WARNING, THIS IS BECOMING A REALLY LONG POST.
( First, I know that the integrated suppressor part has been discussed already recently. That is in fact where I learned about this rifle. )
So, I've recently seen this rifle and there's something about it that may change how I usually view ARs. While I have no plan on purchasing it right now, I'd like to consider how I could build something that is close to it so I can make my mind. I've done some search, but I'd love to hear what you think about what I'll say in this thread, and what I've already found.
I know nothing about the AR platform, so I am insecure and need your opinions!
Also, keep in mind I want something lookalike, not an exact copy. In desert/tan/whatever, if possible.
REFERENCE IMAGES:
I've searched around the forum here and I found two thread that can be useful:
This thread and
this thread.
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I don't even know where to start. I don't know if I should build it from scratch or buy a M4 and change everything on it.
Since the Honey Badger is Desert/Dark Earth, I'd need a base M4 that is Desert, if there is such a thing. I want it full metal, and want a good one. Right now, since I'm only planning, budget is unlimited, but I don't want to overspend just for the sake of spending.
If building from scratch is cheaper, I'd need a good metal desert receiver, a gearbox, and every parts that are not mentioned in the build.
This is where I need the most help. A lot of this thread is rambling and asking for opinions, but if I want this rifle to work, I need everything and not just parts, and I really need help to figure it out.
Put simply, should I find a tan/de rifle and swap everything on it, or is building from scratch better? Can you point me what and where I should look? Brand?
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Visually, the "signature" of this weapon is the slim handguard and big suppressor in front. There are two variation, but the one I prefer is the shorter handguard one. The handguard is not really round, more like an octogon. The top rail is flush with the receiver rail.
I don't know which length I should look at, but close to 7 inches looks good.
There are a few model that could do the job.
The first one is the Gemtech Talon system, as proposed by Kos-Mos on another thread. I would need one of a good quality, one that I can remove all the rails (and leave the top one). It seems that this model is the best one for the look, but I don't know where to find it, and a lot of variations either have fixed rails or are too think and ruin the look. I found an image at WGCShop, but it says Discontinued..
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Second, there is the Madbull JP handguard. Similar, but rounder. The only part I don't like about it is the way it attaches to the receiver. There is a tapered part at the end that really ruins the look. I could hovever live with it if the other option is impossible.
As with the other one, this one has a rail that is flush with the receiver, which is a good part of the look. I know
eHobby has it, and probably other retailers too.
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Third option is the Madbull PRI Gen3 Round Handguard (god do they make EVERY handguard??). Looks good. Attaches in a wierd way, but I prefer it to the second one. Unfortunately, the top rail is no flush with the receiver, at least not without modifications.
Maybe a careful dremel on the top of the handguard and a appropriate rail could save it, but stock it's not looking good.
eHobby has it in black, but I've seen it around the web in tan.
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The second thing looking unique from a standard M4 is the stock. Now, I am NOT looking for a retractable stock like that, because they either don't exist or I don't like the look of them, but I'd like to have something that looks similar. As always, I've searched a little and found a few option.
In fact, I've found a lineup of stocks from Madbull (AGAIN) that I like.
I really love the Ultra Lite or Socom one, but I like them all, but the Skeleton would need the lower part removed. I don't know how to mount them (I guess the appropriate buffer tube), and they can't hold any battery unless I'm mistaken.
There's also the ICS CXP retractable stock, but it doesn't look right for me.
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For the shorter outer barrel, there are a few options. Depending on the length of the handguard and the length of the suppressor, I'd need around 4 to 6 inch outer barrel.
L473ncy gives a few good options on this post.
Suppressor, I want something a little "fat". I'm thinking Gemtech G5, but it's a reference and not the exact model. In fact, I want something as wide as possible for the chosen handguard, so I'll see when this part is solved.
For reference, the G5 is 38mm wide.
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That's pretty much it for now. I'll wait to see your comment and adjust my initial plan.
Thanks for reading