M231 Reboot! - Page 1

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M231 Reboot! (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 5/30/2012 5:33:52 AM EST

Following a series of unfortunate events two years ago, I was inadvertently separated from my original M231 barrel with gasblock, leaving my M231 project stillborn.

Though I sometimes feared I'd lost it forever, I'm happy to report that it was returned to me yesterday in good condition!

Like any good-retro nut, I promptly assembled it to an M231 upper receiver that was waiting for the project, as well as throwing on a flat slipring and A1 flash suppressor, and "slickside" 604 carrier!

Unfortunately, I didn't have a lock-washer for the flash suppressor, but now that the critical barrel and collar have been returned to me, I can work on the project with renewed vigor!

If I can convince jhud to make his M231 stock in pistol buffer form, I can finally finish my clone of my issued weapon from the summer of 2009!

Just thought I'd share.

~Augee

Posted: 5/30/2012 6:18:00 AM EST

[#1]

And there was much rejoicing. yay.

Congrats Augee, glad to see it. And I'm totally with you on needing a pistol buffer version of JHud's stock deely. I've already told him that several times

Posted: 5/30/2012 7:26:50 AM EST

[#2]

I need the end plate, the part that holds the spring in place.
Then Ill know how long the sleeve needs to be.
I could do it with an M4 end plate, but Im sure I can have the M231 end plate made cheaper than I can buy the M4 end plate in bulk.
It would be nice to have this item as legit as possible.
The M4 style end plates will need modding.

Im glad you got your upper back augee.
Is the lock washer the A1 type? Ive got some spares, you can have one.

Posted: 5/30/2012 9:52:09 AM EST

[#3]

Glad to see it coming together Augee! Jhud - how is the project coming? Any ball park idea of MSRP? I just got an unusual supposedly Colt prototype 'CQB' (PDW?) pistol grip today - it's stippled, very strange, but thicker than a regular A1 - I have to find an A2 to see if someone just modified an A2, but it's definitely different. I like it other than the stippling is sharp as hell - going to have to knock down the edges a little I think.

Posted: 5/30/2012 10:01:32 AM EST

[#4]

Although I'm unfamiliar with the backstory of how you and your upper came to part ways, I'm happy that you are reunited Augee! Definitely a nice project you have going. Can't wait to see these "pistol" stocks from jhud, sounds cool. Keep us posted!

ETA: Forgot to ask, are you going with the open bolt FCG, or standard? Either way it looks bad ass.

Posted: 5/30/2012 12:42:58 PM EST

[#5]

As a die-hard Mech-head, grunt, and J3 Mike Golf, I would hump your leg (no homo) to shoot that just once, just to remember the same kind of good old days.

Posted: 5/30/2012 12:58:37 PM EST

[#6]

Quoted:
I need the end plate, the part that holds the spring in place.
Then Ill know how long the sleeve needs to be.
I could do it with an M4 end plate, but Im sure I can have the M231 end plate made cheaper than I can buy the M4 end plate in bulk.
It would be nice to have this item as legit as possible.
The M4 style end plates will need modding.

Im glad you got your upper back augee.
Is the lock washer the A1 type? Ive got some spares, you can have one.

Looks like I didn't have as good pictures of the lock washer as I had initially thought - but I noted that it was a standard lock washer when I first took the pictures (I had to look it up myself!

)

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_123/459672_M231_Firing_Port_Weapon_Review________56K_MASSACRE______________.html

The end plate appears to be an extremely thin piece of steel - really less of a plate and more of a "sliver."

Would more than appreciate one if you've got a spare! I've got plenty of crush washers, but no lock rings.

I would think modifying a standard carbine end plate would not only be less accurate, but way more difficult. IMHO, all you would need to replicate the factory endplate is a thin piece of steel (maybe the same thickness as the selector plate?) and bend the "tail," you could even offer them as "flats" so that end users could "bend" their own with a piece of pliers or something. I'm no manufacturer, but I would think buying them in bulk wouldn't be too expensive or difficult.

