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Aero M5 big thread, take two (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 11/5/2025 9:01:41 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Evil_Ed][Edited]
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In memory of the big Aero M5 AR308 Everything thread https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/-ARCHIVED-THREAD-Aero-Precision-308-M5-Everything/121-662611/?page=1 - A) can the mod hopefully toggle this one so it won't archive, just in case it takes off  And b) I'm building out a new M5, with an M5E1 upper (I really like how it attaches the rail even if it's kind of proprietary) - rails are available from Aero, as well as from Sgt Of Arms - in fact, they make Aero M5E1/Enhanced rails with arca rails built into them, which is cool... Weirdly though the only place I can find a rail that's shorter than 15" for the thing is from Aero themselves - it doesn't appear anyone other than Aero actually sell shorter rails for the upper. I think it was a 12.4" rail, and should hopefully be here next week, with the bulk of the parts. I'm building it with a G trigger, Aero M5 lower parts kit, I've got a Faxon Big Gunner 13.9" barrel on order as well (this is going to be a pistol build, and once I confirm it all works I'll be SBRing it). Once my checking account recovers, the two big items I'll need to complete it (probably picking up at the end of the month during the sales) will be a Rubber City Armory BCG (is there a better alternative?) and a RifleSpeed AGB - the 18" rifle has a Superlative I think, but counting clicks while twiddling the allen key sucks at the range, not to mention the number of clicks needed switching between 308 and 7.62x51, and then doubling that when switching between suppressed and unsuppressed with those...either way I'm not sure I'll be able to get this thing to the range until December at the earliest; probably next year if I'm honest with myself. I haven't even given optics a thought yet though I'm thinking of maybe a simple Aimpoint with a magnifier or something. Or maybe a PA 3x prism, something like that. Accuracy is a goal, but compactness and weight are also goals - the 18" I've got is a chonky bitch mainly due to the barrel. I figure if I need a trunk gun at some point, why screw with a short 5.56 when I can light up my life with a short 308 Photo of the 18" to keep the thread on track  Edit - Aero M5 specific lower parts, are: Mag catch button - the M5 button is longer, so it catches more threads of the mag catch - any AR308 mag catch will work with it - however using a normal AR308 mag catch button, it'll only catch a few threads since the M5 is wider. The Aero button is what you want here. Front and rear takedown pins - the Aero ones are longer - apparently normal AR308 pins will work but they'll be basically flush with the lower...again, the lower's wider than a normal AR308 lower, so the Aero buttons make taking it down easier Bolt catch - the Aero M5 one is different, seems beefier In other words - if you're kitting out a new Aero lower and can't find a complete M5 lower parts kit in stock, you can try to find those 4 parts individually and combine them with a normal AR308 lower kit, and be good to go |
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
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Mine started life as a 14" pistol Attached File Then it spent some time as a 16" rifle Attached File Then moved up to 20" Attached File Moved things around a little with a new 16" mlok handguard and the previous 16" barrel (top left) Attached File Most recently its back to 20" with a new upper and a URX rail i got my hands on. The other upper is now a 20" 6.5cm with the Larue quad rail but I don't have pics Attached File |
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Originally Posted By Daggertt: Mine started life as a 14" pistol https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435611/364545941_1796127954154221_6515921012490-3654051.JPG Then it spent some time as a 16" rifle https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435611/364545368_1022111998851095_4250202041002-3654052.JPG Then moved up to 20" https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435611/9cfe86ef-bb03-4782-bb01-1ab8c4fb6e3a_jpe-3654053.JPG Moved things around a little with a new 16" mlok handguard and the previous 16" barrel (top left) https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435611/340285012_609331124425758_10083238674322-3654055.JPG Most recently its back to 20" with a new upper and a URX rail i got my hands on. The other upper is now a 20" 6.5cm with the Larue quad rail but I don't have pics https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435611/20250118_160319_jpg-3654058.JPG tipping my hat to you sir |
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I have nine Aero M5 builds in various configurations and calibers. It's hard to get excited about doing more builds seeing as just about everything at Aero is out of stock. Even my go-to parts vendor seems to be OOS on just about everything Aero. I was once a great Aero supporter but seems they still have not recovered from their issues. If you have a problem with an Aero part you're on your own to fix it. Their CS is non-existent. Where are you finding various Aero parts in one place? Sucks to place three or four orders just to get the parts and get hosed on shipping. Some of my builds: Aero M5 based .358 Winchester...  7mm-08...  Mk12ish Heavy...  Aero M5 based .243 Winchester...  .308 Winchester...  Aero M5 based .338 Federal... 
