Maybe we are talking about materials and engineering? One of the newer enhanced BCG's would seem nice but do I, a civilian semi-auto, weekend competitive shooter need one? Over and above a quality built standard BCG?

[Warp]

I'm pretty new to AR's but it seems a valid question would be what does the user intend to do with it? But I get the question. Maybe we are talking about materials and engineering? One of the newer enhanced BCG's would seem nice but do I, a civilian semi-auto, weekend competitive shooter need one? Over and above a quality built standard BCG?

Whether or not a change represents an objective improvement is an entirely different question than whether or not person X "needs" it.

[Sry0fcr]

Better than mil-spec is a specious concept.

Bingo.

Requirements drive the specification. If you want a better AKA different spec, start by identifying what you want the product to do, then figure out how to get it there. Something like:

Increase MRBF vs M4A1 carbine by 5+%, 10+% suppressed
Add ambidexterity features that are backwards compatible with legacy M4A1 carbine
Accuracy standard is minimum 2 MOA 10 shot group using Black Hills Mk262
Barrel shall be free floated to minimize deflection while shooting from barricades or bipods
Decrease or eliminate the need for lubrication of the operating system
Increase barrel life by 10+% vs M4A1 carbine
Decrease weight by 1+% vs M4A1 carbine
Ergonomic improvements shall be considered for use with body armor and shooting from a "squared" stance


Blah blah blah

[Dr. Bullseye]

If you are going to do a "better than mil spec" thread and give examples, shouldn't those offering examples give a few words as to why their offering is better than mil spec?