I was at a gun shop in IL and they had a bin full of M5 RAS and I’m kicking myself for not buying at least ten of them because they had them for sale for 30 bucks a rail 😭
I can't say I ever saw a true black M5 RAS when I was in, ie same hardcoat finish as the reciever. I never saw one that wasn't shredded and beat up with any more than 2 raul covers
@garyK.45ACP I got a P+S full kit from thoroughbred armament. They have them in stock quite regularly for a reasonable price. I almost brought a quad rail from midwest before I found itt
During my “less enlightened” time, I set out to build an A1 clone, like I had in AF BMT, but I ended up with an A2 stock, govt barrel, pic rail upper, and removable carry handle. I did, however, put an A1 hand guard on…and then realized I had just built an A4 (with an A1 handguard)!! Turned out fairly light and quite accurate.
About 60% of the M5 RAS' real estate is completely useless and unnecessary so you saved yourself $300. If the magpul MOE handguard had a top picatinny section for a PEQ it would serve equally well
@@onseki1774 just slap some rail covers on the ras. For a non FF rail, the ras is probably one of the best if not the best. The way it locks down onto the barrel nut on the rear and the leaf spring up front makes it super stable.
I just bought the FN M16A4 military collector and I love it. I really want to get the m4 version but 2k for the gun, 1,800 for the ACOG drained me. I installed a Specter 3 point sling with the emergency release and stock mag pouch. I am debate getting a $50 PEQ-15 just for looks because I can’t afford or maybe legally own one. My serial number is cool because it starts with M16CE for M16 Collector edition. I love your video and found this rifle from your video. I also built a M16A1 with a Aero Precision lower, and the rest from Brownells retro series. I love the old tri-guards. I did not serve but I really love military weapon like the M14/ M1A, Tavor IWi X96, FN Scar and Sig 226 MK25 Also got a Riley Defense AKM or AK-47.
I just bought an FN M16A4 upper from Ohio Ordnance, got a FN F marked bolt carrier with MPF on the bolt from Shark arms, I bought the Aero M16A4 marked complete lower, it made a really nice rifle for about a grand. Got to decide on an optic for it, I just don’t care much for the ACOG.
You can purchase assembled 20" CHF uppers from PSA when they have them in stock.. They come with Columbia SC, Cold Hammer Forged, Chrome Lined, FN barrels.. That alone makes it a better clone than one with all the correct markings yet without a CHF/CL barrel. The 20" CHF / CL barrel is the heart of any A2/A4 rifle build.
I have one with the standard barrel without the PSA BCG, charging handle or carry handle. Just a note the hand guards are oval in cross section not circular. Does not matter to me but to a picky person that will.
You can buy the FN M16A4 upper from Ohio ordnance for the same money, and it has the M5 RAS with the covers and a cage coded Matech, the FN upper has the F marked receiver also!
My Colt A4 has the F Marked front sight and a safe/fire switch on both sides with the proper barrel markings as well. It came with the old A2 style hand guards which was the only down side for me compared to the Knights rails ( which cost $ 320.00 ) ..... If anyone knows where to get those rails cheaper let me know .... I bought mine in December 2018 so its weird that it is different than this one ....... PS I enjoy your insight stories into Colt when you worked there.... I like the Colt , especially the 20' inch barrel .......
I am a little less than $800 into a Aero M16À4 with a KAC M5 RAS, the upper is a complete 20" 1x7, but it's not chrome lined, it's nitrided, but I don't care. I am going to order the Trijicon ACOG TA31F RCO this month to complete the build
@@Patriotusa44 I love my 20" AR15's. The A4 is my go to rifle to bring to the range, I still need an ACOG but I will get one before to long. I also have a 1x9 A2 20" that gets almost as much use, I am a sucker for the A2 uppers, so last March right as everything was going to crap I picked up a Bushmaster 16" A2. I am going to put a Colt 6920 barrel on it eventually and call it good
2024 Update: PSA sells "US Property" marked M16A4 stripped lowers if you are interested in building your own. Carolina Laser Works offers custom UID tags for a very reasonable price.
I've got a sickness for the M16A4 clone builds. Just finishing up my third, this one a USMC specific build. It is a factory Colt M16A4 upper with proper 13629 marking, proper Colt BCG and bolt. Only weird thing is that the FSB is not marked at all.
@@davidschaadt3460 Correct. The factory stopped marking them "F" since they are now ALL for flat top receivers. If you are building a carry handle model, you have to be careful which FSB you put on it. Worst case...the difference is .040" (the F marked being taller) so it can be adjusted for by turning the front sight almost all the way down, OR you can mill/file .040" off a standard A2 front sight post.
