What did you think of the budget friendly upgrades I chose for this rifle? I wanted everything to be "good enough" for preparedness purposes without being expensive so my options (at least in my opinion) were somewhat limited. Feel free to add any suggestions down below! 🛡 Premier Body Armor just introduced their FORTIS line of plate carriers and armor plates that are budget friendly but still high quality. Check them out using this link to support the channel and to see what automatic discounts you might discover: premierbodyarmor.com/magic

@TUKByV

2 ай бұрын

Ha! A couple weeks ago, I went to the range with an old buddy. I let him shoot my rifle first and forgot to tell him about the muzzle cover. He thought something broke. Oops.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

@@TUKByV 😄

@vladtong

2 ай бұрын

I don't know what it is, but your plate carrier looks way too small on you. I suggest getting a size up or getting fitted to cover all of your vital organs.

@TUKByV

2 ай бұрын

​@@vladtongI want 14"x18" plates.

@vladtong

2 ай бұрын

@@TUKByV JUST DO IT

The romeo5 red dots are probably the best bang for your buck on a budget red dot

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I actually prefer the Primary Arms MD-20 at the same price point for some minor reasons but either one is good to go in my opinion.

@milesrost6674

2 ай бұрын

I must agree and so does "FocusTripp", the guy who drops things on steel plates to see if they survive. The Sig Romeo5 survives and is the STANDARD for performance and durability while maintaining value. - Godspeed

@campuscab

2 ай бұрын

Yep ordering me one

@kylesmith7733

2 ай бұрын

I’ve had a romeo 5 since 2020 haven’t even changed the battery and the thing is still running 😂. These are awesome for the money!

@milesrost6674

2 ай бұрын

@@kylesmith7733 Nice - best value rifle dot on the market

1st accessory: *LUBE*

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Yea I generally recommend lubrication

@kevinramsey3490

2 ай бұрын

There's a lot of people who never properly lube their rifles.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

@@kevinramsey3490 Some don't even know it's a requirement. Kind of like changing the oil in their car.

@mattyd1895

2 ай бұрын

@@kevinramsey3490or clean them. Yes with proper lube you can go longer between cleanings but it’s still gotta be done.

@JohnnyDarings

2 ай бұрын

That's what my girlfriend says when we go shopping.

The best part about upgrading your rifle is that you have all these extra parts to make a new rifle.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

For some reason they always turn into a new one.

@danielsaxon2206

2 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper and then you have to upgrade that one, and so the cycle repeats itself.

@ockflyguy1

2 ай бұрын

"Who owns 8 ar15's?!!" Ummm... funny story...

@ChatGPTreally

2 ай бұрын

EXACTLY THANK YOU

@asdfasdf-zt8vz

2 ай бұрын

@@ockflyguy1 Yepp, currently have 3... a pistol, two rifles.. then there's the ar10...

Always appreciate the 'low end' options videos, fits my budget. As far as the $12 sling's big loop goes, a friend once said, "if something can snag, it'll snag". I started to pay attention to just how often this really did occur in everyday life, and he was right. Even my pants on kitchen cabinet knobs. I really like that AR-Stoner handguard and the versatility it added, too. Thanks.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Your friend was definitely right! Haha. Thanks for the support.

@juanguerrero9128

Ай бұрын

You might want to check out the UTG super slim drop in 15" hand guard.

The Romeo5 is a excellent budget optic. Really like the shake awake system. Saves a lot of battery time.

@ChadCooper03

2 ай бұрын

Yea if you get a UTG after market mount (for like $30) it’s much better. Mount has multiple recoil pic rail lugs, bigger screw that can take 35inch lbs of torque, and is lighter.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

They just do what they're supposed to.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

@@ChadCooper03 I agree that the included mount is the worst part.

@Dirtywhtboy87930

2 ай бұрын

@@ChadCooper03if the mount is made out of T-6 aluminum alloy, like most are, shit ain’t going anywhere with one lug.

