One of the frustrations I have encountered on the SR side is that few barrels outside the dreaded government profile have a gas block journal long enough for an A2 fixed sight. Current AR "tactical fashion" is a free floated barrel using a low profile gas block so the majority of aftermarket barrels have a journal slightly over one inch to accommodate that.The Faxon Gunner is one exception and will support a fixed A2 gas block. IMO these fixed sights are still the best choice for the vast majority of defensive rifles: A2 > Any fixed or folding front sight on a free float tube. I recently had to make that compromise on an lightweight 14.5" pencil barrel upper using one of Ballistic Advantages exceptional 4150 barrels. Technically, the free floated solution could be worse, but there is the extra expense of a folding front sight you can bet your life on when your optic bites the dust when a simple A2 gets the job done and is far more robust.
Wait until those that built/bought braced pistols soon are all reclassified as SBRs. Ya gonna have to fill out the form 1, provide finger prints and a picture of said firearm. Probably will need to pay them the 200 dollar tax and then no longer be able to transport them across state lines w/o permission from the man.
They have been discussing an "amnesty" program that will provide a free tax stamp similar to what was done with machineguns in the 1960's. You do need to provide a picture of the firearm showing it was a pistol. The unintended consequence would be the log jam of applicants increasing the amount of time rendering each one unusable (legally) until the tax stamp is approved. Note that this approval comes from an entity that will only do what they are grudgingly required to do. It could be quite a while... I'm starting the SBR process this week for several lowers, all of which are going into an NFA trust along with some silencers about to begin their jail period.
My concern is for those that previously had a pistol that they could freely transport across state lines but with it becoming an NFA item. They would have to ask the crown for permission to travel with it. Kind of sounds like a 'Free' tax stamp with a bunch of strings attached.
Two of the greatest designers in firearm history, eclipsed only by St John Moses Browning... there, FIFY!
I would suggest an AR-style flash suppressor on the AK as an improvement (Mine are so equipped, easily enuff)) and a heavy barrel replacement of the stock military (barrel droopers) barrels on the M4. I also have one so replaced. I like both systems, both have strengths and weaknesses. Scopes and other optics have their place, but learn to shoot your weapon without them, first.