Excellent video full of info that helps many of us. I have been gathering parts and am almost there. Thank you for the time and care to post all the videos. I will add that building clone rifles is expensive, Fun and can become addicting though. 👍
I have the Aero Precision M-4 "Property of USA" marked lower on my clone with a 14.5" barrel with a pinned and welded flash hider. Realy nice and one of my favorites since the bayonet mounts properly Real good program,Chris
My A4 "clone" has a real Military FN upper with just a PSA lower. Its just a toy but I got the upper for about $500. It came with everything except the BCG and charging handle. Using PSA is extreme heresy I know i plan to upgrade to a BCM or FN one day. As it sits though for $800 I have the gun I shot at 500 yards for Qual.
I bought two of the FN m16a4 uppers from Ohio Ordinance, I think I gave around $550 for them each. I ordered one, when it got here and I saw what it was I immediately ordered another. They were almost gone. They have the F marked upper and cage code barrel. I built one on an Aero m16a4 lower, the other one I got an FN stripped lower from a friend that owns a gun shop. I bought the F marked bcg from Sharks! I put a Colt parts kit in the lower. And bought the A2 stock from Sharks. They made two fine rifles!
Kinda bummed the FN M16A4 isn't from the same production line. I got one awhile back for $1700 from a local gun store, had some money to burn and walked into a gun store with the FN A4 CE hanging on the wall. Stood there admiring it for a few minutes, and bought one. Coincidentally Post Malone was also in that store picking up some transfers, notably one of them being a H&K Mk23.
I have to say carrying the A4 rifle I hated that mag pouch try shooting weak side with that pouch on with a mag in it I took mine off took some flak from it since its by order of the USMC to have it.
I have a usmc surplus A4 upper from FN it has the F by the other forge mark on the upper like a colt but the barrel has the FN cage code 3S679 MP 556 NATO 1/7 not FNMI or the commercial logo the date on the barrel is 5/12
Have you heard of Sabre defense, I heard they are one of three companies that won the us contracts for M16A2, the other two is FN and Colt. The FN collection M16A2 is out of my price range, but the parts kit from Sabre defense? I like a usgi clone M16A2 in my collection for under 1k.
Minh Vu Sabre were shit! They made nothing in-house. All bought from government approved sub contractors. I was to the factory inspecting the stations after everyone there got arrested.
SmallArmsSolutions oh I see, thanks for the reply! Your knowledge is amazing on the topic of M4/M16,you def know your stuff and got a passion about it! I’m sad that Colt doesn’t sale to the public market anymore, just FN! I went with psa upper with 20” FN barrel and their A2 complete lower, and I found a colt carry handle to make my clone M16A2. I used to hate the fat hand guard look but you can’t beat that classic look and smooth rifle length!
Substitute the KAC rail with a Geissele NM rail and then you will have a rifle adequate for US Service Rifle Competition, which all here would be smart to get into because it inspires extraordinary marksmanship development and rewards those who reach the highest plateaus of development with the US Distinguished Rifleman Badge. The bottom-line is get the free float rail and get into competition for a much more involved experience with your clone than can be gleaned just from ownership and casual range time.
@@SmallArmsSolutions. For Service Rifle Competition neither lighter or thinner is an attribute for me. The Geissele in fact is the closest rail out there today with the characteristics of the discontinued DD-1006 rail used on the USAMU produced SDMRs back some years ago which worked nicely for all sorts of needs. At any rate, my impressions come from Service Rifle Competition (US Distinguished Rifleman) and as a Military Rifle Instructor assisting USAMU deliver SDM, TTT, and SAFS Training. No doubt though there are many notions about what authorized free float solution is best for Service Rifle Competition. Progress might be the best indicator for any decision made. What’s your personal experience?
Govt contracts does not mean best equipment. However, personal preference accounts for a lot. Mechanical wise, there is nothing special about GEISSELE rails. Heavy, bulky and way overpriced.
@@SmallArmsSolutions you miss the whole point, which is simply get a free float rail instead of KAC and get into competition for a more entertaining experience with the A4 concept. Now, what’s your personal experience in Service Rifle Competition to declare the Geissele too heavy and bulky? In other words, what’s your classification? I question because I don’t think you have any credentials in the matter of Service Rifle Competition to profess on it. Fact is the Geissele NM forearm is ideal for US Service Rifle Competition and thus is offered on match conditioned rifles built by prestigious builders such as Compass Lake Engineering and White Oak Precision.
I'm looking at the BCM 20" upper, government profile, for $500 and the BCM Mk12 upper for a little over $1500. Do the groups from each upper, say on the same lower, same BCG show that much of a difference in size, comparable to the price difference? I know the Mk12 has a 410 SS barrel and the Government 20" has a chrome-lined 11595-E CMV barrel. I've seen some A4 groups that are pretty tight using standard Ammo.. I'm thinking with match grade ammo, the actual difference in accuracy would not be that much different.
@SmallArmsSolutions On the colt rifle in this video.... what is the wrap around piece right behind the FSB, wrapped around the handguard that you have the sling attached to? I have searched and searched for that piece. I do not want to attach my sling to the FSB, nor do I want to use a qd socket. I am begging for help on this. Thanks.
