What AR15 Bolt (and carrier) is this?

[hkdcamcain]

Upper is now complete, check page 2 for pictures and report from first shooting. [:D]





I ordered one of those "Blemished" PSA Bolt Carriers and I disassembled it to compare to my standard PSA bolt. I noticed the stake marks are different, as well as the bolt on the Blemished has an M engraved on it? Anyone know what manufacture this is? I just don't want my bolt to become a hand grenade after I finish my SPR build.

Here are a few pics, I can get some side by side later if necessary. But every component is different in texture and color.
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130729_190654_913_zps09f64a93.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130729_190654_913_zps09f64a93.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130729_210108_175_zpsad3de971.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130729_210108_175_zpsad3de971.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130729_210131_972_zpsd169674a.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130729_210131_972_zpsd169674a.jpg.html)

I looked through Stickman's thread on bolt carriers and didn't see and, and my google-foo isn't helping me right now. [BD]

[UWone77]

If you're trying to show us the pictures of the staking, it's very hard to see from your photos.

[hkdcamcain]

My primary concern is what the actual bolt is, but the carrier is different too.
Here are a few more very detailed pictures.
The PSA Standard is on the left side, the PSA Blemished is on the right.
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130729_212523_152_zps1626916e.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130729_212523_152_zps1626916e.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130729_211951_892_zps48c59c7f.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130729_211951_892_zps48c59c7f.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130729_212036_288_zps66018d1e.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130729_212036_288_zps66018d1e.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130729_212020_841_zpsce40de83.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130729_212020_841_zpsce40de83.jpg.html)

[UWone77]

That is a poor staking job to say the least on the PSA. I find sometimes that PSA is odd. They offer full mil-spec HP/MPI tested bolts, then sometimes they offer MPI tested bolts, and then other times offer batch tested bolts. It's almost like you never know which bolts they will be offering. Have you asked PSA about this yet?

[csmith]

I'd be willing to bet the staking was the blemish. Once that was discovered they simply didn't stamp their logo on it and sold it for cheaper. Also, note the different screws used. I'd bet PSA just batch purchases from any number of suppliers and this particular BCG didn't make the cut. That would also explain UWone77's statement above this one.

[hkdcamcain]

I can stake it better myself, no big worry there. But i am curious as to the actual bolt itself, that engraved M. I have looked all over the web and google images for "AR15 Bolt with M engraving" and things like that. It worries me that I can't find it. I've see the locking lugs snap off of a knock off bolt a friend of mine got off amazon (he thought it was legit). At this point I have emailed PSA, and I await a response to this. The last time I asked the source of a part I got the "We cannot and will not disclose the sources of our parts" speech. To which I responded" if my life depended on it I would like to know it wont blow up in my face." The response was "The parts you have are "Duty Ready" and will be just as safe to use as any other manufacture."

[UWone77]

I can stake it better myself, no big worry there. But i am curious as to the actual bolt itself, that engraved M. I have looked all over the web and google images for "AR15 Bolt with M engraving" and things like that. It worries me that I can't find it. I've see the locking lugs snap off of a knock off bolt a friend of mine got off amazon (he thought it was legit). At this point I have emailed PSA, and I await a response to this. The last time I asked the source of a part I got the "We cannot and will not disclose the sources of our parts" speech. To which I responded" if my life depended on it I would like to know it wont blow up in my face." The response was "The parts you have are "Duty Ready" and will be just as safe to use as any other manufacture."

This is par for the course with many companies. They just simply won't tell you where it's sourced from. With that said, if you're going to depend your life on it, I would go with known quality.

[hkdcamcain]

For all I know the bolt is perfectly fine, but the fact I can't find the manufacture bothers me. May just sell this one and get another. Or I'll throw 40-50 rounds out of my blackout rifle with it.

[UWone77]

For all I know the bolt is perfectly fine, but the fact I can't find the manufacture bothers me. May just sell this one and get another. Or I'll throw 40-50 rounds out of my blackout rifle with it.

If it bothers you, I would just buy an extra bolt from a known quality manufacturer, and then shoot the hell out of the mystery bolt. If it fails, just swap it out.

[hkdcamcain]

So the bolt failing wouldn't cause and major damage to the rifle?

My buddy had some issues with his locking lugs afterwards. I don't think it was an expensive fix but still.

