My dad has a 20" BCM but not the M16 version. His has a keymod rail(from the era before we all got together and decided that mlok was the way). It's really a great shooter. The M16 version you have there is crying out for an ACOG. I personally think BCM is nicer than Daniel Defense and I own both. DD is consistently overgassed and also significantly more expensive and a full BCM rifle at least comes with a slightly upgraded trigger while DD gives you some of the worst milspec triggers you can find. And yeah that mullets mountains merica guy is definitely based and red pilled and in fact he's so based he doesn't even feel the need to larp as something he's not and never will be and yet he shoots better than all of these guys acting like they're some combination of Delta operative and le heckin' based guerilla. He's the Bob Ross of precision shooting. I'd love to hit the range with that guy cuz I know he could teach me a ton about distance shooting.
I have both and I would grab my bcm first everytime, my ddm4v7 came with a geissle trigger and a radian raptor charging handle from the factory but I have upgraded my bcm .
You can add me to the list as well. I own both a DDM4V7 and a bcm in 16 inches, but my bcm is my work horse. It runs so smoothly now after running a few thousand rounds through it.
@@Juan0481 same, I use BCMs version of the A5 buffer system with a 14.5 mid length and it's so smooth. I shoot Gucci rifles at the range and prefer my BCM to almost all of them. I do want a KAC eventually though.
When I was duty guns on my ship, I'd always issue myself one of our very few 20" barrel rifles. Happened to have an M203 on it. People thought I was crazy for taking the extra weight, but the M4s were all shot so much for re-quals that the ports were blown out, and I didn't trust MX to be done on them by others. Nobody ever touched that M16 except me in my time on board. A properly gassed 20" barrel is outstanding.
a good thing about the M16a4 is that because it is so long, no one in your milita group will expect you to be point man when breaching doors. Let some other high speed low drag Instagram andy die doing that.
Edit: I absolutely stole my buddy Gun Dae's comment about the tula into a rail gun projectile on the post. Go check him out. www.youtube.com/@rickthegunslinger You already know I'm in here with my bullshit. There are copyright claims, though, not as many as I tried to get. I didn't beat my previous record of 3 separate entities claiming my content. I'm a little disappointed. But anyway, you might see ads.
It's so satisfying shooting at steel with a 20". Just watching that target rattle like it got hit by a freight train with almost no recoil to you almost feels like you are cheating physics if you aren't used to anything longer than a 16".
The Canadians use standard carbine buffers with their C7A2s, so it's not like no military does that. The USMC and US Army M16s with collapsing stocks usually run H6 buffers, but they haven't been sold in the civilian world in a long time. An H3 is roughly the same weight as an H6, you can also see about finding H6 buffers. The difference in the H3 and the H6 is that the H3 is 3 big tungsten weights, and the H6 is six half size tungsten weights. In my experience, though, my M16A4 was perfectly reliable with a standard carbine buffer. Do what you want, really. The Canadians do it and it works fine.
I finished my "tanker M16A4" a while ago. FN NOS surplus A4 upper with a KAC RAS made in 2009, M4 buffer tube and stock with H6 (rifle barrel/gas) buffer kit, M7 RCO, black vickers sling. It's very similar to the rifle I used in boot (collapsing stock M16A4 with H6 kit), but I chose the M7 RCO because it's just... super funky. It has the TA11SDO-CP's 1000 meter, spin-drift compensated M855 machinegun reticle, which has two BDCs in it for 14.5-16.5 inch barrels as well as 20-20.5 inch barrels. A hilarious machine. It seems USMC tank units often used M16s with these collapsing stocks, and the new M7 RCOs as well, before they were disbanded and the tanks given to the Army. The gen 3 mct windowed magazines a buddy of mine actually got out of an abandoned tanker barracks on 29 palms, so they're true tanker mags lmao
I have two 20” builds. I turned my a4 into more of a “a5” build. (Got rid of my RAS for a free float m-lok rail but kept the FSB and installed a Vltor a5 system) I love that rifle so much. It’s my favorite firearm. Now it needs a new optic though. I’m stuck between an Acog and getting another lpvo. My other is a a2 build that I’m finishing soon and am very excited to own one of my hero’s of the firearm world. The 20” AR is treated as a meme rifle but in reality it is a fantastic weapon. I shot both my uppers at 2/3 size steel at 380 yards a couple weeks ago and was able to reliably smack steel confidently with IRON SIGHTS and a Steiner p4xi. I was even able to hit a 10” gong with my “a5”. The m16 platform makes shooting medium range distances so much easier. Yeah it does suck a little more for shooting in weird positions, getting in/out of cars or for cqb, but I humbly would say that the 20” is still a devastatingly heavy hitter in the modern world of rifles .
OH and by the way, Brownells bought P&S and is now selling P&S rails identical to the government issue ones for $150 carbine length, $198 rifle length! The KAC DROUGHT IS OVER
I’ve had an M16a4 clone I put together back in 2012 when you could buy the hawked Knights rails on GB for $99. It’s been awesome to watch it go in and out of vogue over the years. I had the clone correct Acog for awhile, but sold it when I started having kids. These days I’m running the carry handle as well. Great rifle! Mines heavier with the 3 battery millennium Surefire 😉
Ooo lawd where to begin? Every room I entered in Iraq was either with an A4 or a SAW. I learned from my senior guys who went straight up the middle in Fallujah during Phantom Fury. You can get it done. The SAM-R was a great rifle that we got once we chopped over to a MEU in 2006. BCM used to make SAM-R uppers, but have since discontinued them. If you want to clone those, we took our issued Iso Mats, cut pieces out and taped them to the stock to create a ghetto rigged cheek riser. Improvisation can go a long way in the absence of “better” being available. Be creative. All in all, a 20” rifle, not carbine, a *rifle* just feels right to me, even though I shoot carbines exclusively. I still remember the sproingy awesomeness of my clapped out A2 on Parris Island. By the end of my time, everyone was shooting M4’s with ACOG’s, even for annual qual. Now everyone has an M27, and I just feel old knowing everyone I served with is a Gunny 👨🏻🦳 I think it’s only a matter of time before a modernized M-16 is en vogue in our circles, if not in the realm of the defense industry.
