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Posted: 1/4/2007 9:14:11 PM EDT
I need some schooling! I'm pricing my next patrol rifle and I think I'm going with aCMMG 14.5” A1 SOCOM M4 Carbine w/Permanent Phantom with some options ... (Full-Auto Carrier, LMT Enhanced Bolt and Carrier Group, JP Trigger, H Buffer, Badger Ordnance Tac-Latch, and M4 Handguard-Double Heat Shield) My question is what are KNS Hammer/Trigger Pins and KNS Auto Sear Pin and do I want them? Keep in mind, this is going to be roughly the equivalent of my 1911 that I carry at work. I had it built the way I wanted and spent a ton of money with the intent of carrying it for the next 20 years and giving it to my son when I retire. I was going to just buy a Colt LE6920 and put my EOTech and light on it, but I decided to have CMMG build what I want at probably $200-$500 more than I would have spent on the Colt. Modifications, like the great JP Trigger and the LMT Bolt and Carrier, will get my hand slapped after a shooting. Our policy says that if it can come from the factory (like my Wilson Combat 1911) or is modified by the factory, it's good to go (grips, stocks, Tac lights, and sights are okay). That's the main reason I think I'll be happy with this set up since I can't get the trigger I want in the Colt but I get good quality and a lifetime warranty ... plus I have to get rid of the Bushmaster. 500 rounds without a problem, but it's just too 'iffy' for me to stay with. I just don't trust it like I should ... and I probably would after a good three day class with it, but I also like the 1/7 barrel now, too. BTW, does anyone have a photo of the Winter trigger guard option? That's a long post to ask about those pins and trigger guard, eh? 
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I ordered a 14.5in with the Vortex and it's great. IMO, you can save quite a bit of money and just go with the EGRESS bolt upgrade as the extra money for the LMT BCG isn't really worth it. You'll be getting a CMT BCG standard which aside from their usual lackluster staking is a great setup. The KNS pins are great if you have issues with pins walking out on you. If you go with the JP trigger you may need them as the spring tension isn't always enough to keep them in place, at least that was a problem with my RRA NM trigger. Unless you have an Auto Sear you don't need the KNS pin for that. I'd skip the match trigger as IMO (This is strictly the opinion of a guy who used to pack an M-16 around for work) the lighter trigger pull is great for the range, but were I to need the thing for an actual shootout, I'd be worried about ND's as even the regular trigger feels light when you're all amped up on fear. I've also heard that the Match triggers aren't as reliable. I went with a regular GI trigger on my last carbine. You might consider using the money you would have spent on the LMT BCG and JP trigger to get a good set of rails for the thing. I'll never own another AR that doesn't afford easy mounting of lights and VFGs. I have used the Troy rails in the past and this last time went with the MI non-freefloat that fits just like a handguard. Really nice setup. |
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Thanks for the info, Mad! That answers a lot of questions. I already have my Surefire light and rail system on my Bushmaster that I'll put on my new rifle, along with my EOTech. Well, I wonder if I should just pick up a good BCG and H2 buffer and keep the Bushy? If I pick up the LMT "Enhanced" BCG, I could use it and keep the Bushmaster as a spare ... just because the BCG is a different make doesn't make it "modified" and everyone needs a spare, right?  That leaves me with the 1/9 barrel, but if I stay with the 75-grain 5.56 TAPs then I can live with that until the barrel wears out. |
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If it where me, I'd at least get a new bbl from them. Expecially since your shooting the heavier bullets. I'd stick with the 1/7 to stabalize the heavier or longer projectile. In your line of work, I'd be more concerned about accuracy, and the 1/7 will stabalize that heavier bullet better. Now we maybe getting into the "which is better" topic of 1/7 vs. 1/9. |
I don't know what size BM drills their gas ports but if they're anything like my RRA they're oversize to work reliably with underpowered ammo, which of course means Bolt bounce can be an issue. The guys from CMMG assured me they don't do this, and my CMMG shoots smoother than my RRA did prior to me installing an Enidine buffer in it. CMMG and BM get their recievers from LAR so they're the same level of quality. My CMMG has the proper front sight assembly for a flat-top, as well as real M-4 feedramps and a 4150 chrome lined, 1 in 7 twist barrel which so far seems quite accurate. As I stated previously, it has the CMT BCG. If you're happy with your BM then getting a new BCG and barrel would probably be great. Bear in mind that all of CMMG's barrels have M-4 extensions on them so getting an M-4 reciever is probably a good idea. If your employer would let you I'd just score an upper and be done with it. Also, as far as the LMT "Enhanced" BCG, I doubt it's worth it. I shot tens of thousands of rounds through various M-16's while a grunt in the Marine Corps and very seldom had any issues with the standard Colt setup. I think I can count the times my weapon jammed on one hand, and it was always magazine related. By the time I got out I probably had 20 or so super reliable mags that I owned and shot, and the seven the armory issued me never got the tape holding them together taken off. I really don't think you can go wrong with the CMMG, or for that matter a Colt or LMT. I'd spring for the Magpul trigger guard, as it's a really nice part for the money. Here's how I'd spec it out... 14.5in govt. contour with permanently attached Vortex Standard "F" marked front sight Arms or Troy rear flip sight No handguards (-$20) No BCG (Buy Denny's super duty one, or an LMT) Pri Gasbuster charging handle. Lower with whatever grip you want and standard trigger. Magpul trigger guard Whatever stock you want KNS pins aren't a bad idea at all regardless You're done. I wouldn't waste money on the polished feedramps, the match trigger, or fancy bolts. That stuff is probably great for 3-gun and general range heroics, but in a Carbine you may need to actually use to defend yourself in the line of duty I'd stick with what has been proven to work. You might also consider getting an AAC (or whatever kind you want) suppressor mount and sending it to CMMG as they will permanently attach it for you and then if you ever want to mount a can it's ready. Which ever mount you choose either the 14.5, or the 14.7in barrel will work for a 16in OAL |
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Well ... I did it. I decided to order Denny's Super Duty Bolt Carrier Group for my Bushmaster. Then the next day I decided I wanted all of the other advantages of the CMMG set up, so I also ordered a CMMG 14.5” M4 A1 SOCOM with Phantom 5C2 and no bolt carrier group. I'm going to put the Denny's BCG in the CMMG upper and put that onto my stock Bushmaster lower. I'm also going to order an H2 buffer with a CS spring and call it done! I should be comfortable carrying that on duty. I better be happy with this setup, now. This crap's getting expensive ... all for piece of mind! I'm also going to send my Bushmaster BCG to Denny and have it "fixed" as my spare. |
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