AR/ B'master question

[WiseOwl]

My brother asked me this today. Would any of you folks know?

"Do you know anyone who knows Ar's? Bushmasters in particular...im trying to decide whether to get a free floating rail that covers the milled gas block or replacing the milled gas block with a railed gas block....

Dont know which is better/cheaper/easier"



If you need any other specifics, let me know and I will ask him


Thanks in advance


WiseOwl and his brother Lar

[BioG8r]

I know the Bushmaster, The floating rail is quite nice, remember cleanliness is next to godliness!
It's my experience that NOTHING is cheap anymore and the market is Hot right now. Getting parts is harder with everyday that passes.

I guess the top concerns for me would be; what is the purpose of the weapon? and what are you comfortable spending?
It is nice to have all of the bangs, bobbles and whistles when you go to the range to squeeze off a few with the bro's, but when it comes right down to it....Will the addons really extend the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the weapon?

I have a trusty absolutely bone stock SKS that can be abused and it still throws decent weight down range. The AR requires more maintenance, is more accurate and holds 20 at a time, but only sends itty bitty chunks.

It has been stated MANY times the hottest of civillian situations usually only requires 5 or so rounds to see it to the end. Make your choices based on need and expected use. not on flash and flare. No bandit will care how pretty or smooth the delivery system only its' effectiveness!!!

I don't mean to sound like I'm schoolin' ya'!

We sometimes just seem to get caught up in the side dishes and condiments and forget about the quality of the meat in the dish!

[WiseOwl]

Lil brother went with the floating rail.

I told him to put 500 rounds through it first before he starts "Nopi'n" it out!

I told him just get a decent optic and buy a ton of bullets.

[BioG8r]

AMAN! my kinda thinkin'

[RobertJ]

Some of the railed gas blocks are shorter then the FF rail. If your running a mid or carbine length FF rail and you plan on running BUIS's be sure to get the taller front BUIS or your gonna run into sighting issues. If it was my set up, I would get the longest FF rail I could... 13" put a low profile gas block on it and run the FF rail they way Costa taught us. But that is how I drive an AR. Also if he/you are in your mid 40s like myself and your eyesight is starting to fail the further apart the front to rear sights are apart... the better.YMMV

This is a Daniels Defense 12" FF lightweight rail on a Spikes "Brown Recluse" it sports a mid length low profile gas block. Not pictured is the Millet "Designated marksman" illuminated scope.

[Jtd5555]

I am the brother Lar.

Guys, Im just looking for the most practical way to mount a front sight on my bushy orc. Im not throwing all the bells and whistles on there. I figure a ff hand guard gives me the best chance to increase my sight radius and keep my front sight zero'd longer. My other options are to buy the BMAS front sight that bushy sells for the orc at $106 or replace the milled gas block with a railed gas block. From what I hear, replacing the gas block is a pain because the pins are tapered. So, I figure a FF hand guard is the way to go.

Just looking for some knowledge, as I am a new to the AR setup.

Gracias Por Favor De Nada Caliente

[Grand58742]

About the only thing that can help increase the sight radius is going to a mid length gas system (expensive) and getting a new handguard (just as expensive).

If you are running a carbine length as it is (are you?) putting in a longer sight radius is nigh on to impossible without changing the entire upper or as a minimum changing the barrel and gas tube system. Sorry to say, but I think there is no way around a longer radius with the carbine length system.

You might try M4carbine.net and search around over there or ask the question. They are the experts and can probably answer the question.

[SeldomSeenSlim]

One option is to cut the stock FSB to allow a free float handguard. This requires no change to the stock gas system. Here is a thread on arfcom that has some pictures. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/495...an_do_it_.html There are also a bunch of videos on YouTube that show it in detail.

[WiseOwl]

I am the brother Lar.

Guys, Im just looking for the most practical way to mount a front sight on my bushy orc. Im not throwing all the bells and whistles on there. I figure a ff hand guard gives me the best chance to increase my sight radius and keep my front sight zero'd longer. My other options are to buy the BMAS front sight that bushy sells for the orc at $106 or replace the milled gas block with a railed gas block. From what I hear, replacing the gas block is a pain because the pins are tapered. So, I figure a FF hand guard is the way to go.

Just looking for some knowledge, as I am a new to the AR setup.

Gracias Por Favor De Nada Caliente

Go to the Introduce Yourself section knucklehead and tell the board a little bit about yourself. The folks here are real smart and as you know, I have learned a ton of stuff that I have shared with you on here. We are going to pair up for the next campout to go meet everyone, learn, listen and share ideas and what we know. Stay away from them Okies, they are always up to no good. The GA folks are now a battalion. And I want to shoot that new AR, since you know my 10/22 can get it done too.

Guys, he just got this Bushmaster and is new to that platform. Any advice would be great and I see you have already steered him in the right direction.

[Spock]

my last AR had a bushmaster ORC upper. i used the BMAS front sight. if i were you i'd get a long very light weight rail and mill off the bayonet lug and sling swivl on the ORC barrel for clearance in the FF tube. the newer rails are basically epensive tubes now with rail sections that can be screwed to them where needed.


http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/...ategory_id=450

[RobertJ]

About the only thing that can help increase the sight radius is going to a mid length gas system (expensive) and getting a new handguard (just as expensive).

If you are running a carbine length as it is (are you?) putting in a longer sight radius is nigh on to impossible without changing the entire upper or as a minimum changing the barrel and gas tube system. Sorry to say, but I think there is no way around a longer radius with the carbine length system.

You might try M4carbine.net and search around over there or ask the question. They are the experts and can probably answer the question.

Grand... if he orders one of these or similar... http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/...625-p-482.html

All he has to do is Remove the front site/gas block and replace with the low profile (micro) gas block, they make an adjustable one as well for gas flow. You can run any length gas system and the only parts to purchase are the micro gas block, rail, and BUIS and optic of choice. If he dose not have drift punches and hammer, or an arbor press with proper block and pin, or a bench block ,or a buddie with these he will also need to purchase these tools as well. The drift pins on site block are tapered and come out one way. If you were in the Orlando area I would walk u through it and let u use my tools. This is an easy process to do if you have the tools/knowhow.
Look at my photo above and u can see my micro block under the FF rail. It can be used with the Daniels rails as shown in my picture as well as YHM, LaRue, Spikes, and several others as well. This is no longer the process it once was since low profile/micro blocks hit the market.
Hope this helps some.

[Grand58742]

Grand... if he orders one of these or similar... <snipped for length>

I was unaware and learned something. Thanks!

[Jtd5555]

As of 4/10/12 Bushmaster does not have anymore BMAS front sights (Part # YHM-9360K) in their catalog. Yankee Hill doesnt make them anymore. I had decided on just buying this part and moving on, but not an option now. I have to replace the milled and useless gas block that came with the rifle with a railed gas block. There are some good deals on some of these and my smith says he'll swap em for 25 bucks. I would do it myself, but I dont have the time or the tools. For anyone with this same problem, replace the gas block with one that allows you to mount a front sight or you have to shave the sling swivel and bayonet lug off the milled gas block to fit most FF handguards (if you want to go that route).

Thanks for the knowledge guys.