Yes! He had a return shipping tracking number to me the day after he received the barrel! Very quick turn around time as well! Forgot to mention that one in the video!
@@peteregger7928 One extra thing I like to do after the Gas tube is temporarily installed with BCG is to remove the punch and then see how far the gas tube slides rearward to know there is plenty of clearance before it bottoms out or that its not bottomed out.
Looks really good! Love the sling swivel install too, really clean. I'm hoping one day the stars align and H&R or someone makes another run of the AR15 Prototype rifles, and I can send it to John for one of his great looking bakelite paint refinishes, if you look online at some of the Brownells proto rifles he did for people they all came out amazing. Build is coming along great! Great work!
Thanks Slidedriver! First time I have used his services and he did immaculate work! Will be needing another FSB install soon and I have no reason to go anywhere else! I have heard for quite some time now that he has an excellent reputation and I can now verify that from personal experience! Top notch work on my barrel!
This rifle looks fantastic. Heard nothing but positive reviews regarding John Thomas. I like that gauge you built. Neat. Liked that tip on the snap ring too.
Looks like a beautiful job! The A2 is still my favorite M16 version. I look forward to your shooting videos. I bet that rifle will deliver the accuracy to make all your efforts worth it! I just completed an M4A1 build. (and previously did an M16A2). At least the "rifle portion" of the build. By that, I mean that M4 builds seem to be more about the "accessories" than the "rifle". I'll throw a good quality scope on it that I use for testing, just to check the quality of my build. I also have a Colt carry handle that I will use for testing iron sight alignment. Then I need to add a back up sight (probably a Matech) and an optic, most likely an ACOG. I prefer that over a sight like an EOTech. Forward grip (KAC), etc. I used a "government marked" PSA M4A1 lower, which I have been very pleased with. I function tested the lower build before finishing the upper. I used a Bushmaster 14.5" chrome lined barrel and added a pinned and welded birdcage. It has an FN stock assembly and A2 pistol grip. Another reason I like the M16A2. 😁
Thanks Gary! Sounds like we are on similar paths! I've been researching the various SOPMOD configurations and I really opened up a can worms wanting to do an M4A1! Lol! Different setup ups for different branches, units and individuals especially where special forces and special ops is concerned and then different mission setups! Had no idea until I started digging! So far I have a SOCOM carbine barrel with the FSP, M4A1 Govt marked lower receiver and a barrel mount side sling if I go with a carbine length hand guard. The Surefire 4 prongs are out there but I'm not paying the ridiculous price! Not going to pay RIS or RAS prices either! Leaning towards the Midwest Industries Gen 2 extended carbine hand guard. Elcan and Aimpoint M5S is out of the question too $$$! As you were saying most likely an ACOG or maybe a VCOG. I think to get a near perfect SOPMOD clone especially using all the Colt stuff is unobtainium for me! Leaning towards a Block II look alike.
@@peteregger7928 From all my study of M4A1s, et. al. I have come across the "authentic, as issued" M4A1s (block I, block II etc.) and then what you see "in the wild", as it seems a lot of soldiers make field modifications to their rifles, particularly pistol grips and buttstocks, paint jobs, etc. Mine is, so far, "box stock", but I haven't started accessorizing it yet. THAT can easily cost as much, or more, than the rifle build! I do like the B5 Systems SOPMOD stock and grip, though. Ah, yes, you reminded me, I need the barrel mounted side sling. I'm with you on the costs of the rails. I also went with the Midwest Industries quad and I am very pleased. Some people say the KAC RAS is better for mounting a sight (if any) such as a PEQ2 laser/IR illuminator) I'm not going that route (as of yet) and the MI rail seems very secure. My M4A1 is "ready to shoot" but not accessorized yet. As I said, I went with a 14.5" barrel w/FSB, but a pinned and welded extended A2 flash hider.. I wasn't going to go through the registration and tax process for what amounts to about 1/4" in finished length.
Beautiful Rifle Pete It Turned Out Great 😀😊😇 Is There a Reason You Went With The 223 Wilde Chamber Vs 5.56 ? I Can’t Wait too See How It Shoots 👍🏼😀😊 And Of Course I Love These Type Videos and The Dirtbike and Resto Mod Videos 😀
Thanks Chris! I think it will shoot straight once I get it out in the desert! I'll be putting together another 20" soon and it will have an A2 Govt barrel and profile. I believe Criterion offers that one in NATO but I'll have to double check. Still riding the dirt bikes although I don't record as much. I'll be starting back on the Camaro soon now that it's cooling off below 110F! We had an official record June day of 120F that is taken from the airport but it's usually a couple degrees hotter where I'm at! A/C units working hard! Lol!