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I was able to source everything between Brownells and MidwayUSA, EXCEPT for the 12.5" Enhanced / E1 rail - apparently the only place to get that is from Aero themselves - and EXCEPT for the lower parts kit...which no one had in stock except Arm or Ally. Normally Brownells or MidwayUSA would be a source for that but they're flat out of stock with no ETA for restock as near as I could tell... Edit - I sourced the recoil spring/receiver extension/buffer from LaRue, from an old order I placed ages ago for other parts that this came with - would have used Brownells/Midway but didn't need to... |
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
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Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: I was able to source everything between Brownells and MidwayUSA, EXCEPT for the 12.5" Enhanced / E1 rail - apparently the only place to get that is from Aero themselves - and EXCEPT for the lower parts kit...which no one had in stock except Arm or Ally. Normally Brownells or MidwayUSA would be a source for that but they're flat out of stock with no ETA for restock as near as I could tell... Edit - I sourced the recoil spring/receiver extension/buffer from LaRue, from an old order I placed ages ago for other parts that this came with - would have used Brownells/Midway but didn't need to... Arm or Ally and Schuyler Arms were my main sources but their inventory is exhausted at the moment. I suppose it's a good thing or I'd be more broke than I am lol. ETA- unfortunately this place is dying and not much interaction in these threads. Shame... lots of great builds and info was once shared. |
 Built this one a few years ago and had not had time to really test it out. Finally got out and shot some 500m targets. Ran into some issues.... Broke a FCD bolt catch pretty quick, got that replaced and 3d printed some spacers for the buffer to hopefully prevent that in the future. Had some feeding issues so I installed a AGB, also broke an extractor on a Sharps BCG. Replaced that with a Toolcraft DLC 6.5CM BCG. Only been able to put about 20 rounds on it since the changes but so far so good. Aero upper/lower Aero parts kit A5 Buffer tube/Spikes Heavy Buffer/Springco Green Criterion 16" Hybred Nitride barrel FCD bolt catch Toolcraft 6.5CM BCG SLR rail SLR Adjust GB Sandman S Primary Arms 1-6 |
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Thanks so very much for all this information! While waiting for my Aero M5 lower to arrive, I was able to source the pivot/takedown pins and bolt catch from Aero Precision and the mag catch button from G&R Tactical |
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Originally Posted By flcracker: Thanks so very much for all this information! While waiting for my Aero M5 lower to arrive, I was able to source the pivot/takedown pins and bolt catch from Aero Precision and the mag catch button from G&R Tactical Did you find one in stock? We've hired a lot of machinists out of Aero and they laid off the remainder of the machine shop 4-6 weeks ago. At the time they kept assembly working a couple days a week using up the remaining inventory. Not sure if it's completely shut down yet or not but I know they aren't machining anything. |
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Originally Posted By Mr_Woodsy: Did you find one in stock? We've hired a lot of machinists out of Aero and they laid off the remainder of the machine shop 4-6 weeks ago. At the time they kept assembly working a couple days a week using up the remaining inventory. Not sure if it's completely shut down yet or not but I know they aren't machining anything. Primary Arms - Aero M5 lower |
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Your link is all broke but I found what you were pointing too. I haven't heard what the future of the company is. Might still see stuff with their name on it that they've outsourced? They got bought up by some capital group a while back and everyone I've talked to said the owners aren't gun people at all. Governor of Idaho showed up one time offering them a sweet deal to move there. They took a poll and most the workers and the managers had no interest in moving out of this commie shit hole. Idiots. |
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BKings Firearms has AR10 uppers and lowers but no LPK's, I would assume they are made by Aero or at the very least compatible with Aero, anyone know for sure? I do have one of their AR10 BCG's and have had no issues with it. As of now the LPK's, take down pins, and bolt catch are all OOS. |
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Brought my 2022 Aero build home after so many years Need to sight it in and make shure there aac 762sd is concentric And finally changed out the stock and gonna change thr grip I slacked in 2024 and 2025 but really need tk stretch this things legs and find a thermal optic or clip on that fits my budget Aero 18" upper Aero gas block adjustable Aero lower Bcg from toolcraft Vortex scope and rings Cv life bipod Aac 51t flash hider Aac 762 SD Attached File Attached File Armsunlimited has the grip b5bstock and mbus cheap God shes heavy Have been glancing at the dnt nvmd c200 As a alternate to thermal I have IR to illuminate |
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Montani Semper Libre
Qoute : FCSD - Hold up! I could have tip toed around here with just my hand covering my ass, instead of jamming my thumb in my asshole? Y'all motherfuckers need a user manual or something.
