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OH, USA
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Posted: 5/10/2022 11:17:17 PM EDT
[#1]
Picked mine up today.
Missed the opportunity on the last run and didn’t have the cash when one became available The packing grease is legit. Spent a half hour getting it wiped down and there is still plenty in the to clean. Excited to get out next week. Hopefully the trigger softens a bit, as others have stated, “she’s heavy!” |
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Posted: 5/10/2022 11:22:23 PM EDT
[Last Edit: KitBuilder]
[#2]
Originally Posted By jtb33: Yep. As the economy and market drops, in addition to those who really wanted one already getting them right out of the gate, AND FN's crappy trigger job on the new version, I think we're going to see the prices continue to fall on these, not unlike the first run where eventually, dealers were selling these for well below cost just to get them sold. Has that happened before (with the earlier runs) from FN? I would think not, but then again I never expected RSR to clearance out all those Steyr AUG mags for $7 each back in 2013 either.  |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2022 11:56:52 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By KitBuilder: Does anyone think the dealer cost will decrease? Has that happened before (with the earlier runs) from FN? I would think not, but then again I never expected RSR to clearance out all those Steyr AUG mags for $7 each back in 2013 either. Evolys if anyone has missed it:  |
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NC, USA
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Posted: 5/21/2022 6:10:37 AM EDT
[#4]
I've come across several different answers but am hoping someone here can confirm the M249s barrel muzzle thread pitch and does the M249s para have a permanently attached muzzle device? Looking to possibly eventually suppress it.
Im still on the fence between a M249s and M240-SLR, any advice would be greatly appreciated. thank you |
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Posted: 5/21/2022 7:16:24 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By kalashnikov47: I've come across several different answers but am hoping someone here can confirm the M249s barrel muzzle thread pitch and does the M249s para have a permanently attached muzzle device? Looking to possibly eventually suppress it. Im still on the fence between a M249s and M240-SLR, any advice would be greatly appreciated. thank you https://www.ar15.com/forums/armory/Suppressing-the-M249-5-56-and-300BLK/20-535476/&page=1 Join me on the journey. |
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NH, USA
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Posted: 5/22/2022 12:40:14 PM EDT
[Last Edit: lumpyboy]
[#6]
9/16 x 24 LH. If you want to suppress, get the para barrel, remove the flash hider, add a surefire muzzle brake (socom mk46) to get to 16.1” (I needed a crush washer but others have not), pin and weld or silver solder it, and then use one of their suppressors. Keeps the OAL manageable. Or just remove the muzzle brake on the long barrel and add your suppressor. Makes for long OAL though.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/23/2022 11:02:01 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lumpyboy: 9/16 x 24 LH. If you want to suppress, get the para barrel, remove the flash hider, add a surefire muzzle brake (socom mk46) to get to 16.1" (I needed a crush washer but others have not), pin and weld or silver solder it, and then use one of their suppressors. Keeps the OAL manageable. Or just remove the muzzle brake on the long barrel and add your suppressor. Makes for long OAL though. |
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NH, USA
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Posted: 5/23/2022 12:42:30 PM EDT
[Last Edit: lumpyboy]
[#8]
I'm just relaying what folks over on the FN forum have had for experience plus my own personal experience with the standard USGI para barrel, which we know is shorter than the 249s para barrel (which has a small extension built in). I believe that the USGI para barrel is 13 7/8". But if you remove the flash hider and add the SF3P MK46 you can get around 16". I needed one washer to get to just under 16.1". One of the guys on the forum was able to get his to 16"+ without the washer. I don't know about the MK46 barrel. It might be slightly longer, like 14", based on what I've seen on the web for measurements. In any event, I went the USGI route b/c I know you can remove the flash hider and then add your own barrel extension and/or longer flash hider to get to 16" (pin and weld or silver solder 1100), and the surefire allows you to mount their suppressor. And to measure, put barrel on the firearm, close the bolt, stick dowel or cleaning rod down the muzzle and measure from bolt face to end of flash hider.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/23/2022 6:28:17 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Ehtacs]
[#9]
Alright I broke mine down for some measurements!.. It looks like the mk46 barrel is the same length as the para coming in at 13.875" from bolt face to muzzle shoulder. This makes sense - it appears it's just a lightened para barrel after all. I measured two Surefire SF3P-MK46 devices I had on hand and both were exactly 2.00" from the inside shoulder to the end of the prongs. Installed, this unsurprisingly shook out to damn near 15.875" from the bolt face to the end of the prongs.