I got a r20 government rifle from windham weaponry. Basically their take on the m16a4. I love it to death and it’s my favorite AR and rifle in general I own. I put a TA31RCO-a4 on which is the Acog originally meant for 20” barrels with m855 in metric bdc. I also put a KAC m5 rail but it’s a clone rail from an airsoft rifle but it looks exactly the same and even has a functional heat shield and gas tube guide.
Currently have an m16a4 from aero. Got the acog as well and I must say this thing has been an absolute beast at long range as well as flawlessly reliable.
I like quad rails but man... that looks like a pig. I would've opted for the mcmr with fsp. Been looking into building a 18-20 inch here. Been more on the 18" side of things but I'm about to say f**k it and build both.
Alright, so I have quite a few things to say about the good ol' musket, from the point of view of a National Guard Medic: -I went to Basic Training with an M16A2 -I deployed to Egypt in 2013 with an M16A2 -I went to BLC with an M16A2 with an M203 in 2016 -I deployed to Poland in 2018 with an M16A2 with a CCO on a Gooseneck mount -I qualified with the thing from 2009 to 2018, when the unit finally got M4s in 2019 -Lots of MOUT training, lots of Combat Medic training with it in all that time This is the rifle I made for my wife, because she also went through the Army with the A2s. Hers has a Midwest Industries rail, and a Fulton Armory A1 stock, and she knows how to run it. Oh, and she also has a PNT trigger with a JP Enterprises spring kit. Try it out, it makes a great mil-spec trigger even better for cheap. Is it nostalgic? Yes. Would I personally use it at this point in my life willingly? Not really, no. Not in the A2/A4 configuration. My biggest issue with it is the irons. My eyesight has always been shit, and as I get older, it's only getting worse. Red dots and magnified optics, whichever flavor you choose, are fucking awesome. I have a soft spot for it, and I would like to make one for myself at some point... but I'll probably ditch the irons and put some glass on it. The A1 length makes a difference, too. I'd keep that somehow. You also missed the fact that the 20" isn't as loud as the 16" and below crowd. I shoot my 14.5" next to my wife's 20", and you can tell which is which, no matter where you are in the range.
I'm glad the first rifle I bought with my own money was a 90s Bushmaster with what I think is a Colt M16A2 upper back in 2012 for around $700ish, back then no one gave a shit about retro or clone ARs. Haven't modded it at all, just run as a straight A2 with a GI sling. I do kinda want to get one of those ACOGs that can be mounted directly into the carrying handle though.
The M16A4 was my first AR build, got the FN USMC M16A4 NOS upper from Ohio Ordinance, a psa lower with a geissele supper 42 spring, as much as I want to change the lower but it’s a reminder of where I started. Also running a acog with a larue rco LT681 mount allows the acog to set back further from the charging handle, running a Surefire M3 weapon light, kac broomstick vert grip and a Surefire close tine flash hider (working on getting a Surefire Socom556 Mini2 suppressor) got to say my favorite AR out of the other AR’s I own.
Great vid! I built an usmc late gwot A4 clone using a Colt ar15a4 as a base a few years ago. Still my favorite ar of my collection. Took a lot of time and many paychecks to get the correct parts including colt cage coded parts. The only internal change was the super 42, it is an outstanding upgrade. I add them on all my rifles. Glad to see they are getting some love!
They're great to have and the Super 42 is a must have. When I ran it the first time I thought my rifle was broken because all I heard was the reset, not the twang.
M16A4, ACOG, original Surefire light (but with modern pressure pad), and OKC bayonet. 62 grain pills out of it is especially orgasmic. Oh and, in-between peanut butter P-mags and grey aluminum mags. I also held the rifle to sleep when I first had it. No nightmare at all.
Oh and, I hope I'm not too late (three weeks, but still) - if some of you are building your upper receiver group, I highly recommend JSE nitride pencil barrels. 1:7 or 1:9, I leave it to you, but it's lighter in weight, and nitride means it'll be even more accurate. If you're not concerned with clone-correctness, then no need to go for govt. profile or phosphate finish. Besides which, even Col. Lutz himself hated the govt. profile.
Love it man! Great video! Don’t know if you remember but you commented back to me awhile ago when I was in the market for a Vcog sco. I ended up going completely different lol. Last month I bought a nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 f1 with Mil-c reticle in a Badger ordnance comm 154 mount. It’s on a block 2 dd upper with a fixed front sight (not from the gas block I wish it was but it’s just a DD fixed front iron). She is now my foldable SPR and I couldn’t be happier with the glass. The front sight was annoying at first but once magnification goes above 3x you can’t see anything although it may impact clarity of my sight picture but I’m not sure and I imagine it’s negligible. It’s an amazing setup! Just need that LMT enhanced BCG to replace this fail zero and a dead air sandman s and she will be done! May add a Norgone ambi mag release and have the lower milled for a PDQ for the flex factor on my aero lower I’m proud about even though ida saved money long run had I bought a radian or ADM to begin with but I was new to ar’s, didn’t have the money, it was 5 years ago, and there is a big cool factor to having Gucci everything on an aero m4E1. It makes it that “I built this thing myself feeling”. Great vid bro want a 20” or 18” mk12 from BCM so badly one day. In the meantime the 14.5” block 2 is my workhorse and it fits in a grey ghost precision backpack with my law folder like a glove so the trade is worth it.
Absolutely excellent setup and the Block II is an outstanding rifle. Keep me updated on the 18" or whatever you end up going with. Thanks for reaching out and keeping me updated.
I think one of the main issues people do not like about BCM is they do not pin their gas blocks...they dimple them if I am not mistaken...my A4 upper is a FN
The A4 is a great rifle. I have the carry handle and just the A2 handguard, and it continues to amaze me with MOA and occasionally sub MOA performance. I’ve got a few examples on my channel. The other day, got 4 rounds touching each other at 50 yards-I use a 1:9 barrel, and lately ot’s doing well with 68 hpbt.
I rolled an "M16A5" - complete with the Vltor A5 recoil system, G SD lower parts kit, FN barrel w/FSB, Magpul furniture, and the gem... the Vltor VIS KM12 upper. I scored the upper for $250 so just had to do so.