It appears I got the last BCM SS410 SPR barrel...

[UWone77]

So the bolt failing wouldn't cause and major damage to the rifle?

My buddy had some issues with his locking lugs afterwards. I don't think it was an expensive fix but still.

It appears I got the last BCM SS410 SPR barrel...

If you shoot enough rounds, you will eventually break your bolt, whether it be 5k 8k 10k rounds. I have had 2 bolts break in guns with more than 7k rounds in them. No damage was caused by a broken bolt, but I'm not saying that's not entirely impossible to cause damage to your rifle. I try not to worry about things like that, I try to just go shoot the gun. Once my guns have 5k rounds through them, then I'll inspect for preventative maintenance.

And nice barrel by the way. I have a BCM upper with a SS410 barrel. The barrel will outshoot me everytime, which I suppose isn't saying much... but it's a tack driver.

[Stickman]

Obviously there are a lot of maybes that could happen if you break your bolt during a shooting session. Typically, you'll notice your bolt is broken right away.

[hkdcamcain]

If you shoot enough rounds, you will eventually break your bolt, whether it be 5k 8k 10k rounds. I have had 2 bolts break in guns with more than 7k rounds in them. No damage was caused by a broken bolt, but I'm not saying that's not entirely impossible to cause damage to your rifle. I try not to worry about things like that, I try to just go shoot the gun. Once my guns have 5k rounds through them, then I'll inspect for preventative maintenance.

And nice barrel by the way. I have a BCM upper with a SS410 barrel. The barrel will outshoot me everytime, which I suppose isn't saying much... but it's a tack driver.

Thanks, I called around looking for one, tried WOA and they were so back ordered it was unbelievable. Hit luck on BCM and got their last one. It definitely looks very well made.
I am going to try the BCG in my 300 blackout friday and see how it acts.



Obviously there are a lot of maybes that could happen if you break your bolt during a shooting session. Typically, you'll notice your bolt is broken right away.

Yeah, I know that's always the case. And I've seen "top teir" stuff break before, but that's what their warranties are for.
Do you happen to recognize the marking on the bolt itself? The main thing that's making me nervious, I've seen reports of knock offs floating around and they tend to shatter.

[UWone77]

BCM is one of the best bolts you can buy. I think you did well.

Did PSA ever answer your inquiry about your bolt?

[hkdcamcain]

PSA hasn't responded to the email since the "We will have to check what we can disclose"

Don't want to talk poorly of them, they have been EXCELLENT with walk in service etc. The rifles i've built from their parts kits are all wonderful other than the god awful factory triggers and their warranty is exceptional.

[hkdcamcain]

Alrighty, I figured I would update this. I took the bolt in today to be inspected and ask one of the guys up there what manufacture it was. After looking it over and talking with whom I assume is one of the "managers" because he is ALWAYS there and usually ends up answering my questions. He informed me that "he cannot disclose the manufacturer" but that the M stamp meant it was Magnetic Particle Inspected. He proceeded to pull an AR15 (his own personal competition gun) and it had the same stamp on it and matched up flawlessly. He said that he had 2000 rounds or so with it and he assures me its perfectly safe.

And while I was there I enjoyed some of the excellent sale prices... heres a pic of how the upper sits currently. (nothing is torqued on yet) Waiting for a clamp on style rail and a seekins adjustable gas block to complete it.
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130803_223331_611_zpsafff83db.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130803_223331_611_zpsafff83db.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130803_223658_212_zps4004ed89.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130803_223658_212_zps4004ed89.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130803_223300_725_zpsbb5327c8.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130803_223300_725_zpsbb5327c8.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130803_223249_168_zpsc6bad07a.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130803_223249_168_zpsc6bad07a.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130803_223230_927_zps9b57a6bf.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130803_223230_927_zps9b57a6bf.jpg.html)

[KevinBLC]

I'm curious to see pictures once you're done, as I'm considering a similar style upper.

[hkdcamcain]

I'm curious to see pictures once you're done, as I'm considering a similar style upper.
I am going out to shoot it this evening, i'll get some pictures on the field.
Parts List:
Upper:
BCM 18" SS410 SPR Barrel
PSA Rifle Length Gas Tube
SLR AR7 Adjustable Gas Block
SLR 12 Inch Intrepid Rail
PSA Tactical Latch Charging Handle
PSA Blemished BCG
Surefire Brake
YHM Bipod Adapter
Magpul MBUS
Nikon P-223 3-9x Scope on a Burris P.E.P.R.
Lower:
Standard PSA MOE lower from my other rifle. new lower being built next pay check or two.