Aeroshell 64 which is Molybdenum Disulfide and is what's called for in the USMC 1984 edition. It's Lithium based. I use Copper Anti-sieze with graphite for the barrel nut and muzzle device because it's what I have in the garage. Lol! There are claims that the graphite can cause dissimilar metal corrosion but I have never seen an actual example (proof) of that happening on an AR platform. I have used that stuff in very wet, humid industrial applications where there was all kinds of dissimilar metals and potential galvanic opportunities for corrosion but have never seen an instance where it was the Copper Anti-sieze. The "GRAF" Copper Anti-sieze that I use has an 1800F degree temperature rating against corrosion and galling. Don't be like me! Use Aeroshell! Lol!
I have some very old sear block Colt BCG's that have stood the test of time and I believe were actually manufactured by Colt. I also have three newer Colt's with the DOT Matrix "C" stamped on the carrier and although they all have low round counts they seem to be doing okay so far. The Wilson Combat BCG's are also low round count but are holding up well! The Wilson Combat and Colt's I have are phosphate. Most manufacturers these days are not making their own BCG's. Azimuth, Microbest and Toolcraft seem to make the Lion's share. I think what it comes down to is who does the best QC before they put their logo on them and send them out the door. I've been using Colt and WC lately on my retro builds because you can get them without the logo and they still offer phosphate and Carpenter 158. Still not completely sold on 9310 for the bolt. Don't think you can go wrong with either one? WC may have better customer service? I wouldn't mind BCM as they have a pretty good reputation but they don't seem to offer anything without their logo. Not a definitive answer for you but maybe it helps?
My rifles are precious metal! Lol! My son buys a lot of silver bars, coins and the last couple of years has been buying gold as well. The last time I visited he spent an hour showing me the different coins from around the world! He is really into it as a hobby as well as a hedge against inflation!
Hello Pete. First time commenter here from the North Georgia mountains. I really enjoy and learn a lot from your videos. I suspect you are also a draftsman, judging by your attention to detail and your lettering on your notes and handwritten specs. When you stated, on this particular video, you could see there was a slight difference in the size of the gas tube hole, I was reminded of what I had been taught over 30 years ago, that the human eye can discern up to 1/10,000 of an inch! I certainly believe that to be the case. Thank you for such educational videos, as I'm getting ready to attempt my first build. I haven't decided between an A1 or the A2. As you are so fond of saying "over and out"!
Thanks John! I was a Jet Engine Mechanic my first five years in the Navy and worked the flight deck for most of it! Got out for a while and worked as a manufacturer boat engine installer for Thunderbird Boats but mostly worked oil field construction. Went back into the Navy as an Aviation Electronics Tech specializing in Precision Measurement Equipment. Before retiring from the Navy I went to night school for a BSE for a few years and got a two year degree in Aviation Maintenance which included a Federal Aviation Airframe and Power Plant license so I could turn a wrench for the Airlines. After retiring from the Navy I worked at EIL Instrumentation Laboratory for a year performing calibration and then Solar Turbines (Industrial Gas Turbines) as a Controls Systems and Calibration tech for a couple of years. Moved to Las Vegas and worked for Scenic Airlines for about a year and then spent 15 years at the Clark County Water Reclamation District as the Senior Control Systems Technician. Figured I'd done enough and now fully retired! This is the short version! Lol! Thanks again for watching and commenting!
@@peteregger7928Thanks for the reply, Pete. Man, that's a great resume spent entirely in the technical field! I'd agree that you have earned your retirement! I see why you're so precise in your builds, there's no room for error in the aircraft industry. I was also impressed by your homemade tool to check the alignment of the upper receiver and the front sight post. Excellent idea. I like where you make your videos, on the concrete patio. Nice looking abode you have, Pete. I've rambled enough, but thanks again, keep the videos coming and have a great week!
@@John-zf5wc Thanks John! A lot of schooling that I didn't mention also! I got certified in stick and gas welding going to Cuesta College at San Luis Obispo back in the late 70's as well when I was working the oil field. This was after I got out of the Navy the first time. I wanted to be an independent welder but at the time I couldn't scrape together enough money for a dually pick-up truck or a nice gas powered Lincoln machine. I was looking at all used equipment too! Had just got married and my first born on the way! Banks just laughed at me when asking for a business loan and I didn't have any rich relatives that could help! Lol!
Proves that Gauge is dead on ! John Thomas is AWESOME!
Yes! He had a return shipping tracking number to me the day after he received the barrel! Very quick turn around time as well! Forgot to mention that one in the video!
@@peteregger7928 You build guns PERFECTLY!
@@ar-15techtipsinunder5minut8 Thank you!
@@peteregger7928 One extra thing I like to do after the Gas tube is temporarily installed with BCG is to remove the punch and then see how far the gas tube slides rearward to know there is plenty of clearance before it bottoms out or that its not bottomed out.
