The Gratuitous Gas Gun Geek here once again with part two of my list of parts. The lower receiver is where all the magic starts once you pull the trigger. An amalgam of pins, spring, and other small parts, the lower receiver is where many people can get hung up on when constructing a rifle for the first time. Many of the parts in the lower receiver look similar to the real steel counterparts, so it help to have basic knowledge of the real steel M16 or AR15 can come in handy. You don't need to be an expert, but looking up "AR15/M16 function" on Youtube can provide helpful insight onto some areas.
Now, another advantage that some people have is to access an already constructed Western Arms M4. Since I now work as a Gas Blowback Technician at my local airsoft shop, I have access to a half working WA M4. Like many guns out there, it looks like a complete mess of different components, but the fact of the matter remains, it is still mostly complete. I was able to talk to the owner and took it home for study. Within the hour, I had the lower completely stripped. I jotted down every dent and every spring, making sure I didn't forget anything and reassembled it. Sure it may be missing a few things, but at least I have a better idea for how it works. Without further adieu, here is my list of parts for the lower receiver:
G&P VLTOR Metal Receiver
(Ordered)
G&P VLTOR style 5 Position Buffer Tube
(Not Ordered)
Tango Down Style M4 Pistol Grip - OD Green
(Not Ordered)
G&P Frame Parts Set
(Not Ordered)
G&P Steel Anti-Rotation Pins
(Not Ordered)
G&P Dual Sling Mount
(Not Ordered)
G&P Steel Buffer Lock
(Not Ordered)
G&P Speed Buffer
(Not Ordered)
G&P Steel Bolt Release
(Not Ordered)
G&P Steel Sear
(Not Ordered)
G&P Speed Buffers
(Not Ordered)
G&P Steel Hammer and Firing Pin
(Not Ordered)
RA-Tech Buffer Spring (Winter)
(Not Ordered)
RA-Tech Buffer Spring (Summer)
(Not Ordered)
RS VLTOR EMOD Stock
(Not Ordered)
You may be wondering why there are multiples of certain parts. The issue that could arise is the frame set that I linked above. According to the description, many of the parts of a reinforced aluminum alloy. It doesn't matter if it is reinforced or not, aluminum will not be as strong as steel with the same part dimensions. Granted, it is quite the expense to switch to steel, but the extended life is well worth it. Certain parts don't have to be steel, like some of the housings. They do not encounter the force or changes in momentum that other parts will. If the steel parts end up failing, then the aluminum parts are there to back up until new parts can be ordered.
I also thought about adding a fourth function to my WA build. Granted, the receiver is marked with only 3 functions, but RA-Tech made a four function selector switch to have safe, semi-automatic, 3-round burst, and fully automatic options. It was originally designed to be able to turn a WA M4 into the similar Chinese T91, but I think it would be similar to a four function MP5. It is quite easy to do, RA-Tech made the parts to drop right in.
RA-Tech 4 function Selector Switch - 60 degree
RA-Tech 3-Round Burst Trigger Group
I'm still deciding whether or not to add the burst function. If I would, I would be tempted to completely remake the receiver. I have access to a milling machine, so I could machine out a lower receiver from a solid block. Then I could have it anodized, and laser engrave new trademarks with "Burst" added. It would definitely add a truly custom look and feel for the rifle. I think for now I will just make sure I can get one working with standard parts.
The first packages should be arriving in the next few weeks. Still can't put anything together, but that is what package number 2 will be. Time to gather my tools.
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