So, for anyone wanting to install a M249 para barrel or mk46 barrel on your M249s at their stated 13.875" length with a Surefire SF3P-556-MK46, you'll need a shim: 0.340 ID, 0.490 OD, and 0.125" height minimum to reach a legal length. Anyone not doing that much may be getting it close and maybe good enough for some!.. I just wouldn't want to advertise that as fact. There is, of course, the possibility that people are using custom cut barrels and, albeit less likely, FN is churning out some para barrels at an even 14" or longer. |
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NH, USA
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Posted: 5/23/2022 8:01:46 PM EDT
[#10]
Well, same as my analysis. Basically need 1/8” to get to 16”. Helpful to have confirmation. Thx.
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IL, USA
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Posted: 6/5/2022 5:59:49 PM EDT
[#11]
Any thoughts on purchasing these now that they are reported to have a bad trigger? I had been thinking about and saving for a purchase but am torn now given some of the reports I have seen.
Also, any perspective on whether these would still be a good investment and whether the appreciation we are likely to see on them will exceed what may happen with other rifles? Thanks! |
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Posted: 6/5/2022 7:10:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: jtb33]
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ds1: Any thoughts on purchasing these now that they are reported to have a bad trigger? I had been thinking about and saving for a purchase but am torn now given some of the reports I have seen. Also, any perspective on whether these would still be a good investment and whether the appreciation we are likely to see on them will exceed what may happen with other rifles? Thanks! These are the only game in town, so if you want an M249S, it's not like you can just wait until another one comes along with a better trigger. Your only other option outside of DIY, is to find an M249S from an older batch that hasn't been sent back for the recall work - and I'd imagine that those are not going to be easy to find. As for investment... who knows? The only data we have on that is what happened with the previous run of M249S's close to a decade ago. They initially sold for about the same price as current release, then dropped in price ~20% as dealers tried to move the last remaining few and then over the course of the next few years, climbed up slowly. Right before FN announced their plans to sell new ones again, if you wanted to buy one, it would cost about $15K - about 50% over MSRP. New versus used (not abused) didn't really seem to matter much. The problem with trying to justify one as purely an investment is that it's created by demand. Demand from these new batch of FN's is going to be purely from collectors, as they do not do anything better than just a basic $500 AR-15. If the economy tanks, I can't imagine these going up in value much, as they may be the first to flood the market from collectors who want to get $$. Further, their value is really tied to what FN does with them. Will FN release batches every few years, or now that the military has seemingly moved on from M249's, will FN stop producing them? Who knows? |
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IL, USA
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Posted: 6/5/2022 7:44:01 PM EDT
[#13]
Thanks for your thoughts jtb33! Makes sense.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/6/2022 5:03:33 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Ehtacs]
[#14]
Bought a Para stock and damn near threw it out - it now lives in a bucked at the back of a closet. The Savit, though... Never wanted one until I found myself struggling to use the EOTech 3x. Talked to a few gunners who said the USMC ACOG was a pain to use, too. The Savit makes it easy. Hands down the best stock for the M249 and the shorter LOP helps with the ol' nutsack reach around too. It's heavy, though, weighing more than the larger standard stock and the para stock. Ran around with this yesterday and it's pretty damn workable now! Trigger isn't bad but I'm looking forward to possible upgrades.
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Posted: 6/6/2022 5:10:54 PM EDT
[#15]
All the stocks have their place. The original clubfoot probably looks the best. The Para folds to the most compact. The Savit you have pictured is a good all-around one and inexpensive. I think that's the second best stock for the M249. For functionality, I like the newest hydraulic lightweight M249 stock the best:
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/6/2022 5:54:44 PM EDT
[#16]
Oh that's nice!! Does the PIP bipod still bother you with the VFG? I upgraded then both bipods ended up in the closet. Also what receiver is that?!
