Quoted:
Well, looks like you all got my back on this AFshirt guy. Pretty amusing stuff.
As for asking me for advice, I sometimes chime in when I feel I might have something pertinent to say, but for the most part I've learned a bunch from reading posts here. I plan to build my "dream" AR when I get back home to the states. So I've been doing a lot of reading on here. I will say that I do know how to keep my weapon functioning. I've clocked miles upon miles of dismounted patrols, and I can't even begin to count mounted ones. And everytime the SHTF, my M4 always worked. Like I said, I've had this same M4 since my 2009 Iraq deployment, well, actually before then because it was issued to me prior to that during all of our training prior to the deployment. I guess you could say that I'm pretty intimate with my M4.
Oh, I will say this. My M4 does not like PMAGS. So I'm back to standard issued mags. Actually I wouldn't say standard issued. My unit got Brownell's aluminum mags with the tan followers, and those things work awesome. Once I ditched my PMAGS, all was good again. I'm a big fan of Magpul so it was a tough realization for me to get rid of my PMAGS. Now everytime I see people out here with PMAGS in their M4's, I hope they tested their weapon with it and that all is good. I'd hate to be in an "oh s*#&t" situation, squeeze off a round and JAM.
Back on topic. Thanks for the info on the bolt carrier. I definitely didn't have any hesitation that my M4 would function properly, but I was just curious because I've never seen a bolt carrier textured the way mine is. When I get home I'll be PCSing. It'll be a sad day to leave my M4 behind. At least someone will have a sweet running M4 after me though.
We tend to have "drive-bys" here pretty often as far as AF shirt guy.
I really do hope your M4 is 100% reliable, and we all hope we have the right to build these things when you return- who knows what Hussein Obama could do if re-elected
I am also more trusty of my USGI mags, altho I own quite a few P-mags.
AND, finally the "1B1B6" carriers are as good as any- they really do make them for many companies, is rumored they make'em for FN, but yours has a Colt bolt (and I feel those are the best). You can go to the Toolcraft website for more info, they turn out 14k carriers/month, in many configurations and coatings (and even for 7.62).
We all hope you have a good tour, take pics and stay in touch. "Happy trails" to you ...