m4 or ar15
are they the same? what is the difference?
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a1cwboy,
The M4 has a shorter barrel and collapsible stock. It is a variation of the AR15/M16 rifle.
If you are looking for current variations of the AR15 then that would be an AR15A2. It has the 'carry' handle sight still, adjustable out to 800m. And, a 20" barrel. The true M4 has a barrel length of 14.5". For legality reasons here in the states, most M4 'copies' have a 16" barrel. You could also go with the -A3 which is a flat-top (w/picatinny rail), instead of the carry handle. You can then interchange a scope, CQB sight, quick-change carry handle, lights, crap, more crap, and even probably stick a radar on there....[}:)] Your state may have laws regarding that though.
Bottom line is the AR15 line of rifles has become a thing of components so much so, that it's almost like playing with Legos as to what you can add to one. Figure what you are most going to need for it then decide what to start building it with (or buying it whole). Once you get one upper you may want one of the more powerful cartridges that can go on it. All that takes pretty much is a change of an upper and a bolt. And magazines. And a sight to match your new caliber...
The list of accessories for these is not endless. But, if you lined them up, one by one, they would go past the horizon.
The first thing you need to ask yourself is "What do I want to use it for" That at least will narrow down your initial parts order to one type rifle. Build that, (or buy it) then think about other things to do with it.0 -
Thank you very much. I am planning to use it mostly for varmint hunting, Ive looked at the ruger ar15, liked it although it is heavier than most. havent been able to get with anyone who actually has one or fired one to see what the review was. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by a1cwboy
Thank you very much. I am planning to use it mostly for varmint hunting, Ive looked at the ruger ar15, liked it although it is heavier than most. havent been able to get with anyone who actually has one or fired one to see what the review was.
Ahhh,... that helps narrow it down a bit. For Varmint hunting I would prefer a flat-top (A-3) with a barrel length of between 20-24". That will come with rifle length gas tube (you will know why later). Although, a number of people will tell you 16"-20" is better. I don't agree but you will need to weigh in for yourself what is needed. You can make changes down the road that won't necessarily cost you a ton of money.
I would also suggest at this time you go with a 5.56 chamber and not a .223 chamber. At least get a .223 Wylde chamber if you don't go 5.56. Reason being is: You CAN fire .223 in a 5.56 chamber. You SHOULD NOT fire 5.56 in a .223. The rounds are identical dimensionally on the outside. The 5.56 is loaded hotter. They are too hot to fire in your .223 chamber. So, that's why I say that.
Do you plan to build it yourself or buy it whole? A lot of these can be found in kits that don't cost near as much and you need to know some simple things to put them together. That and about $100 worth of tools. If you want to do more than one this is definitely the way to go.... I think...not everbody else thinks this.[:D]
Folding/collapsible stock isn't necessary, but if it's a gun that goes in and out of vehicles, isn't a bad thing to have. In your case, a picatinny gas block would be my preference over the std, bipod front sight (gets in the way).
You probably won't be needing a radar for this gun[;)]
-good luck0 -
thanks again for your input, and your time. I would like to build it my self, have wanted to put one together for a while now. I will look into the kits you were talking about. any mfg sugestions? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by a1cwboy
thanks again for your input, and your time. I would like to build it my self, have wanted to put one together for a while now. I will look into the kits you were talking about. any mfg sugestions?
The best bang for the buck kit wise is to build it with DPMS components. Unfortunately this isn't the most inexpensive way to go though. You can actually buy a brand new DPMS M4 carbine from Buds cheaper then you can build one from a kit.
Converting it into a varmint rifle would entail changing the barrel, gas tube, handguard, gasblock & some other small parts, and butt stock. You could sell the M4 carbine barrel, with it's associated parts and telescoping stock on the auctions to defray a lot of the cost of the varmint barrel and A2 stock.
Both Brownells and Midway have large internet sites with extensive selections of tools and parts for all variations of the AR 15. Midway has the best prices. They both have large free paperback catalogs with these same tools and parts in the. Just drop them a e-mail and they will send them for free. Midway calls theirs the gunsmithing catalog, Brownells the AR 15 catalog.0 -
Rock River kits on line here. Look for individual lowers and uppers, barrels, free-floated handguards, lower trigger/parts kits (Rock River NM or National Match are MY favorite), buttstocks (feel as many as you can hands on before you buy, my favorite is the magpul PRS).
Look at www.midwayusa.com, www.brownells.com, www.model1sales.com, www.rockriverarms.com. Check out www.snipershide.com and see what folks think over there. Same some of the other 'sniper' websites. Also, google 'varmint' websites and see what they do. www.longrangehunting.com. Len Backus over there has a pretty good hunting/shooting site.
There is a ton of stuff here on the net to find. This really boils down to finding what you want.
Don't forget, first thing on the list are the 2 tools you need. The AR15 barrel wrench and the action holder/wrench. The first you can't get by without. IMO neither can you get by without the second, but some do. It's a matter of how bad you scratch up your new upper[xx(].
Edit:
I mentioned above, in a previous post about the difference in a 5.56 and a .223. I also need to say that the 5.56 chamber has a longer leade and that is what allows the pressure to be initially higher and then dissipated. It is important to know they are not fully interchangeable.
THAT ...is what a varmint rig should look like! Good job armilite!
[img][/img]
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quote:Originally posted by a1cwboy
thanks again for your input, and your time. I would like to build it my self, have wanted to put one together for a while now. I will look into the kits you were talking about. any mfg sugestions?
A look at the Brownells or Midway website will give you lots of info and "how to" videos - Brownells is the easier site to navigate, at least for me.
One thing to be aware of is there are literally hundreds of odds & ends to choose from - heck, one company sells a plastic plug that fills a slight gap between the AR frame and pistol grip. You can be easily diverted by the options and separated from a fair amount of money on your way to a build. Stick with the basics of a comfortable stock, a good trigger and a suitable upper with a heavy barrel.
I've built a dozen or so but have always kept my endeavors limited to building the lower and buying the upper fully assembled.0 -
For varmint shooting a free floating handguard and the best adjustable trigger you can afford need to get equal priority to a good barrel.
Subtract them from standard kit and buy them separately.
Also get the longer handguard.0 -
The people who have replied here have given you some sound advice. When completed your rifle should resemble this. This is a left handed model that I put together using a Colt Match lower, a Lothar Walthar heavy stainless barrel and a Badger free float stabilizer hand guard. I added some extras which you may or may not need. An ambidextrous safety, over sized bolt release and extended charging handle latch. I also use a Versa Pod bipod with a quick release feature. You will also notice that this rifle was built as a left handed rifle. JT Distributing can build you a clone of this rifle if you want the built type. They can't give you the Colt lower but can put one together for you that is as good.
Don't forget that you will also need a good Quality scope and you can't skimp here. You'll have to allow for a ball park figure of $400 and up for a good scope. Hope this helps you a bit and good luck in you endeavor.
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