Hey, guys,
I've been mostly off-grid for several days, deaing with some urgent personal business. It feels good to be back home.
A quick update:
I'm in the process of selling an item to pay some expenses and start this project. Sucks having a semester without any classes, but such is the daredevil life of the part-time (hobbyist) adjunct faculty member. At least I'm in a great department, and we have campus carry.
I'm planning to start with the chassis, a buffer tube (paracord wrapped), a long rail, and a Burris 2x pistol scope that I already have, with the intention of replacing the optic later. I've always preferred the non-takedown version of the Charger, thinking that it's lighter, simpler, less expensive, and maybe more accurate.
Two I've been looking at are:
(1) Bushnell AK Optics, 30mm tube, 1-4x, illuminated 7.62x39mm etched reticle.
(2) Vortex Strike Eagle, 30mm tube, 1-6x, illuminated AR-BDC etched reticle.
With either, I'd have to figure out the distances for the BDC with my chosen .22LR ammo. I'm leaning toward the Vortex, on the basis of their customer service reputation. Their scope is also almost an inch shorter than the Bushnell, and almost an ounce lighter.
Ultimately, I'm really jonesing for an arm brace that's somewhat similar to the collapsible stock on a
French MAT-49 SMG.
MAT-49 submachine gun - public domain image I could make the "butt" narrow to allow it to be used as a brace with either arm. Being able to shoot one handed isn't a bad idea. Collapsibles on ARs aren't compact enough, because they have the buffer tube to mess with. I could use a very short "stub" tube for some storage -- probably of cleaning tools and supplies -- and have a really compact arm brace. When extended, a wire brace (of aluminum or steel -- probably steel) has a side benefit of improving the balance of a very muzzle-heavy firearm. Folding mechanisms add weight, but it's just behind the pistol grip, so I suspect balance isn't improved by much.
Maybe it's a crazy idea, but I just like that type of stock or brace, and if I make it myself, it cuts the overall cost big time.
All my best,
Dirty Bob