Plans for today:
Set gas block to cycle how I want
Zero the scope
Clean out a few pests out in the back pasture if all goes well

http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130808_164737_718_zps4a484d5f.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130808_164737_718_zps4a484d5f.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130808_164758_563_zpsce453788.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130808_164758_563_zpsce453788.jpg.html)

[hkdcamcain]

OK, so I took it out last night and fired it a bit. Very pleasant rifle. Sounds much louder than my other ARs due to the brake, but that's fine. The muzzle flash at night is pretty spectacular. I can keep my scope on the target under sustained fire no problem. I also noticed the barrel held up extremely well to multiple quick shots with no signs of opening groups. But this gun is HEAVY. and it will be more so once I complete my purpose built lower.

Issues:
I found one of my mags would not feed worth a crap. Period. Every 2-3rd round was a jam. Threw in my 20 round pmag and was good to go again.
Trigger. Well the GI trigger is garbage at best, we all know this. But this is a lower off my basic AR upper anyway.
Weight. I didn't have a sling with me, so humping this thing in your hands gets a bit tiring. I am also 6ft 5 and back pack so don't give me that crap.
Green Tip ammo, it wouldn't group decently, but hell, it never has in anything I own.

Good Points:
I swapped over to some 62g ammo (bulk American Eagle) and wowwwww.... the distance was about 115 yards I paced off to the target.
The 55gr green tips were around 2.5-3.5 MOA with my grandfather shooting (while I watched the ejection to adjust gas to where I wanted it.)
The 62g AE ammo was much lower around .75-1 MOA and I actually made a bet I could shoot the nail holding the target up. I did.
The entire platform is very stable, minimal recoil, and very easy to shoot. I can't believe this is my first rifle length gas tube. I need more.

Pictures!
This is the target. Unfortunately, my Fiance decided to shoot at it with her .22 while i was going for groupings... she was bored and it was rather hot so I didn't argue.
The lighter green marks were her hits from earlier. The more jagged ones are the AR15. (the two to the left of the circle are .22s stuck in with a bunch of AR marks.)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130809_202855_742_zps941394f4.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130809_202855_742_zps941394f4.jpg.html)
I swapped over to the 62g AE and got the top of the target around the nail. The two shots off center group were my getting pissed at the trigger and the bugs. There are 10 shots in that purple ring.
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130809_202902_398_zps2539ec61.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130809_202902_398_zps2539ec61.jpg.html)

Here are some rifle pics:
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130809_202837_391_zps61934ebd.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130809_202837_391_zps61934ebd.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130809_202806_274_zps63c9f186.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130809_202806_274_zps63c9f186.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130809_202755_346_zps0c9e0f9d.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130809_202755_346_zps0c9e0f9d.jpg.html)
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130809_202746_358_zps7f54f5aa.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130809_202746_358_zps7f54f5aa.jpg.html)

Little bit of extra:
We went up a few weeks back with an 2x AR15, AK47, RPk, 590, and M1A. Managed to shoot a tree in half!
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h394/Cam_Cain/IMG_20130809_203630_752_zps5f3c092d.jpg (http://s1107.photobucket.com/user/Cam_Cain/media/IMG_20130809_203630_752_zps5f3c092d.jpg.html)

[UWone77]

Are you going to use a can with your setup? Or was the MB556K what you had on hand?

[hkdcamcain]

Are you going to use a can with your setup? Or was the MB556K what you had on hand?
I am currently reading up a bit on suppressors and the laws related to them.
I bought the adjustable gas block and the MB556K because I want to eventually get one.
I've wanted one since I shot a .308 Remington SPS Tactical with a Surefire Can on it (in fact I own the same rifle myself but no can)
I am not entirely sure how I feel about subsonic ammunition and their ballistics. [crazy]
If you'd like to give some advice I welcome it, you can PM if you don't want to steer off topic here.
(Also, I wanted a good name brand brake that would provide consistent accuracy. I've heard some of the cheaper ones could open up groups a decent bit):confused:

[Stickman]

The MB556K is a good brake, but are you set on Surefire Suppressors then? With the MB556K, you'll be limited to the legacy suppressors as they aren't compatible with the Surefire SOCOM line.