This is the other Polish guy here. I have a MK12 clone (ish). A1 stock with a NF 3.5-15 and I honestly hate shooting it because of the stock. For the life of me, I can't get comfortable behind the rifle. I'm at a point where the NF might come off, and because it is a good scope, it'll go on something else. Then I'll get the stupid 2.5-8x Leupold with a mil reticle and fucking MOA turrets and just stick the gun in a safe. I'll build myself a Mk12 at home and not have to be an autist about being clone correct.
I had the A-1 and A-2 when I was in the Marines I have a colt A-2 clone with the geissele super 42 spring I love the 20 inch I will get a A-1 one of these days . We used to put a bar of soap in our top pocket for shooting standing you could rest your elbow on it to get a little more stabilization.
the 20 in is no joke. all the fad for the shorty. but its soul checking once a 55gr screams by at 3260 fps... will blow up small trees call it the mist maker...
I got one of those new-old stock FN A4 uppers from a few years back sitting on an Aero lower. I wish more end users and manufacturers were more interested in A4s.
This vid inspired me to build my take on a M4/SAM-Rish build. I went with a stainless BA barrel, Larue trigger & Vortex glass. This thing shoots lights out. Keep up the great content.
God I miss my 20" rifle. I had a Bushmaster lower with a BCM upper with Wyndam barrel and a D.D. bcg and knights hand guard system.......total kit bash/parts gun but it was so accurate. Had a N.F. 1-4 on it. I got a hard on for a Pawn shop Sig P-226 classic carry that I tricked out that is now in my carry rotation. No harsh regrets, I just wish I would have tried harder to find another way. I will be doing another one soon-- I still have an A2 upper receiver in the ol' bin and this time I'll stick with the plastic double shield hand guards. I've tried that before......I ALWAYS get carried away and buy a clone hand guard....then switch to a flat top. The insanity always repeats itself. But hey--Maybe this time it will be different?
Also, good point about the A post. I love the A post more on my 16" than a flip up front; I have an ACOG with a top-mounted RMR 2 on it with back up irons. I don't notice the FSP at all, and it comforts me knowing it's always there. I specifically got a FF rail (20mm not MLOK) for GWOT look and to keep my A post.
I love the AR15A4. Was one of the reasons I picked up a Colt A4 for 899 4 years ago. I love carry handle gang... but now that I've built rifles and used LPVOs... 20 inch (or 18 inch) Free float with an optic is my best and favorite build/gun to run. DD Pro, 20 inch uppers (free floated), Faxon, BCM with aero lowers and optics. But that M16 look...carry handle...something about them
Serious question here. If you chrome line a barrel. Why does chf matter? By the time the chrome wears out button vs chf wouldn’t seem to matter at that point.
This review gave me another idea for what to do with a spare poverty pony in the safe. The criterion hybrid 20" has been catching my eye to fill the hole of a rifle length gas system when I sold my 18" stag but I also don't have enough gwot vibes in my life.
I ended up going A1 stock cuz I’m vertically challenged. Ever so slightly better for me. Luckily these uppers are currently out of stock, otherwise I’d have probably picked one up.
Im running the primary arms 2.5x on top of my carry handle, the acss is really awesome at distance and you can still use your irons with the included mount.
I still remember turning in my M16A2 and getting a brand new M16A4, still wrapped in plastic, before getting shipped to Iraq. Couldn't stand to use a broom handle though, it wasn't until after I got out that I learned of and fell in love with AFGs. I kind of want an A4 clone now and stick an ACOG and a ridiculous 3 point sling on it... That awkward shooting stance you reference is only used for qual though. For combat shooting drills, we presented with plates forward.
Yeah the Marines and all my training up until now always taught plates forward, but some of the old salts did that stance. I get that it's more sustainable out to distance supposedly, I never had luck with it. I'm always a plates forward kind of guy. For better or worse.
@@navyman8903 Yeah, it always felt awkward to me, but somehow it worked. I actually think it's great when learning/practicing marksmanship fundamentals, though. It emphasizes breath control, bone support, trigger control, and pretty much forbids trying to muscle the rifle onto target. Although the style is completely different, I think practicing with it did make me better at a plates forward stance. Although a plates forward kind of stance requires you muscle yourself into place and onto target, learning not to rely on muscling it by practicing the awkward qual stance may have helped. Take that statement with a grain of salt though, as I'm no instructor, and I've no evidence but my own 'feel' of how the fundamentals carried over between stances, so I'm probably talking out of my ass.
@@navyman8903wesome. Thank you. Planning to set up a 20” or two. Though prob with an A5 arrangement. One thing I like about the BCM upper is their upper receivers are thermal fit. So when I build, I usually use their upper receivers.
I have the exact same upper. Was actually my first ever AR. I went with an psa lower too. Still my most accurate, reliable AR pattern rifle that I own. 2" groups at 100 is DAMN good. Your eyes are far better than mine.
I mean, it’s not enough that you guilt me into buying better stuff than PSA and primary arms budget optics, now I you gave me the retro itch to satisfy my need to replicate my m16a2 and m16a4 I had while in the USMC 😅
I live in Wyoming with nothing but wide open spaces so most of my ARs are 20” unissued surplus FN A4 uppers on aero lowers. Yes it’s heavy, but I’m an army vet with 3 tours between Afghanistan and Iraq between 02-05, so it’s very close to what I carried in the big suck.
Oh hell yeah man, I grabbed one of these 20” bcm standard uppers around 2016ish. Recently threw some triangle handguards in for the vibe lol. Aways such a pleasure to shoot.
Been contemplating this build for a little while didn’t know bcm had this upper will definitely look into it I bought one of the 16” m4 upper without handguard I ended up putting a Midwest fps quad rail with bcm lower parts kit and stock
Have a A4 clone myself. I paid just a little more. Bought my rail off of a guy on tacswap and picked up a FN stock assembly from shark arms. Hope that help someone. New subscriber, take care.
I have a colt AR-15A4 with a carry handle/P&S M5 RAS, surefire scout, and a Blue Force vickers sling. Honestly how tightly built it is impressed me the most. Awesome shooter.
That is a fine 20" rifle. I fired an M16A1 a grand total of two different sessions when I was in the Navy nearly forty years ago, and I remember that it rattled like a bag of gravel. I would much rather have had the A2 or A4 version, but they weren't available back then!
