Looking for some AR parts, please help!

Dooran

Dooran

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I just bought my first AR and am looking for a few accessories to ###y it up a bit, I've been looking through the site sponsors but haven't had a ton of luck. I'm looking for a front end free float with rail on top and small optional ones on the bottom, looking to spend $200ish, I've seen a troy at Milarm and a diamondhead, not sure if I love the look of either. I would also like to find a good quality, awesome looking compensator to help keep me on target in the $100 range, seen the griffin and the ATRS AT15, are these muzzle breaks or compensators? Same things? I'm newb to this, needs to fit a Norinco CQ-A 14.5. Also when I take off the front sight that comes with it I have to get a new gas block? Any suggestions, I'm putting Magpull flip ups on it.

Thanks in advance!
 
Good luck trying to get that A2 gas block off. Everyone who has tried has found them to be a PITA to remove. The pins holding it in place are tapered so you'll need to ensure you're knocking them out from the right direction. You'll need a good punch and a heavy hammer. Once removed, you will need to buy a 0.750" low profile gas block so that it can fit under your new free float rail if you buy a longer one that extends beyond the length of the gas block. The other option is to get a cut-off tool like a Dremel and modify the existing A2 gas block to form a low profile one by chopping off the sight posts and bayonet lug, then shaping it with a grinder.

You may need some AR15 tools like a delta ring handguard removal tool or find a friend to assist so that you can remove the existing handguard. An upper vise block and barrel nut wrench (or armorer's wrench) to remove the barrel nut BUT depending on which brand/model floating rail you buy, you may be able to use the existing one. A barrel clamp vise blocks for removing the barrel nut and swapping the muzzle brake/compensator. These will help reduce the chances of you damaging your upper.

Compensators reduce muzzle climb. Brakes reduce recoil. There are combinations of the two and some include flash suppressor.
 
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Good $200 free float rails are not easy to come by, not new anyway. You'll probably find a used one out there. For a 14 inch AR you could go with a 12-13 inch rail and it would give a really cool, SBR look. Im assuming your on a tight budget so cutting down your front sight will likely be your best bet. I know 3 guys who have done it and once the rail is in place you can't tell the difference.

Another thing to consider is HOW the rail mounts. If you don't want to remove your A2 sight, you'll have to stick with a rail that utilizes the stock barrel nut for mounting. A troy does this, as does an NEA rail. Not sure about others. I know a diamond head uses their own barrel nut, so does Daniel Defence and Yankee Hill... Removing the stock barrel nut requires special tools and CAN require some serious effort. You may be better off spending a little more on a rail to avoid the hassles with swapping barrel nuts. (For what its worth, I have a 13 inch troy battle rail with integrated flip up front sight thats brand new and uses the stock barrel nut. It also has 3 smaller rails you can position anywhere you want). Its integrated front sight works with any standard height rear sight like a magpul.

As for a compensator/brake/flash hider you need to decide what attribute is most important and what (if any) look you prefer. If you want to keep the noise down for the shooter a forward compensator is a great option. S&J makes a nice one for well under $100. I think theyre $60. They do provide some muzzle climb mitigation but not as much as a proper compensator. A brake is generally quite loud... I don't like them so much. Recoil on an AR is pretty light so I see no reason to need to lessen it. My preference is a Noveske KX3... I really like mine. They aren't cheap though. Dlask made a similar one called the XB-1. I also like the Troy Claymore... it works excellent and looks cool... also under $100.
 
I'm looking for a compensator that will reduce muzzle climb, I know the front sights can be a b!tch to take off but I'm hoping a local gun shop can help me with that.

Not removing the A2 sight? You mean the existing ones? I want to remove the handle and front site and make it flat with magpul flip ups. Know nothing of the gas block I guess I'll have to consult with the gun store install guys.
 
The A2 sight on a standard AR includes the gas block at its base. Some quad rails install using the factory delta ring (spring loaded ring holding the plastic hand guard on) and don't require any mods. Some require a new barrel nut which would require removing the sight/gas block combo, some use the factory barrel nut which means you just cut the delta ring off, shave the A2 sight off so just the lower portion with the gas tube in it remains and slip over the new quad rail. A gun smith is not required for options 1 and 3... but if your not comfortable with a hammer and punch a gun smith will likely be required for option 2.

If you want to use magpul sights your best bet is to go with option 2 or 3 as they are the ones that leave you with a monolithic top rail from the upper all the way to the front of the rail. Which one you choose depends on what rail your planning on buying.
 
Anyone know where to find a Troy claymore from someone who ships? Not trying to hijack, just seen someone mentioned one and thought they might have a line on one.
 
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