M16 parts in an M4

[Maverick0]

Hey everyone,

I browsed the forums for a while and searched but I didn't find anything pertaining to putting M16 parts in an M4. Specifically, I was looking at putting in an M16 length inner barrel in an M4 which would be hidden by a silencer.

I've read that for a 509mm barrel, a stock M16 uses a non ported cylinder. Could such a cylinder be put into an M4?

I know this may seem like a silly question. The M4's body is the same as the M16's, at least visually, but I'm not all that familiar with internals. Any input would be appreciated.

[wKnight]

It will work just fine, no modifications should be required.

[The Saint]

Internal parts are compatible based on gearbox version and all Armalites are version 2. It's more of a question of suitability in this case. If you're increasing the inner barrel length to that of a M16, then a non-ported cylinder should be quite suitable.

[Cushak]

http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthr...t=18038&page=3

Look there, third post down. Illusion posted a quick quide to matching cylinder porting and barrel length. (Other than the cylinder I think all other parts are compatible, not sure though)

[wKnight]

the ported cylinder is basically only an issue if you experience range issues on full auto. a non-ported cylinder (or one with fewer ports) causes a suck back inside the barrel when the piston is pulled back. this will only negatively affect a gun on full auto with a long barrel since this suckback will slow the BB down if it is still inside the barrel. Short barrels dont have this issue since the BB has already exited the barrel when this suckback occurs.

So test it out and if you experience a problem with range you will know why. But i think if you have an ICS or TM M4 they have ported cylinders in them stock anyway. so you should be ok unless you have a crazy rate of fire.

[The Saint]

IIRC, suckback has been proven more of a myth in most cases, whether short or long barrel. The airseal between the barrel and the cylinder is broken by the nozzle being drawn back before suckback can occur.

[Renegade)]

Question has been answered, but ill add that I did that with my SR, AK length barrel, Systema full M16 cylinder, works like a charm

[wKnight]

Originally Posted by The Saint

IIRC, suckback has been proven more of a myth in most cases, whether short or long barrel. The airseal between the barrel and the cylinder is broken by the nozzle being drawn back before suckback can occur.

i disagree, i have seen this issue first hand on a gun i bought off a guy a few years ago. He thought it was a good idea to plug up the ports on his cylinder. The BB's Queing up to go into the barrel made enough of a seal that some suckback was occuring down the barrel. Result was every second and 3rd shot dropped off significantly.

granted it seems to only occur if your ROF is really high.

[Maverick0]

Yeah, I read the guide to matching barrel length to cylinders. I guess I was just not sure if changing the cylinder would work.

Thanks for the input

[Amos]

Put an M16 cylinder in the gearbox if you're going to go with a m16 length barrel...

Or get a M16.

[Maverick0]

Originally Posted by Amos

Put an M16 cylinder in the gearbox if you're going to go with a m16 length barrel...

Or get a M16.

Yeah, I don't have an M16 or the cash kicking around to get one, so I'll have to have an M16 in an M4 body, so to speak. I just wasn't sure if it was do-able, but now I'm confident that it can.