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#1
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Specialized Armament Civilian Legal 14.5 'looking' barrels.
I know some don't like these; or are concerned with function over time, permanent state of the barrel in that condition etc. but I never liked the current civilian legal look of common AR15 barrels.
While they are supposed to be - legally - a total of 16 inches (per ATF definition) most civilian barrels made are still 16" without the flash hider or similar device. So often the go way longer than needed legally. Me being extremely passionate about US military AR15s (not interested much in any other) I never truly liked the 16" barrels with their profiles. Mind you, this is completely just aesthetics. So it's not at all (for me) a functional aspect; it's only a hobby for me and so it'll stay. Mostly, I like my rifles for how they look and I set them up mostly in that regard. So this is almost exclusively a looks related thing for me. With that clear for you, Specialized Armament is an Arizona based company operating for the past 25 years. I am sure several on this board know it. They are considered the Colt custom shop in the country; even Colt itself considers them highly. When I learned of how they shape civilian Colt barrels to make them look like the military ones, I was sold. So much that, I purchased two 6920 Colt Uppers and had them do the work. More at the link and a couple pictures of the final result. http://www.specializedarmament.com/c...bbl_16_bbl.htm Colt Magpul Carbine 14.5 Pinned by SoloDallas, on Flickr Colt Magpul Carbine 14.5 Pinned by SoloDallas, on Flickr Specialized Armament Barrels by SoloDallas, on Flickr Takes Two To Tango. by SoloDallas, on Flickr Muskets by SoloDallas, on Flickr Military Colt M4A1, 14.5 Barrel (Specialized Armament) by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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#3
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I love these M4s so much I keep on changing bits and pieces around.
But I keep it classy Colt M4 Specialized Armament by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
#4
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14.5+2" pinned muzzle brake barrel looks noticeably different in person. Attached pic to show difference. Regular ar15 "carbine" barrels are 16" PLUS another inch or more of detachable muzzle brake. So assembled, both setups are notably different when you see both in person. Never realized out 'duck shotgun long' looking my original barrel was. There's no going back for me.
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NRA Endowment Member Last edited by MustangSteveGT; 04-14-2016 at 9:01 AM.. |
#5
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There you go.
I wholeheartedly agree. It's right there, in front of our eyes. I think not only in person, but it stands out even in pictures. And handling it too makes a difference. At this point, not only I will never go back but I also find it hard to believe we haven't resorted to this earlier - speaking specifically about myself. |
#6
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so you said there are some issues, or some might think there are issues, what exactly is the problem?
I like the look...... and how do these actually compare to the M4? I am more familiar with the M16 though, as that is what I drug around for a bit |
#9
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Sorry guys it took me a while to respond. Busy working.
Glad to answer a few things, if I may. Jimbo, well I didn't mean to say that I do share the view on the potential issues these (may or may not) have; but we need to take into consideration the following: - the (Colt) barrel gets cut (nothing wrong here) to 14.5 and then, -SAW adds their unique, specific flash hider that is based on the A2, but longer. It gets pinned and welded into place permanently. Can't undo, the barrel stays as it is. You can take a look at the description of this process (and look at the actual pictures) at the link below: http://www.specializedarmament.com/c...bbl_16_bbl.htm Some people won't accept that permanent modification to their barrels. Some may also have doubts about lasting quality or side effects. I personally don't have any doubts, and spoke with Ken (SAW owner) about this. None whatsoever, thanks to the process they apply to these uppers. It's just a work of art. Once again, the objective here is looks. Looks only; functionality, of course, MUST remain as good as it was before (accuracy etc.). I just wanted my rifle(s) to look like authentic Colt M4s (or M4A1s), with the military length barrel of 14.5. I just can't stand the look of the 16 AR15 barrels anymore. They always do look excessively extended to me, especially once you have gotten used to 14.5 (or shorter). Regarding Hibiki's question, I too would be curious. I have no idea of such preferences and I am probably indifferent myself, as long as I am fooled into thinking it looks like an authentic M4 Military barrel. Last edited by SoloDallas; 04-28-2016 at 1:48 PM.. |
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Last edited by SoloDallas; 04-28-2016 at 3:29 PM.. |
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Quote:
A plug? For Specialized Armament? You mean for Colt's official custom shop that's been working for the past 25 years for US Military and Special Forces? My friend. Erase your confusion by informing yourself. And no, these barrels are uniquely different from any other pinned and welded barrel out there. |
#12
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I'm no expert so here's my silly question. Isn't the end result the same as a 6921? Why not just buy a 6921 and pin/weld the flash hider on?
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"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness; I love only that which they defend. victus exaro somniculosus, somnus exaro ieiunium |
#13
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I like 14.5 BUT I like the idea of changing my muzzle device as I see fit & not getting locked into a configuration with a pin/weld job - so I stick with 16.
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10 +1 in the chamber |
#14
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Quote:
Well, the thing is that it looks entirely different. The point here is that the muzzle device is entirely different. On the 6921, they will pin and weld either an extended 2X (longer!) flash hider or some other trick that will end up not looking exactly like the military counterpart. You can tell immediately. Also, any currently pinned and welded work ends up being longer that SAW's total length final result. Again, the trick is looking at SAW's own page in the link above. I will post a picture here of it so it should be immediate. Hope I cleared it out for you. Image caption from the link: Quote:
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#15
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AND perfectly understandable
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#16
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Solo, I completely understand the intent (sexy looks) and I'm not passing judgment on that, but since I know SA is pretty impressed with their products and thus generally charges a healthy amount, what's the final damage?
I'm curious, since one of the reasons SA gives is to save yourself the cost of the tax stamp, but I have a sneaky suspicion this work will get close to that cost. |
#17
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Quote:
I think the end result is higher than the tax stamp? So in a free state I would have gone with the tax stamp, there is no doubt, whatsoever. In short, I think the end damage is closer to USD300 (shipping and blah blah) included. Still, 'I'd hit it' (especially here in California!). ETA: oh, you Florida? I would do, in random order, silencer, tax stamp for SBR; another SBR. Another silencer. Repeat. Loop. |
#18
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14.5 undoubtedly looks better with carbine gas, the M4 barrel profile, and a FSB. 16 looks perfectly fine if you're free-floating and/or have mid-length gas and a straight barrel profile.
edit: In my opinion, of course. |
#19
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I still need to get this done; I miss my M4 I had in the corps.
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#20
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Quote:
I think even the market itself went this direction as if it was a general recognition of this very same conclusion. Last edited by SoloDallas; 04-30-2016 at 6:57 AM.. |
#22
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Quote:
So I ordered a BCM and I'll have it swapped with the DD on this rifle: DD M4A1 Block II by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
#24
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Tons. Colt, BCM, Daniel Defense come to mind. But there's loads more.
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#25
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My next build will have a 14.5" barrel. But personally, I hate the look of the grenade launcher cut-out on the barrel, so none of my rifles will have it.
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My friends and family disavow all knowledge of my existence, let alone my opinions. |
#27
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Yikes! $300-ish? I can't pass judgment, though. I know I spend money on stuff that isn't necessary but makes me happy.
Quote:
I'm actually debating grabbing one last Colt M4 lower off of GB to Form 1 before 41F goes into effect. I'd love to have a permanent home for my CQBR B2 upper, but I don't "need" it. |
#28
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Yes, if you select the right profile. For the most part all you'll see is the M4 cut near the muzzle, but depending on your preference you'll need to also check the diameter of the barrel under the handguards.
Just look for terms like "M4 Profile" or "Government" when doing side by side comparisons just to get an idea of what's out there. Quote:
Last edited by HibikiR; 05-06-2016 at 8:52 AM.. |
#29
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Sorry little time to address some of these questions. Great to see the thread still going, 'just for the looks' of it.
HibikiR, will take a picture with an M9 on and will check that together. Best way of answering your question would be with a picture (I figure). ETA: latest M4 foolish dress up SAW Colt M4 by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
#30
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Damn. I change 'em up more frequently than how my daughter changes her Barbie clothes.
SAW Colt M4 by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
#31
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Changed a bit this one around now
SAW Colt M4 by SoloDallas, on Flickr Next picture fixing bayonet as requested |
#32
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Other minor change; inspired to the look of 13 hours in Benghazi movie:
SAW Colt M4 by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
#33
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And then went for the full '13 Hours in Benghazi' movie look:
13 Hours by SoloDallas, on Flickr SAW Colt M4 "13 Hours" by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
#35
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Heh no. Thank you
Last edited by SoloDallas; 05-10-2016 at 4:58 PM.. |
#36
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So I had promised I would try a couple (or three) authentic US Military bayonets I had; and I did. Here's the visual results for you.
In short, the Marines bayonet did work (it fit where you see it) the other two, did not (both the older and more recent M9 fit at the same location). I am unsure of how either would work on a real US Mil M4; some of you may know. Saw Colts and Bayonets by SoloDallas, on Flickr Saw Colts and Bayonets by SoloDallas, on Flickr Saw Colts and Bayonets by SoloDallas, on Flickr Saw Colts and Bayonets by SoloDallas, on Flickr Saw Colts and Bayonets by SoloDallas, on Flickr Saw Colts and Bayonets by SoloDallas, on Flickr Saw Colts and Bayonets by SoloDallas, on Flickr Saw Colts and Bayonets by SoloDallas, on Flickr ETA: found one pic of it, it is supposed to work as in the image (pretty much as the USMC bayonet fits). This confirms to us that even if the barrel length between the SAW (Specialized Armament Warehouse) and the actual, 14.5 US Mil barrel length is just Quote:
There may be solutions for the ones that are interested in making it work... for me it's simply good to know. Last edited by SoloDallas; 05-10-2016 at 5:06 PM.. |
#39
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Solo:
One quick question: was Specialized Armament able to stamp the barrel with Colt proof marks after they shortened it? From the picture posted by Ken Elmore it looks like they did, but not sure. |
#40
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Quote:
Yes sir. And it's a stunning job. |
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