That attachment comes with the sling. I forgot what it's called, but there are few companies like Spector Gear and Black Hawk that make slings with that attachment. Eagle Industries had one called the Tas 1 sling that also had that attachment. Also check out the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling.
My "not-so-close-clone" has a PSA lower with BCM lpk, and a sabre defense M16A4 upper, and a carry handle. Can't afford an acog yet, guess I'll take the opportunity to practice the iron sights.
@@tbonemoon1330 it runs pretty smoothly with H2 buffer (plan to switch to rifle buffer tube and buffer weight in the future). Feed and eject just fine. I removed most of the rail cover panels from the handguard to reduce weight. The government profile barrel is nice. Overall weight feels lighter than my ar15/m4 upper with a socom profile heavy barrel. Go for it.
Gadsden Viper, I built an A4 clone using the PSA freedom 20 inch upper and the aero precision lower featured in this video. Turned out to be a great looking and sweet shooting clone. Best part is, I was able to get it built minus a RAS system for $480. Can’t beat that! PSA makes great stuff.
FN actually uses MIL-B-11595E certified CMV ..i know another youtuber claimed it was 4140 but even he thought i might have been a typo..it has been confirmed as MIL-B-11595E CMV which is the same barrel material used in the military. Direct Quote from FN: FN AR15 premium button rifled barrels are are manufactured using U.S. sourced Chrome Moly Venadium material per Mil-B-11595E. Each barrel is High Pressure Tested (HPT) and Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI) to ensure that it is free of microstresses or flaws, resulting in consistency and quality in every barrel shipped from the factory. The bore and chamber are chrome lined to help resist corrosion and provide resistance to heat erosion which greatly improves barrel life and reliable chambering / extraction. The M4 style feed ramps and barrel extension provide consistent feeding and the matte black Manganese Phosphate finish resists external corrosion and oxidation. Currently available in a chambering of 5.56 x 45mm in the following profiles and gas system lengths 10.5" Government Carbine, 14.7" Government Midlength, 14.7" M4 Carbine, 16" M4 Carbine, 16" Government Carbine, 16" Government Midlength, 18" Government Rifle, 20" Government Rifle.
@@lcplcalifornia89 I have the fn m4 military collector and I checked mine does say 4140 as well. From what fn saying it's really 4150 that makes me feel better.
One thing to consider with a M16A4 is replacing the fixed stock for an adjustable one (M4 or Magpull etc.) it’s more comfortable and makes it easier to move with. The Marine Corps even upgraded their A4’s with M4 stocks after the 2015 switch
SmallArmsSolutions bummer, I carried one from 04-08 and definitely have a bond with this rifle. Always wanted an exact replica and not having the CHF barrel is kind of a let down. One of the most accurate barrels I have is a FN CHF 14.5 barrel.
KAC sells seconds "blems" to distributors or you can buy them directly from KAC. P&S also makes KAC products, from what I understand they are contracted to make KAC products (or something to that effect) they are exactly the same, just branded differently, you can find P&S for half of KAC usually.
@@SmallArmsSolutions personally 20 inch if your pushing the 556 as far as you can but you can cut weight in areas the quad rail is nice but you really only put a light/laser on I like the stock but if you want a ar that can shoot nice there are cleaner ones that can adjust mil spec triggers and charging handles I don’t mind I shoot 40/40 with it. Sorry I am rambling my whole point it weight you can cut down on it but carry it long distance sucks I just like the m4a1 better but the 14.5 we are losing a lot of power
@@SmallArmsSolutions 😬sorry to hear that. Your knowledge and videos are first rate. You have such an excellent wealth of knowledge. Much appreciated. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
No do not clone. Instead fit a free float rail It will support accuracy as well as a consistent zero from both bone and bone/artificial supported position.
There’s no doubt the FN is best in all manner. However, its non free float rail does not enhance bone/artificial support which is consistent enough to get best accuracy or a good zero.
The M16A4 that my company was issued in the Marine Corp all came from knights armament. Wouldnt the true A4 be knights armament then and not Colt or FN?
@@SmallArmsSolutions my lower had the knights armament logo stamped into. Not kidding on that. Its was my first experience with knights armament and i was impressed with the logo. I didnt have the digital stuff on the right side of the lower like the ones now have. We got the very first ones issued out to Marines.
@@DowntownDeuce2 maybe it was only the rails but i swear i seen the logo pressed in the lower mag well. Wished i did have a picture of it but i dont. I will say i did prefer the A4 over everything else in the M16 category.
