I saw a few builds with the new WE open bolt conversions and with the price that WA parts and mags cost, it would almost be worth getting a WE M4 just to blast around with. Having seen the custom MAGPUL PMAGs for the WE someone is making, I wanted to take handle at a gun I think is cool, the Colt CM901.
First off, here is a little disclaimer. Yes, I played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Yes, I heard about the CM901 from this game, BUT that does not make me equivalent to all of the six year olds who post on youtube that "this gun was awesome in call of duty". Some people might not know, but real companies came to Infinity Ward/Activision/Sledgehammer Games and said, "Everytime you make a game, people buy the guns in it. We want to bring you our prototypes to put in the game." Why do you think there is a massive 'Colt' logo on the charging handle of the CM901, or perhaps the 'L3 Communications' on the holographic sight? It is a brand new form of advertising basically. That being said, I saw it in the game and looked into it.
For those who might be interested, the Colt CM901 is a new AR derivative assault rifle with a unique feature. The CM901 can convert between 7.62 NATO, 7.62 x 39mm, 6.8 SPC, and 5.56 NATO with a change of upper, magazine, and a magazine well adapter. Colt says it will take milspec uppers in 5.56 with an adapter, which is quite nice. I saw the look and was drawn in. The color really intrigued me so much I wanted to build an M4 around it. The problem is the magwell is extra long for 7.62 NATO magazines and the front pivot pin is lower on the receiver. The CM901 also has a reinforced lower receiver, as well as an ambidextrous bolt release and magazine release. I won't be able to copy the look exactly, but I figured it would be close enough. Here is a pimp my gun rendition:
The mix between anodized aluminum, FDE/tan, and black will definitely make the rifle stand out. This will be my CQB gun, so the FPS will be slightly less than 350. The idea is to make it similar to what is in the game, so building a 13 inch upper would better fit. The only possible issue I could run into is I would have to buy the parts for the upper before I anodize it. Each time you anodize parts, the color is off just a little bit, and I want it to match as best possible. Highlights of the build are:
- VLTOR IMOD stock
- 13 inch barrel
- Knight's Armament folding front sight
- M14 style Vortex Flash hider
- Monolithic Free Floating Rail System
I still haven't decided on the rail system. When I was looking at the different pictures of the CM901, I couldn't figure out what length rail system it uses! It is a toss up between a 10 in and an 11 in. I am still trying to crunch the numbers judging from pictures, but I will do my final measurements based on the 13 in barrel, since I know that is the official length.
I have to find a place to get the receivers and rail to match with the color I want. It is either an FDE or Tan color, but it ends up slightly darker with almost an orange color to them. I don't want to paint it because I haven't had the best luck with painting unless someone offers to powder coat, annodize, or Duracoat it for me at a good price.
If you haven't noticed, I placed a 20 round PMAG in the magwell. The CM901 comes chambered in 7.62 NATO and with a new MAGPUL 7.62 PMAG, so I figured I could match the look. But WE doesn't make PMAGs? There is a way to convert them that many people have tried with great success. I have seen the 30 round PMAGs converted, but not a 20 round. There is a Guide on Gas Guns Info I will be using to get similar results. Should be a pretty easy, but time consuming conversion judging by the guide. I only need to make 3 or 4 magazines unless I decide to use it as a field gun too.
I will be posting up a guide for both since I will probably end up doing them for someone if they want. If I had to do pricing on doing conversions for people, it would probably be $15 if you provide both a WE magazine and a PMAG, $55 if you provide just the PMAG, $35 if you provide just the WE magazine, and $80 if I need to provide everything. Send me a message if you want. I am around on different forums so it would probably be best to contact me by way of a PM or otherwise.
So that is my next project. I should be picking up a few parts soon to begin this project. Pictures will be up of these projects I promise. In the next few weeks I am hoping to start one of these things. While you are waiting, I have review in the works for my WE-Tech M14. Look out for it soon.
