Convert to M4
 

I have a newer Colt HBar with 20" barrel and flat top reciever. Its an excellent rifle and served me well before deployment. Now that I have returned I'd like to have an M4 like I had while deployed to attend some training courses.

It occured to me the other day that I could convert this rifle into an M4 type platform by having a local gunsmith install a Wilson 16" barrel, and an adjustable buttstock onto the lower reciever all at an affordable price compared to buying a new (or used) carbine.

Does this idea have merit or would you guys recommend otherwise?

Thanks in advance-

Sure I did it with a Bushmaster I had. Make sure you keep your other parts. Colts seem to retain a bit more value than other makes...from a collecters POV.

Noveske Barrels
 

I recently converted an RRA to an M4'rgery. I purchased the Noveske Stainless 16.1" barrel. Polyganol rifling 1:7 twist rate. Along with Troy Ind BUIS and the LarRue Tactical 11" quad rail system. Low profile gas block and mid length gas tube. Noveske barrels came recommended by some in the industry and some here at "QP.COM"

It does require some tools. Namely a barrel wrench and vise. The LaRue Tactical rail required the use a wrap wrench for their propietary locking system.

I also swapped out the A2 stock for the LMT SOPMOD stock. You can install this yourself also, but with a little help from a vice and some torching on the tube. It's like a 500 count thread pillow for you cheek.

I also purchased the LaRue Cantilever mount for the Aimpoint CompM2 2MOA and the LaRue magnifier mount for the Aimpoint 3x. Since I'm new to LaRue mounts, I have to say that they are much nicer than I even expected.

BUIS were from Troy Industries, Front, and the rear is from A.R.M.S. I love the rear sight for it's simple push button release and two aperatures for close in shots and distance shooting.

I'll give ya an end users report on the barrel and accuracy once I get a chance to get it to the gun club. I also used the KX3 Noveske hider. We'll see how this performs during some night time shooting.

Gear Queer, I know, from a non-QP, but I love my guns.

May be easier to pick up a complete upper assembly. That way you only need to punch the pins to get the old setup back. It may cost a bit more, but it would definately be simpler, and wouldn't require the purchase of tools.

Good times,
YMMV

Blake

.458 SOCOM
 

Thinking about a .458 SOCOM conversion to carry while walkabout up here in large carnivore country.

Any experience?

.458 SOCOM
 

Yes ! I have the RRA upper. If you dont mind spending more money on ammunition than on the rifle then go for it !!

I was purchasing Corbon .458 SOCOM, but have now started reloading. It's the only way to enjoy this big bear. If your not a reloader, then skip it. The ammunition costs alone will kill you if you fire that thing more than a couple of times a year.

Just my .02

Second that. Keep the Colt upper and get an RRA or LMT upper, gear it up like you want.

TR

Thanks! yeah was gonna buy the dies too. I just figured it would be a great backwoods rifle when out fishing or riding the four-wheeler. And it would work for black or brown bear hunting.

Thhose pesky brown bears have a way of sneaking up on ya

Second that. Keep the Colt upper and get an RRA or LMT upper, gear it up like you want.

I would get a good lever gun. There are fewer good heavy game loads for the .458 SOCOM. You also do not want a malfunction if you really need to use it.

TR

good point ...... already thinking about the Browning in .45-70. I seem to have an addiction for things that slice, shoot, or explode

6.8mm SPC
 

Actually I waiting to hear some end user reports on the 6.8mm SPC. Any QP's wanna pipe in ??

CCRN - Take the advice of TR and Air.177; get a carbine upper and DO NOT mess with changing the Colt upper. It preserves the value (why people fall all over themselves for a Colt, I'll never understand) and you avoid the potential pitfalls of a "frankengun". Besides, it can actually be cheaper (less expensive), especially if you use the Colt bolt assy with the new upper. FWIW - Peregrino

Do you want to pay $1 per round to plink?

TR

If you just want something for the alders around Fairbanks, look at the short barreled Marlin 1895G 45.70. Real easy to carry on a 4 wheeler, boat or hiking. Small & light enough you actually don't mind carrying it on those late night trips from the tent. I load 54gr H4198, 250CCI Mag primers & 350gr Kodiak HJ FN bonded bullets for about 2170fps. It never jams and I run about 200 rounds a year through it. Hell on the shoulder on paper, but a thing of beauty every fall on Kodiak Island. Goes right through deer and takes care of the tooth & claw crowd.

I have been suffering from shock due to ammo cost recently. If prices keep going up, that may be consider inexpensive shooting. Even components is going up. I just bought some 4198 (8 lb keg) for the old price $99.00, new price is $130.. something.