REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL

WEAPONS => Firearms => Topic started by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:14:13 PM

Title: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:14:13 PM
Well, he's 13 and has shown he is safe enough with my M4, so time to give him one of his own.
I'm starting with a Rock River Arms lower receiver and adding a complete Bravo Company 14.5" M4 profile upper.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:16:15 PM
First of all the mag release goes in.

This build will be a simple, close to the military gun so he can familiarize and get some good muscle memory going from an early age
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:17:50 PM
I liberally use oil during the assembly. On the gun, my fingers, itchy spot on the top of my head somewhere and who knows where else as the build progresses

Next up comes the pinning of the trigger guard
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:19:33 PM
Then the bolt catch/release lever
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:21:57 PM
Then the ever pesky front pin retention pin and spring. It is said to be the most difficult part, and may well be, but I just take my time and it works out fine
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:24:00 PM
Oh, I use a chunk of wood, today a piece of 2X6 with a rag wrapped around it as my bench for the couple of times when I have to tap a pin home.

Now, the trigger and hammer are built up
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:25:48 PM
Then the trigger gets inserted and pinned with the pin with the two grooves...Groove to the left please
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:27:08 PM
Then the hammer with the remaining pin
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:28:27 PM
The rear pin is held in place with a plunger and a spring which resides in the pistol grip
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:32:03 PM
I am using a G.I. pistol grip since it's smaller diameter will fit his hand better and it's a real Armee piece

The rear buffer spring tube/stock mount captures both the pin and spring that retains the rear pin and the buffer and spring retention pin. SO it just takes some care and balance, and yes if your name is Don, you will lose the spring once or twice and put the stock nut on backwards, but what the heck, that all makes for good training!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:33:34 PM
Drop in the buffer, carbine length pretty please, and spring assembly and this lower is nearly done
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:35:55 PM
I fitted the back with a magpul stock, and used the newest MP 30 rounder, then slid in the carbine length rail system with some rubber blocks, topped it with a magpul flip-up sight and this thing became a shooter.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 23, 2015, 08:38:06 PM
I also picked up this nice nickel-boron bolt assembly.

This nice piece is going into my well used M4
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 23, 2015, 08:57:13 PM
Nice job staking the gas key Don
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: stlaser on December 23, 2015, 10:08:41 PM
I build a rifle for my girls 12th b-day, kind of a family tradition at this point. I only have one to go & she has already made requests of what she wants. The older two are now asking for pistols as the next step. So what next a scatter gun after that?

Nice build Don, I'm sure he'll love it.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: moto123 on December 24, 2015, 01:22:10 AM
Any chance you want to post the parts list for this build?  I am new to these guns and considering building rather than buying.  But if I build one I want to know at a minimum I have all the pieces before I start.  You make it sound easy ... but I bet that comes with experience.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: BobbyB on December 24, 2015, 02:43:07 AM
Flip up sight is on backwards. What're you gonna put on for an optic? And that'll be a nice Xmas gift.



Any chance you want to post the parts list for this build?  I am new to these guns and considering building rather than buying.  But if I build one I want to know at a minimum I have all the pieces before I start.  You make it sound easy ... but I bet that comes with experience.

Oh we'll help you out.


Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: stlaser on December 24, 2015, 09:42:42 AM
What Bobby said but here's the basics

Stripped lower receiver (part you will need to do paperwork on most likely)
Lower Parts kit with grip
Mil spec buffer tube carbine length mil spec w/ spring & buffer
Mil spec stock of your choice
Assembled upper of your choice with bcg & charging handle
Rear sight & or optics & front sight if upper didn't have it built in such as Dons A2 (I'm fond of these for first build myself)
Magazine
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 24, 2015, 10:55:11 AM
Nice job staking the gas key Don
I can't take credit for that...I bought it in the configuration you see it in...
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 24, 2015, 10:56:04 AM
Flip up sight is on backwards. What're you gonna put on for an optic? And that'll be a nice Xmas gift.



Any chance you want to post the parts list for this build?  I am new to these guns and considering building rather than buying.  But if I build one I want to know at a minimum I have all the pieces before I start.  You make it sound easy ... but I bet that comes with experience.

Oh we'll help you out.



No way! Really?

Got me!

No optic...Has to learn the same way the rest of us did...iron sights.

Might do better on the sights, this Mag-Pul is the only one I could find
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: BobbyB on December 24, 2015, 12:38:20 PM

No way! Really?

Got me!

No optic...Has to learn the same way the rest of us did...iron sights.

Might do better on the sights, this Mag-Pul is the only one I could find

Yes really!  :D

Nothing wrong with learning on irons, however a simple red dot would be useful. No need for an ACOG or variable power scope. Nothing wrong with the MagPul sights for a starter. I HIGHLY doubt he's going to get the carbine hot enough to melt them.

Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Dawg25385 on December 25, 2015, 05:44:59 PM
Dad of the year award :D

He's going to love it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 26, 2015, 11:48:53 AM
Dad of the year award :D

He's going to love it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
He was literally speechless
The other brother wants one
And the girls were lookin' pretty hard as well...
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: stlaser on December 26, 2015, 01:13:15 PM
Nice, better get building......... ;)
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: rasimmo on December 26, 2015, 01:26:05 PM
I agree, start building. Good luck finding the parts you want right now. Christmas has hit most places hard. A lot of stuff is "out of stock"
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: JR on December 26, 2015, 02:53:05 PM
Nice setup Don.  Why a 14 inch barrel, just curious?

You can get full kits from midway and brownells.

I also like to put tape on the lower when I drive in pins to keep the finish nice.

Can't add much but if you guys build or work on them I like using a formed block that kinda hold it in place as I fit other parts. Sometimes a magazine block in a vice is nice for holding it for tweaking.

Guess my build will be up next, just need a 12" gas tube (OOS everywhere)

Title: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 26, 2015, 07:29:58 PM
So question for the masses.    My step son, ( 8 ) his father bought him a smith & wesson mp15/22 for Christmas.   I bought the boy a daisy rider last year for Easter and he can't even manage to cock it on his own.   How should I feel about this?


Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: stlaser on December 26, 2015, 07:40:13 PM
Well the Smith and Wesson is a definite upgrade from the daisy unit.......... :)

Sorry, couldn't help myself you asked about "feelings"......

My kids have shot since about that age. They never had BB or pellet guns and went straight to 22LR Having them grow up on the farm we always had "range days" where we went out and I monitored all ammunition. They were allowed to shoot one at a time and we went thru all the steps from loading and operating safety to clearing the weapon. I was always the person who handled the firearms between kids and safety was the priority. If it is a controlled setting there is no issue.

Edit: Also worth mentioning is that they all memorized the NRA gun safety rules before ever handling a weapon.

http://training.nra.org/nra-gun-safety-rules.aspx
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 26, 2015, 07:56:50 PM
8 years old for owning their own gun is pushing it but OK.
I don't think they are GTG to use it unsupervised.

For a season (Literally) I would let my boys shoot their rifles as long as I was there doing something. The next year I let them go off on their own with the guns
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 26, 2015, 08:49:44 PM
I didn't mean to high jack the thread

I wouldn't trust him with a pocket knife    He has none of those skills nor do I see him developing

Not to be negative but some people understand and have " knack" and other just don't get it.   


Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: rasimmo on December 26, 2015, 09:15:08 PM
As they have said, at that age supervision is a must. It depends a lot on the individual child and their capabilities as you already know. Take him out shooting with just his gun and do some training. Safety being 1st priority of course. Get a few mags and just load one round in each. Go through the drill over and over. Clear, load, get on target, safety off, finger on trigger, fire, safety on, drop mag, clear.........

Some folks think I'm nuts for teaching my girl about guns and talking about safe handling at 3 years old. I know she don't get the whole concept at that age, but I don't make a gun like the forbidden fruit. She knows she can go with me to shoot when she wants, mom is always there to help watch her of course. I usually sit in a chair and shoulder the gun. She stands between my legs and pulls the trigger. She also knows that she can't touch a gun without daddy's help. I have tried a few times to get her to take one from me and she won't. I make sure it is clear beforehand and I would not actually give it to her. Her reply has been the same every time. "I can't take that silly, you have to help me". Another thing I will not have in my house are "toy" guns. In my mind there is no such thing. A gun is a gun. The main thing is enjoy the time y'all spend together training in safe gun handling and teach him to respect it.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: rasimmo on December 26, 2015, 09:53:55 PM

Guess my build will be up next, just need a 12" gas tube (OOS everywhere)
Any specific tube you looking for? Primary arms shows to have some in stock.

http://www.primaryarms.com/ar-15-gas-tubes/c/101204/filter/100000000739eq100000004741/
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: JR on December 26, 2015, 10:32:05 PM
Thx, but shipping kills it. Now that I am down to just one part I am going to look local.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 26, 2015, 10:37:36 PM
Dave, every child is different and the consequences of the failure of the child to heed the rules are catastrophic.

I began to teach my girls at 5&7 respectively the 4 rules.

1. every weapon is always loaded
2. never point a weapon at anything you do not wish to kill or destroy
3. never place your finger on the trigger until you are on target and ready to fire
4. Always know your target and what is beyond it.