Thank you for starting this off with the stock and grip. Most people try to adapt their body to the rifle rather than modify the rifle to fit their body. Grip especially.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I just find the A2 grip uncomfortable and I like the stability of the FCS for its price point. If money wasn't an issue I would've gone for the new DT stock from Magpul. I have one and its awesome.

@mattyd1895

2 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper once I tried the BCM gunfighter grip I changed to that or the K2. The angle is so much better and eliminates chicken wing. I admit though I’ll spend a little dough and get the bcm sopmod or B5. More surface area for a good cheek weld.

What a legit video on the concept of budget friendly. A basic carbine with upgrades that all have a relative point and purpose. Great video.

My $549 MP15 came with the aluminum quad, a QR NcStar 4x32 mildot scope, a 30 round mag, and a Plano case. So YES I LOVE BUDGET ACCESSORIES ADVICE... thank you so much....

FYI, UTG makes very affordable aluminum folding sights. Springfield Armory uses them on their Saint Victor, but put their own name on them.

@TAGriff5432

2 ай бұрын

UTG also makes a quality mlok drop in handguard that give you 15” of rail.

@TAGriff5432

2 ай бұрын

😂 don’t got to Amazon but do use a 12 credit sling😂😂

@Dirtywhtboy87930

2 ай бұрын

@@TAGriff5432a 15” won’t fit on that gun with that front site.

@sexytopramen

2 ай бұрын

​@@Dirtywhtboy87930 yes it does. It quite literally locks into the delta ring and has a cutout for the front sight post.

@Dirtywhtboy87930

2 ай бұрын

@@sexytopramen UTG is shit that will fall apart on you if you have to REALLY use it. I wouldn’t bet my life on it…

Got over a dozen budget AR-15s and love all of them! Easy to clean and maintain platform!

Love this kinda content! I love seeing people make budget rifles do way more than people think they can!

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Trying my best anyway

That fixed stock is nice... might pick one up for mine. Thanks for the video.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

For the price it's the best option IMO.

My 1st rifle i saved by buying one that already has a lot of the features it was a $550 psa with a magpul stock, grip, and handguard but if that was the rifle you had to start with then all seem like good options to improve it I actually got that dot and light on that first psa everything works great 4k rounds and counting

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I agree with saving some money on the initial purchase. But a lot of budget rifles show up like this one so I thought the process could be beneficial for anyone who has something similar. You did it right to begin with.

@iwetardid78

2 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper for sure this def helps because a lot of these things won't come on any buget rifle : )

Magic, This was a GREAT video. Thank you so much!

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Thank you as well!

Well done young Man.

Just get a Palmetto State Armory Upper. Peace.

@PepeDeezNutz

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the update

@DeathxThexKid100

2 ай бұрын

200 bucks for an upper you can beat the daylights out of and not feel remotely bad about because you get to train and not have to hold back for fear of breaking something? Sign me up, brother!

Anything is better than nothing.. much love MP.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

This rifle is much better than nothing now :)

So glad you went with the Romeo 5. Definitely the best bang for the buck for red dots. Also, gooseneck works great with the romeo 5.

I INSTALLED AN ERGO GRIP. WORKS FOR ME!

Have you ever done a video on boots? I could not find one. In SHTF we will need very good foot protection for whatever SHTF throws at us. I added solid boots to my preparation and it just makes so much sense, I’m surprised prepping gurus don’t discuss this like they do foods medicine, weapons, etc…

@jamesbuchanan3145

2 ай бұрын

Just get some Altamas and call it a day. Or if you want something you can wear every day that just feel like an upgraded version of Chuck Taylor's, get a pair of Palladiums. There ya go, boots done.

@ralphday4842

2 ай бұрын

What we have here..... seems like a gun channel.

@toddsickinger3934

2 ай бұрын

@@ralphday4842 well we’re going to test that..said project farm.

@toddsickinger3934

2 ай бұрын

@@ralphday4842 I guess you haven’t watched much or read the title?

I am now at 15 mins in... and you've chosen or recommend literally everything I have ha ha ha.

Dope setup 🦾

I like the rails that gobaround the a2 front post makes it look sick

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Those are cool for sure

I run a thrunite tn12 pro on my rifle and so far it hasn't caused an issue. Super rugged and it's rechargable. I got it for about $60 on Amazon. I've been using it for about 3 years now

Great video. I like your set up. I have always wanted to have an AR with a carry handle, but I am not good with irons past 25 yards. Now I've learned there is a solution. Thank you ! I worry about that sling, and I would probably spent a few more dollars to get the adjustable stock. Also, B5 stock and grip can be had for about $60 ish on sale.

This is similar to my first ar build. Romeo 5 and Streamlight hlx. Had them 4 years and never had any problems. I will say that crimson trace makes a light called CWL-102 that I’ve had for about three years that’s been great to me too. They are a little less than the hlx they also come with mounts in the box. If you’re really really on a budget buy a Streamlight polytac and duct tape it to your circle Handguards…. Another thing QD is nice but not needed if you’ve only got one rifle. Also can use Parachord to secure your sling to your rifle and Parachord doesn’t rattle/make noise.

I noticed with the rifle in the daylight, the rail had that old school purple color to it… Great video friend! 🇺🇸

The guys at premier are great friends of mine. Quality people and this line will be as quality as all of their other stuff.

I’m a first time rifle owner as of about 2 months ago and I was going through this same process of figuring out what can be junk and what needs to be quality I purposefully bought a smith and Wesson sport 3 that has a full top rail/m-lok hand guard out of the box so I could customize from the get go. I also bought a cheap reflex scope from Amazon but the more I use the red dot, the more I notice the cheapness like some left and right play in the red dot reticle when switching between reticle types and I noticed that not all of the reticles lined up to the same zero. So I’m looking to get the holosun 510c 3x magnifier combo,

I picked up a S&W M&P15 patrol rifle trade in for $430, found magpul hand guard and fixed stock used for $29 total. Put a BCM mlok 1” ring mount and a Surefire gx2 tactical light and got a light set up for $100. Cheap Holosun I had kicking around the safe was less than $200 with Qd mount.

I also installed the carry handle rail! It works very good. Kept coming loose, but a little glue solved that!

Great content I really want to do a budget friendly MK18 Mod 0 inspired build based off a PSA or other cheap 10.5” pistol someday

Not sure the price difference, but I Really enjoy the Magpul K2+ version of their grip with the rubber over molded design. Very comfy and grippy

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I like the + too but I do find it to be "hot" and less glove friendly. It seems to make hot spots on my hands where other grips don't.

I just start my builds with the nicer stock, grip, and handguard anyway. Even Just starting with a good complete upper and watching bcg and then building the stripped lower is probably the best money saving way to build a nice feeling budget oriented rifle

@Neo36911

2 ай бұрын

Matching* lol

Im a blue force sling kinda guy, but thats not really budget. I love these kind of videos man. Keep it up!

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I like BFG slings too. I have 2 currently. Solid slings.

@aahhronismyname8068

2 ай бұрын

Bfg slings are cheaper. Well its been a while but iirc I got them for 45-55 bucks each. All 2 points. Got 5 myself. If they went up in price, wait for a sale. I'm sure they go on sale often.

I like the M4 stock. , i dont get why people swap them out ...

@turnugin5645

2 ай бұрын

It’s all preference son

@Joe_Brown99

2 ай бұрын

Because everyone has different tastes 🤦‍♂️

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I don't think it's a necessary replacement but I like the Magpul furniture better and it's not a very expensive swap.

I picked up ,a Romeo 7s at PSA, shake awake 50k battery life, free shipping for less than $100 Hondo! It's great! Cowitnes 100% solid 😮😂

You might like the VISM AR15 M-LOK Handguard - Carbine Extended - it fits on a gun that has a front sight post to give you more rail space if needed for only 74 bucks

My rifle setup is pretty similar but I got a 16in mid length fsb upper with an MOE handguard. I went with a PA 2x prism for my optic

I think aesthetically it looked cooler in the beginning, I'd go with a MI FSP picatinny rail for the light and switch the handguard and stock to the slim car-15 style and keep the red dot on the carry handle. All in all i enjoyed the video, keep up the good work!

I really like my PSA MOE M4gery. About the only accessory I would add is an mlock compatible small rail for a tac light. I do have a Sig red dot on it already... with buis. I know that the dealers don't like PSA because they sell direct to the consumer and therefor they have no opportunity to make a markup... just a transfer fee. For most people, I highly recommend the PSA. And I have that type of quad rails on my other AR (Troy) - it adds weight - I like the mlock instead.

I have many of those same components on various builds. The stock, grip and red dot are on my PSA m4 that lives in my truck. It has the magpul sling. I love those slings. I'm super happy you kept the cart handle for back ups. Yeah I'm that guy. All in all, I think it turned out to be a great build for the cost. I would run it except for the sling. Excellent job!

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I really feel like everything on here is good enough without being too pricey. Thanks for the feedback!

@brockhart3089

2 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper oh definitely affordable. Keep up the good work.

I have the HLX light as well. I know they came out with the HLX Pro which has the updated tail cap that the Protac 2.0 has. It’s a little easier on the switch cable to be able to disconnect before removing the cap.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

That one looks promising. But the OG HLX is proven and cheaper so I went that route.

@ARraven15

2 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper agreed.

More videos like these please.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I will do what I can!

Cut the carry handle to the rear sight aperture and mount the RDS, makes ghetto irons that cowitness

Looks awesome 😎

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I think so too

Slings you can get for under $10 military surplus. Stream light flashlight that can fit in your pocket and mount to your rifle is good.

I like your budget set up👍 the only thing i would do a little differently is lower the red dot so my cheek bone is against the stocka little lower.👍🇺🇸

For budget build the Romeo5 and Streamlight are good picks, I've got multiples of each and no issues. Assuming someone is sticking to an upper with front sight post gas block instead of free float rail the couple changes I'd make are: swapping the sling for a Blue Force gear or SOE Tactical sling, they're still not that spendy especially for the quality and functionality and they're still $45-65ish which isn't bad at all. I'd also use a different magpul or B5 stock for adjustability and design that already has a variety of sling options without needing extra hardware.

I'm running Sig Romeo MSR's. 2 MOA dot, absolute cowitness with iron sights, and 3 yr continuous running time on mid brightness setting. So far, very durable. They hold zero on my duty weapon, and they definitely get bounced and banged around during work and training. Bout $80 each on sale from PSA.

Favorite sling is the OG USGI carry strap, then add the USGI top sling adapters, ditched the heavy magpul slings.

Sig Romeo5 for the budget win! 🏆

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

That, the Holosun 403 series (not the 403R) and the Primary Arms MD-20 are my go-to's

@majesticlion5598

2 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper Been eying primary arms for a couple years now. Might give them a try. ☕💢☕ My 2 new (fun) interests now are 10mm, and that expensive 5.7x28mm round. I actually like 10mm better than 9mm. Can't wait to get the 5.7 a run. 🤔😛

@HaiLHaiLHaiLo

2 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper what's wrong with the 403R?

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

@@HaiLHaiLHaiLo it has the emitter in a bad spot and gets glare from it with backlighting.

@HaiLHaiLHaiLo

2 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper ty

Electrical tape works for protecting the muzzle as well and you dont have to take it off before shooting. Its much cheaper and has multi use!

Sometimes the budget options are great. I don't like plugging brands, but ATS makes a fantastic $20 sling. Its combat proven and used on many rifles throughout the GWOT. Its also got enough slack to fit an M16, but can be shortened enough to fit a Mk18. I think its the best sling on the market sub $25.

Purchased a WHITE LASER FLASHLIGHT for my Shockwave. A perfect evening & nighttime sight.

Primary arms usually has blue force gear slings whenever they have a holiday sale knocking them down from 70 to around 30-50

@TUKByV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Good to know!

Good info, good job

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Excellent build video. The final look is sharp and looks like she can definitely handle some abuse

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

💯

Good info, thanks!

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

No problem!

That protac is big as hell!!!

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

It's a beer can but a really bright one at least.

