Machine gun setup

Machine gun shoot · May 22, 2012, 06:15 PM

Do you guys prefer scopes, open sights, forward grips, hand guards, bipods? Also, what style of stocks do you prefer? I am attempting to set up all of the machine guns with a “universal set up” to help make the guns more comfortable for everyone who shows up, and I find that my expertise sometimes gets in the way of the simplicity that many love to enjoy (not meaning to be arrogant at all! just want you guys to know why a specialist like myself would start a thread like this). I would like to make sure everyone who attends can shoot machine guns comfortably. I know we all like our weapons set up to suit our personal needs and preferences, but in this case I need a simple / universal setup that will work well for folks of all sizes and skill levels. I am specifically referring to the setup of the AR-15, AK-47, and MP5.

MarkDozier · May 23, 2012, 02:51 AM

Optics on a machine gun is like parking a chevy in my driveway. It don't work

Jo6pak · May 23, 2012, 04:46 PM

I think for the three you mentioned (AK47 AR15, and MP5) the more basic setups would be the best for novice shooters. Keep the weapons simple and basically "stock." Lose the foregrips, folding/adjustable stocks, optics, lasers, etc.

This would also give the new shooters a chance to see the guns in there original form, and aid in teaching them about the differences and similarities.

Also, the less on the firearm, the less things there are to fiddle with and overwhelm a new shooter.

In my opinion, this is a great time for the "Keep It Simple" mantra

mingheemouse · May 24, 2012, 10:56 AM

I agree with Jo6pak. People who don't get to handle these firearms on a regular basis should be allowed the opportunity to appreciate the differences among all of these firearms, and really see what the designers had in mind. After all, they are paying for the experience, not just to throw lead downrange. A direct impingement M16A2, a roller-locked MP5 and a piston Kalashnikov all feel, sound and operate in a very different way and if I were paying my money, the fun would include being shown the differences.

Now, if you have two of something, that's a different story. Having an M16A1 or A2 and a fully decked out M4, complete with coffee maker, would be a great treat to show evolution of the system. My pre '86 M16 (I only own one full auto, and that's it) is usually set up M4-esque, and is very easy to keep on bowling pins and milk jugs on full auto with an Aimpoint M3. With zero magnification and both eyes open, it is very easy to just keep the little dot on the moving milk jug and keep it dancing on full auto.

I do think any optics with magnification would make for more frustration than benefit with novices. The restricted field of view would just remove much of the fun of the instant feedback from the target one normally gets from full-auto fun. You can always bring a scoped varmint gun to show off the fun of optics, just leave that stuff off the full autos.

If you want comfort, start them off with a .22lr upper on your M16. Full-auto .22lr is great to introduce the concept of trigger control on full-auto, without the intimidation and excessive muzzle rise of larger calibers. As to comfort on the other guns, part of what people who don't normally shoot full-auto will be paying for is to be taken outside their normal comfort zone. That's why roller-coasters are so popular.

Skans · May 25, 2012, 07:57 AM

Optics on a machine gun are actually quite useful. I use one of these fake Eotech sights on my AC556 - much better than the stock iron sights. I have also added a forward "grip-pod", and I feel this is useful. I might swap it out for a folding grip though, but I really do need some kind of forward grip.

May 22, 2012, 06:15 PM	#1
Machine gun shoot Junior Member Join Date: April 9, 2012 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 3	Machine gun setup Do you guys prefer scopes, open sights, forward grips, hand guards, bipods? Also, what style of stocks do you prefer? I am attempting to set up all of the machine guns with a “universal set up” to help make the guns more comfortable for everyone who shows up, and I find that my expertise sometimes gets in the way of the simplicity that many love to enjoy (not meaning to be arrogant at all! just want you guys to know why a specialist like myself would start a thread like this). I would like to make sure everyone who attends can shoot machine guns comfortably. I know we all like our weapons set up to suit our personal needs and preferences, but in this case I need a simple / universal setup that will work well for folks of all sizes and skill levels. I am specifically referring to the setup of the AR-15, AK-47, and MP5.

May 23, 2012, 04:46 PM	#3
Jo6pak Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2010 Location: West Coast...of WI Posts: 1,663	I think for the three you mentioned (AK47 AR15, and MP5) the more basic setups would be the best for novice shooters. Keep the weapons simple and basically "stock." Lose the foregrips, folding/adjustable stocks, optics, lasers, etc. This would also give the new shooters a chance to see the guns in there original form, and aid in teaching them about the differences and similarities. Also, the less on the firearm, the less things there are to fiddle with and overwhelm a new shooter. In my opinion, this is a great time for the "Keep It Simple" mantra __________________ NRA Life Member, SAF contributor.

May 23, 2012, 02:51 AM	#2
MarkDozier Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2010 Posts: 363	Optics on a machine gun is like parking a chevy in my driveway. It don't work

May 24, 2012, 10:56 AM	#4
mingheemouse Member Join Date: May 9, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 27	I agree with Jo6pak. People who don't get to handle these firearms on a regular basis should be allowed the opportunity to appreciate the differences among all of these firearms, and really see what the designers had in mind. After all, they are paying for the experience, not just to throw lead downrange. A direct impingement M16A2, a roller-locked MP5 and a piston Kalashnikov all feel, sound and operate in a very different way and if I were paying my money, the fun would include being shown the differences. Now, if you have two of something, that's a different story. Having an M16A1 or A2 and a fully decked out M4, complete with coffee maker, would be a great treat to show evolution of the system. My pre '86 M16 (I only own one full auto, and that's it) is usually set up M4-esque, and is very easy to keep on bowling pins and milk jugs on full auto with an Aimpoint M3. With zero magnification and both eyes open, it is very easy to just keep the little dot on the moving milk jug and keep it dancing on full auto. I do think any optics with magnification would make for more frustration than benefit with novices. The restricted field of view would just remove much of the fun of the instant feedback from the target one normally gets from full-auto fun. You can always bring a scoped varmint gun to show off the fun of optics, just leave that stuff off the full autos. If you want comfort, start them off with a .22lr upper on your M16. Full-auto .22lr is great to introduce the concept of trigger control on full-auto, without the intimidation and excessive muzzle rise of larger calibers. As to comfort on the other guns, part of what people who don't normally shoot full-auto will be paying for is to be taken outside their normal comfort zone. That's why roller-coasters are so popular.

May 25, 2012, 07:57 AM	#5
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	Optics on a machine gun are actually quite useful. I use one of these fake Eotech sights on my AC556 - much better than the stock iron sights. I have also added a forward "grip-pod", and I feel this is useful. I might swap it out for a folding grip though, but I really do need some kind of forward grip.