[GOST]

From the looks of his pictures the brake looks to be a SFMB-556 instead of a MB556K. How do you like the brake?

[UWone77]

From the looks of his pictures the brake looks to be a SFMB-556 instead of a MB556K. How do you like the brake?

I have both the SFMB556 and the MB556K... it's hard to tell the difference sometimes that's for sure. I'd go with the SOCOM can vs the Legacy ones. The SOCOM is also cheaper than their older counterparts. Now if I could just find someone with a 762 SOCOM mini in stock.

[hkdcamcain]

I have both the SFMB556 and the MB556K... it's hard to tell the difference sometimes that's for sure. I'd go with the SOCOM can vs the Legacy ones. The SOCOM is also cheaper than their older counterparts. Now if I could just find someone with a 762 SOCOM mini in stock.

It is the MB556K, I picked it up for 115$ at a gun show the other week. Still new in box with the rock set and washers.
As with everything, I am not "DEAD SET" on any one product, system, etc. I am always open to options. Hell, I got an AK47 while everyone was buying up ARs.
I believe I saw a 7.62 Mini of some sort @ PSA the last time I went in. Of course, its not the warehouse store so its not on their website.
I plan to put the rifle through its paces during hunting season, got a few critters to take care of from a distance, then see about a trust. I definitely want a can for my Remington 700.


The MB556K is a good brake, but are you set on Surefire Suppressors then? With the MB556K, you'll be limited to the legacy suppressors as they aren't compatible with the Surefire SOCOM line.

The main reason on the brake was the deal I got on it. With as easy as ARs are to swap out parts, hell, if I can afford a can I can afford a different muzzle device.
Do you have a preference on suppressors?
What is your opinion on subsonic ammunition? Is it entirely necessary with a can? I am worried about heavily suffering ballistics just to make less sound and spend a ton of money in the process.

[UWone77]

hkdcamcain,

If you ask someone for a recommendation on a suppressor, it's like asking someone "what's your favorite AR?" You'll get a lot of different answers, as there are a lot of suppressor manufacturers out there. I've shot a lot of different cans and for the most part, they all sound the same to me. Fundamentally, all cans do the same thing. They use baffle stacks to reduce sound signatures. The main difference you'll see is craftsmanship, materials used, and quality of the manufacturing.

Personally, I like Surefire and AAC suppressors. In my opinion Surefire has the least amount of POI shift with the suppressor. AAC makes great suppressors at lower prices than Surefire. I also like Griffin Armament and Huntertown Arms for the more budget minded. Don't get caught up in decibel ratings. If the budget suppressor offers a 28db reduction to a 32db reduction in a more expensive suppressor, I doubt you'll be able to tell at the range.

I only use subsonic ammo when shooting 300AAC Blackout and 9mm. 5.56 subsonic will not cycle. You'll still hear a "crack" once the bullet breaks the sound barrier, so it's not as quiet as subsonic. However, to me when shooting a centerfire suppressor, you're doing it to reduce flash signature and/or protecting your hearing, especially shooting indoors.

If I had to do it all over again, I would pick out a 7.62 thread on suppressor and shoot all my 7.62, 300AAC Blackout, and 5.56 through it. To some, QD is important, but once you start shooting, you're rarely going to take a suppressor off, because it's just too hot. That's something you'll have to decide for yourself obviously, as investing in hundreds of dollars worth of mounts gets really expensive, really fast. Ask me how I know.

[gatordev]

Now if I could just find someone with a 762 SOCOM mini in stock.

Gun Gallery in Jacksonville, FL has one in stock. I saw it with my own eyes yesterday (and it's on their website at the moment). Not a terrible price. If Surefire had managed to make the SOCOM brake that I ordered 6 months ago for my SR-25, I might have plopped down the money and started the paperwork. It's probably a good thing they haven't.

[UWone77]

Gun Gallery in Jacksonville, FL has one in stock. I saw it with my own eyes yesterday (and it's on their website at the moment). Not a terrible price. If Surefire had managed to make the SOCOM brake that I ordered 6 months ago for my SR-25, I might have plopped down the money and started the paperwork. It's probably a good thing they haven't.

