My New Carbine....
- Thread starter Bartok5
- Start date
Hey Fellas,
Many thanks for the kind words regarding my new carbine. It has been a "labour of love", and has taken considerably longer than a flesh and blood child to to create! There are so many options for each feature out there, that it quite literally boggles the mind. A lot of research went into each of the add-ons, and while they may not be the "ultimate" in everyone's mind, they were in mine. To get exactly what I wanted was well worth a year's worth of deliberation, delivery, and build.
I really can't say it enough - Mr Wolverine is THE MAN. He forged new working relationships with various U.S. companies (such as Daniel Defence) just to make my "dream carbine" a reality. Those arrangements take a great deal of time and effort. And now those channels are open to all Canuck afficionados of primo gun gear.....
Longbranch - Yes, those are modified M-14 mags. Armalite's decision to use the USGI M-14 mag was based on the U.S. prohibition against manufacture of "high-capacity" magazines. There were thousands of readily available mil-surp M-14 mags that could be converted to work in the new AR-10, so that is what they went with. Now that the 1994 ban is over in the U.S, Armalite is about to start production of a new purpose-built AR-10 magazine that will be cheaper than a converted M-14 mag. The prototypes and trials are done. The new mag is about to start rolling off the assembly line.
Deckard - The Bolt-Catch (Hold-Open Device) is on the left side of the receiver, identical to the AR-15 family. All of the controls are identical. The fact of the matter is that the original 7.62mm AR-10 (1950s-60s) was the grandfather of the (later) scaled-down 5.56mm AR-15 series. What was old is now new again WRT the revised/refined 7.62mm AR-10. All of the past lessons have been incorporated to produce a truly modern battle rifle in the big-bore NATO cartridge. Notice the lack of a "Forward Assist"? That is because the original 7.62mm NATO design didn't require one. The increased mass and resultant inertia of the larger 7.62mm working parts is such that the action is extremely forceful and reliable. If the action doesn't fully chamber? You are best to eject the round rather than try to force it home because something more serious than fouling is most likely the cause....
Sinasta - Yeah, the Vertical Fore-Grip is a Tango Down Inc, not a Magpul. Thanks a bunch for pointing that out. Better that I know now, otherwise I'd have been really disappointed when the carbine arrives next week with the wrong Fore-Grip installed! I'd have had to spank Mr Wolverine hard, and that could prove dangerous....
Seriously though, I evidently had Magpul on the brain when I first posted. I deliberately chose the TD grip over other contenders because it has the inlet pressure-switch receptacle with removeable cover plate. I figured that option would be a "good thing", given the inevitable need for a "tactical illuminator" to fight zombies in the night. Flexibility is the key....
Enough for now. I'll post a range report when I have the new beastie in-hand and get a chance to launch some rounds down-range. I am very hopeful that this carbine is going to set an entirely new standard in my very positive personal experience with 7.62mm rifles to date. I can't wait to see how it stacks up against my original 1960 Artillerie Inrichtingen AR-10 in terms of sheer performance.
Cheers,
Many thanks for the kind words regarding my new carbine. It has been a "labour of love", and has taken considerably longer than a flesh and blood child to to create! There are so many options for each feature out there, that it quite literally boggles the mind. A lot of research went into each of the add-ons, and while they may not be the "ultimate" in everyone's mind, they were in mine. To get exactly what I wanted was well worth a year's worth of deliberation, delivery, and build.
I really can't say it enough - Mr Wolverine is THE MAN. He forged new working relationships with various U.S. companies (such as Daniel Defence) just to make my "dream carbine" a reality. Those arrangements take a great deal of time and effort. And now those channels are open to all Canuck afficionados of primo gun gear.....
Longbranch - Yes, those are modified M-14 mags. Armalite's decision to use the USGI M-14 mag was based on the U.S. prohibition against manufacture of "high-capacity" magazines. There were thousands of readily available mil-surp M-14 mags that could be converted to work in the new AR-10, so that is what they went with. Now that the 1994 ban is over in the U.S, Armalite is about to start production of a new purpose-built AR-10 magazine that will be cheaper than a converted M-14 mag. The prototypes and trials are done. The new mag is about to start rolling off the assembly line.