@@SmallArmsSolutions oh mate I’m sorry, yeah I’ve broke my back too, I’ve got L4&L5 disc prolapse, pushing on the S1 nerve I had major spinal surgery to fix it but the op didn’t work, so I had lots of needles inserted into my spine to burn the nerves. It fucking hurt but it did help a little. I had another MRI Scan which shows the same discs popped out again! I feel your pain buddy
I was at a gun shop in IL and they had a bin full of M5 RAS and I’m kicking myself for not buying at least ten of them because they had them for sale for 30 bucks a rail 😭
josh ballard dude! Why do u keep not grabbing up deals!? Haha
josh ballard $30! Damn that would've been a steal of a deal in today's market lol
I wanna kick you
Lol. They suck anyway. I hated that rail.
God is good good
A lot of the RAS rails on the M16A4’s in my unit (USMC 2009-13) were purple like that
Lots are still purple
I can't say I ever saw a true black M5 RAS when I was in, ie same hardcoat finish as the reciever. I never saw one that wasn't shredded and beat up with any more than 2 raul covers
I have everything I need except the damn rail. Holy shit the price on them is out of control right now, even for a used one in horrible shape
Midwest Industries makes a close copy of the KAC rail for much less cost.
@garyK.45ACP I got a P+S full kit from thoroughbred armament. They have them in stock quite regularly for a reasonable price.
I almost brought a quad rail from midwest before I found itt
I have the FN M16A4 Clone, it a great shooter, I like it very much. Thanks for the video.
During my “less enlightened” time, I set out to build an A1 clone, like I had in AF BMT, but I ended up with an A2 stock, govt barrel, pic rail upper, and removable carry handle. I did, however, put an A1 hand guard on…and then realized I had just built an A4 (with an A1 handguard)!! Turned out fairly light and quite accurate.
It's a Fantastic four a1 though a4.
About 60% of the M5 RAS' real estate is completely useless and unnecessary so you saved yourself $300. If the magpul MOE handguard had a top picatinny section for a PEQ it would serve equally well
@@onseki1774 just slap some rail covers on the ras. For a non FF rail, the ras is probably one of the best if not the best. The way it locks down onto the barrel nut on the rear and the leaf spring up front makes it super stable.
My FN M16A4 Lower is marked on the magwell:
'M16 RIFLE
5.56X45 NATO
(SERIAL NUMBER)'
Above trigger/hammer pins:
'FN
COLUMBIA, SC
MFG CODE
3S679'
I just bought the FN M16A4 military collector and I love it. I really want to get the m4 version but 2k for the gun, 1,800 for the ACOG drained me. I installed a Specter 3 point sling with the emergency release and stock mag pouch. I am debate getting a $50 PEQ-15 just for looks because I can’t afford or maybe legally own one. My serial number is cool because it starts with M16CE for M16 Collector edition. I love your video and found this rifle from your video. I also built a M16A1 with a Aero Precision lower, and the rest from Brownells retro series. I love the old tri-guards. I did not serve but I really love military weapon like the M14/ M1A, Tavor IWi X96, FN Scar and Sig 226 MK25 Also got a Riley Defense AKM or AK-47.
I just bought an FN M16A4 upper from Ohio Ordnance, got a FN F marked bolt carrier with MPF on the bolt from Shark arms, I bought the Aero M16A4 marked complete lower, it made a really nice rifle for about a grand. Got to decide on an optic for it, I just don’t care much for the ACOG.
You can purchase assembled 20" CHF uppers from PSA when they have them in stock.. They come with Columbia SC, Cold Hammer Forged, Chrome Lined, FN barrels.. That alone makes it a better clone than one with all the correct markings yet without a CHF/CL barrel. The 20" CHF / CL barrel is the heart of any A2/A4 rifle build.
I have one with the standard barrel without the PSA BCG, charging handle or carry handle. Just a note the hand guards are oval in cross section not circular. Does not matter to me but to a picky person that will.
The military M16A4 doesn't use a CHF barrel. They are button cut per the TDP. He mentions that around the 3:00 mark.
You can buy the FN M16A4 upper from Ohio ordnance for the same money, and it has the M5 RAS with the covers and a cage coded Matech, the FN upper has the F marked receiver also!
@@tacratt6091 I never see them in stock
My Colt A4 has the F Marked front sight and a safe/fire switch on both sides with the proper barrel markings as well. It came with the old A2 style hand guards which was the only down side for me compared to the Knights rails ( which cost $ 320.00 ) ..... If anyone knows where to get those rails cheaper let me know .... I bought mine in December 2018 so its weird that it is different than this one ....... PS I enjoy your insight stories into Colt when you worked there.... I like the Colt , especially the 20' inch barrel .......
Carolina Laser Works makes the UID labels... they’ll do custom too. They got M27 IAR, SCAR 16/17, M4 etc. $10 each and only $1 to ship
Just built a M16A3 clone.... built it around a 20" USGI Colt mfg. barrel. Turned out to be a great shooter.
That's the Corvus Marksman Barrel. I also choose that in Modern Warfare
I am a little less than $800 into a Aero M16À4 with a KAC M5 RAS, the upper is a complete 20" 1x7, but it's not chrome lined, it's nitrided, but I don't care. I am going to order the Trijicon ACOG TA31F RCO this month to complete the build
How's everything going? Still enjoying it?