While I'm not 100% certain how the stock attaches, I would think that it probably doesn't need to be "indexed" per se, and you could essentially cut the sleeve for "zero" width, the couple thousandths less thread engagement probably wouldn't make a difference - then again, I don't know if you're using the buffer retaining pin, or maybe it does need to be indexed, and I'm mistaken.

~Augee

Posted: 5/30/2012 5:19:37 PM EST

[#7]

Glad to see you got it back bud. I hope it came with everything else.

This build is on my short list. I wish I had the parts, that looks good

Posted: 5/30/2012 5:31:59 PM EST

[#8]

Email sent Augee,,hope the info helps.

Posted: 5/31/2012 12:49:39 AM EST

[#9]

Something you may want.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_7_159/1000429_FN_20_A2_upper_receiver_with_barrel__and__barrel_wrench_and_m231_manual.html

Posted: 5/31/2012 5:06:39 PM EST

[#10]

Thanks for the heads up on the FM

Posted: 6/1/2012 11:24:42 AM EST

[#11]

I have a print of the end plate if you would like it .i was thinking about having some parts water jet cut if you want one let me know .
I also have prints of the buffer tube and the end cap.

Posted: 6/1/2012 1:20:52 PM EST

[#12]

Quoted:
I have a print of the end plate if you would like it .i was thinking about having some parts water jet cut if you want one let me know .
I also have prints of the buffer tube and the end cap.

I, personally, would be all over this!

My M231 pistol build might end up being one of my most expensive clones - and one of the most useless weapons I own!

But I love the things!

I just need a gas seal, and I can test fire the upper on one of my SBRs next range trip - no hanguards, no problem for now!

~Augee

Posted: 6/1/2012 1:58:46 PM EST

[#13]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I have a print of the end plate if you would like it .i was thinking about having some parts water jet cut if you want one let me know .
I also have prints of the buffer tube and the end cap.

I, personally, would be all over this!

My M231 pistol build might end up being one of my most expensive clones - and one of the most useless weapons I own!

But I love the things!

I just need a gas seal, and I can test fire the upper on one of my SBRs next range trip - no hanguards, no problem for now!

~Augee

Ditto, count me in.

Posted: 6/1/2012 2:17:53 PM EST

[#14]

Quoted:
I have a print of the end plate if you would like it .i was thinking about having some parts water jet cut if you want one let me know .
I also have prints of the buffer tube and the end cap.

Im in for a few endplates.
In order to convert my buffer tube into a pistol style, I need a steel sleeve that is 1.40 OD and 1.25 ID, 2.00 inches long
Depending on cost of the sleeve, I could also have new buffer tubes made. But I gotta make 50 or 100 of them.
Ive already got alot invested in making the stock version but there is no point in halfassing this.
Using my buffer, the gas key / lower heel distance is a very important thing to pay attention too.
Using the stock, that distance is in check.
The plate needs to be as thick as needed, but no more.

I cannot say if my buffer and spring will work in a orignal M231 buffer tube.

How do you guys feel about in the white kits?

Posted: 6/1/2012 9:18:40 PM EST

[#15]

Fine by me jhud.

Posted: 6/2/2012 7:21:56 AM EST

[#16]

Augee - IIRC, the same HGs that are used on the M231 were also used on the DOE 633 - I believe Garrison makes repros - just a thought.

Posted: 6/2/2012 7:44:59 AM EST

[#17]

I have been thinking about doing a M231 and have been
following them when they pop up..
Heres the last one I saw.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_123/570227_Another_project_done___M231_Firing_Port_Weapon_replica____A_bunch_of_pictures____.html

Posted: 6/2/2012 10:33:58 AM EST

[#18]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I have a print of the end plate if you would like it .i was thinking about having some parts water jet cut if you want one let me know .
I also have prints of the buffer tube and the end cap.

