Input needed on a possible upgrade of M4 - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

So Flo · 12-11-2007, 07:13 PM

I am thinking of having my A2 upper changed out for a flat top upper ($130 installed). While the barrel is off the receiver, I am thinking that it would be good to have a free float hand guard installed. I am thinking either the Yankee Hill Machine unit or the LaRue Tactical. I am guessing that it will be another $130 for the free float.

The company that will do the work carries the YHM units, so surely they will opt for that unit.

The question is do you think I should upgrade for ease of use of the optic and long term configurable flexibility or should I leave well enough alone?

Hooz · 12-11-2007, 07:19 PM

I've got railed FFTs on all of my ARs. I'm not a "gadget guy", but the few accessories I do have can quickly and easily be swapped from one gun to the next.

I really like the YHM lightweight 4-rail tubes (everything YHM that I own, for that matter). They are pretty light compared to the normal 4-rail tubes from other people.

**mvician** · 12-11-2007, 07:29 PM

go with the flat top

**yocan** · 12-12-2007, 06:24 AM

looks like a 16" barrel, I'm not sure and you should ask people, but is the free float worth the money with that? I'd think it wouldn't be, but the flat top is worth it IMHO.

So Flo · 12-12-2007, 06:35 AM

Thanks for the responses, gentlemen!
Anvil Arms notes I can do the receiver and the FF (with installation) for $225...not a bad price. Of course, I'll need to buy a BUIS as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvician

go with the flat top

And not the FF?

Quote:

Originally Posted by yocan

looks like a 16" barrel, I'm not sure and you should ask people, but is the free float worth the money with that? I'd think it wouldn't be, but the flat top is worth it IMHO.

I'm only thinking in terms of having it be a more stable platform than the two piece.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooz

I've got railed FFTs on all of my ARs. I'm not a "gadget guy", but the few accessories I do have can quickly and easily be swapped from one gun to the next.

I really like the YHM lightweight 4-rail tubes (everything YHM that I own, for that matter). They are pretty light compared to the normal 4-rail tubes from other people.

What other YHM items do you have?
The only thing I have on the fore arm is the light and the grip. I was originally going to mount the optic to it, but needed the lift and since the two piece is not that stable, I went with the gooseneck mount.

AKpredator · 12-12-2007, 07:13 AM

What is wrong with the setup you have? If there is no problem the way it is, why mess with it?

You might take a look at Trijicon ACOG's, particualrly the TA-45 and TA-33 series. They mount to the carry handle of AR's and still allow the use of iron sights.

Badshot · 12-12-2007, 07:45 AM

Which FF are they saying they can get you for that price? I know you mentioned LaRue earlier, but your price range ($130) was about $100 low for a LaRue. Nothing wrong with the light weight YHM stuff. Another option is to look at my new favorite forend the VLTOR CASV-EL .. you can get a lightly used one for about $200-225. Doesn't require the removal of anything but the FSP sling mount. That would balance what you're already going to be spending but give you more options down the road.

For a BUIS, I prefer Troy and ARMS, but there are always options there. Don't forget rail covers, if for nothing else than to help protect the rails from dings.

As for the cosmetic change.. all personal preference man, I like flat tops for a few reasons, but those are mine and don't really apply to your choices. Most of what folks choose is about LCF (Look Cool Factor). If you don't need full rails, then you might consider looking at something that give you the option to mount rail segments where ever you want on the forend... again YHM has an option there for ya, but the CASV hits that sweet spot too.

Pictures of course will be required once you get this finished.

Hooz · 12-12-2007, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by So Flo

What other YHM items do you have?

I have some of their scope risers, a couple 4-rail FFTs, a set of (folding) BUIS, one of their flash hiders... I'm sure there is more, but that's just off the top of my head.

So Flo · 12-12-2007, 08:42 AM

These are the forearm units I am looking at...$100.
Their website doesn't show a pic of the flat top receiver, but we've all seen one.

I am tinkering because, well, for no real reason other than having an AR and changing it up is the American way!

I am NOT an operator, nor do I play one on TV, so I am doing this just because I'll have some cash available after Christmas and like to customize my guns every now and again...that and I haven't made any changes to the AR in several years, so I'm due!