@@ar-15techtipsinunder5minut8 That's good insurance!
Looks really good! Love the sling swivel install too, really clean.
I'm hoping one day the stars align and H&R or someone makes another run of the AR15 Prototype rifles, and I can send it to John for one of his great looking bakelite paint refinishes, if you look online at some of the Brownells proto rifles he did for people they all came out amazing.
Build is coming along great! Great work!
Thanks Slidedriver! First time I have used his services and he did immaculate work! Will be needing another FSB install soon and I have no reason to go anywhere else! I have heard for quite some time now that he has an excellent reputation and I can now verify that from personal experience! Top notch work on my barrel!
This rifle looks fantastic. Heard nothing but positive reviews regarding John Thomas. I like that gauge you built. Neat.
Liked that tip on the snap ring too.
Thanks! I learn a lot the hard way! Lol!
Very nice! RAW / John Thomas is awesome. He mounted a FSB on a Faxon 20” gunner for me. Perfect work.
Yes! I was impressed with his work! I'll be a repeat customer for sure! Not a scratch or ding anywhere!
Looks like a beautiful job! The A2 is still my favorite M16 version. I look forward to your shooting videos. I bet that rifle will deliver the accuracy to make all your efforts worth it!
I just completed an M4A1 build. (and previously did an M16A2).
At least the "rifle portion" of the build. By that, I mean that M4 builds seem to be more about the "accessories" than the "rifle".
I'll throw a good quality scope on it that I use for testing, just to check the quality of my build. I also have a Colt carry handle that I will use for testing iron sight alignment.
Then I need to add a back up sight (probably a Matech) and an optic, most likely an ACOG. I prefer that over a sight like an EOTech. Forward grip (KAC), etc.
I used a "government marked" PSA M4A1 lower, which I have been very pleased with. I function tested the lower build before finishing the upper. I used a Bushmaster 14.5" chrome lined barrel and added a pinned and welded birdcage. It has an FN stock assembly and A2 pistol grip.
Another reason I like the M16A2. 😁
Thanks Gary! Sounds like we are on similar paths! I've been researching the various SOPMOD configurations and I really opened up a can worms wanting to do an M4A1! Lol! Different setup ups for different branches, units and individuals especially where special forces and special ops is concerned and then different mission setups! Had no idea until I started digging! So far I have a SOCOM carbine barrel with the FSP, M4A1 Govt marked lower receiver and a barrel mount side sling if I go with a carbine length hand guard. The Surefire 4 prongs are out there but I'm not paying the ridiculous price! Not going to pay RIS or RAS prices either! Leaning towards the Midwest Industries Gen 2 extended carbine hand guard. Elcan and Aimpoint M5S is out of the question too $$$! As you were saying most likely an ACOG or maybe a VCOG. I think to get a near perfect SOPMOD clone especially using all the Colt stuff is unobtainium for me! Leaning towards a Block II look alike.
@@peteregger7928 From all my study of M4A1s, et. al. I have come across the "authentic, as issued" M4A1s (block I, block II etc.) and then what you see "in the wild", as it seems a lot of soldiers make field modifications to their rifles, particularly pistol grips and buttstocks, paint jobs, etc. Mine is, so far, "box stock", but I haven't started accessorizing it yet. THAT can easily cost as much, or more, than the rifle build!
I do like the B5 Systems SOPMOD stock and grip, though.
Ah, yes, you reminded me, I need the barrel mounted side sling.
I'm with you on the costs of the rails. I also went with the Midwest Industries quad and I am very pleased. Some people say the KAC RAS is better for mounting a sight (if any) such as a PEQ2 laser/IR illuminator) I'm not going that route (as of yet) and the MI rail seems very secure.
My M4A1 is "ready to shoot" but not accessorized yet. As I said, I went with a 14.5" barrel w/FSB, but a pinned and welded extended A2 flash hider.. I wasn't going to go through the registration and tax process for what amounts to about 1/4" in finished length.
Beautiful Rifle Pete It Turned Out Great 😀😊😇 Is There a Reason You Went With The 223 Wilde Chamber Vs 5.56 ? I Can’t Wait too See How It Shoots 👍🏼😀😊 And Of Course I Love These Type Videos and The Dirtbike and Resto Mod Videos 😀
Thanks Chris! I think it will shoot straight once I get it out in the desert! I'll be putting together another 20" soon and it will have an A2 Govt barrel and profile. I believe Criterion offers that one in NATO but I'll have to double check. Still riding the dirt bikes although I don't record as much. I'll be starting back on the Camaro soon now that it's cooling off below 110F! We had an official record June day of 120F that is taken from the airport but it's usually a couple degrees hotter where I'm at! A/C units working hard! Lol!