Why must you do this to me!

Looks like they have 2 in stock of black and FDE. I will have to give it some thought as I just dropped some coin on another AAC can.

[hkdcamcain]

hkdcamcain,

If you ask someone for a recommendation on a suppressor, it's like asking someone "what's your favorite AR?" You'll get a lot of different answers, as there are a lot of suppressor manufacturers out there. I've shot a lot of different cans and for the most part, they all sound the same to me. Fundamentally, all cans do the same thing. They use baffle stacks to reduce sound signatures. The main difference you'll see is craftsmanship, materials used, and quality of the manufacturing.

Personally, I like Surefire and AAC suppressors. In my opinion Surefire has the least amount of POI shift with the suppressor. AAC makes great suppressors at lower prices than Surefire. I also like Griffin Armament and Huntertown Arms for the more budget minded. Don't get caught up in decibel ratings. If the budget suppressor offers a 28db reduction to a 32db reduction in a more expensive suppressor, I doubt you'll be able to tell at the range.

I only use subsonic ammo when shooting 300AAC Blackout and 9mm. 5.56 subsonic will not cycle. You'll still hear a "crack" once the bullet breaks the sound barrier, so it's not as quiet as subsonic. However, to me when shooting a centerfire suppressor, you're doing it to reduce flash signature and/or protecting your hearing, especially shooting indoors.

If I had to do it all over again, I would pick out a 7.62 thread on suppressor and shoot all my 7.62, 300AAC Blackout, and 5.56 through it. To some, QD is important, but once you start shooting, you're rarely going to take a suppressor off, because it's just too hot. That's something you'll have to decide for yourself obviously, as investing in hundreds of dollars worth of mounts gets really expensive, really fast. Ask me how I know.

I asked his opinion because the way he worded it made it sound as if he had something to say about surefire. I was curious what he recommended and why. I like to hear people's input (yours included), and Stickman since I see his stuff posted all over creation and everyone seems to respect his decision. I feel confident he has handled more firearms thanIi have though about. From what i've heard surefire makes an excellent product. I have 3 5.56 rifles, and i would like to be able to interchange the suppressor across all 3 "IF/WHEN" I decide to get one. [BD]

I have a 300 Blackout Upper, personally I can't say I very impressed with it. There in, its a 16 inch with a mid gas system... also the ammo availability just pisses me off. I haven't dropped the coin to get the reloading supplies because I haven't decided if I find the caliber useful. Maybe when I decide if I really need an SBR I might use a 300 Blackout. I do have an M1A and the 700 Tactical in .308, plus an AK and SKS so maybe it'll justify a .30 cal suppressor down the road... Meh, decisions decisions.

Speaking of, I was debating thinning my collection a bit caliber wise, and I got to shoot an ACR the other way, the ergonomics were impressive to me. Curious if it would be worth selling one or two of the ones that don't leave the safe much for an ACR. Maybe the 8mm mauser, and an AK or two I never seem to shoot. I was planning to narrow down calibers and use the money to stock up on the ones I keep and maybe a few toys like suppressors and all. [:D]

As for your statement of 7.62 suppressor on 5.56 wouldn't that be significantly louder than using a 5.56 can? :confused:

[UWone77]

I'm not sure what Stick's opinion is on Surefire. I do know Stick shoots mostly unsuppressed, but has a ton of AAC cans, which he posts in pictures from time to time. Personally, I like Surefire Can's the best, as I think they're overall great performers in all areas. I'm sure a dedicated 5.56 can maybe quieter than a 7.62 can on a 5.56. With that said, I shoot my AAC 762SDN-6 on my 5.56 guns all the time. I can't tell if there is a difference.

What part of the 300 Blackout are you not pleased with besides the availability of ammo? 300AAC Blackout really shines suppressed and on short barrels. Since you're not utilitizing either, that maybe part of the reason for your disappointment with the round. There are only a couple of manufacturers I know that produce 16" 300 Blackout barrels with mid-length gas, and I'm curious why it's done, since I can't imagine they run reliably. I know Black Hole Weaponry makes a midlength, since I have one.

[hkdcamcain]

I'm not sure what Stick's opinion is on Surefire. I do know Stick shoots mostly unsuppressed, but has a ton of AAC cans, which he posts in pictures from time to time. Personally, I like Surefire Can's the best, as I think they're overall great performers in all areas. I'm sure a dedicated 5.56 can maybe quieter than a 7.62 can on a 5.56. With that said, I shoot my AAC 762SDN-6 on my 5.56 guns all the time. I can't tell if there is a difference.

What part of the 300 Blackout are you not pleased with besides the availability of ammo? 300AAC Blackout really shines suppressed and on short barrels. Since you're not utilitizing either, that maybe part of the reason for your disappointment with the round. There are only a couple of manufacturers I know that produce 16" 300 Blackout barrels with mid-length gas, and I'm curious why it's done, since I can't imagine they run reliably. I know Black Hole Weaponry makes a midlength, since I have one.

I really enjoy this forum, the discussions don't devolve into a pissing contest. Big thumbs up!

As for the 300 Blackout, the recoil impulse is very jarring, its worse than my AK47 with hot loads. It's "accurate" for an intermediate cartridge, but it's not very pleasant to shoot. I've shot it, I've let friends shoot it. Everyone says the same thing. I'd rather shoot the 5.56. It's a PSA 300 Blackout upper. Picked it up on sale for 400$ with no bcg or charging handle. its rather heavy, as it was the "heavy barrel profile". With a couple loads it was stacking holes at 100 or so yards. But the recoil impulse was throwing my scope all over the place, and it rattles my teeth and head from the vibrations. My M1A stays on target better. Maybe its just over gassed and all but i'm far from impressed. Maybe I'll just sell it off and pick up a short barreled one. or an ACR and wait for the blackout barrels to come out. Still can't make my mind up on that ACR...

With the 5.56, can you shoot without plugs? That'd be a good selling point to me, since its legal to hunt suppressed where my family farm is. I could hear the critters better if I didn't have to wear plugs or electronic ear muffs (which suck when you are trying to shoulder a rifle and look down the scope).

[UWone77]

What kind of muzzle device do you have on your 300 ? I have a dual port AAC 51T brake on mine, and I've never really noticed the recoil on my 300 guns. To me it's been a seamless transition from 5.56 to shooting 300.

As long as the can you're using gets the db's under 140, you're good to go. Which coincidentally, applies to just about every 5.56 can I've ever used. :D

[gatordev]

Why must you do this to me!

Looks like they have 2 in stock of black and FDE. I will have to give it some thought as I just dropped some coin on another AAC can.

Well, if I can get you to buy them out, then I won't be tempted to get one!


As long as the can you're using gets the db's under 140, you're good to go. Which coincidentally, applies to just about every 5.56 can I've ever used. :D

I have no doubt that UWone knows this, but for the record...

Keep in mind that it's not just overal dB rating, but also extended exposure to the sound. I spent three years and a thousand hours behind a machine (a turbine) that spun at ~55,000 RPM. I always wore double hearing protection (ear plugs and a helmet) and it was below 140dB, but I still developed a pretty decent case of tinnitus (ironically, my hearing thresholds stayed pretty steady). Fortunately, once I stopped living my life behind that thing, the tinnitus subsided, but I always try to be careful with my hearing.

[UWone77]

Well, if I can get you to buy them out, then I won't be tempted to get one!



I have no doubt that UWone knows this, but for the record...

Keep in mind that it's not just overal dB rating, but also extended exposure to the sound. I spent three years and a thousand hours behind a machine (a turbine) that spun at ~55,000 RPM. I always wore double hearing protection (ear plugs and a helmet) and it was below 140dB, but I still developed a pretty decent case of tinnitus (ironically, my hearing thresholds stayed pretty steady). Fortunately, once I stopped living my life behind that thing, the tinnitus subsided, but I always try to be careful with my hearing.

Yes gator, you are absolutely right. I didn't think of mentioning extended exposure as most of us are not at the range exposing ourselves 8-10 hours a day to suppressed gunfire. My ears have ached during training sessions, even if I have my gun suppressed. For what it's worth, I still wear hearing protection, most of the times I'm shooting suppressed, because once you lose some hearing, you never get it back. My unscientific results say that usually I'm getting around 132-135db on a suppressed 5.56 gun.

[hkdcamcain]

What kind of muzzle device do you have on your 300 ? I have a dual port AAC 51T brake on mine, and I've never really noticed the recoil on my 300 guns. To me it's been a seamless transition from 5.56 to shooting 300.

As long as the can you're using gets the db's under 140, you're good to go. Which coincidentally, applies to just about every 5.56 can I've ever used. :D

Its a standard bird cage flash hider. I am not sure what the cause of the annoying feel is. I probably need to just build one if I do decide to keep the 300 in my collection. The other downside is I am trying to narrow my calibers (but they are so easy to load and I keep .308 handy anyway....) ahhhh, all the decisions!

I rarely fire more than 50-100 rounds unless I am doing an event of some kind. Because of ammo price and availability I don't want to dip into my resources during this *ahem* "political instability".
I've had the blackout since May and I have shot probably 50-60 rounds personally and friends have fired a few here and there.
Here soon I will probably cut down to 5.56/7.62x51/7.62x39 for rifles (unless the 300 for some reason resurfaces). Maybe a 7.62x54R can stay since the M44 is such a blast (pun intended)

[UWone77]

So was this all clear as mud? ;) Any closer to deciding what suppressor ... in a thread that started off with what bolt carrier is this?

[hkdcamcain]

So was this all clear as mud? ;) Any closer to deciding what suppressor ... in a thread that started off with what bolt carrier is this?
Lol, about as clear as the weather when I was hiking up to the Tooth of Time mid-winter. I was actually looking at picking up the same brake style for my Rem700 as I have on my AR15. Out of curiosity would the .30 cal suppressor made to fit a .308 version of the MB556K fit the 5.56 version? because I could use one suppressor on all of my guns if that did. You were saying that there isn't much of a noticeable noise difference. And then I could get real special and throw it on my M44! (jk)

Yeah, threads devolve into some special conversations lol, but hey, I don't mind. I think its better than starting new threads for each one.

[UWone77]

Yes, that's the nice thing about Surefire and AAC. You can mount the 7.62 QD can's on both the 7.62 and 5.56 mounts, which is why I was initially drawn to both manufacturers before considering anything else.

[Stickman]

I'm not sure what Stick's opinion is on Surefire. I do know Stick shoots mostly unsuppressed, but has a ton of AAC cans, which he posts in pictures from time to time. Personally, I like Surefire Can's the best, as I think they're overall great performers in all areas. I'm sure a dedicated 5.56 can maybe quieter than a 7.62 can on a 5.56. With that said, I shoot my AAC 762SDN-6 on my 5.56 guns all the time. I can't tell if there is a difference.

What part of the 300 Blackout are you not pleased with besides the availability of ammo? 300AAC Blackout really shines suppressed and on short barrels. Since you're not utilitizing either, that maybe part of the reason for your disappointment with the round. There are only a couple of manufacturers I know that produce 16" 300 Blackout barrels with mid-length gas, and I'm curious why it's done, since I can't imagine they run reliably. I know Black Hole Weaponry makes a midlength, since I have one.

Well I know what Stick would say [:D]

Surefire and AAC make great cans. You can't go wrong with either. However, if you're going for your first can and want the most versatility out of it, I would go with the AAC 762SDN-6. Most people don't get to purchase can after can immediately, so this should tie you over for some time.

With the SDN6, that's one can you can shoot 7.62 and 5.56 out of, no problem. It's also at a lower price point that most 7.62 QD cans.

[UWone77]

Gun Gallery in Jacksonville, FL has one in stock. I saw it with my own eyes yesterday (and it's on their website at the moment). Not a terrible price. If Surefire had managed to make the SOCOM brake that I ordered 6 months ago for my SR-25, I might have plopped down the money and started the paperwork. It's probably a good thing they haven't.

Gator,

I took the plunge because of you... Ordered one of the black Surefire 762 Mini's from them. Negotiated them down to $1200 shipped for it. My wallet thanks you. [BD]

[gatordev]

Gator,

I took the plunge because of you... Ordered one of the black Surefire 762 Mini's from them. Negotiated them down to $1200 shipped for it. My wallet thanks you. [BD]

Damn...I didn't know they negotiated. Crap...and I won't be back in town until December/January. Thanks for the heads up though.

[UWone77]

Damn...I didn't know they negotiated. Crap...and I won't be back in town until December/January. Thanks for the heads up though.

I think with how slow the industry is, retailers are very willing to deal to free up cash.