Posted the story about how I came by a UTAS 15 (gen 4) in another thread. Its a good story, i swear.
After getting it, and finding that I REALLY like it (mine works absolutely perfect with 2 3/4 shells, havent tried 3 inch) I also found a few things I wanted that it didnt have.
First up, I wanted an AFG on the pump handle. But, no rail is included and theres almost no space inside to mount one. But I worked hard looking through my parts bin and came up with something. The bolts and backers are from a Magpul rail that comes with the new RVG's to adapt them to a M-Lok rail. The rail itself is from somewhere else, unknown. Fits great and the AFG makes a big difference.
Next, I wanted to mount a flashlight. My first thought was to use an offset rail mount on the top rail... which i tried. But after installing the light there was alot of junk sticking up at the front of the gun and it just looked awkward and silly. So, back to my parts bin. I found another small rail section from something with 2 bolts that thread into a long backer thats as long as the rail. I got looking at it, then at the gun and realized I could use this rail and clamp it through the vent holes on the mag tube covers. Worked perfect and the rail puts the flashlight in the perfect spot.
Next up, I wanted a way to hold some extra shells. No one makes a side saddle for this gun, and a velcro side saddle wont work since theres no where to stick the velcro. Luckily, id bought a FAB rail mounted shell holder a while back for no good reason. It seemed like there would be a way to make this setup work if I could mount another small rail section somewhere appropriate. I had another small section of rail left like the one I used to mount the flashlight. But the lower vent hole area wouldn't work. So I used the upper vent holes but farther back. Rail mounted secure and the spare shell holder clamps on tight and is in a great location for loading. Its also easy to remove for the %99 of the time I don't need or want it on there.
Heres a few pics of the rails on their own.
Finally, I wanted a better optic setup. So I went with a set of folding sights from a Tavor and a Vortex Sparc AR. I like the Sparc AR because its compact and tough, but takes AAA batteries out the front so they are easy to change. Its a nice optic and works great on this gun.
Ive run about 100 rounds through this gun now. All 2 3/4 shells of different styles and loads. It runs perfect. Literally not a single issue at all. Ive read some reviews that say it starts to have trouble when you move up to 3 inch shells. Some have judged the gun to be poor due to this. I feel differently. I only ever intend to run 2 3/4 shells and anything I need to do with it a 2 3/4 will be more than enough. Its no different than a DA Grizzly Mag. They are listed to accept 3 inch shells, but they don't work with the 3 inch very well at all. The SAP 6 is similar. It runs 2 3/4 perfect but develops problems when you move up to 3 inch. Not always, but sometimes.
At first, the UTAS was a novelty. It was a cool looking gun that got alot of attention from... well... everyone. After using it, its become one of my favourite guns period. It feels good, it shoots great, its fun, it looks cool in a very strange way... it shoulders well, cycles really well. I just like everything about it safe for the fit and finish of some parts on my Gen 4. The side panels really don't fit well at all. There is no reason for this. They are not under any kind of stress when the bolts are done up. They just don't fit. The butt pad doesnt fit tight to the receiver. Not a big deal, in fact, not a deal at all. Its just cosmetic but it could be better. There are some sharp edges here and there that could be better but again, non of this effects how the gun works. It just works and, for what this gun cost, $600 taxes and shipping included on the black friday sale... its worth every penny and has exceeded my expectations in almost every way.
After getting it, and finding that I REALLY like it (mine works absolutely perfect with 2 3/4 shells, havent tried 3 inch) I also found a few things I wanted that it didnt have.
First up, I wanted an AFG on the pump handle. But, no rail is included and theres almost no space inside to mount one. But I worked hard looking through my parts bin and came up with something. The bolts and backers are from a Magpul rail that comes with the new RVG's to adapt them to a M-Lok rail. The rail itself is from somewhere else, unknown. Fits great and the AFG makes a big difference.
Next, I wanted to mount a flashlight. My first thought was to use an offset rail mount on the top rail... which i tried. But after installing the light there was alot of junk sticking up at the front of the gun and it just looked awkward and silly. So, back to my parts bin. I found another small rail section from something with 2 bolts that thread into a long backer thats as long as the rail. I got looking at it, then at the gun and realized I could use this rail and clamp it through the vent holes on the mag tube covers. Worked perfect and the rail puts the flashlight in the perfect spot.
Next up, I wanted a way to hold some extra shells. No one makes a side saddle for this gun, and a velcro side saddle wont work since theres no where to stick the velcro. Luckily, id bought a FAB rail mounted shell holder a while back for no good reason. It seemed like there would be a way to make this setup work if I could mount another small rail section somewhere appropriate. I had another small section of rail left like the one I used to mount the flashlight. But the lower vent hole area wouldn't work. So I used the upper vent holes but farther back. Rail mounted secure and the spare shell holder clamps on tight and is in a great location for loading. Its also easy to remove for the %99 of the time I don't need or want it on there.
Heres a few pics of the rails on their own.
Finally, I wanted a better optic setup. So I went with a set of folding sights from a Tavor and a Vortex Sparc AR. I like the Sparc AR because its compact and tough, but takes AAA batteries out the front so they are easy to change. Its a nice optic and works great on this gun.
Ive run about 100 rounds through this gun now. All 2 3/4 shells of different styles and loads. It runs perfect. Literally not a single issue at all. Ive read some reviews that say it starts to have trouble when you move up to 3 inch shells. Some have judged the gun to be poor due to this. I feel differently. I only ever intend to run 2 3/4 shells and anything I need to do with it a 2 3/4 will be more than enough. Its no different than a DA Grizzly Mag. They are listed to accept 3 inch shells, but they don't work with the 3 inch very well at all. The SAP 6 is similar. It runs 2 3/4 perfect but develops problems when you move up to 3 inch. Not always, but sometimes.
At first, the UTAS was a novelty. It was a cool looking gun that got alot of attention from... well... everyone. After using it, its become one of my favourite guns period. It feels good, it shoots great, its fun, it looks cool in a very strange way... it shoulders well, cycles really well. I just like everything about it safe for the fit and finish of some parts on my Gen 4. The side panels really don't fit well at all. There is no reason for this. They are not under any kind of stress when the bolts are done up. They just don't fit. The butt pad doesnt fit tight to the receiver. Not a big deal, in fact, not a deal at all. Its just cosmetic but it could be better. There are some sharp edges here and there that could be better but again, non of this effects how the gun works. It just works and, for what this gun cost, $600 taxes and shipping included on the black friday sale... its worth every penny and has exceeded my expectations in almost every way.
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