@@Patriotusa44 I love my 20" AR15's. The A4 is my go to rifle to bring to the range, I still need an ACOG but I will get one before to long. I also have a 1x9 A2 20" that gets almost as much use, I am a sucker for the A2 uppers, so last March right as everything was going to crap I picked up a Bushmaster 16" A2. I am going to put a Colt 6920 barrel on it eventually and call it good
2024 Update: PSA sells "US Property" marked M16A4 stripped lowers if you are interested in building your own. Carolina Laser Works offers custom UID tags for a very reasonable price.
I've got a sickness for the M16A4 clone builds. Just finishing up my third, this one a USMC specific build. It is a factory Colt M16A4 upper with proper 13629 marking, proper Colt BCG and bolt. Only weird thing is that the FSB is not marked at all.
I bought a new colt 14.5 socom barrel last October it was made early 2019 the the FSB is NOT F marked🤔
@@robertwortel9407 I got a complete Colt factory 6921 14.5 upper, brand new in the wrapper in the box, and my front sight also wasn’t F marked.
Many actual military Colt and FN M4’s I’ve shot or handled at the armory do not have F marked FSB. I believe that it no longer required by the DOD.
I think the new ones aren't marked with the "F" anymore since they are all flattops.
@@davidschaadt3460 Correct. The factory stopped marking them "F" since they are now ALL for flat top receivers.
If you are building a carry handle model, you have to be careful which FSB you put on it. Worst case...the difference is .040" (the F marked being taller) so it can be adjusted for by turning the front sight almost all the way down, OR you can mill/file .040" off a standard A2 front sight post.
Excellent video full of info that helps many of us. I have been gathering parts and am almost there. Thank you for the time and care to post all the videos. I will add that building clone rifles is expensive, Fun and can become addicting though. 👍
Should take a look at Rock River AR15A4 I picked up one with a short gas block and a Varmint trigger 3.5lb and stainless barrel 1-8 twist.
I have the Aero Precision M-4 "Property of USA" marked lower on my clone with a 14.5" barrel with a pinned and welded flash hider. Realy nice and one of my favorites since the bayonet mounts properly
Real good program,Chris
i have one fn m16a4 clone, got a aero precision lower and a m16a4 upper, works quite nice, only cost about 700 total not the 1800 fn wants
Same. Except I built 3 using USGI uppers for what FN wanted.
My A4 "clone" has a real Military FN upper with just a PSA lower. Its just a toy but I got the upper for about $500. It came with everything except the BCG and charging handle. Using PSA is extreme heresy I know i plan to upgrade to a BCM or FN one day. As it sits though for $800 I have the gun I shot at 500 yards for Qual.
I’m building a clone with an Anderson Mfg lower. The upper so far is all Colt, at this point I’m looking for the bbl assy, with F-marked front sight.
Exactly the info I was looking for great video!
I pinned a Milsurp FN A4 upper on an Aero A4 lower. Super happy with how it turned out.
Did the same, love it!
just curious how much was it all?
I bought two of the FN m16a4 uppers from Ohio Ordinance, I think I gave around $550 for them each. I ordered one, when it got here and I saw what it was I immediately ordered another. They were almost gone. They have the F marked upper and cage code barrel. I built one on an Aero m16a4 lower, the other one I got an FN stripped lower from a friend that owns a gun shop. I bought the F marked bcg from Sharks! I put a Colt parts kit in the lower. And bought the A2 stock from Sharks. They made two fine rifles!
Kinda bummed the FN M16A4 isn't from the same production line. I got one awhile back for $1700 from a local gun store, had some money to burn and walked into a gun store with the FN A4 CE hanging on the wall. Stood there admiring it for a few minutes, and bought one. Coincidentally Post Malone was also in that store picking up some transfers, notably one of them being a H&K Mk23.
I have to say carrying the A4 rifle I hated that mag pouch try shooting weak side with that pouch on with a mag in it I took mine off took some flak from it since its by order of the USMC to have it.
Gotta love those "One Shop Stops" haha
I just want mine to kinda look like the m16a3s we had in our ships armory.
I have a usmc surplus A4 upper from FN it has the F by the other forge mark on the upper like a colt but the barrel has the FN cage code 3S679 MP 556 NATO 1/7 not FNMI or the commercial logo the date on the barrel is 5/12
My fn m4 was made in Columbia, sc. Idk when they moved the production over their.
When i was in iraq, i had a m16a4. My rifle had a purple m5 rail. Been looking for a purple one to do my clone but had to settle for a black one.
did i miss the part where he talks about sling? where can i get one?
I'm using the KAC usmc marked flip up sight on my A4 build, I believe it's correct? My BCG, upper, and barrel are all FN.
Thanks for the info. I found this very useful.