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I have a CMMG MK3 parts kit and some AERO M5 lower parts kits stowed away, so I thought I would compare them to see if they were compatible. *The pins are close to the same length, but the diameters are slightly different. The AERO pins measured 0.2755", while the CMMG pins are 0.2775". Two thousands of an inch larger. While they are a little larger, they worked in the AERO receiver set just fine. The AERO pins slide in without any resistance, while the CMMG pins have a little friction to them. Applying some oil and working them in and out, helps create a smoother fit. A plus with using the CMMG pins, is that it tightened up the fit between the upper and lower receivers. With the AERO pins installed, it was a loose fit and had a slight rattle. Of course the tension screw in the lower will take up the slop, but there was no slop when the CMMG pins were used. The pins worked in both an anodized set and an FDE cerakoted set (with a little tighter fit). *The bolt catches were identical looking. The stamp on them even looked the same. I installed it and it functioned perfectly with full range of motion with the upper installed. *Unfortunately for the magazine catch, they're still using an AR15 catch and button. Don't ask me why. I personally wouldn't waste my time tracking down the longer AERO M5 button. I would get an extended magazine catch like the Armalite AR10A catch (if you can find one) or get a KAK extended catch. That way you can use whatever AR15 button you want. I have both and they both work great. https://kakindustry.com/special-extended-magazine-release So if you guys still need a lower parts kit to finish your builds, get a CMMG MK3 kit. Unless there's something off with your upper or lower, it will work just fine. WITH AERO PINS  WITH CMMG PINS & BOLT CATCH  |
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Sad to see them going through issues. Just got this one all together. I started gathering parts sometime in 2020. Attached File |
“Firearm springs sometimes are made to be air soluble.” CSM Woods
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I got my lower put together this evening. Aero pins, Aero bolt catch, Aero mag release button, KAK extended mag catch, Talon safety, SSA-E. Standard length mag catch worked fine but stopped ~3/16" short of flush; the hole annoyed me so I bought the KAK. Now it sits properly flush. Form 1 tomorrow for a 358Win Undertaker build.
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Originally Posted By GreenLantern: So at this point would it be stupid to buy an Aero M5 lower for a build? It’s about the only stripped lowers that I see for sale locally that won’t require me to deal with the hassle of a transfer. That depends... I'm in the camp that believes keeping as many parts as possible the same, as in manufacture, the better odds of having a successful build. There are basic parts out there, lower, upper, BCG, and LPK. If you can source all of those, the rest is not so important IMO. The barrel, HG, etc. usually plays well amongst the platform. You can source a non Aero BCG and be ok, I used one from BKings and had no issues. But the upper, lower, and LPK I'd want all Aero. I'd not wait... the Aero parts availability isn't going to get any better IMO. |
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It's so stupid that we're talking about a company that made quality products that people wanted and were buying is now out of production because of some corporate takeover. I am happy that I bought my Aero M-5 lower and the parts to complete it along with two Aero M-5 uppers before they were completely unobtainium. I am disgusted with how corporate transactions/mergers/acquisitions have once again destroyed a great product line. |
Too bad Aero is falling apart it seems. Aero M5 with a Criterion heavy bbl that I shoot occasional NRA matches. 500/600yd slow-fire "Tactical AR" division. 15X scope max allowable magnification. Using Nosler 168gr /IMR4895 reloads I'm holding 10 rounds at 100yds about 1 MOA usually.  At 500 or 600yds it spreads out a little with wind, holding ability (wobble), about 2 MOA. 