Now they are not excited about shooting like I wished, but they absolutely know the rules and I trust them around weapons at 10&12.

Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 26, 2015, 11:26:44 PM
Back to the build fellas.  I am interested to see how your bolt catch ends up.  Did you mention what lower parts kit you bought?


Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 27, 2015, 05:00:10 PM
^^^That for me?

Someone hijacked my thread (Ha! My thread...What a foreign concept to people on this site!) :o

If it was and we are still talking about Square D or the DR or my gun build or CIEMR, or whatever this started as, I don't remember whose kit. I pick them up from Aim surplus a few at a time...
Title: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 27, 2015, 07:40:47 PM
Chop chop. I want to see the eagle eye shots from the boy.
I'm just excited is all.  I want to built another

Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: rasimmo on December 27, 2015, 08:57:27 PM
Chop chop. I want to see the eagle eye shots from the boy.
I'm just excited is all.  I want to built another

Raising boys into RealMen!!

I think we tried to warn you about that problem.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 27, 2015, 09:37:05 PM
I see no problem at all :). The wife might have a different point of view


Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: JR on December 27, 2015, 09:49:32 PM
Well, does she need to know? Yep, hard to just have 1.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 27, 2015, 09:54:07 PM
Momma always knows!!


Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: rasimmo on December 27, 2015, 10:02:00 PM
^^AMEN^^
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 27, 2015, 10:11:48 PM
that reminds me of why I have all the Glocks I do.  THey all look the same to the missus.

The time I brought the S&W629 home she said, "hey, that one looks different!"
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: JR on December 27, 2015, 10:17:45 PM
My ARs are color coded. Mags just match up!

556 is black

300aac Tan

22 OD
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: rasimmo on December 27, 2015, 10:24:45 PM
I have color coded mags, just not the guns yet. Might work on that when I start doing some cerakote.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 27, 2015, 10:36:44 PM
I only have one so I have no need to color code I guess. Maybe I should buy different magazines then I can build a gun to match.   If the magazines are on sale of course


Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 27, 2015, 11:06:19 PM
Well, does she need to know? Yep, hard to just have 1.
Like eatin" tater chips...Hard to have just one!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 27, 2015, 11:45:58 PM

Well, does she need to know? Yep, hard to just have 1.
Like eatin" tater chips...Hard to have just one!
Pringles. Once you pop the fun won't stop


Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: JR on December 27, 2015, 11:58:00 PM
Pringles can=1 serving

AR=addiction (only known cure is death or more ARs)

Dave, if you are looking for plinking ammo it is hard to beat the Wolf 223 ar Wally world. At 5.40 a box it is well under 300 a K. Not reloadable and the poly can gum up the chamber sometimes.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: BobbyB on December 28, 2015, 01:58:42 AM
The wife might have a different point of view

Build her one. Then she'll want another one.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: rasimmo on December 28, 2015, 08:48:13 AM
The wife might have a different point of view
Build her one. Then she'll want another one.

That might work. It has to be "her" idea though. Gotta figure out a way for her to say she wants one and then jump on it quick. Mine told me she wanted another pistol to keep in a cabinet by the back door. The next day I bought 2. It was her idea so everything was fine.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: BobbyB on December 28, 2015, 09:16:24 AM
That might work. It has to be "her" idea though. Gotta figure out a way for her to say she wants one and then jump on it quick. Mine told me she wanted another pistol to keep in a cabinet by the back door. The next day I bought 2. It was her idea so everything was fine.

Let her shoot yours, say she looks good with it.. or something like that. Or just build her one and surprise her with it. Too late then...
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 28, 2015, 11:47:20 AM
AR's are like trim

When you trim a house, you know baseboards, and quarter round and so forth

Well, when you start trimming, you always need to add more trim

Therefore a long time in a state not so far away

I came up with a saying:

Trim begat trim

Meaning the more you trim the more you will need to continue to trim

If you add a crown molding, it will end up being a five element design. And that will have to be balanced with a Wayne's coating (Or is it Waine's-coating??)
Then if you do a Wayne's coating or chair rail, well you might have to redo the baseboard to be a bit more grander.

And on and on

Trim begat trim

M4 building begat more M4's...see how it works?
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 28, 2015, 11:50:36 AM
Definition help please

What is the difference in an AR15 -AR10- M4?


Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: BobbyB on December 28, 2015, 11:53:08 AM
Definition help please

What is the difference in an AR15 -AR10- M4?


Raising boys into RealMen!!

15 - it's the generally applied term to rifles chambered in 223 or 5.56, or one of the other calibers.

10 - are the 308 or 7.62x51mm series semi automatic rifles, or one of the other bigger calibers.

M4- military rifle, chambered in 5.56. Semi/Burst, air cooled, magazine fed.