Thanks for the responses...I'll be sure to post the before and after pics, as well as put my old parts up for sale!

**turbosupra1313** · 12-12-2007, 09:09 AM

go flat top, you wont be disappointed.

free float is best thing I did to my AR.....

12-11-2007, 07:13 PM	#1
So Flo XDTalk 10K Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Wellington, Florida Posts: 13,032	Input needed on a possible upgrade of M4 I am thinking of having my A2 upper changed out for a flat top upper ($130 installed). While the barrel is off the receiver, I am thinking that it would be good to have a free float hand guard installed. I am thinking either the Yankee Hill Machine unit or the LaRue Tactical. I am guessing that it will be another $130 for the free float. The company that will do the work carries the YHM units, so surely they will opt for that unit. The question is do you think I should upgrade for ease of use of the optic and long term configurable flexibility or should I leave well enough alone? __________________ No Guns, Know Crime. Know Guns, No Crime! http://militarysignatures.com/signatures/member3984.png

12-11-2007, 07:19 PM	#2
Hooz XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hilliard, OH Posts: 2,096	I've got railed FFTs on all of my ARs. I'm not a "gadget guy", but the few accessories I do have can quickly and easily be swapped from one gun to the next. I really like the YHM lightweight 4-rail tubes (everything YHM that I own, for that matter). They are pretty light compared to the normal 4-rail tubes from other people. __________________ XD-9 Tactical Member: IDPA, USPSA, ASSA, NRA, GOA

12-11-2007, 07:29 PM	#3
mvician XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 3,333	go with the flat top __________________ AR15s...ya I've built more than a few http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/ar-talk...ar-family.html ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

12-12-2007, 06:24 AM	#4
yocan XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Detroit Posts: 2,276	looks like a 16" barrel, I'm not sure and you should ask people, but is the free float worth the money with that? I'd think it wouldn't be, but the flat top is worth it IMHO. __________________ The three requirements for a school shooting. 1 know the floorplan. 2 Know the threats inside the location and response time/entry time for the police 3. Royally screwed up intelligent analytic mind. We need more laws to protect these three rights. Ban guns in schools, it obviously works.

12-12-2007, 07:45 AM	#7
Badshot XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,433	Which FF are they saying they can get you for that price? I know you mentioned LaRue earlier, but your price range ($130) was about $100 low for a LaRue. Nothing wrong with the light weight YHM stuff. Another option is to look at my new favorite forend the VLTOR CASV-EL .. you can get a lightly used one for about $200-225. Doesn't require the removal of anything but the FSP sling mount. That would balance what you're already going to be spending but give you more options down the road. For a BUIS, I prefer Troy and ARMS, but there are always options there. Don't forget rail covers, if for nothing else than to help protect the rails from dings. As for the cosmetic change.. all personal preference man, I like flat tops for a few reasons, but those are mine and don't really apply to your choices. Most of what folks choose is about LCF (Look Cool Factor). If you don't need full rails, then you might consider looking at something that give you the option to mount rail segments where ever you want on the forend... again YHM has an option there for ya, but the CASV hits that sweet spot too. Pictures of course will be required once you get this finished. __________________ --------------------- Stupidity should should be painful! On AR15's: Learn to use your Iron Sights before you go adding all that extra crap on your gun!

12-12-2007, 07:13 AM	#6
AKpredator XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 398	What is wrong with the setup you have? If there is no problem the way it is, why mess with it? You might take a look at Trijicon ACOG's, particualrly the TA-45 and TA-33 series. They mount to the carry handle of AR's and still allow the use of iron sights.

12-12-2007, 08:42 AM	#9
So Flo XDTalk 10K Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Wellington, Florida Posts: 13,032	These are the forearm units I am looking at...$100. Their website doesn't show a pic of the flat top receiver, but we've all seen one. I am tinkering because, well, for no real reason other than having an AR and changing it up is the American way! I am NOT an operator, nor do I play one on TV, so I am doing this just because I'll have some cash available after Christmas and like to customize my guns every now and again...that and I haven't made any changes to the AR in several years, so I'm due! Thanks for the responses...I'll be sure to post the before and after pics, as well as put my old parts up for sale! __________________ No Guns, Know Crime. Know Guns, No Crime! http://militarysignatures.com/signatures/member3984.png

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