MGI Lower

[davep32618]

All,

I have just ordered an MGI lower through my FFL, I need some advice on what to get for an upper. I want this to be a shooter and I may drop in a RLL later. This is my first AR-15, but since I am a lefty (I can shoot proficiently RH, thanks to the Army, but I prefer LH), I was thinking about a Stag upper in LH. I also need to know about other caliber uppers and what suggestions people have. I will get the AK magwell and the M1A1 as soon as it is available. I would also like to get a .22 kit for this lower. I also need some general advice about switching configurations, like what needs to be change (buffer springs, just magwells, etc...)?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Patriot]

Bushmaster makes a great product.

 

[gundisaster]

You know I think MGI makes a lefty quick change barrel upper. I would highly recommend getting that. I have the regular one, since i'm right handed, and i love it. Also with the AK magwell you have to either modify which ever upper you get to use the AK magazines, or get the MGI upper which is already modified for it. Changing calibers is as easy as changing out the barrels, bolts, and magazines..and magwells if needed of course. I just stick to the 9mm buffer to use with all calibers for now. The adjustable MGI buffer is also nice though. For the .22lr kit i use a 5.56mm barrel, ciener kit, and full size black dog machine magazines. I know MGI plans on coming out with thier own .22lr kit though.

 

[davep32618]

Thanks for the info, their website is not very conducive to finding an upper. I'll probably just call them!

 

[drw]

The MGI QCB upper is the perfect compliment to their Hydra lower. You will have the ultimate in flexibility for this firearm. I use the AAC rate reducing buffer and standard CAR buffer spring with excellent reliability and ROF. Remember, using the Lightning Link will prevent full auto in the .22 rimfire, at this time. M60 Joe has been working to modify the Ciener kit but we haven't heard news of any progress for a few months.

 

[davep32618]

Yep, I know about the .22, but still just having a regular .22 for plinking if the RLL is extremely easy to remove woulf be fine, until someone gets me one that works with FA.

Thanks for the info, I'm making progress on this little project!

Dave

 

[davep32618]

I can't seem to find good specs on the MGI upper (i.e. where to find caliber specs, barrel length etc..) Does anyone happen to know what is the length of the barrel on the upper, I don't want an SBR? I do want 7.62 x 39mm LH, I guess I will call tomorrow, but if anyone has an answer before than, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[widz77]

MGI has a section on ar15.com in the industry forum. From what I remember MGI responds with in a day or two when you post.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=2&f=218

 

[gundisaster]

Think of thier upper as a shell to build upon. It is an empty upper and forearm that is one peice. The MGI upper doesn't come with any barrel or bolt or anything. It is a quick change barrel upper that uses any standard AR barrel. So if you want a 7.62mm barrel then you can buy one and slap it into the upper. I think MGI might sell those barrels as well. And MGI also has 7.62mm bolts and carriers for thier system for sure. You can use any barrel length you want of course also.

 

[davep32618]

Thanks for the info, I read up on the quick change upper and it looks pretty slick. I guess I'll jump over to AR15.com and search around. I just happen to like it here, so that's why I typically post here first.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[TWL]

I'd recommend calling me about it.
I can tell you anything you need to know about it, and take the order if you wish.

 

[davep32618]

Plan on calling on Monday as a matter of fact (just made a note to self when I woke up this morning), finished the SAR article the other day and I would be really excited to get a left handed model going.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[TrippHammer]

For the money and quality you can't beat Model One uppers.
They have every caliber you will need and they use Shaw chromed lined barrles that will stand up to many Beta dumps in any caliber.

I have a 6.8, 6.5, 7.62X39, dedicated .22lr, 9mm and several 5.56 uppers in many different lengths.
I've run literally thousands of rounds through my Model one uppers without any major issues.
Money well spent.

