My Bushmaster M4 Build-in-Progress

[rhino]

A: To be honest, the co-witness sucks with the riser. The red dot module inside the optic tube is in the 6 o'clock position, so it does a pretty good job of obscuring the co-witness anyway. No biggie for me, as its a play toy more than anything.

Without the riser though, the tube would sit too low on the rail, making it tough to get a good cheek weld, and I'm guessing my front sight post would be in the way. It certainly wouldn't provide an absolute co-witness.

If you look at the ARFCOM link, there is some talk of another riser (by another manufacturer) that provides an absolute co-witness (if memory serves).

THANKS!

 

[esrice]

New picture and a couple of gear reviews added!

Review of Urban ERT sling: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...gear/71290-review_urban_ert_sling_for_m4.html

Small review of Magpul AFG: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...magpul_afg_-_angled_fore_grip.html#post794268

 

[esrice]

Here's a more final before and after. I need to take some new pics with the new railcovers.

BEFORE

AFTER

 

[esrice]

UPDATE:

So the Primary Arms Micro clone really got me jonesing for a smaller and lighter REAL Aimpoint Micro. On paper the weight difference doesn't seem that big, but swapping out the optic showed me that it was worth the extra scratch.

So I traded my CompC3 to lovemywoods for his CompM2 in standard LaRue mount + some cash, then sold off the M2. I then added some more cash and ordered an Aimpoint H-1 Micro in LaRue LT-660 mount direct from LaRue Tactical (yay swag!) today.

Aimpoint Micro H-1 4MOA/M4 Mount Combo 500-015-660 500-015-661 500-015-660HK

During MDFI's Carbine I class back in July my Midwest Industries flip-up BUIS took a poop. I still have all the parts and have considered seeing if Midwest will replace it, but haven't taken the time to send it back. Replacement will most likely be a Troy unit.

I'm currently VFG-less, as I sold the Magpul AFG and CAA SVG to help fund the new optic-- I was interested in trading them out anyway. Next I think I'll try Magpul's new RVG (rail vertical grip) as I like the smooth rail-to-grip interface and stubby length.

So here's the most recent build price breakdown:

$1,000 Bushmaster Patrolman's M4 + 1 magazine, out-the-door (March '09)
$600 Aimpoint H-1 Micro w/LaRue LT-660 mount
$19 Ergo Suregrip
$19 Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard
$108 (6) Lancer L5 magazines
$179 Daniel Defense OmegaX 12.0FSP rail
$30 Magpul B.A.D. Lever
$10 JP Reduced Power Trigger Spring Set
$5 BCM Extractor Upgrade Kit
$35 Magpul XTm railcovers
$20 (2) Ergo ladder railcover
$3 INGO patch
$60 Urban ERT single/double-point sling w/2 QD swivels
$90 Magpul CTR stock
$40 TangoDown PR-4 rear sling mount w/QD swivel
$20 VTAC light mount
$35 Streamlight PolyTac LED light
$245 CMMG .22 Conversion w/3 mags

$2,518 total

 

[jd4320t]

Congrats. I think I'm going down about the same road as you with my build

 

[jblomenberg16]

You had to go and tally up the costs, didn't you...its like counting your poker chips at the table....never a good thing!


Looking forward to the range report on both the Micro and the eventual direction on the VFG.

 

[mvician]

Nice addition with the H1


Of all the VFG types/styles, angled, handstop, ect, I've found for me nothing beats the KAC vfg. Whether full size or custom chop job, it's what I always end up going back to.

 

[esrice]

You had to go and tally up the costs, didn't you...its like counting your poker chips at the table....never a good thing!

Mainly I do it so that newbies (like I was when I started this thread) can get an idea of my exact process, as well as the associated costs.

You can already chop ~$200 off the top of that pricetag though because I bought the base rifle during the Obama hype and paid more than today's current prices.

If I was re-buying everything today I would pay $800 for the Spike's M4. Doesn't mean I don't like the Bushmaster and it hasn't performed 100% for me, I just like how the Spike's already has many milspec features.

More pics to come when the UPS man shows up in a few days!

 

[esrice]

Just realized I forgot to update this thread with the M4's first carbine class.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...1-mdfi_carbine_i_6_27_10_aar.html#post1127034

 

[lovemachine]

I was able to see this rifle in person. Very nice! I really liked that Aimpoint. I was curious, and I forgot to ask the other day, what reasons persuaded you to purchase THAT Aimpoint mini?

 

[mvician]

what reasons persuaded you to purchase THAT Aimpoint mini?

Probably the price....

the T1 is resistant to 80 ft and has night vision setting
the H1 is "waterproof"

functionally everything else is the same

 

[OneBadV8]

You had to go and tally up the costs, didn't you...its like counting your poker chips at the table....never a good thing!

What he said.


That got me curious, so I added up my parts.

I wouldn't recommend doing that.

 

[esrice]

what reasons persuaded you to purchase THAT Aimpoint mini?

Probably the price....

the T1 is resistant to 80 ft and has night vision setting
the H1 is "waterproof"

functionally everything else is the same

Mike is on it. The price difference was ~$50.

 

[esrice]

As per LaRue usual, my new H1 arrived 5 days after ordering. Stuffed with the obligatory swag, I opened the box just long enough to verify that everything was there. Then I headed down to Brown County for NFA Weekend.

Finally had a chance to snap some pics:

 

[lovemachine]

Looks better in person!

 

[theweakerbrother]

Looks better in person!

Yea, I try to convince people that the same is true for me. It doesn't work!

Evan, your rifle is one sexy beast.

 

[esrice]

After having a bit of scratch left over from my Micro purchase, I finally decided on a low-profile "sneaky bag" setup. You can read more about my search here: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ags_aka_grab_n_go_bag_active_shooter_bag.html

Eagle Patrol Bandoleer

While I was ordering from SKD, I also added a Magpul RVG.

Magpul MOE RVG Rail Vertical Grip

I look forward to testing out the Patrol Bandoleer. It's VERY low-profile, maybe even too much so. We'll see. Perhaps I will get a chance to try it out during next month's Carbine II class in New Castle.

 

[RichardR]

Yea Esrice I'm curious about that Patrol Bandoleer myself, so I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on it after you've had a chance to field test it.

 

[esrice]

Ok, got some new gear.

You can read about my initial impression on the Eagle Patrol Bandoleer here: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo..._go_bag_active_shooter_bag-3.html#post1338586

I had a spare Magpul AFG sitting in my box 'o stuff, and I finally got around to modifying it so it would fit my skinny Daniel Defense rail with XTm railcovers. I essentially turned the AFG into the AFG2 with 2 minutes time and a hacksaw.

I'll continue to try out the AFG, but I'm still not a big fan.

So I went back to a standard stubby VFG.

Enter the Magpul RVG (rail vertical grip). This thing flat out rocks. It's the right shape, it's lightweight, it has a really nice texture to it, looks good, has a smooth rail-to-grip interface, it locks on SUPER solid with no wiggle, and it only costs $24. I'm in love.

Interesting to note-- it actually came with a 2-slot piece of MOE rail with screws.

 

[Gamez235]

Is that a DD rail? I keep talking myself out of getting one for my DI gun. I can't see with all the XTM panels on there.