I still have my fingers crossed I'll stumble past some Mod 2 furniture:  |
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Posted: 6/6/2022 6:25:58 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ehtacs: Oh that's nice!! Does the PIP bipod still bother you with the VFG? I upgraded then both bipods ended up in the closet. Also what receiver is that?! I still have my fingers crossed I'll stumble past some Mod 2 furniture: https://fnherstal.com/app/uploads/1701_002_FN_MINIMI_5_56_Mk3_Tactical_SB-1536x1025.png The bipod doesn't get in the way, really - it splits the VFG. Mostly, I just like having all the accessories so that I can change it out to any config. Still looking for a Minimi HG and stock though.I have my regular FN one as well though (pre-recall): 
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OH, USA
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Posted: 6/6/2022 8:05:15 PM EDT
[#18]
Is m855 the way to go with these?
Had mine out last week and had 2 malfunctions after about 30rds each time shooting magtech 55gr Appeared to have trouble stripping off the link Called it quits early to bring it back and clean it up again. Loaded up some green tips for next week. Also, the trigger is stiff, but I don’t think it’s that bad. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/7/2022 10:02:41 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By los28z: Is m855 the way to go with these? Had mine out last week and had 2 malfunctions after about 30rds each time shooting magtech 55gr Appeared to have trouble stripping off the link Called it quits early to bring it back and clean it up again. Loaded up some green tips for next week. Also, the trigger is stiff, but I don't think it's that bad. |
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Posted: 6/7/2022 2:41:02 PM EDT
[#20]
Not mine, First Gen for sale with the good trigger
https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1788661 |
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NC, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2022 11:14:30 AM EDT
[#21]
for those wondering about suppression on a M249S, I purchased an 18in barrel and it was threaded 1/2x28, mounted my YHM muzzle device, ran a YHM Turbo K through 60rds via belt, no issues whatsoever. ran great, it was pretty awesome. I may keep my para barrel as is and use the 18in for suppression.
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Posted: 6/24/2022 1:43:11 PM EDT
[#22]
Can someone tell me what the benefit of the "updated bipod" is?
Also, what is the easiest way to ID the updated bipod from an original bopod? It appears that the updated bipod is rounded on the sides of the legs that face outwards and the latching holes are keyhole shaped, whereas the older bipod is flat on the outside of the legs and the latching holes are rectangular. Is that correct? Are there more than two versions? Thanks for the accessories pic @jtb33 you posted above. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2022 2:01:57 PM EDT
[#23]
The original M249 bipod collapses so the legs touch - they can be stowed together and captured by features on the bottom-center of the handguard:
 The KAC and B&T rails don't cover the bipod but do have provisions for grabbing the legs. Note the bipod blocks the whole bottom rail interface:  The enhanced/PIP bipod has a space between the legs so they can collapse around a grip mounted on the bottom rail:  |
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Posted: 6/24/2022 3:10:00 PM EDT
[#24]
Ah. Thanks!
So the easiest way to ID is that the Improved Bipod has rounded legs (along with the feature you mentioned) |
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Posted: 6/24/2022 3:14:44 PM EDT
[Last Edit: RABIDFOX50]
[#25]
I want a M249 like the one Kris Paronto used during the Benghazi fight as a retirement gift to myself!
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Posted: 6/24/2022 3:18:08 PM EDT
[#26]
Yep - he covered most of the differences above.
New bipod:
A lot of people just ditch the bipod altogether, which is most often the best solution. The only reason I bought one of the new ones is - again - just to have M249 accessories to switch to different configs. M249 stuff is still relatively plentiful and cheap since there isn't a huge market for it. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2022 3:32:18 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Ehtacs]
[#27]
Ugh the floppiness of the PIP bipod and how low it sits under the gun... I had it installed for 2 minutes before just going without a bipod all together. Probably try to source an old vltor/tango down if I end up needing a bipod. Here's a pic of the two I have for the same reason that is just having them for the collection.
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Posted: 6/24/2022 3:48:39 PM EDT
[#28]
A lot of troops used the [in]famous Grip Pod on their M249's. You get the VFG and a bipod that stows completely out of the way in the event you want to use a bipod. If you go that route, I'd recommend the one that has metal reinforcements on the legs - some of the earlier ones that were made for civilian use didn't have that.
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Posted: 6/24/2022 3:55:25 PM EDT
[#29]
Thanks fellas for the info and pics!
I'm an accessory nut too so I just snagged myself an improved bipod now knowing it'll stow the legs around the VFG. I have a few of the early metal legged Grip Pods. They work but man they're big and clunky. |
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Posted: 6/24/2022 3:56:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Mr_Maim]
[#30]
By the way.