I just built out somewhere similar. Went with the utg 2 piece forend and a 403b on the carry handle. Base rifle is an og S&W Mp15, without the forward assist or dust cover. Buddy loadout rifle. 👍

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Seems very similar! I like it.

@johndecker9983

2 ай бұрын

@@MagicPrepper I've been watching a long while. Good on you for how far you've come personally in a few years. Very impressed. 👍

I just got my LWRCi M6IC DI as a birthday gift. Wish I knew more because I am never going to shoot long enough at one time to use the benefit of the heavy contour fluted barrel versus the front end weight. So I got a lightweight upper and am building up a Wilson blemished lower.

Great video.. Thanks, Any thought on doing soomething similar for a tactical shotgun?

Blue force gear slings are a little tougher for the wear but the magpul slings are a little softer so maybe more comfortable? So for no complaints out of either. Both perform.

I agree with most of what you added for "cheap/budget" add-ons, except the red dot. If you are looking for possibly the best "bang for your buck" for low light/night time....then get a front sight post with tritium inserts. This will keep you in the same "correct" sighting position whether using the rifle daytime or nighttime, and just the post is much cheaper than the red dot/mounting system needed for the carry handle setup. I know, I have an A2 carbine upper set up much like Magic's, and it works great with the irons/tritium front post for dark work.

Good video. I’m doing just this project but my budget is going towards a blemished free float rail and low profile gas block. Gonna add a lpvo (not budget)

Nyet, rifle is fine. I would have used the USGI sling/"silent sling." Mount with paracord. Light is awesome. RDS is awesome. If one wanted a cheaper option than the RDS I would get the Trigicon tritium front sight post. Meprolight is good too. Get the Trigicon front sight tool if you get either of those. The other parts are quality. I would just not bother with them. For most people I would suggest a CMMG 22lr adaptor and skip the accessories. Run ready-ups and other basic drills like mad.

I have a basic moe stock that I put a strip of duct tape on the buffer tube. Now the stock doesn’t wobble and can still position it to where I want it.

At first I thought I'd like the stock but the longer I looked at it the more I'll spend the extra for a MOE SL-S $90. Also I got an adjustable, qd sling for $20 I'll try to find the link. Worth trying instead of the $12 one, still in budget

I have a single point sling & while I like it it has some draw backs that could just be affecting me personally. I’m 5’7” & no matter how tight I since it up it still hangs just a lil lower than I’d like. Other than fixing that problem what are other benefits to using a two point connection sling & do u strongly feel one way or another to single point slings?

I prefer the Surefire G2X for a WML....$40 cheaper and no wires/pressure switch which I don't care for. Nice that the streamlight includes a mount though. Good list!

The sig Romeo MSR has held up really well for me I beat the living hell out of it for 3 years and it's still running strong... For about 6 months I ran on a 12-gauge shotgun shooting hundreds of rounds of buckshot and slugs... 12 gauges are hard on optics in my experiences

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Mine was good too. I worried about the rotary dial being a weak point but it was always fine.

The pro mag vertical grip is quality. I use it on my squad rifle, very stable, no looseness in it, never had any issues from it.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I really wasn't sure just because of their other products that have less than reliable track records. But that is good to know because it is really cheap!

@Dirtywhtboy87930

2 ай бұрын

Pro mag stuff sux

Silicon rail ladders can make those pic rails very comfortable by blunting the sharp edges and providing a bit of heat insulation.

Same set up I have but all B5 systems furnitures, 10.5 sbr with vortex red dot on a handle

Best items to buy budget in my opinion is lights, grips and stocks

S2Delta Slings start at $29.99; they have different options for connections at different price points. I bought the QD for $37.99 and its just as good as my Vickers sling.

There are still WML mounting solutions for the A2 handguard, there is capability there if one is willing to hunt around. That being said i think your logic of going with the quad rail drop in over MOE handguard

Like that stock option you chose for sure

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

It's good. It would be problematic with a magnified optic though for me because of my gangly arms.

Did you have to take the front site off for the handgaurd? I have one just like yours and I'm having a hard time with the pins holding the front sight in. Like which side to hit it from and what not.

