It's decent, but the biggest reason to use it is being able to lock the bolt to the rear without taking the right hand off the grip when clearing a double-feed. If it's just to drop the bolt faster by using the index finger, not worth the trouble.
So it sounds like you're saying as long as I use a DPMS/LR style lower and milling myself, I should be gucci. Aero M5 upper should work? I have a hard time finding companies that make AR-10 uppers tbh, Aero feels safe cuz I know I can go with their enhanced version and know I will be good for the FA, the dust cover, the BCG, and everything related to the handguard. Would their be any issues with different AR-10 uppers and the DI tube alignment? Was thinking of just running a Faxon barrel at this point, think it should be fine...
Speaking from personal experience, there may be fitment issues with an aero upper and dpms lower. Aftermarket “dpms pattern” uppers fit my lower, but the two aero m5 uppers were off by a couple thou on the rear pin. May have just been stacking tolerances though, so ymmv.
interesting, I saw someone mention a dpms worked fine, but I wouldn't be surprised. Do you have recommended parts for a dpms upper, and the barrel nut (is that what it's called, the part the free-float handguard attaches to?)
Some people had the same issues with PA308 uppers when they came out. AR10s used to be commonly bought as matched upper/lower sets due to less standardization on tolerances. I know for a fact that my Aero upper/lowers have much less slop than my DPMS. 308 dust covers and charging handles are standardized as far as I know, and the FA is the same as an ar15. Same with gas tubes and gas blocks (assuming you’re using a low profile, and not an Armalite).
this hinges on you being competent, but unlike Armalite, DPMS didn't care if people wanted to use their "specification" with Bushmaster and others opting for the "free" DPMS specification vs the licensed design that Armalite was offering. since DPMS also didn't care if people didn't license it from them, you had clone makers reverse engineer the drawings and machining instructions by measuring out finished products, leading to some variation depending on who did it.
PSA has their own specification for their rifle and while some parts can interchange, major assemblies will not without modification.
find out what you need or want, and work with a quality vendor on acquiring those parts. the barrel nut clamps the barrel to the upper receiver using the shoulder of the barrel extension, which is threaded onto the breach of the barrel. while this is a standardized part, many handguards and some fancier accessory attachment systems may use a specific one based on their unique mounting design. unless you have a real need for something special, a typical free float tube with jam nut or a more standard heatshielded GFR handguard from an AR-15 should work fine. be aware that the handguard cap may or may not be needed, and your front sight block may have it's own particular requirements for mounting.
For me, it really depends on how long/heavy the barrel is; though I prefer wedge/doorstop types for being unobtrusive, after I got tired of vertical grips snagging & hanging up on things, along with having to modify my grip when shooting around obstacles (i.e. LBE/seatbelts & sandbags/ledges/doorframes).
do you need some sort of grip assistance? a vertical grip was pretty handy when i was maneuvering around small areas like an armored vehicle or buildings while on door kicking duty since it really helped to "point" my rifle at things and people, if i needed to break something with the muzzle like a window, or prod someone who was non-compliant, but it can snag if you didn't keep some awareness of it. an angled foregrip i've seen some people use to avoid the "AOW" classification on what would otherwise be a pistol, and i've had some people prefer it due to how they handle accessory interaction on their weapon like toggles, buttons, pressure pads, switches, et c. VFG's were incredibly annoying if i was shooting for accuracy and i would either remove it or move it towards the rear and use as a handstop instead when going the distance - they weren't really friendly with using a sling for that.
My thoughts are that in California, legally speaking there's no such thing as a vertical foregrip on a "regular run of the mill" AR; they exist only on "fixed magazine" ARs and "assault weapons." Just something to keep in mind.
I wonder how many gunners in California at this point, obey those laws anymore.My thoughts are that in California, legally speaking there's no such thing as a vertical foregrip on a "regular run of the mill" AR; they exist only on "fixed magazine" ARs and "assault weapons." Just something to keep in mind.
From what I understand, no one in NorCal gives a shit about compliance.
I have mixed feelings.
All it takes is one asshole cop in the lane next to you at the range. An unregistered "assault weapon" is a felony in California. A VFG or birdcage doesn't seem worth the risk IMO. Just watch your 6.
Well I currently have two ARs, well one is fully compliant with the law and I gave it an angled foregrip and bipod for the lulz.
Its well camouflaged against the floor.
You're not wrong