Stick, hope you don't mind me starting this here since you're one of the few experts on the subject.
As some folks will recall, I tend to be a fan of starting my builds based on proven military-issue engineering and then adapting based on my needs, NFA compliance or component availability. Right now I have the PDW role covered by a "Mk 18-ish" build, the C8 and M4 (under construction) have "Service Rifle/Carbine" taken care of, so I'm looking at something in between and the dueling options are various GL/SSC-based setups or a GAU-5 ASDW. Mainly we're discussing URG's here, the bottom halves will all be the same either way going together as a pistol--the questions there will be whether to go clone or improve via the A5 system, and whether or not to add a LAW sidefolder. (Primary mission on this build will be Home D, but I also like all my irons to be built close to something mil-issue that I can use for class Range Days when/if I break back into academia so it needs to be something that can pass for its military counterpart in a "shoot this, shoot its generations-past counterpart then write Compare/Contrast paper" role.) Other assumptions are that I don't really need to engage beyond about 200-300 yards, I prefer fixed iron sights and the less moving parts required to make ready to fire other than "flip safety off or charge" the better. (The only reason I use Diamondhead folders is I find them especially suited to my bad eyes--seriously, back in college the guys I shot with used to call me "Gun Tommy, shoots by sense of smell"--and if I could somehow jigger them into fixed or get DH to make me a non-folder adaptation I would in a heartbeat.) Other relevant notes, this build will be neither a grenade launcher nor a suppressor host.
Option 1: Midwest GAU-5
Pros: Off-the-shelf. Breaks in half with quick reassembly should a discreet-carry/transport situation arise. Longer BUIS sight radius.
Cons: Folding sights require deployment on top of assembly before shot. No "issue config" optic. (If I go this route and add an optic, I want it to be one that could hold zero through the knocks of a Martin-Baker Fan Club ejection and landing.)
Option 2: GL/SSC rumored variant, based on Centurion upper with 10.75" KAC URX-II rail
Pros: Components nominally available. Optic friendly. LPVO friendly if optics turn that direction. More rail than RAS.
Cons: Folder front sight requires deployment. Removal of gas block and some outsourcing to currently-closed pro smith for rail install and torquing required. Less rail than Centurion. URX-II getting hard to find and requires special tools.
Option 3: GL/SSC "Block 1," Centurion upper with M4 RAS
Pros: Simple, classic method. RAS is drop-in install I can do at home. Fixed FSB means less moving parts.
Cons: Limited rail space. LPVO pointless with FSB, so useful optics limited to RDS.
Option 4: GL/SSC "Ersatz Block 2" FSP, Centurion upper with C4 Pocket Rail
Pros: Off-the-shelf factory assembled option, when Monty has parts stock. Fixed FSP.
Cons: Requires 0.2" shim behind FH to restore FH/rail clearance geometry or use of a "non-standard" linear comp/blast shield.
Option 5: GL/SSC "Ersatz Block 2" Flattop, Centurion upper with 12" C4 Rail
Pros: Off-the-shelf factory assembled option, when Monty has parts stock. Longer BUIS sight radius.
Cons: Requires 0.2" shim behind FH to restore FH/rail clearance geometry or use of a "non-standard" linear comp/blast shield. Folding BUIS requires deployment.
Based on these possible options and their pros/cons, I'm throwing this out to Stick Nation for opinions... Any of you guys see any advantages/disadvantages each option may have that I've missed, or anything that should move some options up or down on preference relative to others? (Eventually I'd like both a "GL/SSC-ish" and an ASDW in the rack, but as it is the house already has more iron than shooters so we're adequately equipped and the second in same role would be a luxury.) Remember, this has to be an NFA-compliant "Pistol" or "Title 1 Other" build... which means probably no VFG, definitely none if outfitted with a LAW.
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