A&K M249 mods - Vert grip, M4 stock, RIS kit 56k bad

Nothing huge, just a somewhat simple mod for better support of your M249:



I found that I was never using my bipod, but that I really wanted a vertical grip. I didn't want to blow $80 on the G&P Ranger grip, which I find kind of goofy because it's not centered.

Basically, I took off the bipod and attached a rail to the channel in the foregrip that holds the bipod. I then found that all my vertical grips were too wide to fit into the channel, so I had to sand off about 1/4" off of each side of the vertical grip for it to fit securely.




The rail is secured through the metal base of the foregrip, and secured by washers and nuts.



Battery space is pretty much unaffected, and I think it's much more comfy. Now, I know at least one person will ask "But can you put a grippod on it?"

The answer is No. At least not in this configuration. You COULD mount the rail further forwards, and secure the front of it on the cylindrical mount in front of the foregrip, but it would require you to take out the barrel to change the battery, or remove the rail every time. Kinda a pain, and I really don't like Grippods that much...


Also:



Basically, I took off the para stock and put on an M4 LE stock and tube. VERY simple operation, only needing the proper sized nut to thread on to the M4 stock attachment bolt. Had one lying around.





I also started a poor man's MK46 changeover. Turns out the upper RIS piece from the TSD/SRC Sportline M4 is a decent stand-in for a MK46 upper rail. I had to take off the plastic upper heatshield, drill some holes to mount the barrel securing clips, and then run some nuts/bolts through the RIS into the lower heatshield. I had to enlarge the holes in the RIS to fit the bolts I had, which was a pretty painless operation. It needs a repaint, as the silver bolts and the raw metal from the hole enlarging process looks kinda tacky.



[img width=509 height=768]https://2img.net/h/i514.photobucket.com/albums/t344/booligan1985/M249/DSC_4010.jpg[/img]
The rails line up PERFECTLY

Also, I mounted up a RIS mount bipod to show that I can run both a vertical foregrip and a bipod, albeit a bit uncomfortably, due to the close proximity between the vert grip and the bipod.



Pretty happy so far. The upper RIS has quite a bit of rotational freeplay, due to the design of the barrel retention clips. This was a problem masked by the width of the outer plastic heatshield, but now that it's gone, the upper assembly can be twisted several degrees. It's not loose, and takes a little bit of effort to move it, but it can be moved nontheless. I'm working on a solution for it though.

Also:

Took off the faux gas adjuster and added a can:



I could put on the Noveske Fire Pig "Loudener" instead, for a more intimidating sound.





I may like the Pig more.

Doesn't look too bad with the barrel extension. Personally I think it looks better without the 557, the tan hood doesn't really match too well.

Overall though, I can't complain, another fine work of art.

Yeah, the 557 was how I used to run it. Notice the old pre-move pictures at the beginning, lol?

I'll be getting a panoramic reflex optic for it soon, just a simple black one.

The whole gun could use some custom paint though...

My teammate has one of those reflex sights on his SRC G36k, they are actually quite good for the price ~30$, but in my opinion they are kinda ugly.

Just paint the gun tan and khaki. Should match the Utah area pretty well eh?

OvermedicateD wrote:

Just paint the gun tan and khaki. Should match the Utah area pretty well eh?

That's what I was thinking.
Maybe something similar to my old M14.

^ Yeah I saw a pic of your AGM on the ASR painted gun thread a long time ago, way before I had any AEG M14s, thanks for inspiring me.

^Yep, I created a monster

ugh FINALLY someone puts a LE stock on a 249. I always hated the para stock and even the Mk1's. I agree with OMD (welcome back btw) that it looks good with the suppressor. You'd never see a real steel 249 with one since you would go through them like crazy due to the ammo count, so the unique look sets it off. I also think the EOT was out of place, although I do understand the need for a greater lens area for a SAW weapon. A tan paint would definately be cool, just dont forget about that box mag. Its like a huge canvas begging for something more unique than a single matte color. That aside, good job as usual.

The mag will likely be replaced with either a MAG or a real one with modded motorized components inside, as the stock one is too big for my tastes.

I am contemplating some fun paint options though. Going all the way back to 1942 for inspiration on this one

I like this mod. Very useful for a more urban set up where maneuverability is more critical then fixed positions.

Keep us posted on the developments!

^That's why I did it. I'm more of a fire team member when I run the SAW, so I have to be maneuverable in order to keep up with the squad.

Our group rules are that SAW gunners must either take a knee or drop to the bipod while firing, so as long as I take a knee before firing, I'm good to go.

I want that MAG mag, but $115 for a magazine is a bit excessive. I may just have to bootleg my own out of a real one...