1-10. What would you rate the quality of the parts of the FN15?
Have you heard of Sabre defense, I heard they are one of three companies that won the us contracts for M16A2, the other two is FN and Colt. The FN collection M16A2 is out of my price range, but the parts kit from Sabre defense? I like a usgi clone M16A2 in my collection for under 1k.
Minh Vu Sabre were shit! They made nothing in-house. All bought from government approved sub contractors. I was to the factory inspecting the stations after everyone there got arrested.
SmallArmsSolutions oh I see, thanks for the reply! Your knowledge is amazing on the topic of M4/M16,you def know your stuff and got a passion about it! I’m sad that Colt doesn’t sale to the public market anymore, just FN! I went with psa upper with 20” FN barrel and their A2 complete lower, and I found a colt carry handle to make my clone M16A2. I used to hate the fat hand guard look but you can’t beat that classic look and smooth rifle length!
Of the current ar15 makers, FN, bcm, psa, etc.. who in your opinion makes the best value for your money ar15 that’s mil-spec?
Substitute the KAC rail with a Geissele NM rail and then you will have a rifle adequate for US Service Rifle Competition, which all here would be smart to get into because it inspires extraordinary marksmanship development and rewards those who reach the highest plateaus of development with the US Distinguished Rifleman Badge. The bottom-line is get the free float rail and get into competition for a much more involved experience with your clone than can be gleaned just from ownership and casual range time.
Centurion is superior to GEISSELE. Lighter and thinner.
@@SmallArmsSolutions. For Service Rifle Competition neither lighter or thinner is an attribute for me. The Geissele in fact is the closest rail out there today with the characteristics of the discontinued DD-1006 rail used on the USAMU produced SDMRs back some years ago which worked nicely for all sorts of needs. At any rate, my impressions come from Service Rifle Competition (US Distinguished Rifleman) and as a Military Rifle Instructor assisting USAMU deliver SDM, TTT, and SAFS Training. No doubt though there are many notions about what authorized free float solution is best for Service Rifle Competition. Progress might be the best indicator for any decision made. What’s your personal experience?
Govt contracts does not mean best equipment. However, personal preference accounts for a lot. Mechanical wise, there is nothing special about GEISSELE rails. Heavy, bulky and way overpriced.
@@SmallArmsSolutions you miss the whole point, which is simply get a free float rail instead of KAC and get into competition for a more entertaining experience with the A4 concept. Now, what’s your personal experience in Service Rifle Competition to declare the Geissele too heavy and bulky? In other words, what’s your classification? I question because I don’t think you have any credentials in the matter of Service Rifle Competition to profess on it. Fact is the Geissele NM forearm is ideal for US Service Rifle Competition and thus is offered on match conditioned rifles built by prestigious builders such as Compass Lake Engineering and White Oak Precision.
5th ninja turtle armed with m4a1 hehehe
I'm looking at the BCM 20" upper, government profile, for $500 and the BCM Mk12 upper for a little over $1500. Do the groups from each upper, say on the same lower, same BCG show that much of a difference in size, comparable to the price difference? I know the Mk12 has a 410 SS barrel and the Government 20" has a chrome-lined 11595-E CMV barrel. I've seen some A4 groups that are pretty tight using standard Ammo.. I'm thinking with match grade ammo, the actual difference in accuracy would not be that much different.
I got out of the Marines last year and would love to build a clone but I live in CA :(
This guy built one and he also lives in California
th-cam.com/video/Gst8DT5S2nc/w-d-xo.html
Do it.
Cool collection......cooler knowledge
@SmallArmsSolutions On the colt rifle in this video.... what is the wrap around piece right behind the FSB, wrapped around the handguard that you have the sling attached to? I have searched and searched for that piece. I do not want to attach my sling to the FSB, nor do I want to use a qd socket. I am begging for help on this. Thanks.
That attachment comes with the sling. I forgot what it's called, but there are few companies like Spector Gear and Black Hawk that make slings with that attachment. Eagle Industries had one called the Tas 1 sling that also had that attachment. Also check out the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling.
Very informative video. Thank you.
Missing your M4 clone vid!
Idk why but I'm just hyperfixed on the A4 and I don't get why is usually like the M4 instead.
i want to do a .22 version of an A4, a sheep in wolves clothing if you will lol. now if only i could find a 20in .22 ar barrel for a reasonable price
just get a regular one, and get a cmmg 22lr conversion kit
I have a .22 version of an a4. Not exact but replica if you want it hmu my snap is “rawwstrike”
Been trying to get rid of it for a year
How do you get the rail to fit on an HBAR? I have a rail, and it doesn't fit on my rock river what they call A3 rifle.
F'burg - Very Nice....
What light is that? I must have missed it in the video.
Old Insight Tec
Were spectre slings used by the us military ever? Trying to find clone correct sling for my A4
In Iraq yes
I’ve seen “surplus military” rifles with the cage code on the barrels marked “3S679 MP 5.56 NATO 1/7” - are these real military surplus ?
