MGC M16 Series Carrying Handle to Flattop Conversion?

Does anyone know how difficult it would be to modify the upper of say an MGC M16A2 to a flattop for mounting scopes/red dots/etc?

Entirely doable with a hacksaw and handfiles (better with miller access), you just have to be careful how and where you put the bolts to attach the rail so they don't interfere with operation.

SAS

It is not so easy and requires some skills as well as taking exact measurements first. I think I have seen a flat top "rail" as an Airsoft spare part, maybe this can be attached to an upper with sawn-off carry handle.

Modelguncollector.co.uk have done this modification to a Marushin XM177. Pics should still be on their website.

I would recommend to contact forum members Francky or Shazhib. Maybe they can get you a spare MGC M4 flat top upper receiver in Japan.

I don't feel too comfortable taking a hacksaw to it, so I'll see if I can get an M4 upper receiver, assuming it is interchangeable with the M16A2's upper.

You are right! If you'd like a flat top upper try getting a spare one. MGC M4 uppers show up from time to time in Japan, although they are not cheap since MGC has stopped its business. You can get an empty one and use the parts you already have.

The M4 upper will fit your MGC M16A2 lower, no problem. Which version do you have? A M-725 M16A2 Carbine or the late M-733 Commando ("Black Hawk Down - Version")? The M-725 comes with A1 rear sights, the M-733 with A2 rear sights.

The M-725 uses the larger, early-type forward assist plunger. Not sure if this will fit the M4 upper. The plunger used in the M-733 should fit fine.

MGC actually never made a true M16A2 rifle, just the above Carbines.

I have the M725 version.

Okay, a M4 upper should fit well. As I said I am not sure about the forward assist.

I think you may have the late M-725 version with its grey finish. Bear in mind that only the early and very late (last production run) M4s came in that finsh. Most M4s from MGC came in a black finish.

Anyway you can use flat black spray paint on the HW plastic used for the receivers.

Hi!
I'm a long time lurker and new mwmber of this forum. I have done this with a Marushing (metal) XM177E2, as part of an ongoing conversion to an M4gery. I hacksawed the carry-handle off, filed the top perfectly flat, and attached a rail using epoxy and pop-rivets. It's pretty rock-solid and doesn't interfere with the working of the charging handle. My conversion was done on a gun which had been quite severely damaged, so I felt I had nothing to lose, but in the event I only gained!