If the goal was to absolutely fuck with whatever mag you put in it, Is the velocity difference between 16' and 20' enough to dump your 16' and get 20? With the assumptions you already have a short boy. I know what I have heard others say, but I'm interested in your opinion.
Well it's definitely setup dependent. For instance I would never part with my MR556 for anything. I would also grab the MR556 before most things. My URGI is my fighting rifle, my MR556 is my precision fighting rifle. The M16A4 clone for me is for M855. I stocked it to the roof when I was younger. So if I have to sling M855, then I'm grabbing the 20". But I wouldn't pitch the 14.5 or 16" guns for the 20", the 14.5 and 16" are excellent all-rounders. The 20" is good for what it does, but it won't do CQC like a 16".
Also while on the topic of 20" URG I have been pretty excited about the PSA Sabre offerings. It's seems like a lot of bang for the buck especially getting essentially a SOLGW BCG. Lastly you seem to be a high quality person Chief, Have you ever Looked into a Cryptic Coating Mystic Black BCG?
Navyman, what’s your thoughts on the colt ar15a4 for a complete 20” option today? I thought it was interesting you didn’t mention it along with BCM and FN
@@joshuakang4507 their barrels have been reported as being buttoned oversized, their parts will crack after just some thousand rounds, and their bolt carrier groups are ass.
His face... revealed! On a serious note, My BCMs never have failed me once and are freaking awesome. One an ACOG 14.5 and a 11.5 Surefire suppressed with an A5 H2 setup. Thank goodness I didn't go down the Daniel Defense road, all thanks to Larry Vickers, Travis Haley, and the BPRE hype.
It's solid, I'm waiting to SBR the lower, get a Modlite on it, and a Comp M4. But she's going great, I just have to finish projects. It's on next years docket as the first one if I don't get it done this year.
I've got an A2 stock on my 16" stainless heavy barrel, mainly to balance it because it's so forward heavy. Mid length gas, super smooth cycling. M4 style handguard and A post sight. Very accurate also.
I came into the marines using the the a4 loved it then we got the m4 then the m27 I ended up buying a a1 and built my interpretation of an a5 and love it so much super accurate and reliable she’ll eat anything I feed her
I would love an A5 setup, but then I would have to buy a second 20" upper............which I shouldn't but might do now lol. I do love the 20" guns. Those M27's are nice too. I would love to run some MK262 through them with the VCOG 1-8 on it.
My dad has a 20" BCM but not the M16 version. His has a keymod rail(from the era before we all got together and decided that mlok was the way). It's really a great shooter. The M16 version you have there is crying out for an ACOG.
I personally think BCM is nicer than Daniel Defense and I own both. DD is consistently overgassed and also significantly more expensive and a full BCM rifle at least comes with a slightly upgraded trigger while DD gives you some of the worst milspec triggers you can find.
And yeah that mullets mountains merica guy is definitely based and red pilled and in fact he's so based he doesn't even feel the need to larp as something he's not and never will be and yet he shoots better than all of these guys acting like they're some combination of Delta operative and le heckin' based guerilla. He's the Bob Ross of precision shooting. I'd love to hit the range with that guy cuz I know he could teach me a ton about distance shooting.
Excellent comment, top tier.
I have both and I would grab my bcm first everytime, my ddm4v7 came with a geissle trigger and a radian raptor charging handle from the factory but I have upgraded my bcm .
You can add me to the list as well. I own both a DDM4V7 and a bcm in 16 inches, but my bcm is my work horse. It runs so smoothly now after running a few thousand rounds through it.
@@Juan0481 same, I use BCMs version of the A5 buffer system with a 14.5 mid length and it's so smooth. I shoot Gucci rifles at the range and prefer my BCM to almost all of them. I do want a KAC eventually though.
When your practice ammo doubles as duty.
When I was duty guns on my ship, I'd always issue myself one of our very few 20" barrel rifles. Happened to have an M203 on it. People thought I was crazy for taking the extra weight, but the M4s were all shot so much for re-quals that the ports were blown out, and I didn't trust MX to be done on them by others. Nobody ever touched that M16 except me in my time on board. A properly gassed 20" barrel is outstanding.
They always seemed to be in much better shape.
a good thing about the M16a4 is that because it is so long, no one in your milita group will expect you to be point man when breaching doors. Let some other high speed low drag Instagram andy die doing that.
Edit: I absolutely stole my buddy Gun Dae's comment about the tula into a rail gun projectile on the post. Go check him out. www.youtube.com/@rickthegunslinger
You already know I'm in here with my bullshit. There are copyright claims, though, not as many as I tried to get. I didn't beat my previous record of 3 separate entities claiming my content. I'm a little disappointed. But anyway, you might see ads.
It's so satisfying shooting at steel with a 20". Just watching that target rattle like it got hit by a freight train with almost no recoil to you almost feels like you are cheating physics if you aren't used to anything longer than a 16".
Yup, and the report on steel at 100 yards is so fast because of the velocity you have to hold the trigger longer so you can hear it.
yep the speed is so fast you can see the impact before you feel the kick...and its very very low
M16 builds are always aesthetically pleasing to me
The Canadians use standard carbine buffers with their C7A2s, so it's not like no military does that.
The USMC and US Army M16s with collapsing stocks usually run H6 buffers, but they haven't been sold in the civilian world in a long time.
An H3 is roughly the same weight as an H6, you can also see about finding H6 buffers. The difference in the H3 and the H6 is that the H3 is 3 big tungsten weights, and the H6 is six half size tungsten weights.
In my experience, though, my M16A4 was perfectly reliable with a standard carbine buffer. Do what you want, really. The Canadians do it and it works fine.
I finished my "tanker M16A4" a while ago. FN NOS surplus A4 upper with a KAC RAS made in 2009, M4 buffer tube and stock with H6 (rifle barrel/gas) buffer kit, M7 RCO, black vickers sling.
It's very similar to the rifle I used in boot (collapsing stock M16A4 with H6 kit), but I chose the M7 RCO because it's just... super funky. It has the TA11SDO-CP's 1000 meter, spin-drift compensated M855 machinegun reticle, which has two BDCs in it for 14.5-16.5 inch barrels as well as 20-20.5 inch barrels.
A hilarious machine. It seems USMC tank units often used M16s with these collapsing stocks, and the new M7 RCOs as well, before they were disbanded and the tanks given to the Army.
The gen 3 mct windowed magazines a buddy of mine actually got out of an abandoned tanker barracks on 29 palms, so they're true tanker mags lmao
Sounds like a cool build, man.
I have two 20” builds. I turned my a4 into more of a “a5” build. (Got rid of my RAS for a free float m-lok rail but kept the FSB and installed a Vltor a5 system) I love that rifle so much. It’s my favorite firearm. Now it needs a new optic though. I’m stuck between an Acog and getting another lpvo.
My other is a a2 build that I’m finishing soon and am very excited to own one of my hero’s of the firearm world.
The 20” AR is treated as a meme rifle but in reality it is a fantastic weapon. I shot both my uppers at 2/3 size steel at 380 yards a couple weeks ago and was able to reliably smack steel confidently with IRON SIGHTS and a Steiner p4xi. I was even able to hit a 10” gong with my “a5”. The m16 platform makes shooting medium range distances so much easier. Yeah it does suck a little more for shooting in weird positions, getting in/out of cars or for cqb, but I humbly would say that the 20” is still a devastatingly heavy hitter in the modern world of rifles .
OH and by the way, Brownells bought P&S and is now selling P&S rails identical to the government issue ones for $150 carbine length, $198 rifle length! The KAC DROUGHT IS OVER
Trijicon makes an ACOG for the 20" barrel,M855 and metric ranges. Probably my next build.
I'm debating on picking on up. We'll see which way I end up going.
I’ve had an M16a4 clone I put together back in 2012 when you could buy the hawked Knights rails on GB for $99. It’s been awesome to watch it go in and out of vogue over the years. I had the clone correct Acog for awhile, but sold it when I started having kids. These days I’m running the carry handle as well. Great rifle! Mines heavier with the 3 battery millennium Surefire 😉
I'm on the fence for an optic. I'm leaning TA31 but we shall see. They still run and shoot great with irons. But I do like seeing further.
Ooo lawd where to begin?
Every room I entered in Iraq was either with an A4 or a SAW. I learned from my senior guys who went straight up the middle in Fallujah during Phantom Fury. You can get it done.
The SAM-R was a great rifle that we got once we chopped over to a MEU in 2006. BCM used to make SAM-R uppers, but have since discontinued them. If you want to clone those, we took our issued Iso Mats, cut pieces out and taped them to the stock to create a ghetto rigged cheek riser. Improvisation can go a long way in the absence of “better” being available. Be creative.
All in all, a 20” rifle, not carbine, a *rifle* just feels right to me, even though I shoot carbines exclusively. I still remember the sproingy awesomeness of my clapped out A2 on Parris Island. By the end of my time, everyone was shooting M4’s with ACOG’s, even for annual qual. Now everyone has an M27, and I just feel old knowing everyone I served with is a Gunny 👨🏻🦳
I think it’s only a matter of time before a modernized M-16 is en vogue in our circles, if not in the realm of the defense industry.
I got a r20 government rifle from windham weaponry. Basically their take on the m16a4. I love it to death and it’s my favorite AR and rifle in general I own. I put a TA31RCO-a4 on which is the Acog originally meant for 20” barrels with m855 in metric bdc. I also put a KAC m5 rail but it’s a clone rail from an airsoft rifle but it looks exactly the same and even has a functional heat shield and gas tube guide.
20 inch uppers work exceptionally well with carbine lowers w/ H2 buffers. Literally how our C7A2 rifles are set up.
Currently have an m16a4 from aero. Got the acog as well and I must say this thing has been an absolute beast at long range as well as flawlessly reliable.
They're excellent rifles.
@@navyman8903 TH-cam keeps deleting my comments on your newest video, strelok is still available on Amazon appstore
I like quad rails but man... that looks like a pig. I would've opted for the mcmr with fsp. Been looking into building a 18-20 inch here. Been more on the 18" side of things but I'm about to say f**k it and build both.
Alright, so I have quite a few things to say about the good ol' musket, from the point of view of a National Guard Medic:
-I went to Basic Training with an M16A2
-I deployed to Egypt in 2013 with an M16A2
-I went to BLC with an M16A2 with an M203 in 2016
-I deployed to Poland in 2018 with an M16A2 with a CCO on a Gooseneck mount
-I qualified with the thing from 2009 to 2018, when the unit finally got M4s in 2019
-Lots of MOUT training, lots of Combat Medic training with it in all that time
This is the rifle I made for my wife, because she also went through the Army with the A2s. Hers has a Midwest Industries rail, and a Fulton Armory A1 stock, and she knows how to run it. Oh, and she also has a PNT trigger with a JP Enterprises spring kit. Try it out, it makes a great mil-spec trigger even better for cheap.
Is it nostalgic? Yes. Would I personally use it at this point in my life willingly? Not really, no. Not in the A2/A4 configuration. My biggest issue with it is the irons. My eyesight has always been shit, and as I get older, it's only getting worse. Red dots and magnified optics, whichever flavor you choose, are fucking awesome. I have a soft spot for it, and I would like to make one for myself at some point... but I'll probably ditch the irons and put some glass on it. The A1 length makes a difference, too. I'd keep that somehow.
You also missed the fact that the 20" isn't as loud as the 16" and below crowd. I shoot my 14.5" next to my wife's 20", and you can tell which is which, no matter where you are in the range.
Ooof that's true, I did miss the report portion.
I'm glad the first rifle I bought with my own money was a 90s Bushmaster with what I think is a Colt M16A2 upper back in 2012 for around $700ish, back then no one gave a shit about retro or clone ARs. Haven't modded it at all, just run as a straight A2 with a GI sling. I do kinda want to get one of those ACOGs that can be mounted directly into the carrying handle though.
I love the 20s. They have virtually no recoil. Almost like shooting a .22LR.
They really are smooth.
The M16A4 was my first AR build, got the FN USMC M16A4 NOS upper from Ohio Ordinance, a psa lower with a geissele supper 42 spring, as much as I want to change the lower but it’s a reminder of where I started. Also running a acog with a larue rco LT681 mount allows the acog to set back further from the charging handle, running a Surefire M3 weapon light, kac broomstick vert grip and a Surefire close tine flash hider (working on getting a Surefire Socom556 Mini2 suppressor) got to say my favorite AR out of the other AR’s I own.