John Thomas is the KING! Flawless work. What lube do you use on the barrel extension before torquing it? Is aeroshell good?
Aeroshell 64 which is Molybdenum Disulfide and is what's called for in the USMC 1984 edition. It's Lithium based. I use Copper Anti-sieze with graphite for the barrel nut and muzzle device because it's what I have in the garage. Lol! There are claims that the graphite can cause dissimilar metal corrosion but I have never seen an actual example (proof) of that happening on an AR platform. I have used that stuff in very wet, humid industrial applications where there was all kinds of dissimilar metals and potential galvanic opportunities for corrosion but have never seen an instance where it was the Copper Anti-sieze. The "GRAF" Copper Anti-sieze that I use has an 1800F degree temperature rating against corrosion and galling. Don't be like me! Use Aeroshell! Lol!
Wilson Combat vs Colt BCG, would be interested in your thoughts
I have some very old sear block Colt BCG's that have stood the test of time and I believe were actually manufactured by Colt. I also have three newer Colt's with the DOT Matrix "C" stamped on the carrier and although they all have low round counts they seem to be doing okay so far. The Wilson Combat BCG's are also low round count but are holding up well! The Wilson Combat and Colt's I have are phosphate. Most manufacturers these days are not making their own BCG's. Azimuth, Microbest and Toolcraft seem to make the Lion's share. I think what it comes down to is who does the best QC before they put their logo on them and send them out the door. I've been using Colt and WC lately on my retro builds because you can get them without the logo and they still offer phosphate and Carpenter 158. Still not completely sold on 9310 for the bolt. Don't think you can go wrong with either one? WC may have better customer service? I wouldn't mind BCM as they have a pretty good reputation but they don't seem to offer anything without their logo. Not a definitive answer for you but maybe it helps?
Seems like you spend a lot of money on rifles.
I’d be curious to know if you also collect precious metals.
My rifles are precious metal! Lol! My son buys a lot of silver bars, coins and the last couple of years has been buying gold as well. The last time I visited he spent an hour showing me the different coins from around the world! He is really into it as a hobby as well as a hedge against inflation!
@@peteregger7928 you raised him well.
Coin collecting is a rewarding hobby.
Stacking gold and silver is safe haven in this era of returning inflation.
Hello Pete. First time commenter here from the North Georgia mountains. I really enjoy and learn a lot from your videos. I suspect you are also a draftsman, judging by your attention to detail and your lettering on your notes and handwritten specs. When you stated, on this particular video, you could see there was a slight difference in the size of the gas tube hole, I was reminded of what I had been taught over 30 years ago, that the human eye can discern up to 1/10,000 of an inch! I certainly believe that to be the case. Thank you for such educational videos, as I'm getting ready to attempt my first build. I haven't decided between an A1 or the A2. As you are so fond of saying "over and out"!
Thanks John! I was a Jet Engine Mechanic my first five years in the Navy and worked the flight deck for most of it! Got out for a while and worked as a manufacturer boat engine installer for Thunderbird Boats but mostly worked oil field construction. Went back into the Navy as an Aviation Electronics Tech specializing in Precision Measurement Equipment. Before retiring from the Navy I went to night school for a BSE for a few years and got a two year degree in Aviation Maintenance which included a Federal Aviation Airframe and Power Plant license so I could turn a wrench for the Airlines. After retiring from the Navy I worked at EIL Instrumentation Laboratory for a year performing calibration and then Solar Turbines (Industrial Gas Turbines) as a Controls Systems and Calibration tech for a couple of years. Moved to Las Vegas and worked for Scenic Airlines for about a year and then spent 15 years at the Clark County Water Reclamation District as the Senior Control Systems Technician. Figured I'd done enough and now fully retired! This is the short version! Lol! Thanks again for watching and commenting!
@@peteregger7928Thanks for the reply, Pete. Man, that's a great resume spent entirely in the technical field! I'd agree that you have earned your retirement! I see why you're so precise in your builds, there's no room for error in the aircraft industry. I was also impressed by your homemade tool to check the alignment of the upper receiver and the front sight post. Excellent idea. I like where you make your videos, on the concrete patio. Nice looking abode you have, Pete. I've rambled enough, but thanks again, keep the videos coming and have a great week!
@@John-zf5wc Thanks John! A lot of schooling that I didn't mention also! I got certified in stick and gas welding going to Cuesta College at San Luis Obispo back in the late 70's as well when I was working the oil field. This was after I got out of the Navy the first time. I wanted to be an independent welder but at the time I couldn't scrape together enough money for a dually pick-up truck or a nice gas powered Lincoln machine. I was looking at all used equipment too! Had just got married and my first born on the way! Banks just laughed at me when asking for a business loan and I didn't have any rich relatives that could help! Lol!