Mix & Match AR 15

[Garand]

I'm currently shooting an Armalite M15A4 w/ a 14.5 inch barrel. Works great I'm very happy with it except I can't take it South of the Canada/US border unless it has a 16 inch barrel. I am thinking of buying a complete upper receiver for a S&W M&P 15 with a 16 inch barrel fitted. My question is will the pivot pin holes and the pivot pins on my Armalite match with a S&W upper receiver?

 

[Suputin]

Yes.

 

[Boomer686]

The only issue with pins / holes would be if you were attaching something to the older large hole AR's like some earlier Colt models. Even then it's not a big issue because you can buy the adapters for that as well.

 

[WRH]

They will fit but I believe you can have a 1.5"+ flash welded on to make up the difference. They have better sense over there. It will be cheaper that way too.

 

[strider007]

They will fit but I believe you can have a 1.5"+ flash welded on to make up the difference. They have better sense over there. It will be cheaper that way too.

^^^This...some of the 1.5" muzzle devices are supplied pre-drilled specifically for this purpose. This allows the gunsmith to pin and weld the device into place, giving the barrel a permanent 1.5" extension.

 

[Boomer686]

Just my opinion but I wouldn't be permanently attaching a FH. Of all the AR's I have run I enjoy the 14.5 the most. I find it to be the best balanced. Just my $0.02

YMMV

 

[beltfed]

I would recommend BCM C8 clone for an upper, of if you are looking to save some cash, buy a mid-length gas 16" barrel and gas tube and sell your 14.5" barrel and tube.

 

[Garand]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I personally love the 14.5 in barrel and will use it exclusively in Canada. But to go into the US I need a 16" barrel or it will be disallowed. I don't worry about the cost, when it is something that I need for shooting competitions (try driving 27 hours to Arizona to shoot an 8 day match), and besides I will now have both a upper receiver with a carrying handle and a flat top.