M249 Weapons Sling. Two for $12.95 at Coleman's Military Surplus https://colemans.com/u-s-g-i-m249-weapons-sling-2-pack |
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Posted: 6/24/2022 4:42:45 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jtb33: That's a Mk46 Mod2 with an HK pack lower. The bipod doesn't get in the way, really - it splits the VFG. Mostly, I just like having all the accessories so that I can change it out to any config. Still looking for a Minimi HG and stock though.I have my regular FN one as well though (pre-recall): https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51944874887_6fdc8394f5_k.jpg @jtb33 We need to meet and let me go shoot that! Also, we have the same tile. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 6/24/2022 7:32:04 PM EDT
[#32]
I run there titanium bipod on my 249s
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NH, USA
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Posted: 6/26/2022 1:33:08 PM EDT
[#33]
Can you just run a bipod off the bottom rail? I find that the OEM bipod is too tall for bench shooting (we have low benches at our range).
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Posted: 6/26/2022 3:39:50 PM EDT
[#34]
You sure can! I think a long legged Atlas bipod would be a good candidate.
With the belt box or even a nut sack mounted, you kinda need a tall bipod. |
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Posted: 7/6/2022 1:03:22 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RABIDFOX50: I want a M249 like the one Kris Paronto used during the Benghazi fight as a retirement gift to myself! I want one as a 33rd birthday present to myself |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 7/27/2022 2:32:10 PM EDT
[Last Edit: dogesco93]
[#36]
Where/what is the best way to buy one? Seriously want to avoid GB for fees. Check at a LGS?
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Posted: 7/27/2022 3:08:41 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dogesco93: Where/what is the best way to buy one? Seriously want to avoid GB for fees. Check at a LGS? |
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Posted: 7/27/2022 11:37:55 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dogesco93: Where/what is the best way to buy one? Seriously want to avoid GB for fees. Check at a LGS? My LGS will ship and made me a verbal deal at $9300 |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 7/28/2022 10:26:16 AM EDT
[#39]
This place is asking $8900. Just a dropshipper that will send it to your FFL.
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Posted: 7/28/2022 11:45:02 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ehtacs: This place is asking $8900. Just a dropshipper that will send it to your FFL. |
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Posted: 7/28/2022 11:59:11 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jtb33: I've bought WAY too many things from Battlehawk Armory. They almost always have the best prices on pretty much any new firearm. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jtb33: Originally Posted By Ehtacs: This place is asking $8900. Just a dropshipper that will send it to your FFL. |
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USA
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Posted: 8/15/2022 1:38:01 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ProbableColtAddict]
[#42]
How much interest do you guys think there would be in new made Gen 1 slide hammers? As far as I can tell, simply swapping out the new slide hammer with a Gen 1 will bring the trigger pull back down to what it used to be. Also, people who never sent theirs back for the recall could then have a spare in case their original ever broke.
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Posted: 8/15/2022 1:43:11 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ProbableColtAddict: How much interest do you guys think there would be in new made Gen 1 slide hammers? As far as I can tell, simply swapping out the new slide hammer with a Gen 1 will bring the trigger pull back down to what it used to be. Also, people who never sent theirs back for the recall could then have a spare in case their original ever broke. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 8/15/2022 2:38:19 PM EDT
[#44]
I would happily throw money at things to improve the M249s shooting experience. FRT or even just lightening the trigger pull would be extremely valuable to me!
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Posted: 8/15/2022 6:32:51 PM EDT
[#45]
I gotta think anyone who bought this newer version would be interested. The stock set up is so bad.
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CO, USA
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Posted: 8/15/2022 8:20:50 PM EDT
[#46]
Yes! Anything to make the trigger less bad…
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TN, USA
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Posted: 8/16/2022 6:25:17 PM EDT
[#48]
So the new triggers are that bad? I’m liquidating unused stuff to get in on this, didn’t realize the changes were that significant
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USA
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Posted: 8/16/2022 11:12:12 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ProbableColtAddict]
[#49]
My Gen 1 is about 4 pounds. The new Gen 3 I looked at was at least a 15lb. pull.
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 8/17/2022 12:30:58 AM EDT
[#50]
Lots of interest!
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Mr_Maim: Good to know. I came across that site a few weeks ago and was wondering if it was legit or not. |
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