I moved from NJ to ME a few months back, and looking to pick up (or order online) a few stripped lowers next week. Figured I’d keep some for a rainy day... but likely doing one as a 5.56mm AR pistol.
Upper will eventually be a BRN-180S. Gives me the barrel length I’d want in a 5.56mm (10.5”), but also allows me to not run a traditional buffer system. I eventually will go with a shorter barrel pistol, likely in 9mm (probably 5” to 8” range), so I feel good with the upper choice. But going that route has given me three setups that I’m going back and forth on. Figured some might have tried one/two/all... so looking for insight.
My first option was put in a M1913 endplate (likely KNS), and use a SB FS1913 brace (think MPX/MCX). That one gets rid of an empty buffer tube, and allows for easy storage. However, the LOP is fixed (maybe it works for me, maybe it doesn’t), the brace doesn’t look comfortable if shouldered (cheek-weld), and no idea on how solid the lockup is. Not that cheap, but figure folding the pistol to lose that much length makes the price somewhat worth it.
Second option was just put on a buffer tube, and run a traditional brace; SB A3 was the front runner, but have been eyeing up the CMMG Rip Brace. Compactness isn’t its strong suit, but should be solid. Shooting a brace isn’t the same as shooting a stock, my TAC-14 taught me that much... but it should be pretty close in those situations. Also, if I decide to go with a regular upper somewhere down the road, all I need is a spring and buffer. Not caring about OAL, and possibly putting a vertical grip on... so would completely be for a solid shooting platform.
The third is actually one I’m least interested in, but figured I’d see if people have some feedback with it. Pretty much, same as the second option (A3 or Rip Brace)... but with a LAW Folder. If I was running a regular buffer system and wanted a folder, I’d see merit with that. But for $240 for just that part, I feel it isn’t worth the costs. And while everything I read about it says it is solid... it is just extra stuff to go wrong.
Just looking if anyone tried any of these setups and how you liked/dislikes it. Maybe you said the hell with one for a specific reason... so looking for the good/bad/ugly. This is mainly a fun build because we really couldn’t do much along those lines in NJ, but I might pull some application out of it as a truck gun. I’m Federal L/E, so a longer pistol could be useful.
Thanks for your time.
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