Deckard - The Bolt-Catch (Hold-Open Device) is on the left side of the receiver, identical to the AR-15 family. All of the controls are identical. The fact of the matter is that the original 7.62mm AR-10 (1950s-60s) was the grandfather of the (later) scaled-down 5.56mm AR-15 series. What was old is now new again WRT the revised/refined 7.62mm AR-10. All of the past lessons have been incorporated to produce a truly modern battle rifle in the big-bore NATO cartridge. Notice the lack of a "Forward Assist"? That is because the original 7.62mm NATO design didn't require one. The increased mass and resultant inertia of the larger 7.62mm working parts is such that the action is extremely forceful and reliable. If the action doesn't fully chamber? You are best to eject the round rather than try to force it home because something more serious than fouling is most likely the cause....
Sinasta - Yeah, the Vertical Fore-Grip is a Tango Down Inc, not a Magpul. Thanks a bunch for pointing that out. Better that I know now, otherwise I'd have been really disappointed when the carbine arrives next week with the wrong Fore-Grip installed! I'd have had to spank Mr Wolverine hard, and that could prove dangerous....
Seriously though, I evidently had Magpul on the brain when I first posted. I deliberately chose the TD grip over other contenders because it has the inlet pressure-switch receptacle with removeable cover plate. I figured that option would be a "good thing", given the inevitable need for a "tactical illuminator" to fight zombies in the night. Flexibility is the key....
Enough for now. I'll post a range report when I have the new beastie in-hand and get a chance to launch some rounds down-range. I am very hopeful that this carbine is going to set an entirely new standard in my very positive personal experience with 7.62mm rifles to date. I can't wait to see how it stacks up against my original 1960 Artillerie Inrichtingen AR-10 in terms of sheer performance.
Cheers,
Last edited:
Some more AR-10 "eye-candy" for those who are interested.....
On top is Mr Wolverine's personal AR-10 SOF Carbine fitted with a Magpul PRS precision butt-stock, Tango-Down "Battle Grip" pistol grip, Daniel Defence free-float mid-length rail system, Tango-Down vertical fore-grip, Harris bipod, DPMS Phantom flash-hider, and some (no doubt) horribly sophisticated Schmidt and Bender optics. A real tack-driver, by all accounts.
Below is my AR-10 SOF Carbine as previously described, but now with the oh-so-important colour-coordinated Magpul OD Green rail protectors added on. My only question at this point, is "why the hell isn't it in a box enroute to me yet?!?!?!" I know, I know.... patience is a virtue....
Allow me to note that I have been dealing with Mr Wolverine for more than 20 years now, and never a single complaint. In fact, quite the opposite. I have always been more than pleased with our transactions. When John Hipwell says that he "stands behind his product"? You can bet the bank on that. I've personally been there, and benefitted from it more times than I can track. So yes, I am admittedly somewhat biased. But for very valid reasons. The fact is that if you are looking for a custom AR-10 or AR/M-15 carbine? Mr. Wolverine is unquestionably THE MAN. Truth be told, that goes for any firearms transaction. And no, I don't get a kick-back from this personal endorsement. John has more than earned my objective customer loyalty through his expertise, stellar customer relations, and exemplary service time and time again.
Mr Wolverine will be building my 5.56mm "little brother" to the AR-10. He has established relationships with the key U.S. manufacturers of high-end tactical accessories, and he knows exactly what he is talking about when it comes to determining what you need/want. Enough said. With John Hipwell, you are in the very best of hands.
Cheers,
On top is Mr Wolverine's personal AR-10 SOF Carbine fitted with a Magpul PRS precision butt-stock, Tango-Down "Battle Grip" pistol grip, Daniel Defence free-float mid-length rail system, Tango-Down vertical fore-grip, Harris bipod, DPMS Phantom flash-hider, and some (no doubt) horribly sophisticated Schmidt and Bender optics. A real tack-driver, by all accounts.
Below is my AR-10 SOF Carbine as previously described, but now with the oh-so-important colour-coordinated Magpul OD Green rail protectors added on. My only question at this point, is "why the hell isn't it in a box enroute to me yet?!?!?!" I know, I know.... patience is a virtue....
Allow me to note that I have been dealing with Mr Wolverine for more than 20 years now, and never a single complaint. In fact, quite the opposite. I have always been more than pleased with our transactions. When John Hipwell says that he "stands behind his product"? You can bet the bank on that. I've personally been there, and benefitted from it more times than I can track. So yes, I am admittedly somewhat biased. But for very valid reasons. The fact is that if you are looking for a custom AR-10 or AR/M-15 carbine? Mr. Wolverine is unquestionably THE MAN. Truth be told, that goes for any firearms transaction. And no, I don't get a kick-back from this personal endorsement. John has more than earned my objective customer loyalty through his expertise, stellar customer relations, and exemplary service time and time again.