Yes, FN
4140 barrel steel !!!
Do you happen to know which brand makes the engraved safety for the military?
What brand of Safety Selector do you use? I like that notched style
What length is the rail system on the M16A4?
My "not-so-close-clone" has a PSA lower with BCM lpk, and a sabre defense M16A4 upper, and a carry handle. Can't afford an acog yet, guess I'll take the opportunity to practice the iron sights.
How do you like the sabre defense upper? I'm thinking about trading my 6920 for a sabre upper with aero lower
@@tbonemoon1330 it runs pretty smoothly with H2 buffer (plan to switch to rifle buffer tube and buffer weight in the future). Feed and eject just fine. I removed most of the rail cover panels from the handguard to reduce weight. The government profile barrel is nice. Overall weight feels lighter than my ar15/m4 upper with a socom profile heavy barrel. Go for it.
Was the store in florida with the blrm kac in brevard county?
SmallArmsSolutions, what's your opinion on the Palmetto State AR's would you recommend or ????
Gadsden Viper I have requested rifles on several occasions from PSA, they never answered.
Gadsden Viper, I built an A4 clone using the PSA freedom 20 inch upper and the aero precision lower featured in this video. Turned out to be a great looking and sweet shooting clone. Best part is, I was able to get it built minus a RAS system for $480. Can’t beat that! PSA makes great stuff.
What do you think of Fulton Armory?
What do you think of the DSarms service series clone rifles. Particularly their M16A4 complete uppers?
Very nice!
@@SmallArmsSolutions thank you for the reply. I appreciate it. Mine shoots very well ~2MOA +/- with M855/SS109 and M193 all day long. Love it.
If I don't have my American Ace coffee and M16A4 in the morning, I go back to bed.
Does the FN military collector M16A4 have standard rifle feed ramps and barrel extension? Or is it also the m4 type like the Colt AR-15A4
MikhailBarracuda91 my FN has M4 feed ramps.
Did the USMC ever use Colt M16A4s or were they exclusively manufactured by FN?
Colt made them as well, but far less than FN manufactured
@@Schaz42 I know that Colt made them, but I am wondering if just the Army got Colt A4s and not the USMC.
@@jonathanwestlake5527 oh!!! Well, I personally never saw any Colt A4’s in the corps, I only ever saw Army with them, but that’s a small sample size
Gotcha. Yeah, that’s what I have heard others say as well. Thanks for your input!
Sooooo what will happen to all of the M16A4's if the USMC adopts the M27 IAR?
It already has adopted the M27. I carried one back in 2013
Thats all fine and dandy, the M27 isn't a bad rifle. I'm just wondering whats gonna happen to all of the A4's If anything I'd still keep them around.
They'll probably go to the Reserves and POGs and the MCRDs for recruits. And whatever is left will probably be sold to another country or something
For what it's worth I liked the A4 better than the m27
you and me both
I have a very minute m16 gun if you recommend a gun А2 or А4?
i was very dissapointed to learn that the FN m16a4 clone uses 4140 barrel steel.
FN actually uses MIL-B-11595E certified CMV ..i know another youtuber claimed it was 4140 but even he thought i might have been a typo..it has been confirmed as MIL-B-11595E CMV which is the same barrel material used in the military.
Direct Quote from FN: FN AR15 premium button rifled barrels are are manufactured using U.S. sourced Chrome Moly Venadium material per Mil-B-11595E. Each barrel is High Pressure Tested (HPT) and Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI) to ensure that it is free of microstresses or flaws, resulting in consistency and quality in every barrel shipped from the factory. The bore and chamber are chrome lined to help resist corrosion and provide resistance to heat erosion which greatly improves barrel life and reliable chambering / extraction. The M4 style feed ramps and barrel extension provide consistent feeding and the matte black Manganese Phosphate finish resists external corrosion and oxidation. Currently available in a chambering of 5.56 x 45mm in the following profiles and gas system lengths 10.5" Government Carbine, 14.7" Government Midlength, 14.7" M4 Carbine, 16" M4 Carbine, 16" Government Carbine, 16" Government Midlength, 18" Government Rifle, 20" Government Rifle.
They are the same barrel steel as the military... Mil-B-11595E
I called FN to confirm, it was a typo on the earlier owners manual.. The barrels are 4150 CMV per MIL-B-11595E.
@@lcplcalifornia89 I have the fn m4 military collector and I checked mine does say 4140 as well. From what fn saying it's really 4150 that makes me feel better.
One thing to consider with a M16A4 is replacing the fixed stock for an adjustable one (M4 or Magpull etc.) it’s more comfortable and makes it easier to move with. The Marine Corps even upgraded their A4’s with M4 stocks after the 2015 switch
Soooo...a C7A2?