If you want budget I would've just bought a Magpul furniture kit. It comes with the grip, forend, stock, foregrip and a magazine for a pretty decent price. Then I would've gotten the mount and red dot you got.

Love the concept I’m on a budget my ar is setup with a carry, slim car15 hand guard, Streamlight with a front post mount, and a blue force gear sling. Is it the best in the world? No but it’s very light and I get to spend more money on training

5:00 it can they make slanted base rails to go on them. Good for a light and grip while keeping cost and weight low. Not for a laser though since the polymer forends have some wiggle.

Came out looking good.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I think so too.

M16/M16A1 fixed stock and pistol grip are nice and cheap to get usually. A2 stock is ok as well but the LOP is a little long for most people.

Edgar Sherman makes decent slings for not alot of dough 👌

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I have heard good things

@johndecker9983

2 ай бұрын

They've replaced all my blue force slings, they don't retain moisture like them. Big concern around my part of the country

On my aero precision i just got a steal of a deal and got a swampfox trihawk 3x30 prism optic for under $150 amd it said used but looked brand new when i got in box

Id also suggest a sopmod style stock. Snagged it off my airsoft gun and its held up. Has storage for a cleaning kit or a snack lol

Rifle is very capable in the configuration its in if used by the right person.

i like the bipod foregrip. normally a grip, then if u push a button it becomes an okay bipod. second, u can use black electrical tape to mount ur preasure switch to the handle of the grip. alao allows to mount lite farther forward.. then u can mount a crimson trace mini under the front of ur gun. allows for engagement of targets at night. just be aware it tells whoever else is out there where ur at. lasera are bi directional. i like the rail thata mounted to the carry handle. in the army they add a mag holder to the magazine well. however that increases ur weapons weight. but it means u carry 2 mags everywhere.

My vortex crossfire works great, i have had no problems with it and its in the same price range.

Magic, what's the length of pull on the new stock? Since I started using vest and plate carriers my adjustable stocks are generally in the second notch. Even without my kit on I still use the same position. I finally put another 200 rounds through my cheap truck gun, plus another coyote.

@MagicPrepper

2 ай бұрын

It's 12.2" so not as long as I usually like but for a red dot / iron sight setup it works just fine.

Cool!

If your optic is that high, is a 36 yard zero's 2nd zero point still around 200 yards, or does it change?

I would have started off with a different platform, I'm not a fan of the carry handle. I like the A2 front post though. I started off with an M&P 15 2.0 with the A2 front post, and Magpul rear flip. I put a Magpul handguard on the front, and a Romeo 5 dot. I'm in the market for a sling that doesn't suck, and am debating if I actually want a vertical grip or not. More important, I'm really just waiting to grab a flip over magnifier or breakdown and get a LPVO, probably the 1X6 from Sig Sauer. I'm not putting a light on my AR because it isn't my primary house gun, but I do have a Sig Foxtrot on my Glock 19 and it is, like the Romeo 5, good to go.

The Streamlight HL-X is a great weapon light but the factory switch is problematic and been documented all over the web. It can cause the light to flicker and become unusable during shooting, which has happened to me. To make it better and more reliable, the Arisaka Surefire Pressure Tape tailcap is the best accessory for it.....especially if you have Surefire pressure tapes laying around. Otherwise, I just recommend the push-button tailcap is ships with.

A very cheep add on is the ERGO Gapper. it fits between the pistol grip and the trigger guard and saves your middle finger all for the low low price of about $5.

Looks good good job 22:48

I tried that optic mount solution before. The stacking tolerances (carry handle to receiver, rail to carry handle, optic to rail) bothered me. Something loctite may have cured. However, it also came with a surplus of weight. I think the carry handle and rail are 9.5oz, whereas an MBUS-2 is 2.5-3oz. EDIT: I could have chopped the front half of the carry handle off and mounted my red dot normally; there are examples of that having been done. However, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. EDIT 2: I can live with the A2 grip; I really like JP’s 3.5lb trigger spring.