AR question: M4 feed ramps -

[gdvan01]

Thanks to a pleasant discovery after completing my tax returns, EBR-itis has set in pretty hard.

One question I'm trying to resolve is this; what's up with the M4 feed ramp thing? Is it just one of those high-speed, low-drag kinda things or is there a benefit to this. I've noticed elsewhere that the M4 feed ramp questions seem to be a recurring PITA (so yes, I'm prepared for flames)...but I gots ta' know!

My soon-to-be first AR will be used for longer range/precision shooting (at least 200 yds) and not any type of door kickin' / CQB work. And the ocassional "how fast can I empty this magazine".

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Not necessary in a semi-auto only weapon.

 

[nico]

^^ What he said. Although I have heard they're useful with 6.8spc

 

[gdvan01]

Not necessary in a semi-auto only weapon.

^^ What he said. Although I have heard they're useful with 6.8spc

Thanks guys. I'm sticking with the "one squeeze, one bang" 5.56 on my first go 'round.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

In general, their main purpose is to allow more reliable feeding in marginal conditions. The M4 carbine cycles faster than the rifle, so a magazine that is a little slow in push up the next round may not have a round in optimal feeding position when the bolt comes back to grab the next round. The extended feeding ramps help reduce that problem, which becomes more apparent in full-auto or when using a suppressor.

The M4 feed ramps help feeding with longer OAL rounds. They may also be helpful getting smoother feeding of non-cannelured hunting rounds without setback. For the uses you described, you probably won't need them. If you plan on dumping several mags of Hornady 75gr OTM out of your suppressed M4 on full-auto, then they might be nice.

 

[rbernie]

Not necessary in a semi-auto only weapon.

While their presence may help only under specific circumstances, spec'ing M4 feed cuts isn't a BAD thing since they don't detract from anything.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

M4 feed ramps won't hurt anything (provided that you or the dealer aren't doing homemade versions where you cut through the anodizing with a dremel) so if you are getting them free, I wouldn't turn them down.

If you have to pay for them, then it is just a question of whether it meets your needs at that price. Just make sure they are factory done and not home-gunsmithed.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Well, in all fairness, I've never heard of any problems with dremeled feed ramps either...

Yes, it ruins the anodizing... No, I don't know exactly why RRA does it like that.... but I have never heard of any failures due to a dremeled feed ramp...

 

[gdvan01]

Gentlemen...many thanks.

gv