Upper thoughts

[jproaster]

Ok. I have my lower, lpk and buttstock kit. Now I need an upper. I think I like this one:

BCM Standard 14.5" M4 Carbine Upper Receiver Group w/ Permanent A2X Flash Hider (16.1")

I don't know alot about ARs. What I would like is a solid and accurate weapon. Dont' even know if I want an optic on it. Probably like to put a flashlight on it though. So I'd like your thoughts on barrel/receiver group (pros/cons) and stuff like which handguards will fit this configuration, (lighter is better by the way). I'm still reading alot, but I'm sure the BCG and charging handle should be easier for me to decide.

FYI, my lower is a forged Mega and my buttstock kit is lowend magpul.

thanks,

john

[Reservoir Dog]

BCM makes top quality stuff. Buy their stuff with confidence.

However, if you intend on having the ability to mount a wide variety of rail systems, I would caution you about buying an upper with pinned and welded flash suppressor (like the one you linked). You would be limiting yourself to mainly drop in rail systems, or some by Samson, that can be installed without removing the FSB and flash suppressor. Also, changing gas blocks would not be possible without drilling out the pin and cutting the weld on the flash suppressor to remove it.

BCM says it best:

Because this upper features a permanent flash hider, it cannot be removed for the mounting of many types of handguards. Do not purchase this upper if you need to remove the flash hider or front sight base for the further installation of accessories.

[jproaster]

Rdog,

Does this mean I cannot add a free float handguard? I'd like that option. And I like the shorter shooter- that's why I chose the 14.5 barrel.

john

[mikegideon]

This gets discussed a lot. Pinned flash hiders limit you. Personally, If I had to have a barrel shorter than 16", I would just pay for the stamp

[Reservoir Dog]

Rdog,

Does this mean I cannot add a free float handguard? I'd like that option.

There are some free-float options, but they are limited. Here are a couple that I can think of right off the bat:

Samson Mfg: AR-15, AK-47, Sig 556 Rails and Accessories: Samson STAR-C

https://danieldefense.com/rail-systems/omega-rail-7-0-carbine.html

They both have their pros and cons:

The Daniel Defense rail is easily mounted by snapping it into the delta ring assembly, and tightening the screws down to lock it on the barrel nut. The DD rail is very light. I don't much care for the way it attaches to the barrel nut, but it still provides a sturdy lock-up.

The Samson rail actually clamps down onto the barrel nut, and is a much more secure mount. However, it takes much more effort to install. With this rail, you will have to take off the barrel, remove the delta ring assembly, and then reinstall the barrel in order to mount the rail. It sounds worse than it is. I would rather install a rail this way, rather than having to remove the front sight base. The Samson rail is a bit heavier than the DD.

[mikegideon]

I have the Daniel Defense Omega on one of my rifles. It's the same weight as a regular handguard without the rail covers. It's real pricey, but I would buy it again.

[jproaster]

Do you think the DD omega7 has any true weaknesses? And how often does one need to change the gas block?

thanks,

john

[Magiccarpetrides]

In 16" or 14.5" I would recommend looking at the spikes uppers on Joeboboutfitters or AIM Surplus Home they cost about the same as bcm, use all the same high end materials, but also include top notch bcg, charging handle, and buffer at no additional charge.

[mikegideon]

Do you think the DD omega7 has any true weaknesses? And how often does one need to change the gas block?

thanks,

john

It's DD's best selling rail. Weakness is price! I'm thrilled with mine...

[Reservoir Dog]

Do you think the DD omega7 has any true weaknesses? And how often does one need to change the gas block?

thanks,

john

As mikegideon stated, the DD Omega 7.0 is expensive for a drop-in, but it is an excellent rail, and will serve you well. In my opinion, it's only weakness is how it mounts to the barrel nut. The only thing holding it in place are the 4 small set screws that you tighten down onto the barrel nut. Not the best mounting method, but it does work.

You should not need to change your gas block, unless you just want a different style of block (railed, low profile. etc...).

[mikegideon]

Yep, it's tensioned by the four screws, but you can't just loosten the screws and pull it off the rifle. The teeth of the barrel nut sit in a channel in the Omega, and the whole thing is held by the delta ring assembly.

[jproaster]

At some point soon I'll get the DD omega 7. Today I ordered the upper above with a charging handle. So I'm looking for my bcg and some rear sight.

Thanks for the help.

john

[Smith]

The DD are awesome. Really thin and lightweight and worth every penny. However, for the money and I really like Yankee Hill Machines dimonand series. A lot of rail for the money.

Here's mine on a Spikes Tactical mid length.

[Seaslug]

At some point soon I'll get the DD omega 7. Today I ordered the upper above with a charging handle. So I'm looking for my bcg and some rear sight.

Thanks for the help.

john

You really should've ordered the BCM BCG with your upper. I think it's $130 with an upper purchase, which is about a $10 discount. It's as good as any in the industry. Call 'em and see if they can add it before your upper ships.

[mikegideon]

The DD are awesome. Really thin and lightweight and worth every penny. However, for the money and I really like Yankee Hill Machines dimonand series. A lot of rail for the money.

Here's mine on a Spikes Tactical mid length.

I like Yankee Hill stuff, but I LOVE oval rails. No biggie if you use a vertical grip, I guess.

[mikegideon]

You really should've ordered the BCM BCG with your upper. I think it's $130 with an upper purchase, which is about a $10 discount. It's as good as any in the industry. Call 'em and see if they can add it before your upper ships.

Their assembled BCG's have been out of stock for awhile. I got my last BCG from bravo, but it was a CMT with MPI. Those are gone too.

[jproaster]

I know; so i'm looking around.

[jproaster]

Ok. I found these:

Daniel Defense Full Auto Bolt Carrier Assembly AR-15 223

Rainier Arms, LLC™ | Browse | Bolt Carrier Assemblies | Rainier Arms Thunder Boltâ„¢ BCG

Palmetto states that the bcg is for .223. Daniel Defense says the same group is M16. Is the .223 and 5.56 the same in this instance?

john

[Tnscooter63]

Spike's Tactical M16 BCG-FREE SHIPPING!

He is a vendor here and has some great prices with free shipping.

[mikegideon]

Spike's Tactical M16 BCG-FREE SHIPPING!

He is a vendor here and has some great prices with free shipping.

Looks like it's out of stock. The Daniel Defense will be as good

[Seaslug]

Looks like it's out of stock. The Daniel Defense will be as good

+1

[Magiccarpetrides]

I have a Spikes NiB and my cousin who just got out of basic thought it was a whole lot easier to clean and slightly smoother then his issued gun. That being said the Spikes are built every bit as well as the BCM at a lower price. Same goes for DD.

[Jon_L]

Here ya' go. Love this price:

Spike's Tactical M16 BCG-FREE SHIPPING!

[mikegideon]

Great price... out of stock

[Jon_L]

Whoops, I missed that. Sorry.