November 21st, 2019
4minute read
What do you need all those guns for, anyway?
Many the gun nerds dreams have been crushed by that simple query.
I have myself fielded that very question on numerous occasions.
A specialized gun for a specialized role is always a good idea — or a good excuse to buy a cool gun!
I like to think Ive gotten fairly good at it.
Have you ever worked on a car?
When it comes to automotive maintenance, there are different tools for different tasks.
Will fitted a muzzle adapter for his quick-detach flash suppressor mount onto his gas block so he could attach a suppressor.
So it is in the gun world as well.
If youre securing your hacienda against bipedal predators, then a SAINT AR-15 is your go-to iron.
But what if zombies show up driving cars?
Will’s suppressor of choice for the project was a Silent LegionMulti-Caliber Suppressor Kitthat can work with both 7.62mm and 5.56mm guns.
Its not as ludicrous as it sounds.
The 5.56mm is a proven social cartridge, but it doesnt pack a great deal of downrange horsepower.
To help me pass those 30 long minutes I want something with some reach that will reliably punch deep.
Will rounded out the package with a Magpul hand stop and a Streamlight TLR-8 combination light and laser.
That means .30-caliber power and Springfield Armory awesome.
I fill that niche with a tricked-out M1A SOCOM 16.
Origins
The 7.62x51mm M14 served on the front lines for about a decade.
With this SOCOM 16 set up, Will was ready to take on that caravan of zombies — or just have an excuse for buying a bunch of fun stuff.
Springfield Armory offers the basic M14 platform in a bewildering array of configurations as the semi-automatic M1A.
The most advanced in my opinion is the SOCOM 16 CQB.
My SOCOM came with a Vortex Venom red dot sight and a flared magazine well for fast reloads.
M-LOK slots allow copious accessorizing, while generous sling sockets enhance portage.
With this as a starting point, I took my SOCOM to the next level.
You know, for those zombies in cars.
Thread mounts affix directly, while proprietary flash suppressor mounts make quick attachment and detachment a snap.
The problem is that the threads on the SOCOM muzzle are a bit non-standard.
However, I wanted to mount up my quick-detach flash suppressor.
That took a little searching.
it’s possible for you to find most anything on GunBroker.
Mounting the thing up took maybe 10 minutes, even swapping over the luminous front sight blade.
Tighten it down and the gas plug keeps everything snug.
A spot of thread locker and the flash suppressor mount is there for the duration.
I added a Magpul hand stop and aStreamlight TLR-8 combination light and laserto complete the ensemble.
Just like car maintenance, I grab the best tool for the task.
Keeping sharp on them all takes practice, but its not like thats work.
Ill leave it to you to decide.