 

[davep32618]

TrippHammer,

Thanks for the info! How much do you know about the MGI system? The Model 1 uppers have nice prices on them, but I like the fact that the MGI upper is meant to match the lower (i.e. I can use the standard AK mags without modification). Do you happen to know how much modification is required? I happen to suck with a dremel.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[drw]

The modification of the upper is unnecessary with the MGI upper, as the clearance to allow AK mags is built in. Modifying a standard AR upper to accept AK mags is relatively easy if you have access to a mill and much better looking results will be achieved. Using a Dremmel tool will get the job done,,,, it will take longer and will be ugly on the inside, but the method works. It is a fun DIY project and ends with its own sense of accomplishment.

Start by holding the AK mag against the upper in the location that it will occupy when inserted. I used a sharp probe to scratch the upper around the magazine. Begin grinding away the aluminum and roughing out the opening. After the roughing out is done, insert the mag into your lower and install the front pin. By slowly closing the upper you will see and feel where addition aluminum should be removed. A felt tip marker or a spray on lay-out marker applied to the ground out area will help to identify high spots and final fitting. Your bolt carrier will need similar mods to clear the magazine.

 

[davep32618]

drw, thanks I am actually very serious about just getting the MGI upper. I will call tomorrow. I am mostly gathering information about alternatives. I really like the whole concept of the MGI setup. Especially as I want a shooter in the cheapest rounds I can setup (obviously .22, but more likely 7.62 x 39 to start and maybe 9mm, when new magwells come out). I would like to retire my M1A1 from hunting and use a .308 upper for whitetail. A major plus is hopefully a weight savings, we'll see (recoil does not bother me as much as carrying the weight, especially for hunting). I also like the left hand option, which I have seen from other maunfacturers. I am sick of casing burns, on my Uzi I use a brass catcher to prevent that in FA. One would think I would just shoot RH, but I prefer left, to me it makes the experience more fun for me.

I am concerned about MGI availability in the other calibers, but quite frankly, I don't have the money to get everything I want right now anyway. So hopefully as they come out, I will have money and everyone will be happy.

Thanks again,

Dave

 

[amphibian]

I want a shooter in the cheapest rounds I can setup

I tested a 5.45x39 upper for the first time today. Ran pretty good but really need that MGI AK74 magwell!!

 

[drw]

Amphibian, I would love to know where you found the barrel chambered 5.45X39. I have searched and emailed everyone I can find without any luck.

 

[TWL]

I've been informed by Mack that there will be several new magwells coming out in about 4-6 weeks. I'm hoping that's accurate.

There is supposed to be the GreaseGun magwell for 45ACP, the Law Enforcement Magwell for Glock mags in 9mm and .40 S&W, the AK74 magwell for 5.45x39 and AK74 mags, and possibly a Law Enforcement magwell for Glock 45ACP mags(Glock 21).

They showed these at the SHOT Show, and are supposed to be proceeding into production to be released in about a month or so.

So, if that info is correct, we should have alot more available choices in the very near future for MGI products.

Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Edited to add:
I got this video from Mack the other day, and it shows some of the different calibers being shot, including some of the new magwells that are coming out.
At the beginning, he showed some still photos of the old upper for some reason, but the new one is also shown, and all the firing is done with the new upper.
And the left handed QCB upper is also used with the AK47 magwell too.
Just a little taste of some of the variety available in the MGI Hydra system.
It's a fun video of about 2:23, so it's not a real long download.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPCW_UyUCK4

 

[davep32618]

All,

I talked with MGI today and I think we have it sorted out. Not that you can find it on their site (if you can, post me a direct link!), but you can buy a complete rifle. Mine will be a LH, 7.62 x 39. From there you just need to change the magwell, bolt (not carrier) and barrel according to MGI, so I am psyched! This new adventure should be fun. Unfortunately my Uzi is having FTF problems right now and I need it to be 100% before I can sell it and get a RLL or RIDAS. I am going to try to call Vector tomorrow, but I have been working 20/6 for the past couple of weeks and it sucks! I hope to slow up this week, so I can get some personal stuff taken care of.

Dave