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Posted: 9/30/2018 10:57:02 PM EDT
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I was tinkering around with updating my old Bushmaster XM15-E2S today (purchased right after the AWB sunset) and noticed that the pistol grip has an F stamped on the inside:
Attached File My understanding is that this is how FN’s grips are marked - I have one I purchased from SAW, and I believe it looks like that but can’t find it at the moment. I’ve never heard of Bushmaster using any FN parts, but I don’t really know much about where theirs came from. I’m guessing when it comes to pistol grips, manufacturers probably get them from a number of sources, but I thought this was interesting, if that’s what the marking actually means. If it’s actually an FN grip, I’ll stash it for a future clone project. As far as the BM parts in general, they always seemed a little substandard to me. I replaced the “mushy” selector with an extra Colt part, and now it snaps into position crisply. Also swapped out the original FCG for a spare BCM set and installed a BCM QD end plate, RE, and castle nut. The bolt and magazine releases seem fine, so I’ll leave them as is. The pistol grip and trigger guard will be replaced with BCM parts. I actually had one of the old metal Magpul trigger guards on it. |
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Yours is marked with a 2 and F.
All of my Colt grips are marked with F then a 1, 2, or 3, etc. My KAC is marked 1 then F. I'm thinking it is a USGI contractor marking system for grips, though I cannot find much concrete info on it. Eta: newer Colt grips are showing up too, I have a couple marked F/4, these have serrations for the star washer molded into the grip cavity. 
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Quoted:
Aha, interesting, thanks - I didn’t think about the 2 and the F going together. I’m guessing when I find my FN grip, it will just have an F. I have a 6920 with F2 and Colt LPKs with F1 and F2, FWIW. Thanks for the reply. |
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Quoted:
Yours is marked with a 2 and F. All of my Colt grips are marked with F then a 1, 2, or 3, etc. My KAC is marked 1 then F. I'm thinking it is a USGI contractor marking system for grips, though I cannot find much concrete info on it. Eta: newer Colt grips are showing up too, I have a couple marked F/4, these have serrations for the star washer molded into the grip cavity. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/416992/Screenshot_20180930-220429-688942.png Have you noticed any of those changes, Tig? |
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Quoted: I’ve seen a few comments regarding newer Colt grips, some seem to think they’re a bit more plasticity. Kind of like the plasticky feeling of P&S vert grips vs. the much more robust KAC. Have you noticed any of those changes, Tig? I am guessing here, but my thinking is that it may have something to do with the lowers/guns that were put out by Bold Ideas?? |
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Quoted:
Tig, Are you sure that the serrations you are seeing inside the newer Colt grips aren't from them having been installed once before? The lock washer always leaves it's marks. These newer type have the pattern molded into the grip, serrations are at an angle and concave . A little hard maybe to see in my pic. I have read that some have sourced from CDNN, who bought out Bold Ideas (Colt Competition) excess inventory. I have no real proof though. The last 2 Colt lowers that I bought from Brownells do not have the serrations molded in. |
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Quoted:
Curious as to what you find on your FN grip. Update if you will? Attached File I’ll probably order a second one just in case I want to build an FN M4A1 clone some day, but SAW’s not cheap! |
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Quoted:
I finally dug up the FN grip. Sorry that took so long. Here’s a look at the inside: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/27888/60E3134A-0D68-4B74-9F01-AA359F0F0EF0_jpeg-746646.JPG I’ll probably order a second one just in case I want to build an FN M4A1 clone some day, but SAW’s not cheap! Quoted:
Quoted:
Curious as to what you find on your FN grip. Update if you will? https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/27888/60E3134A-0D68-4B74-9F01-AA359F0F0EF0_jpeg-746646.JPG I’ll probably order a second one just in case I want to build an FN M4A1 clone some day, but SAW’s not cheap! 
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That looks like the Colt grips that CDNN was selling with the molded in serrations.
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Quoted:
The Colt grips that Brownells has are the good chalky looking ones and quite a bit cheaper than Elmore's. |
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