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Attached File As far as I got....dragged my feet on getting a matching upper now I can't find one 
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Originally Posted By Dolor: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/418820/aero_lower_png-3717698.JPG As far as I got....dragged my feet on getting a matching upper now I can't find one @Dolor Act fast... https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1158409413 |
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Snagged it. Ty. I do have a black stripped upper that I was considering just going with a black and brown color scheme but this makes me happy. Overpaid a touch but supply and demand. |
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Originally Posted By mitsuman47: Is there any word on what happened to Aero? Seems almost none of their stuff is in stock anywhere. Is this assumed to be temporary? Or, are they done for? I had hoped to pick up another M5 upper and lower. Doesn't seem like that'll happen. There are some still floating around but you better get after it because there are not going to be any more. |
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Originally Posted By jd2395: I have an upper lower set. Who makes a quad rail that will work??? Thinking criterion 18" barrel. Centurion Arms makes a pretty cool KAC Mk11 copy https://www.revivaldefense.com/centurion-arms-mk11-mod-0-ff-ras |
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Originally Posted By SoVa: What options are there for bolts in the absence of aero being available? I've used BKing's .308 BCG and found them to be pretty much the same. .308 BCG's can be easily obtained. https://bkingsfirearms.com/shop/m5-lr308-bcgs-and-charging-handles/bkf-lr308-308-bolt-carrier-group-nitride/ |
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Originally Posted By flcracker: IMHO, having a bolt that is properly headspaced to the barrel is what's important. Perhaps, dual ejectors. Matching the bolt manufacturer to the upper is irrelevant to me. Ok, I have only used aero BCG in previous aero builds but it looks like that may not be possible on my last aero build (unless they get going again). Wasn’t sure how specific they were to brand considering the variance in 308 patterns. I’ve now seen some use tool craft bolts as well. |
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Originally Posted By SoVa: How about dust covers for the aero m5 upper, I had to snag a stripped one, was able to source an aero forward assist. Not sure which dust covers will work and which will not. Aeros are sold out everywhere I look. @SoVa I recently purchased the kit from the guy below... just to have a spare. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1158899008 |
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Originally Posted By SoVa: How about dust covers for the aero m5 upper, I had to snag a stripped one, was able to source an aero forward assist. Not sure which dust covers will work and which will not. Aeros are sold out everywhere I look. If polymer doesn't bother you, the Strike Industries 308 Ultimate Dust Covers fit the M5 uppers. I have one installed on one of my uppers and it fits well. https://www.strikeindustries.com/si-ar-udc-308.html |
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I have built a few 308s. First was an 18in on a DPMS receiver with Fulton Armory parts for the upper and a Krieger barrel. It was Cerekoted fde, but is now kryloned too. The black one is a 16in Balistic Advantage with an Aero lower an upper and Noveske handguard. I built it with a buddy who did the tan 16in the same with a Rainier Arms barrel. The same buddy and I built 12in Ranier barrel Aero lower and upper Noveske handguard builds (mine is an SBR, his is a pistol) I will try to find pics of those. James Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By Dolor: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/418820/aero_lower_png-3717698.JPG As far as I got....dragged my feet on getting a matching upper now I can't find one Im putting together an Aero M5 .308 right now too. There's a bunch of stripped Aero M5 uppers in stock online now- https://ar15discounts.com/products/aero-precision-m5-308-stripped-upper-receiver-anodized-black/ https://www.armorally.com/aero-precision-m5-308-stripped-upper-receiver-anodized-black/ https://members.tlhtactical.com/aero-precision-m5-308-stripped-upper-receiver--anodized-black.html |
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Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: In memory of the big Aero M5 AR308 Everything thread https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/-ARCHIVED-THREAD-Aero-Precision-308-M5-Everything/121-662611/?page=1 - A) can the mod hopefully toggle this one so it won't archive, just in case it takes off And b) I'm building out a new M5, with an M5E1 upper (I really like how it attaches the rail even if it's kind of proprietary) - rails are available from Aero, as well as from Sgt Of Arms - in fact, they make Aero M5E1/Enhanced rails with arca rails built into them, which is cool... [rest snipped] Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: In memory of the big Aero M5 AR308 Everything thread https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/-ARCHIVED-THREAD-Aero-Precision-308-M5-Everything/121-662611/?page=1 - A) can the mod hopefully toggle this one so it won't archive, just in case it takes off And b) I'm building out a new M5, with an M5E1 upper (I really like how it attaches the rail even if it's kind of proprietary) - rails are available from Aero, as well as from Sgt Of Arms - in fact, they make Aero M5E1/Enhanced rails with arca rails built into them, which is cool... [rest snipped] Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: I was able to source everything between Brownells and MidwayUSA, EXCEPT for the 12.5" Enhanced / E1 rail - apparently the only place to get that is from Aero themselves - and EXCEPT for the lower parts kit...which no one had in stock except Arm or Ally. Normally Brownells or MidwayUSA would be a source for that but they're flat out of stock with no ETA for restock as near as I could tell... Edit - I sourced the recoil spring/receiver extension/buffer from LaRue, from an old order I placed ages ago for other parts that this came with - would have used Brownells/Midway but didn't need to... So I finally got this all together and finally got it to the range - I used a RifleSpeed adjustable gas block (just enough room between the end of the barrel and the end of the rail to fit it in). I ordered a Brownells Nickel Boron AR308 BCG for it and...it's the first ever BCG I've ever had that needs to be drowned in lube to work. It's TIGHT. I don't know if it was that the BCG is super tight (like it takes a LOT of effort to seat and rotate the bolt in it), or if the LaRue-sourced carbine spring isn't all that, but after maybe 40 rounds, it wouldn't chamber a round anymore, and of course the BCG didn't get far enough in for the forward assist to...assist... Took it out; it wasn't dirty or anything. But it was dry as a bone even though I lubed it earlier. Basically, there was too much friction for the recoil spring to overcome, to chamber the round and rotate the bolt closed; it was hanging up right as it would basically start to cam over. I took the upper off, thinking maybe a broken case head or something, or the mouth of a case was left behind in the chamber...nope, chamber was clean. It was just an overly tight bolt/carrier interface I guess, with no lube to help it along...though NiB is supposed to be self-lubricating I put some more lube on the ring where the bolt seats in the BCG (not on the gas rings, but on the raised rib on the bolt), cycled it a few times, put it back in and it started running again. I don't know if it's a "it needs at least another 2-300 rounds through it before it'll be broken in" thing, or "this BCG is shit" thing...so I'm going to order a Rubber City Armory BCG like I should have done in the first place. Anyway - other than that, it worked great. It didn't lock back with the gas set to 4 with FGGM, but cycled fine at 5, so I set it to 6 and called it good. Recoil wasn't excessive at all at that setting. Same with MEN 7.52x51 NATO headstamped rounds. With a Sandman-L on the end...it still cycled and locked back just fine with the gas on 1 Both the MEN and FGGM. I put a mag of M118LR through it just for shiggles, and that worked fine too.Hopefully I can get a decent picture at some point of the pistol, but it's worked out. I just ordered the RCA BCG, so I'll just drop that in when it gets here and give that a try. After the ice and snow are gone, I'll see how it prints on paper. I just got a pile of Igman M80 as well, so I should be well stocked for 7.62/308 for a while Edit - photos, may as well brave the cold Without can, new SCAR17 for scale:  With can: 
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"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
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Originally Posted By lwbyo1: If polymer doesn't bother you, the Strike Industries 308 Ultimate Dust Covers fit the M5 uppers. I have one installed on one of my uppers and it fits well. Can confirm these fit Attached File |
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2023/24 Arfcom FPL Champion
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So, I’ve got an Aero Precision M5 that needs a facelift… I’d like to get rid of the Keymod hand guard for a MLOK and replace the 16” barrel and/or just the A2 flash hider with something I can mount a suppressor to. Am I in for disappointment or can I find parts, a complete upper, etc.? Thanks! |
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Originally Posted By Mpnelson81: So, I’ve got an Aero Precision M5 that needs a facelift… I’d like to get rid of the Keymod hand guard for a MLOK and replace the 16” barrel and/or just the A2 flash hider with something I can mount a suppressor to. Am I in for disappointment or can I find parts, a complete upper, etc.? Thanks! Finding complete Aero uppers may prove difficult, but barrels and handguards are DPMS pattern and muzzle devices are just thread specific |
“Necessary? Is it necessary for me to drink my own urine? No, but I do it anyway because it’s sterile and I like the taste.” -Patches O’Houlihan
2023/24 Arfcom FPL Champion
2023/24 Arfcom FPL Champion
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Originally Posted By Mpnelson81: So, I’ve got an Aero Precision M5 that needs a facelift… I’d like to get rid of the Keymod hand guard for a MLOK and replace the 16” barrel and/or just the A2 flash hider with something I can mount a suppressor to. Am I in for disappointment or can I find parts, a complete upper, etc.? Thanks! If you want a more modern MLOK rail handguard for your Aero M5, you'll need to get one that's compatible with a DPMS/LR308 high profile upper receiver. Here's 2 that I recommend that are pretty affordable. They look a bit like the Geisselle MK16 MLOK rails. I'm gonna grab a couple and chop them for a 12.5" barrel (cut rail to 11.5") and 14.5" barrel (cut rail to 13.5") Aero M5 uppers. Your 16" is pretty good for an all-around AR-10/.308 As for the muzzle device, it'll depend on what supressor you end up getting. I like the Surefire 3 prong 7.62 SOCOM flash hiders. It'll be cheaper to just use the Aero M5 upper you have compared to buying a complete new upper assembly https://ar15discounts.com/products/nbs-ar-10-high-profile-free-float-m-lok-handguard-15/ https://shop.windhamweaponry.com/product/windham-weaponry-15-free-float-handguard-for-ar-15-dpms-style/ https://www.rooftopdefense.com/product/surefire-socom-7-62-flash-hider-5-8x24/ |
Aero M5 big thread, take two (Page 1 of 2)
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