Im in for a few endplates.
In order to convert my buffer tube into a pistol style, I need a steel sleeve that is 1.40 OD and 1.25 ID, 2.00 inches long
Depending on cost of the sleeve, I could also have new buffer tubes made. But I gotta make 50 or 100 of them.
Ive already got alot invested in making the stock version but there is no point in halfassing this.
Using my buffer, the gas key / lower heel distance is a very important thing to pay attention too.
Using the stock, that distance is in check.
The plate needs to be as thick as needed, but no more.

I cannot say if my buffer and spring will work in a orignal M231 buffer tube.

How do you guys feel about in the white kits?

I'll take whatever I can get!

I can always send "in the white" parts to get refinished.

Of course I would prefer original parts and/or exact repros pre-finished. Failing that - I would think it would be much nicer to have a single buffer tube of your design, rather than a sleeve.

If I have to, I'll buy your kit, end plate, and sleeve in the white, send them to Victor, get them all parked, and still be happy as a clam!

Morg: the handguards are the same as the DOE handguards, there are repros available here and there, as well as original sets available out there - for a while, I was waiting on actually getting my barrel back before buying the handguards, now I'm just waiting on money.

I might go ahead and get a set of real ones, and a set of repros, as I understand the real M231/DOE handguards were in fact quite delicate.

I don't know if any of you have been following the "ring sights" thread on the Optics Forum, but I'm thinking one of those with the fiber-optic modification might be an excellent option for sights on this thing!

~Augee

Posted: 6/2/2012 11:31:59 AM EST

[#19]

At 1200 RPM open bolt, why do you need sights?

Posted: 6/2/2012 8:50:26 PM EST

[#20]

I've got a nice set of original handguards I got ages ago for far too much money. I used to swap them back and forth from my 633 to my 231 for a long time. But as soon as I got a pair of Matsucorp's, I ordered a second pair for my 231. The only way you can tell they aren't real is if you look into the vent holes on top and bottom. From the side they are indistinguishable. They're also thick chunks of plastic, far more durable than the originals. I highly recommend them.

Posted: 6/4/2012 4:51:17 AM EST

[#21]

Quoted:
I've got a nice set of original handguards I got ages ago for far too much money. I used to swap them back and forth from my 633 to my 231 for a long time. But as soon as I got a pair of Matsucorp's, I ordered a second pair for my 231. The only way you can tell they aren't real is if you look into the vent holes on top and bottom. From the side they are indistinguishable. They're also thick chunks of plastic, far more durable than the originals. I highly recommend them.

I've seen the Matsucorps, and that's probably what I'll go with for the repro set - but the one thing that I've wondered about is - what's the weight difference between the standard handguards that are relatively thin walled, and the big, solid repros? At least just looking at them, the repros look like they'd be significantly heavier than the standard handguards. How noticeable is it when handling your clone?

~Augee

Posted: 6/4/2012 6:04:36 AM EST

[#22]

Ya, the repros are heavier than the originals, but honestly, there's so much weight in the barrel/collar already, I didn't even notice the handguard swap. . .

Posted: 6/4/2012 3:38:26 PM EST

[#23]

Quoted:
At 1200 RPM open bolt, why do you need sights?

Not to mention your eye line being almost 3' above the bore in a Brad.

Posted: 6/4/2012 4:29:51 PM EST

[#24]

Quoted:
Ya, the repros are heavier than the originals, but honestly, there's so much weight in the barrel/collar already, I didn't even notice the handguard swap. . .

Fair enough - I could see that - actually, the absurdly heavy barrel was why I was worried about adding more weight in the first place - just because I'm building a useless, sightless, AR pistol doesn't mean I want it to balance poorly!

FWIW, I think this is the sight I'm going to run on it most of the time so I'm not shooting blindly.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_18/570826_Battery_free__budget_reflex_sight.html

~Augee

Posted: 6/4/2012 6:17:04 PM EST

[#25]

Ya, mine's way front heavy already. Maybe that's one advantage of having a stocked version, adds a bit more weight at the back.

Cool sight, any idea where to find one? I see the guy mention Ebay, but I didn't see any there now.