@@georgewhitworth9742pretty much. Not as sexy but more practical
No A2 upper receiver?
Why A2 upper? This is on building an A4 clone. I have a separate video on A2 clones
Does anyone know Colt’s prefix info on these?
So, the FN rifle doesn’t not have a cold hammer forged barrel?
andy366919 nope.
SmallArmsSolutions bummer, I carried one from 04-08 and definitely have a bond with this rifle. Always wanted an exact replica and not having the CHF barrel is kind of a let down. One of the most accurate barrels I have is a FN CHF 14.5 barrel.
Does the FN military collector M16A4 have standard rifle feed ramps and barrel extension? Or is it also the m4 type like the Colt AR-15A4
MikhailBarracuda91 don’t recall. Been a couple years since I did this video
SmallArmsSolutions dang!
What model ACOG did the Marine Corps use on this Rifle?
Ta31f
Ta31rco-a4 for the M16A4, Ta31rco-a4 for the M4, and the newer ta31-d-100581 can be used with both
Who is selling the KAC rejects?
KAC sells seconds "blems" to distributors or you can buy them directly from KAC. P&S also makes KAC products, from what I understand they are contracted to make KAC products (or something to that effect) they are exactly the same, just branded differently, you can find P&S for half of KAC usually.
God is good good
who makes that safety with right-side notch ?
ybrik5 that cam out of some spare Armalite parts from early 2000’s
@@SmallArmsSolutions Thanks for the info. I didn't know that armalite used to have those notches on their safeties.
@Oscar Jay I assume those are for semi-auto safeties?
Where do you get the ambi saftey?
Miguel Melgoza Colt
God is good!!!!°°°°
You don't set out to build an M16A4 to save money. Get the FN or go all in 🙄
I'm thinking of buying a A4. Do you think it's worth it?
I cloned an A4 with the Colt AR-15A4 and putting a rail and the ACOG on it. It's fun to shoot but it's heavy for what it is.
Only thing good is the barrel
What do you mean?
@@SmallArmsSolutions personally 20 inch if your pushing the 556 as far as you can but you can cut weight in areas the quad rail is nice but you really only put a light/laser on I like the stock but if you want a ar that can shoot nice there are cleaner ones that can adjust mil spec triggers and charging handles I don’t mind I shoot 40/40 with it.
Sorry I am rambling my whole point it weight you can cut down on it but carry it long distance sucks I just like the m4a1 better but the 14.5 we are losing a lot of power
Good video but what is up with the thing around your abdomen
Robert Williams back brace. I broke my back a few years back
@@SmallArmsSolutions 😬sorry to hear that. Your knowledge and videos are first rate. You have such an excellent wealth of knowledge. Much appreciated. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
wtf are you wearing sir lol
Back brace, broke my Bach a few years back
Is the new colt make their ar15 barrel ?
No do not clone. Instead fit a free float rail It will support accuracy as well as a consistent zero from both bone and bone/artificial supported position.
I’m just gonna fork out the 1700 and buy the FN one it looks the best and has everything I want!🧠🤯🔫
There’s no doubt the FN is best in all manner. However, its non free float rail does not enhance bone/artificial support which is consistent enough to get best accuracy or a good zero.
Aren't the only differences between the M16A2 and A4 that the A4's have the removable carry handle, F marked front sight and A5 RAS rail?
6.4 HemiDriver yea, and some come w a collapsible stock.
The m16a2 was 3 round burst. The m16a4 was originally full auto.
Ambi saftey too.
The M16A4 that my company was issued in the Marine Corp all came from knights armament. Wouldnt the true A4 be knights armament then and not Colt or FN?
GrizzlyAaron your rail system came from KAC, not your rifle. KAC never had a M16A4 contract
@@SmallArmsSolutions my lower had the knights armament logo stamped into. Not kidding on that. Its was my first experience with knights armament and i was impressed with the logo. I didnt have the digital stuff on the right side of the lower like the ones now have. We got the very first ones issued out to Marines.
@@DowntownDeuce2 maybe it was only the rails but i swear i seen the logo pressed in the lower mag well. Wished i did have a picture of it but i dont. I will say i did prefer the A4 over everything else in the M16 category.
Psa pa 15
So you cant have any guns say property of US govt or just that one you couldnt get it done
You really need to speak louder or move tge mic closer or something
WTF are you wearing on your chest?
Back brace, I broke my back
@@SmallArmsSolutions oh mate I’m sorry, yeah I’ve broke my back too, I’ve got L4&L5 disc prolapse, pushing on the S1 nerve I had major spinal surgery to fix it but the op didn’t work, so I had lots of needles inserted into my spine to burn the nerves. It fucking hurt but it did help a little.
I had another MRI Scan which shows the same discs popped out again! I feel your pain buddy
@@Matt-Durham two rods and 9 screws
@@SmallArmsSolutions ouch! How you got some decent pain meds? I can send you some Oxycodone if you need it mate?