RIS for MGCM4A1

Post by mlin



Here is my pending project to put "Classic Army RIS kit" on the MGC M4A1. I am using some photos to identify issues with the project.
1. Classic Army RIS - this is designed for airsoft M4A1. But I was told that is a 100% reproduced knight's type RIS. Ordered through an eBay seller in Hong Kong for about US$100 delivered. Quality is excellent (but not for real gun use). It's only 1/3 of cost of the real RIS. If any of you try to get a real knight's RIS, I urge you to rethink about that once you read my Classic Army RIS Story below.

2. Lower handguard/RIS rail - fits like glove to MGC M4A1. No modification needed, just clip on.


3. Upper RIS rail - here is the hard part.
A clamping mechanism that fits over the MGC gas tube is too tight. A little bit of filing or remove it completely will solve the problem. It's interesting that the front clamping mechanism is made of plastic, so sliding it through gas tube is not a problem, just press it harder. But the rear clamping is made of metal and I can not press it through the gas tube completely.

Another issue with Upper RIS rail is that I cannot clip it on like the lower rail. As you can see in the photo below, the back end of the upper rail stuck against the delta ring. Not by much, probably 1-2mm off. At first, I was wondering what's going on. It's the same dimension (length) as lower rail. Then I took a deep look, I think the problem is because of the height of the upper rail (2x taller than lower rail) and inserting angle make it impossible to clip it on right away. I am thinking about 2 possible solutions - filing/cut the rear corner of the upper rail (which will not affect the outer appearance after installation). Or detach the barrel assembly first to by-pass the trouble of delta ring and re-attach the barrel once the upper RIS rail is in place.

4. Here comes the question for any of you that had experience of detaching MGC M-16/M4 barrel. I tried to do so with the Hex keys supplied in the MGC package. None of them fit the size of the roll pin/fastener in the middle of the barrel. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Post by Gavin

nice project the handguards are a nice reproduction what are you planning to put on it

Post by mlin

Gavin,
I want to build a SOPMOD M4. In terms of accessaries, it'll be added over time. Here is my priority listing.
1. Forward HandGrip/Rail cover panels
2. G&P ACOG scope
3. a backup iron sight
4. Crane stock or new colt type stock
5. M203 w/ QD mount
6. AN/PEQ2
7. QD Suppressor

All of them will be from airsoft market. I will not spend $$$$$ to get real one. It will be added overtime (maybe longer than a year). I just have too many on my shopping list besides M4.

Post by Madmike

Wow, that´s a great job. Your M4A1 is looking good!
Regarding the pin that holds the barrel parts, I am using a punch tool with the proper diameter. Not sure if this is the method MGC thought of.
But I noticed that the barrel parts become wobbly a bit if the barrel is taken down and reassembled often, so take care.
Here is a pic of the tools I use to disassemble the barrel unit:

I hope that helps.

Post by stinger

Well well.. This forum just has eveything. I was looking at the exact same RIS system by classic army. I have a Marushin XM177e2 on it's way to me and wanted to spice up the handgaurds.

I know I can just put a rail on the upper or underside of the original hangaurds, but this RIS looks really good and I like the fact that's it's all metal.

So, how does the Xm177e2's handgaurd (and the installing/mounting mechanism) compare to the M4's handgaurd?

Are they the same size, meaning that this Ris could be fittet on the XM177e2 too?

i really hope so.

Thanks

Post by Madmike

Well the handguards are similar, but measurements are slightly different. I am not sure if the CA RIS will fit. Of course you will have to do some modifications anyway.

Well, don´t forget the XM177E2 is a M16A1 version. The A1 and its versions were used until the late 1980s with US Forces. When Golf War I (Desert Storm) started all fighting units were finally issued A2 versions. The RIS was not used before mid 1990s, and there were no A1 versions left in service then. Even the Israelis, who still use some A1s (such as M653 Carbine) did not upgrade them with RIS. So a RIS on a XM177E2 will not be authentic, if you know what I mean.

To be frank I think the "naked" CAR-15 (XM177E1/E2) is the best looking M16 version ever built, compact, plain, black and beautiful. But we can argue about that ...

Post by Stinger

I totally agree with what your saying. But this particular rifle is more of a experiment than meant to be 100% realistic. It's to be used in a short scene in a movie, otherwise it's mine to play with

Im going for the more commando syle look. The carryhandle has been removed and a rail has been installed instead. (Just like the MGC M4's but with the more solid metal Marushin body).

The barrels and flash-hider is still the xm177 (and I have the metal gaurder version on it's way).

I actually remember reading that a few of the US Navy Seal, durring the war in Vietnam, cut off the carryhandels to install big scopes without the rifle getting to big to carry around.

This is a fun fact. The seal were a huge success durring the war and were given A LOT of money from the goverment to buy the newest and best equipment. But insteed, most of them opted for the Xm177 - with (and in a few cases) without carryhandels.

Anyway - The RIS was just a thought - but I might just look into it. Since I can always put the original handgaurds back on it would just be an extra kick.

I've also found this site that has some different RIS systems for AR-15 rifles.

http://www.claytonsguns.co.uk/ar15handguards.htm

Does any of those look like a better fit than the CA ones?

Thanks

Post by Madmike

If you look at the barrel assembly you will notice that this is not like the real AR-15 barrel, nor like the airsoft Guns, so I think it will always require some work to fit a real or Airsoft RIS to the Marushin modelgun. It is very hard to say which one will be the best for your needs.
_________________
"It's a hardball world, son. We've gotta keep our heads until this peace craze blows over."

Post by Stinger

I know. From my experience, modelguns are far more like RS than airsoft. Therefor RS accessories USUALLY fits better than airsoft gear. Most RS Ar15 accessories will fit the xm177 just fine. But RS is also expensive so I'm looking around before buying. And making "minor" costomwork/conversion is part of the hobby.



Thanks for your answer

Post by Madmike

You´re welcome. Just keep us updated about your project
_________________
"It's a hardball world, son. We've gotta keep our heads until this peace craze blows over."