I've got a few 20 inchers now and they always beat the shit out of steel, I dig it
They really make 5.56 scream down range. Makes anything out there hard to stop it, and if there's no barrier, it has maximum terminal ballistics.
A yes the rifle she told you not to worry about. I added the a5 buffer and do not regret it. Cried once and got the a4 acog and a knights quad rail.
Great vid! I built an usmc late gwot A4 clone using a Colt ar15a4 as a base a few years ago. Still my favorite ar of my collection. Took a lot of time and many paychecks to get the correct parts including colt cage coded parts. The only internal change was the super 42, it is an outstanding upgrade. I add them on all my rifles. Glad to see they are getting some love!
They're great to have and the Super 42 is a must have. When I ran it the first time I thought my rifle was broken because all I heard was the reset, not the twang.
You're right, that bad lever pisses me right off.
M16A4, ACOG, original Surefire light (but with modern pressure pad), and OKC bayonet.
62 grain pills out of it is especially orgasmic.
Oh and, in-between peanut butter P-mags and grey aluminum mags.
I also held the rifle to sleep when I first had it. No nightmare at all.
Oh and, I hope I'm not too late (three weeks, but still) - if some of you are building your upper receiver group, I highly recommend JSE nitride pencil barrels. 1:7 or 1:9, I leave it to you, but it's lighter in weight, and nitride means it'll be even more accurate. If you're not concerned with clone-correctness, then no need to go for govt. profile or phosphate finish. Besides which, even Col. Lutz himself hated the govt. profile.
Love it man! Great video! Don’t know if you remember but you commented back to me awhile ago when I was in the market for a Vcog sco. I ended up going completely different lol. Last month I bought a nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 f1 with Mil-c reticle in a Badger ordnance comm 154 mount. It’s on a block 2 dd upper with a fixed front sight (not from the gas block I wish it was but it’s just a DD fixed front iron). She is now my foldable SPR and I couldn’t be happier with the glass. The front sight was annoying at first but once magnification goes above 3x you can’t see anything although it may impact clarity of my sight picture but I’m not sure and I imagine it’s negligible. It’s an amazing setup! Just need that LMT enhanced BCG to replace this fail zero and a dead air sandman s and she will be done! May add a Norgone ambi mag release and have the lower milled for a PDQ for the flex factor on my aero lower I’m proud about even though ida saved money long run had I bought a radian or ADM to begin with but I was new to ar’s, didn’t have the money, it was 5 years ago, and there is a big cool factor to having Gucci everything on an aero m4E1. It makes it that “I built this thing myself feeling”. Great vid bro want a 20” or 18” mk12 from BCM so badly one day. In the meantime the 14.5” block 2 is my workhorse and it fits in a grey ghost precision backpack with my law folder like a glove so the trade is worth it.
Absolutely excellent setup and the Block II is an outstanding rifle. Keep me updated on the 18" or whatever you end up going with. Thanks for reaching out and keeping me updated.
I think one of the main issues people do not like about BCM is they do not pin their gas blocks...they dimple them if I am not mistaken...my A4 upper is a FN
FN is the only other 20" I would run. Unless I was going to run a maximum precision build like I described at the end.
The A4 is a great rifle. I have the carry handle and just the A2 handguard, and it continues to amaze me with MOA and occasionally sub MOA performance. I’ve got a few examples on my channel. The other day, got 4 rounds touching each other at 50 yards-I use a 1:9 barrel, and lately ot’s doing well with 68 hpbt.
I rolled an "M16A5" - complete with the Vltor A5 recoil system, G SD lower parts kit, FN barrel w/FSB, Magpul furniture, and the gem... the Vltor VIS KM12 upper. I scored the upper for $250 so just had to do so.
Borat- “ very niiice!!”
A1 stock is a bit shorter than the A2 for anyone who wants to keep a fixed stock but needs it shorter. Magpul rifle stock is A1 length
This is the other Polish guy here.
I have a MK12 clone (ish). A1 stock with a NF 3.5-15 and I honestly hate shooting it because of the stock. For the life of me, I can't get comfortable behind the rifle. I'm at a point where the NF might come off, and because it is a good scope, it'll go on something else. Then I'll get the stupid 2.5-8x Leupold with a mil reticle and fucking MOA turrets and just stick the gun in a safe. I'll build myself a Mk12 at home and not have to be an autist about being clone correct.
I think I might just do a Mod 1 MK12 if I do one at this point, honestly.
I had the A-1 and A-2 when I was in the Marines I have a colt A-2 clone with the geissele super 42 spring I love the 20 inch I will get a A-1 one of these days . We used to put a bar of soap in our top pocket for shooting standing you could rest your elbow on it to get a little more stabilization.
Recently picked up a 20” from Fulton Armory. Smoothest shooting, most accurate AR I own. Love the thing.
the 20 in is no joke. all the fad for the shorty. but its soul checking once a 55gr screams by at 3260 fps... will blow up small trees
call it the mist maker...
Yessir, thank you.
Just finished day 1 of 2-day Scoped Carbine course at Ridgeline. Stretched it to 600yds today. Great facility great instruction.
Was wondering when you were gonna try that upper out. I have an A4 clone using this upper and its the bee’s knees.
I really love it.
Well somebody looks like they're going to invade an oil field...
With some Stevie ray Vaughn playing Jimmy Hendrix dogs in the background like he wrote the songs himself.
@@navyman8903 #OilWarriorAlert
I got one of those new-old stock FN A4 uppers from a few years back sitting on an Aero lower. I wish more end users and manufacturers were more interested in A4s.
This vid inspired me to build my take on a M4/SAM-Rish build. I went with a stainless BA barrel, Larue trigger & Vortex glass. This thing shoots lights out. Keep up the great content.
Love the sam-r, I love all 18+ inches ar15 builds. I just got a FN M16A4 and this thing is a beast❤
God I miss my 20" rifle. I had a Bushmaster lower with a BCM upper with Wyndam barrel and a D.D. bcg and knights hand guard system.......total kit bash/parts gun but it was so accurate. Had a N.F. 1-4 on it. I got a hard on for a Pawn shop Sig P-226 classic carry that I tricked out that is now in my carry rotation. No harsh regrets, I just wish I would have tried harder to find another way. I will be doing another one soon-- I still have an A2 upper receiver in the ol' bin and this time I'll stick with the plastic double shield hand guards. I've tried that before......I ALWAYS get carried away and buy a clone hand guard....then switch to a flat top. The insanity always repeats itself. But hey--Maybe this time it will be different?
The KRAM mount is an awesome addition to an ACOG for A2 stock LOP.
Also, good point about the A post. I love the A post more on my 16" than a flip up front; I have an ACOG with a top-mounted RMR 2 on it with back up irons. I don't notice the FSP at all, and it comforts me knowing it's always there. I specifically got a FF rail (20mm not MLOK) for GWOT look and to keep my A post.
I love the AR15A4. Was one of the reasons I picked up a Colt A4 for 899 4 years ago. I love carry handle gang... but now that I've built rifles and used LPVOs... 20 inch (or 18 inch) Free float with an optic is my best and favorite build/gun to run. DD Pro, 20 inch uppers (free floated), Faxon, BCM with aero lowers and optics. But that M16 look...carry handle...something about them
Agreed. They are their own vibe.
how did you know ive been thinking about doing a 20" upper build with a faxon gunner.
Serious question here. If you chrome line a barrel. Why does chf matter? By the time the chrome wears out button vs chf wouldn’t seem to matter at that point.
I’ve been waiting for that video a long time. The 20” is my favorite.
It's definitely a solid and smooth performer. Wonderful rifle to shoot.
This review gave me another idea for what to do with a spare poverty pony in the safe. The criterion hybrid 20" has been catching my eye to fill the hole of a rifle length gas system when I sold my 18" stag but I also don't have enough gwot vibes in my life.
I’ve been looking at that too. And I have bcm bare upper receivers and a spare Aero lower.
20” master race boysss
I ended up going A1 stock cuz I’m vertically challenged. Ever so slightly better for me. Luckily these uppers are currently out of stock, otherwise I’d have probably picked one up.
Faxons Gunner 20" had been received well. I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH IT. What do you think?
I personally have no experience with Faxon but I hear good things. I'll have to look into shooting one before I can offer any meaningful input.
Im running the primary arms 2.5x on top of my carry handle, the acss is really awesome at distance and you can still use your irons with the included mount.
I was entertaining one of those setups for that reason.
I still remember turning in my M16A2 and getting a brand new M16A4, still wrapped in plastic, before getting shipped to Iraq. Couldn't stand to use a broom handle though, it wasn't until after I got out that I learned of and fell in love with AFGs. I kind of want an A4 clone now and stick an ACOG and a ridiculous 3 point sling on it...
That awkward shooting stance you reference is only used for qual though. For combat shooting drills, we presented with plates forward.
Yeah the Marines and all my training up until now always taught plates forward, but some of the old salts did that stance. I get that it's more sustainable out to distance supposedly, I never had luck with it. I'm always a plates forward kind of guy. For better or worse.
@@navyman8903 Yeah, it always felt awkward to me, but somehow it worked. I actually think it's great when learning/practicing marksmanship fundamentals, though. It emphasizes breath control, bone support, trigger control, and pretty much forbids trying to muscle the rifle onto target. Although the style is completely different, I think practicing with it did make me better at a plates forward stance. Although a plates forward kind of stance requires you muscle yourself into place and onto target, learning not to rely on muscling it by practicing the awkward qual stance may have helped. Take that statement with a grain of salt though, as I'm no instructor, and I've no evidence but my own 'feel' of how the fundamentals carried over between stances, so I'm probably talking out of my ass.
I was lucky enough to get the 20" bug 6-8yrs ago when parts were plentiful and cheap! Nobody wanted them. Now it's the new (old) hotness!
Yup, and just wait till the pistol brace things goes into effect, everyone will be coming up with new reasons to get into the 16-20" gang.
Even special threat prob won’t stop 86gr
Which buffer did you use with it?
I used the standard rifle length buffer with the Geissele super 42 rifle spring.
@@navyman8903wesome. Thank you. Planning to set up a 20” or two. Though prob with an A5 arrangement.
One thing I like about the BCM upper is their upper receivers are thermal fit. So when I build, I usually use their upper receivers.
I have the exact same upper. Was actually my first ever AR. I went with an psa lower too. Still my most accurate, reliable AR pattern rifle that I own. 2" groups at 100 is DAMN good. Your eyes are far better than mine.
OLD SCHOOL 🤙
Got the qrf rail on my A4 build it balances well.
Excellent choice.
I mean, it’s not enough that you guilt me into buying better stuff than PSA and primary arms budget optics, now I you gave me the retro itch to satisfy my need to replicate my m16a2 and m16a4 I had while in the USMC 😅
Hell yes. I've had the mk2 Recce 16 for a few years. Love it. This video may have me switching up
I dig the dark synthwave. Goes well with the rifle.
I'm glad someone else thought it was a good pairing.
I'm envisioning Kyle Reece blowing out cpu's with head shots to Terminators in the future war.
I live in Wyoming with nothing but wide open spaces so most of my ARs are 20” unissued surplus FN A4 uppers on aero lowers. Yes it’s heavy, but I’m an army vet with 3 tours between Afghanistan and Iraq between 02-05, so it’s very close to what I carried in the big suck.
Finishes 20” video (buys another 12.5)
I'd love to know what type of magazine that is with the number indicator. where did you find it? thx.
It's a Gen M3 Pmag, I just painted the paint dot matrix with a paint pen.
damn sweet idea man. 👍
How you feel about flatwire springs navyman?
I've not run them in rifles. I don't have any experience with them.
I’m digging the 20inch barrel love! 😁👊🏻
It's an excellent barrel length.
Oh hell yeah man, I grabbed one of these 20” bcm standard uppers around 2016ish. Recently threw some triangle handguards in for the vibe lol. Aways such a pleasure to shoot.
They really do shoot well and very smoothly. Excellent choice.
I would like to get the A-1 handguards for my A-2 the A-1 is probably my favorite I ever shot but they were a little more fun on full auto.
