Work Bench - November 2013

So here is where I stand on projects for the month of November.  Since my job has been bountiful, and the bills low, I have had a lot of extra cash to spend on myself.  Here it goes:

#1 - Change from WA to WE, the VLTOR M4 gets a system change

I had an upper, I had a lower, and one of the very first blog posts on here was practically a complete parts list.  I had a change of heart before too many things were purchased though, and it simply stems from experience, the WA system is a pain.

I am not saying all guns that use the WA system are bad, but if you try to build a WA system gun from a G&P receiver it usually ends up being more work than it is worth.  Because you don't have 1:1 receivers, you are limited to certain parts and pieces.  There is a huge market of parts available, but that can lead to tons of non-compatibility, parts breaking each other, and spending a lot of money to get a gun working for a period of time.  It usually ends up being a money pit.  Now a build with a Viper Tech is a completed different story, but I'll get into that debate eventually.

So enters my Parts Gun build.  Based on the newer WE system, it was practically a hodgepodge of different components.  It took little effort to get them to work together into a really fun gun to shoot.  It pretty much cemented in my head that the WE system required much less to work properly and for a longer period of time.  I had close to 5,000 rounds on my internals before I decided to tear the Parts Gun apart for other uses.

Now, currently the only company that makes a VLTOR lower receiver for the WE system is PRIME.  These pieces can command a hefty price, sometimes close to $400 each!  Now, a person like me has a few connections and managed to get not one, but TWO of these pieces for a really good price.  This means I am expanding the project to include two differently set up lowers and three different uppers.  More details on that will come later, but here is a picture to tease for now.

#2 - CM901 gets delayed

For the CM901, I wanted the receiver and rail system to match.  In order to do so, I would need to anodize or paint them.  I sent them off to a friend of mine who is working on it right now, but had some things come up that caused him delays.  I'll be keeping after him to make sure it gets done.  Other than that, the rest of the parts are sitting in a baggie so they are at least together.

#3 - FN HAMR, a WE SCAR LMG

You read that correctly, I managed to pick up a WE SCAR-L for a really good price and decided to turn it into a full auto monster.  I even managed to get a black lower fitted to the rest of the tan rifle.  A few boxes on on the way to me, with some parts and pieces, but some things will need to be fabricated.  More details in the dedicated project post.

#4 - Call of Duty Project #2 - Black Ops Commando

I can't help but be a Call of Duty fan, and especially so with the first Black Ops game.  It takes place in the 1960's Vietnam era conflict, where the unusual prototypes and beginnings of modern firearms begin to surface from different nations.  The Commando is the representation of the original M16 carbine rifle, the XM177.  I think it would make a really neat CQB rifle, be a good prop for a 1960's loadout.  Parts can be tough to get since the 1960's are no where near today, and the surplus market is starting to get strained.  More details will follow, but expect a complete build soon.

That is all I have right now, stay tuned for more specific posts on details for each of these new projects.