Also the parts for the 10s are heavier, and more expensive.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 28, 2015, 12:02:49 PM
Am I incorrect that you have to have higher level license go have full auto and burst right?


Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: stlaser on December 28, 2015, 02:03:15 PM
Pre 1984 built weapon with tax stamp unless you are licensed to build class 3 weapons for a police dept or military / gov contract. If I miss stated something please correct me but that's my general understanding without looking it up again...

Basically Dave you or I cannot legally build burst or FA weapons. Only the Kings men are deemed to have such things unless you want to spend a small fortune for a pre 84 weapon.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 28, 2015, 05:44:43 PM
Yep, Shawn has it mostly correct.

Anyone can own a fully automatic weapon or even a destructive device (Above .50 cal)
All you need to do is buy one and buy the $200 tax stamp and it's yours...start spraying woodpeckers and groundhogs to your heart's delight
But buying the thing is the hang up.
Automatic weapons were for sale up until 1984 when auto guns made thereafter were made illegal.
So all you have to do is go find a pre 1984 auto gun for 20K-30K and buy it, then pay the ATF tax stamp and you're GTG
If you have a FFL
Then you can apply for a class 3 license to resale auto guns. Then you can buy a new HK 416 for $1500 in full auto and posses it until you sell it to your local police department. When you cease to own the class 3 license, then you must saw up the full auto guns and spend three weeks in therapy for doing such an awful thing to a good gun!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: stlaser on December 28, 2015, 07:00:18 PM
& that last part the license for class 3 is a pretty hefty annual expense so add that to your $1500 H&K
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Bigdave_185 on December 28, 2015, 10:50:37 PM
That works


Raising boys into RealMen!!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Sammconn on December 29, 2015, 01:38:11 AM
So back on topic, how'd the pre ranger like the gift?
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 29, 2015, 11:40:39 AM
So back on topic, how'd the pre ranger like the gift?
Loves it!
We haven't been able to get anywhere to blast anything yet due to the drenching rains we have been having though...
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: BobbyB on December 29, 2015, 12:20:53 PM
Loves it!
We haven't been able to get anywhere to blast anything yet due to the drenching rains we have been having though...

Psh, that's part of the game.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Nate on December 29, 2015, 02:31:02 PM
So back on topic, how'd the pre ranger like the gift?
Loves it!
We haven't been able to get anywhere to blast anything yet due to the drenching rains we have been having though...

and when did that ever stop us.........?  if the young man is wantin to be part of the elite folks, he better get used to being cold and wet and loving it pretty quick.  you must be going soft in those silver years #stickpoke

;D  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: BobbyB on December 29, 2015, 04:31:25 PM
and when did that ever stop us.........?  if the young man is wantin to be part of the elite folks, he better get used to being cold and wet and loving it pretty quick.  you must be going soft in those silver years #stickpoke

;D  ;D  ;D  ;D


I kinda wanted to say something along those lines, but I felt magnanimous, so I let it ride.
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Sammconn on December 29, 2015, 06:22:58 PM
and when did that ever stop us.........?  if the young man is wantin to be part of the elite folks, he better get used to being cold and wet and loving it pretty quick.  you must be going soft in those silver years #stickpoke

;D  ;D  ;D  ;D


I kinda wanted to say something along those lines, but I felt magnanimous, so I let it ride.

Me too!
It's only wet and cool, and I bet he'd have a blast.
Title: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: TexasRedNeck on December 29, 2015, 08:44:34 PM
I remember my first Carbine class. Had my new shiny Bushmaster. It was my first AR. It was cold and wet. Muddy actually. I was so scared I was going to scratch it.

By the time I got done I was covered in mud the weapon was muddy and all scatched up. I never again had a safe queen AR after that. Toss em scratch em rattle can them and keep shooting!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on December 30, 2015, 09:35:37 AM
Good point men

Those lilly livered boyz are outside today for yard work in the rain!

If no one hears from me it's probably due to the jail time for child abuse!

Another D.O.T. note  Anyone see that movie "Max" yet? Pretty good one. A marine EOD/recon dog. Good people, great dog!
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: BobbyB on May 13, 2016, 12:26:11 PM
How's the rifle working out?
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Flyin6 on May 13, 2016, 12:40:31 PM
How's the rifle working out?
I actually have to get back on it...Having some FTF malfunctions. Like the bolt gets jammed up on some magazines. Some of the magpuls jam and the metal mags seem to work well. Dunno, something is messed up...
Title: Re: My son's M4 Cristmas gun build
Post by: Sammconn on May 13, 2016, 12:46:28 PM
Sounds like something simple I'd say, odd though.
SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal