Standard Issue M4A1, Operation New Dawn

[Psychosis]

Alright, I figured I would put together a brief guide for people trying to make their shit look as close to real steel as possible.

WEAPON: Colt M4A1/some FNH lowers

ACCESSORIES:

Handguards: KAC Rail Adapter System, rail covers optional
Stock: LMT crane stock or Colt six-position stock
IR device: AN/PEQ-15 or AN/PEQ-2 (optional)
Illumination: Surefire M951 w/ XM07 tailcap or Surefire M600C scout light (limited issue)
BUIS: Matech flip-up rear sight
VFG: KAC grip or Grip-Pod grip
Optics: CompM2 w/ QRP1 mount, CompM4, CompM4S, or Trijicon TA31RCO ACOG
Magazine: GI mag, PMAG (black or FDE, windowed or not)
Sling: too many variations, I personally rocked a VTAC 2-point
Grenade Launcher: M203 (M320 not in distribution yet)

That's it in a nutshell, pretty easy to replicate. KAC-style rail systems, rail covers, and VFGs are often stock options on AEGs, authentic Matech sights are cheap on ebay, Vanaras PEQ-15 replicas cost $15 shipped from RSOV, and Aimpoint replicas are cheap as well. The more expensive items are Surefires/clones and proper ACOG replicas, which run about $120.

[snafu]

Nooo EoTechs??

[Psychosis]

Eotechs were not widely issued, maybe black 553's to an EOD or Public Affairs unit, I don't exactly remember, but they were rare for the most part. I picked up a heavily used 552 off a contractor, but other than that they don't stick out in my memory. Also note that this thread is aimed primarily at "impressions" of regular guys.

[Bison]

Excellent overview! Although, our mortar platoon had Eotech 552s in black. Also M320s are widely used now. I've qualified with one myself. Another good way to look legit is 550 cord your sensitive items down. Also a stock number from the armory is a good touch.

[snafu]

Thanks Psychosis!

[Psychosis]

Jul 6, 2012 23:38:49 GMT -5 Bison said:

Excellent overview! Although, our mortar platoon had Eotech 552s in black. Also M320s are widely used now. I've qualified with one myself. Another good way to look legit is 550 cord your sensitive items down. Also a stock number from the armory is a good touch.

Bison - you are right, M320's are mainstream now - this writeup was intended to capture the standard M4A1 circa 2010-2011, though I suppose I could update it to be a generalized "modern M4" thread.