M4 Tube Extension... Is Ti really worth it?

[Knife Edge]

80% sure I am going with Dave's Metal Works extended tube, spring, buffer and a US hammer from Geiselle. I understand the substantially more expensive Ti tube from carrier comp saves about 5 oz over the steel, does anyone really notice the difference with 7 shells in the tube? Any chance of corrosion with dissimilar metals where it threads in?

As always, thanks.

[Ventura_Yak'r]

5 oz probably doesn't make a lot of difference for most people. I opted for the Carrier Comp Full length Ti mag tube. Very happy w/ it. Does the 5 oz make a differernce to me... nope. Holds the same # of shells an extended mag tube would have allowed, it's just my preference.

[Knife Edge]

Thanks for the honest response.

[Dhena81]

Oz = lbs and lbs equal pain I have the carrier comp and couldn't be happier

[Knife Edge]

Seems like all you M4 dudes ponied up for the Ti.... How was heating the receiver and un-twisting the magazine tube?

[Dhena81]

Seems like all you M4 dudes ponied up for the Ti.... How was heating the receiver and un-twisting the magazine tube?

I used a heat gun and a infrared thermometer all it took was time about 20 minutes I did my friends also make sure you put your handguard retaining plate back on the right way I almost put it on wrong the second gun I did.

[Mickey D]

I used the Carrier Comp as well, as it was the only full tube at the time.



Using a heat gun and gloves, the old mag twisted right out.
Love the fact I can load 9 rounds when floating the last round.







If using Wolf ammo, you will be hard pressed to load 7 in the tube, as they have a longer OAL.

[Knife Edge]

I used the Carrier Comp as well, as it was the only full tube at the time.



Using a heat gun and gloves, the old mag twisted right out.
Love the fact I can load 9 rounds when floating the last round.







If using Wolf ammo, you will be hard pressed to load 7 in the tube, as they have a longer OAL.

Great photos and thanks for the advice. I'm still leaning towards the DMW, based on cost alone, but the Ti has a strong appeal, except that I need $189 for that setup and $55 for the hammer

[ROCKETW19]

I have the full length Ti tube from CC also and it is noticably lighter than even the stock short tube actually i wish I weighed them cuz it is alot lighter. would I ever notice on the gun with full tube as you said? beats me but I know I have the best shot gun made so i want the best tube made thats why I went CC

[Knife Edge]

I've been talked into it. What's $100 over the life of the shotgun...

[CrossedRifles]

Just recently got a M4 and I'm wondering does installing the mag extension need the heat gun or is it really easy? I'm a not a handy person so it would be a nightmare to do anything that requires tools.

[epilepticninja]

I've never liked the look of the stock M4's due to the accordion tube look. But the photo's in this thread with the aftermarket mag tubes makes them look pretty trick.

[Richard Erichsen]

80% sure I am going with Dave's Metal Works extended tube, spring, buffer and a US hammer from Geiselle. I understand the substantially more expensive Ti tube from carrier comp saves about 5 oz over the steel, does anyone really notice the difference with 7 shells in the tube? Any chance of corrosion with dissimilar metals where it threads in?

As always, thanks.

You can find similar arguments on the mountain biking and backpacking forums for bike frames and backpacks/cookware/climbing equipment. Titanium is about 60% of the weight of steel, but for the application described it's probably not worth the cost. 5 oz. of savings "might" matter if you need to travel light and you are shaving weight off of everything in your kit (removing labels off of clothing, replacing laces, bands and slings with light weight cord, shaving metal off non-essential structural parts, choosing the lightest everything from stock to ammo, shortening the barrel, etc.). If you aren't planning to climb mountains and this isn't part of a weight-reduced-everthing schtick then don't bother.

R

[bizarrocolin]

If memory serves, one of the reasons I went with the CC Ti tube was all the great reviews (in regards to the fit and finish) the product received from folks who had already purchased one. It seemed like other tube makers were hit and miss. The weight doesn't seem like much, but it will make up the difference of the extra ammo you can load.
If you have dachshund proportions like I do, the Mesa Tactical Urbino stock is a great 3rd part (with tube and follower) option, because of its short LOP.

[Saym14]

I also went with the CC Ti tube and LOVE it.