I'm waiting for about $20 of pins and springs that I couldn't find around the basement. I estimate I could populate two more lowers before I started to really run low on parts.
At first, I was intending to make a strictly box-stock M4A1, complete with the iron carry handle. But then I realized I had some elite parts left over, so I'm making it the way I like 'em. Spare Eotech, spare Troy rear sight, spare Smith Enterprises flash hider. Plus some upgrades for internal parts. The trigger mechanism will start out strictly stock, so I can get some baseline measurements. I then will install lighter hammer and trigger springs, and polish the mating surfaces per their instructions.
I looked at this setup, and realized this was the standard "elite" weapon of our special forces when this war started. But any grunt worth his crossed rifles realized it was just the ticket for him too. So for almost ten years now there has been a juggling act going on to get a really "elite" leet weapon for our special forces, while getting this vey practical little cutie into the hands of our regular troops.
Other than the Eotech sight, this could be considered a bare-bones weapon. However, the magical holographic sight turns it into something for both the most skilled orc-hunter, to the greenest Hobbit trying to make sure that the Shire is properly scoured. And, being somewhere in the middle, I could get good service from it, even if it's not as customized with the latest tech that I've taking a liking to. This is basically a 2001 state-of-the-art rifle, and can still do a good job for anyone who wants/needs an M-faux. So I'm spending under $400 to put my spare, already-paid-for parts into another example of "America's Rifle".
While I can't recommend this project for beginners, or when there's no hot deals around, I can suggest that people keep an eye out for close-out deals on all the older versions of the Eotech. L-3 is making the new, stubby Eotech (with the CR123 battery mounted crosswise) as their sole product. All the other models and submodels will be discontinued. There will either be cash rebates on the older models, or dealers may just decide to clear out their inventory. Nothing definite on this, it's just a feeling in my capitalist gut. The Aimpoint and other electronic sights are great, too, but at least for me, nothing beats the Eotech, except a close-out Eotech. Just something to think about.
One other thing to think about are a couple of tweaks I've installed on all my M16-type buffer and spring assemblies.
First is the nylon disk that is stuck on the front of the buffer assembly. I've noticed on my blowback-operated AR57 that the "UP" and arrow on the back of the bolt is faintly imprinted on the white nylon. That tells me there's some metal-to-metal impact that is no longer happening. Not only is that good, but it has the added advantage of making the recoil cycle quieter when you have your ear against the stock.
A new item is the black plastic "Twang Buster", which goes on the other end of the spring. It's a tiny bit larger in diameter than the spring coil itself, so it isolates the rear of the spring, which is thrashing around like an alligator's tail, from contacting the tube itself. Less wear-and-tear, more quiet.
If it was up to me, I'd make this specific configuration the one-and-only standard US military rifle. These would go out as the older M16s and M4s came back in. Those in good shape would be converted to semi-auto-only, and sold at cost to the Americans that make up the unorganized militia. Time to make Yamamoto's "a rifle behind every blade of grass" our national policy. Our elite forces could buy something more exotic, like the H&K G36, or Remington ACR, if they have the money. Otherwise, they'd have to "struggle" along with these M4Ax rifles like everyone else.
A guy can at least dream about this.