Probably not needed, but LMT is running a sale on their Semi Auto Enhanced 556 Bolt Carrier's right now.
Daaaaamn always when I've made a big purchase. Good looking out. Good luck everyone else.
Been contemplating this build for a little while didn’t know bcm had this upper will definitely look into it I bought one of the 16” m4 upper without handguard I ended up putting a Midwest fps quad rail with bcm lower parts kit and stock
Most UTG stuff is made in Michigan I think? And Taiwan. Not bad honestly for the price.
I'm shocked a rifle length with 20 inch barrel 9 pound AR shoots soft ..id never believed that !!
Have a A4 clone myself. I paid just a little more. Bought my rail off of a guy on tacswap and picked up a FN stock assembly from shark arms. Hope that help someone. New subscriber, take care.
25:46
Ahhh... the truth comes out.
I was wondering... 4k dollars, wtf?
It was 1k not 4k. You're the second person to say that.
@@navyman8903 19:11
Sorry... sounded like 4k. Happy it was only 1k. 20" barrel crew already knew.
@toddinfl yeah it is "For a thousand dollars." Not "four thousand dollars." But I was speaking fast, so I get it.
The vibe check bro the 20inch is 💯the best shtf barrel length
Other than indoor work, there is no reason not to have one.
I want one so bad, but they’re never in stock
I have a colt AR-15A4 with a carry handle/P&S M5 RAS, surefire scout, and a Blue Force vickers sling.
Honestly how tightly built it is impressed me the most. Awesome shooter.
That is a fine 20" rifle. I fired an M16A1 a grand total of two different sessions when I was in the Navy nearly forty years ago, and I remember that it rattled like a bag of gravel. I would much rather have had the A2 or A4 version, but they weren't available back then!
the a1 would've been just as good as either if it wasn't old as shit and drug through Vietnam and trained with by you guys lol
I put a carbine lower with a super42 spring on my 20in upper. What do you think about that huh?
Fascinating combo. Does it run?
Truly a mind blowing experience
It doesn't even run.
@@DonVoyage6948 so more of a melee option then.
If the goal was to absolutely fuck with whatever mag you put in it, Is the velocity difference between 16' and 20' enough to dump your 16' and get 20?
With the assumptions you already have a short boy.
I know what I have heard others say, but I'm interested in your opinion.
Well it's definitely setup dependent. For instance I would never part with my MR556 for anything. I would also grab the MR556 before most things. My URGI is my fighting rifle, my MR556 is my precision fighting rifle. The M16A4 clone for me is for M855. I stocked it to the roof when I was younger. So if I have to sling M855, then I'm grabbing the 20". But I wouldn't pitch the 14.5 or 16" guns for the 20", the 14.5 and 16" are excellent all-rounders. The 20" is good for what it does, but it won't do CQC like a 16".
Also while on the topic of 20" URG I have been pretty excited about the PSA Sabre offerings. It's seems like a lot of bang for the buck especially getting essentially a SOLGW BCG. Lastly you seem to be a high quality person Chief, Have you ever Looked into a Cryptic Coating Mystic Black BCG?
First I've ever heard of them, let me look into it.
Navyman, what’s your thoughts on the colt ar15a4 for a complete 20” option today? I thought it was interesting you didn’t mention it along with BCM and FN
Colt sucks. They also don't even want to sell their rifles to you.
Colt isn't what they used to be and their civilian sales department has a much worse attitude than any other company as of late.
@@navyman8903 got it. What issues have you seen with Colt, where you’d hesitate to recommend it as a duty-grade option?
@@joshuakang4507 it's not that I wouldn't necessarily, but make sure you look over everything to include the gas key staking and all that.
@@joshuakang4507 their barrels have been reported as being buttoned oversized, their parts will crack after just some thousand rounds, and their bolt carrier groups are ass.
My L210s shudder at the thought of a 20in
20 inch is live love life or something
Precisely that, yes.
We see BCM & NAVYMAN and start running!!!
Thanks bro, great to see you in the comments as always.
20inch gang. And Hello there.
Another one baby let’s goo
His face... revealed! On a serious note, My BCMs never have failed me once and are freaking awesome. One an ACOG 14.5 and a 11.5 Surefire suppressed with an A5 H2 setup. Thank goodness I didn't go down the Daniel Defense road, all thanks to Larry Vickers, Travis Haley, and the BPRE hype.
BCM has always treated me well.
Would PSA be okay? I see they have some with FN barrels.
I really want a Carnikon lower. Missed both runs. Someday.
I missed the 2nd run. I was sad about it.
How’s your odg lmt doing? Great video as always
It's solid, I'm waiting to SBR the lower, get a Modlite on it, and a Comp M4. But she's going great, I just have to finish projects. It's on next years docket as the first one if I don't get it done this year.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I must be way out of the loop if BCM is now considered a “low tier manufacturer”
It's the lower end of the Duty spectrum yes. There are guns it blows out of the water, but for a duty grade rifle it's on the entry level.
I've got an A2 stock on my 16" stainless heavy barrel, mainly to balance it because it's so forward heavy. Mid length gas, super smooth cycling. M4 style handguard and A post sight. Very accurate also.
Sounds like a smooth shooter.
@@navyman8903 I'm doing a pencil barrel M4 style now, I may use a hollow A1 stock on it. Shorter length of pull, and lighter.
@@walkercustoms you're a better man than me. I can't run the pencil barrels personally.
i just took the moe handguard off of mine and got the round a2 handguards.
i should get that super 42 spring.
I highly recommend that super 42.
My buddy is building a Haley Najaf Bushmaster DMR clone
Free float A.R.M.S. Rail
I came into the marines using the the a4 loved it then we got the m4 then the m27 I ended up buying a a1 and built my interpretation of an a5 and love it so much super accurate and reliable she’ll eat anything I feed her
I would love an A5 setup, but then I would have to buy a second 20" upper............which I shouldn't but might do now lol. I do love the 20" guns. Those M27's are nice too. I would love to run some MK262 through them with the VCOG 1-8 on it.
@@navyman8903 unfortunately I got out right as they were getting the vcogs I was so mad I didn’t get to try them out
The cat :)
20 + 4x32 acog = 💥
I might have to do it. I'm leaning that way, we shall see.