Mr Wolverine will be building my 5.56mm "little brother" to the AR-10. He has established relationships with the key U.S. manufacturers of high-end tactical accessories, and he knows exactly what he is talking about when it comes to determining what you need/want. Enough said. With John Hipwell, you are in the very best of hands.
Cheers,
Last edited:
Mr Wolverine
CGN Regular
- Location
- Manitoba. Canada
Thanks for all the lavish praise Mark, but a bottle of good Scotch next time you visit would have been adequate, and a visit is long overdue. Seriously the best thing about this business is that over many years Pat and I have discovered many new close friends that started as customers. We operated a similar type of gun business in the UK before we emigrated to Canada in 1982 and now have friends scattered all over the world.
Mark is correct in that I take a great personal satisfaction in assembling "Custom Carbines" to meet individuals requirements, however I do need to make two minor corrections to Mark's comments on his new carbine.
A year ago ArmaLite listed their carbines as available in an "SOF" configeration that used a "Stepped" barrel, both the carbines pictured use ArmaLite's current AR10 carbine profile barrel which is based on the M14. This is a lighter barrel and improves balance. Balance in this type of firearm is a very under rated feature.
Secondly the flash hiders pictured are manufactured for us by Dlask Arms, we supply Dlask with a lot of parts and in turn like to support businesses that support us, especially when they are Canadian and manufacture top quality products.
Finally Mark, yes she is now boxed and wrapped, just waiting for the CFC to complete things. Patience please!
Mark is correct in that I take a great personal satisfaction in assembling "Custom Carbines" to meet individuals requirements, however I do need to make two minor corrections to Mark's comments on his new carbine.
A year ago ArmaLite listed their carbines as available in an "SOF" configeration that used a "Stepped" barrel, both the carbines pictured use ArmaLite's current AR10 carbine profile barrel which is based on the M14. This is a lighter barrel and improves balance. Balance in this type of firearm is a very under rated feature.
Secondly the flash hiders pictured are manufactured for us by Dlask Arms, we supply Dlask with a lot of parts and in turn like to support businesses that support us, especially when they are Canadian and manufacture top quality products.
Finally Mark, yes she is now boxed and wrapped, just waiting for the CFC to complete things. Patience please!
Mr Wolverine said:
Regrding the above, I defer to the Canadian "Sensei" of custom tactical builds. "Wax on, Wax off"....
Trev,
I honestly dunno about the EOTech. I have handled them in the past for a few minutes at a time, and always found the reticle to be "grainy". But I am told that this is only because I made the mistake of focussing on the reticle itself (judging while considering buying), rather than using the sight as intended - with both eyes open, focussed on the target down-range rather than the reticle. Kind of like the whole "let the foresight blur and focus on the target when shooting with iron sights. Apparently once you get over the "gee whiz" of the EOTech reticle and use it as it was meant to be used, it is outstanding - very sharp in your secondary focal plane, and bang on the money. We shall see. Heck - I've been taught 3 different ways to shoot CQB over the past 25 years, and have managed to adapt to each as techniques progressed. Transitioning to the EOTech can't be that difficult. Otherwise it wouldn't be the current "CQB to 200 metre" combat optic of choice amongst just about every high-speed organization with a recognizable name....
I have numerous red-dot sights on my SMGs and a few of my military-style semi-auto rifles. All are admittedly less than mil-spec Aimpoint quality, but they perform fine for my shenanigans on the one-way civvie range. I like the red-dots, but I find that even the 30mm tubes to be somewhat restrictive and "tunnel-vision"-inducing - even with both eyes open. I am very hopeful that the larger, rectangular "window" on the EOTech will allow me to avoid ocular fixation on the sight unit itself.
The goal is to ignore the actual sight unit, and simply project the reticle/dot onto the target. I think that the EOTech will allow me to do so much more than the tubular "dot sights". Time and familiarity will tell, and I will certainly let you know once I get to "know" my shiny new EOTech.
At the end of the day, our own guys in A'Stan are loving the EOTech. That, combined with rave reviews from other "been there, done that" quarters was enough to sell me on giving the system a legitmate try. We shall see, and I will certainly let you know how it turns out via PM.
Cheers,
GT,
I honestly dunno the all-up weight - I will drop you a line when I finally have it in my anxious, greedy, sweaty little hands. Hopefully this coming week, depending on the Alberta CFO....
Cheers,
Mark
I honestly dunno the all-up weight - I will drop you a line when I finally have it in my anxious, greedy, sweaty little hands. Hopefully this coming week, depending on the Alberta CFO....