Posted: 6/4/2012 6:50:19 PM EST

[#26]

That IS a cool sight. Might work great on an M1 carbine eh?

ETA: I googled it and found the company. $35 POUNDS so about $70 plus shipping. Not bad.

Posted: 6/5/2012 4:00:49 PM EST

[#27]

Quoted:
That IS a cool sight. Might work great on an M1 carbine eh?

ETA: I googled it and found the company. $35 POUNDS so about $70 plus shipping. Not bad.

I think in the thread the guys were talking about getting them for $20 or so on eBay - I think I traded for mine, but they were being sold on the EE for $50. I thought it was pretty nifty, but it didn't click for me until I saw that thread and I thought about how heinous it was going to be blindly firing a sightless AR-pistol at the range - and it looks so odd that it just seems to "fit" the M231.

Another question -

Those [few of you] that have or are planning M231 builds, are there any sources / leads for gas seals for the gas tube in the collar?

I need one so I can at least test-fire the upper next range trip (won't have handguards, but who gives a crap?

). I IMed my65pan earlier today since I know he fab'ed up a couple some years ago, but I was wondering if anyone else knew a source and/or what else could be re-purposed to work.

~Augee

Posted: 6/5/2012 4:16:16 PM EST

[#28]

Shoot member "braceman" a message. He is working on some upper parts
And can prob help

Posted: 6/5/2012 4:27:57 PM EST

[#29]

ya i can make the gas seal if you want one.

Posted: 6/5/2012 4:41:20 PM EST

[#30]

Quoted:
ya i can make the gas seal if you want one.

Why yes, yes I do.

IM sent.

~Augee

Posted: 6/5/2012 9:26:13 PM EST

[#31]

Sounds like you're already covered. But I got mine from member Machinehead when he was making his or one for someone else already. Not cheap if judging by volume of metal, but very well made, works great, and overall well worth the price.

Edit: Augee, the most fun I have with this thing is just sighting down the carry handle slot and shooting (toward) the 100 yard steel at my local range. Don't hit very often (maybe one hit in every 5 to 10 shots), but that dink once in a while is very satisfying.

Posted: 6/13/2012 6:39:20 PM EST

[#32]

Brace man, I sent you an IM...

Posted: 7/19/2012 6:24:03 AM EST

[#33]

Ive got some pistol buffer tubes under production.
Its gonna be steel like the m231 JT made.

Posted: 7/19/2012 12:43:44 PM EST

[#34]

OOh! OOOOOH!!! Pick me! Pick me!!! :::raises hand and jumps around:::

Posted: 7/20/2012 1:46:53 AM EST

[#35]

Quoted:
Ive got some pistol buffer tubes under production.
Its gonna be steel like the m231 JT made.

How are you sourcing the metal stock itself? That seems like the hardest part to find - Feather maybe?

Posted: 7/20/2012 2:26:36 PM EST

[#36]

i need an endplate and a endcap. i have an original buffer tube already. anyone have any leads?

ETA i have waterjet/macineshop access also

Posted: 7/20/2012 3:16:37 PM EST

[#37]

Glad you're re-united with your parts and it's coming along great. The short ones still scare me too much but remember reading the Turnerboy build a couple yrs back. Always impressed with the out of the box AR platforms. Bet that was a wild issue piece. Never seen one in action personally and can say I'll never attempt to build one. Keep the streets and yourself safe!

Posted: 7/20/2012 4:50:33 PM EST

[#38]

I would be in for a buffer tube and end gas plate if they become available

Posted: 7/23/2012 7:59:47 AM EST

[#39]

Quoted:
How are you sourcing the metal stock itself? That seems like the hardest part to find - Feather maybe?

Everything is accounted for....

Im going to change the endcap knurling on this next run.

Posted: 7/26/2012 10:06:46 AM EST

[#40]

That is my finished product.
The pistol version will not have the step up and will be cut to allow the endplates, but wont have the knurling.
Im working a cool combo tool for remving the cap.