Cheers,
Mark
Deckard said:
Deckard,
Sorry, you've lost me with the "HOD" reference. Are you talking "Hold Open Device"? That's my understanding of the acronym, but I may be behind the times. If that was the question, then yes - the AR-10 has a standard AR-type "bolt-catch".
My new carbine arrived last night, and I spent the evening "getting to know her". A bit more fondling tonight, as we are still in the "courtship" phase of figuring out all of the various features and procedures for adjusting and manipulating the stock, the EOTech sight, etc. One thing that I've noticed thus far is that the MAGPUL MIAD rear grip panels don't mate quite correctly with the underside of the lower receiver. I suspect that they require a bit of minor Dremel work in order to mate with the slightly different contour of the AR-10's lower receiver "arch". No worries - it is a very minor misfit and there is plenty of plastic to play with on the upper arch of the MIAD rear grip panels.
All things considered? I am a very happy camper based on my initial assessment of the carbine. The fit and finish are top-notch. Truth be told? They are the best that I have ever seen in an AR-style platform. Better than my Colt. Better than my PWA. And certainly better than any Diemaco product that I have ever been issued. There is zero (and I mean zero) play between the upper and lower receivers, both of which bear a 100% consistent deep matte-black finish. The match trigger is very sweet, the action is both smooth and "snappy". I will hopefully get it out on the range this weekend for the all-important accuracy and function testing, but I don't foresee any disappointments in that regard either. This particular carbine has already been function-tested my Mr Wolverine with outstanding results. All that remains to be seen is how it will perform accuracy-wise for my intended purposes of CQB to 300 metres. Should be both interesting and fun....
More pics to follow when I get around to a photo session.
Cheers,
Well, after a long hiatus from this topic I have the AR-10 Carbine in my hands and have finally fired it. Guys, I honestly don't know what to say that can accurately describe this firearm in terms that you will appreciate. It is hands-down the most user-friendly and soft-shooting .308/7.62x51mm NATO rifle that I have ever had the pleasure of firing.
We finally got out to the snow-covered range in Edmonton last weekend. I put first rounds down-range with the AR-10 Carbine and was immediately amazed at the lack of perceived recoil. This system feels far more like a 5.56mm C-8 than anything in the old "battle rifle" family of the FN C1A1, HK G3, U.S. M14, etc. Seriously - the recoil is like a C-7/C-8 with a very minor bit of additional "oomphf". There is nothing at all "sharp" about it, unlike all of the aforementioned 7.62mm battle rifles. The perceived recoil is actually less than any 7.62x33 mm Soviet cartridge that I've fired out of an SKS, AK, or Vz-58. It is like a "C-8 plus". And that would be a very minor "plus". No doubt everything to do with the straight-line recoil and the other contributing ergonomics. At the end of the day, this is a 7.62mm NATO carbine that shoots and feels more like a 5.56mm than any other calibre. It was simply amazing.
The gathered crew fired 100 rounds with zero stoppages, consistent (and postive) ejection, and nothing but good things to say. That was after cycling through five different 5/20 magazines. Serious kudos to "Mr Hipwell" for function-testing the rifle and mags before shipping. There were no surprises and no disappointments.
The EoTech sight was a dream. Once I got it zeroed, I was printing 2" groups at 100m with surplus Israeli ammo. Better yet, I was able to zero the GG&G back-up iron sights with 5 confirmatory rounds having co-indexed them beforehand with the zeroed EoTech dot. Sweetness is....
With this carbine I was able to effortlessly place rapid controlled pairs into centre of mass on a Figure 11 target at 50 metres using the "Gunfighter" basic stance. It was honestly too easy, and felt like firing a C7/C8 with just a minor tad more "soft recoil". Nothing at all to be concerned about.
I am so enamoured with this new addition that I went out and spent some of my $400 tax-free Alberta "Ralph bucks" on a shiny new Surefire Model X200A compact illuminator to strap onto the Daniel Defence FF rail system. You just never know when the zombies might attack, but you can be sure that it will happen at night.....
The X200A is a nice piece of kit - designed for use on either a pistol frame's rail or a rifle rail. You get a very bright LED in an extremely small package. The switch system is truly excellent - on a rifle/carbine you just push with the thumb using a very natural reach from the vertical foregrip to actuate the momentary on/off feature. It is a similarly easy and natural reach from the VFG to actuate the permanent on/off function of the same control lever on the back of the light by simply pushing it right or left. Best of all, the unit is extremely small and streamlined while still delivering blinding light. Trust me - I gave my (now crippled) retinas a work-out in seeing just how effective the Surefire "blind 'em" factor is in a low light situation. Believe me, it works just fine. I'm still seeing stars!
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that this new AR-10 Carbine is now my "going to the range every single time" gun. It is truly that good. Try one, and you will fall in love - just as "Gunplumber" did this past weekend after only 5 rounds. Now he says that he simply has to have one. I know where he's coming from....
Here are some update photos:
AR-10 Carbine full-length with Surefire X-200:
Receiver view with EoTech, Daniel Defence FF Fore-arm and Surefire X-200:
Close-up of Surefire X200 Tac Light:
And finally, an oblique view of the Surefire X200:
Enjoy!
And if you are interested in owning the finest 7.62mm combat rifle that I have ever personally experienced, then contact Mr Wolverine for your own copy. You will NOT be disappointed with either the quality of manufacture or the performance. This carbine absolutely ROCKS!!
Just say'in......
We finally got out to the snow-covered range in Edmonton last weekend. I put first rounds down-range with the AR-10 Carbine and was immediately amazed at the lack of perceived recoil. This system feels far more like a 5.56mm C-8 than anything in the old "battle rifle" family of the FN C1A1, HK G3, U.S. M14, etc. Seriously - the recoil is like a C-7/C-8 with a very minor bit of additional "oomphf". There is nothing at all "sharp" about it, unlike all of the aforementioned 7.62mm battle rifles. The perceived recoil is actually less than any 7.62x33 mm Soviet cartridge that I've fired out of an SKS, AK, or Vz-58. It is like a "C-8 plus". And that would be a very minor "plus". No doubt everything to do with the straight-line recoil and the other contributing ergonomics. At the end of the day, this is a 7.62mm NATO carbine that shoots and feels more like a 5.56mm than any other calibre. It was simply amazing.
The gathered crew fired 100 rounds with zero stoppages, consistent (and postive) ejection, and nothing but good things to say. That was after cycling through five different 5/20 magazines. Serious kudos to "Mr Hipwell" for function-testing the rifle and mags before shipping. There were no surprises and no disappointments.
The EoTech sight was a dream. Once I got it zeroed, I was printing 2" groups at 100m with surplus Israeli ammo. Better yet, I was able to zero the GG&G back-up iron sights with 5 confirmatory rounds having co-indexed them beforehand with the zeroed EoTech dot. Sweetness is....
With this carbine I was able to effortlessly place rapid controlled pairs into centre of mass on a Figure 11 target at 50 metres using the "Gunfighter" basic stance. It was honestly too easy, and felt like firing a C7/C8 with just a minor tad more "soft recoil". Nothing at all to be concerned about.
I am so enamoured with this new addition that I went out and spent some of my $400 tax-free Alberta "Ralph bucks" on a shiny new Surefire Model X200A compact illuminator to strap onto the Daniel Defence FF rail system. You just never know when the zombies might attack, but you can be sure that it will happen at night.....
The X200A is a nice piece of kit - designed for use on either a pistol frame's rail or a rifle rail. You get a very bright LED in an extremely small package. The switch system is truly excellent - on a rifle/carbine you just push with the thumb using a very natural reach from the vertical foregrip to actuate the momentary on/off feature. It is a similarly easy and natural reach from the VFG to actuate the permanent on/off function of the same control lever on the back of the light by simply pushing it right or left. Best of all, the unit is extremely small and streamlined while still delivering blinding light. Trust me - I gave my (now crippled) retinas a work-out in seeing just how effective the Surefire "blind 'em" factor is in a low light situation. Believe me, it works just fine. I'm still seeing stars!
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that this new AR-10 Carbine is now my "going to the range every single time" gun. It is truly that good. Try one, and you will fall in love - just as "Gunplumber" did this past weekend after only 5 rounds. Now he says that he simply has to have one. I know where he's coming from....
Here are some update photos:
AR-10 Carbine full-length with Surefire X-200:
Receiver view with EoTech, Daniel Defence FF Fore-arm and Surefire X-200:
Close-up of Surefire X200 Tac Light:
And finally, an oblique view of the Surefire X200:
Enjoy!
And if you are interested in owning the finest 7.62mm combat rifle that I have ever personally experienced, then contact Mr Wolverine for your own copy. You will NOT be disappointed with either the quality of manufacture or the performance. This carbine absolutely ROCKS!!
Just say'in......
