NisilS14

A free floated handguard doesn't make contact with the barrel, mounting a bipod to a handguard that's held in place by the barrel can potentially change point of impact.

bags, magpul moe rail sections, or moe bipod mount. Ideally a free float rail will be best for bipod mounting.

Put up some pics if you would, I'd like to see the port work. I added a c-rum lifter, modified the shell latch, and beveled the hand guard on a VM tactical and it's already great. I haven't felt the need to do much else to it, but I'd like to see what good port work looks like.

Here you can see where I took off material, which was almost everywhere, lol. You can also see where it still hits a little. I've been thinking about selling it, considering going back to factory on this one.

I have a aluminum esp magwell that had the same problem. I had dremel out mainly the back part of the magwell to get tti basepads to drop freely. Another one I know also had the same problem and ended up doing the same.

I did a friends rifle with a voodoo carrier, Slr gas block and 3 oz rifle buffer which would be comparable to a JP LMB, he eventually went down to empty buffer and preferred it. You could always go down increments and see what you like.

if your barrel on 5.45 upper is threaded 1/2-28, then any 5.56 AR muzzle device will work. The two are similar in bullet diameter so there's shouldn't be a problem.

Part of having a business. If you want to offer an in-stock, ready-to-ship product, initial investment is obviously required. That's just the nature of the beast. Tom could always have a "built to order" upper but customers will have to accept a longer wait time.

What you could do is offer a complete basic upper, something a customer can throw on their lower and go. For instance, the base could be the upper, a barrel of your design, standard BGC, thread protector, a basic HG, etc. Maybe throw on a little laser MOA logo . On top of that offer options/upgrades that you feel would complement the upper you're offering. Options could be things like lightened BCG, muzzle device of your picks, maybe a couple different charging handles, handguards, etc. for customers to pick from. I think this would be your best way of putting out a product that is signature MOA Precision while still appealing to wider group of people.

Port door or not? yes Forward assist or not? No Light as possible, or not important? Light weight within reason Barrel length, gas length, contour, and twist? Fluted? intermediate 16" or rifle 18", ~2lb finished contour maybe a few oz's lighter, 1/8 twist Ship with no comp so customer can pick their own, or a proven, practical design like the Miculek that can be replaced if customer wants different? No comp, way too many choices. Maybe A2 hider or thread protector Extended latch (gunfighter, raptor, other, or factory)? Factory. Again, many choices for everyone. Brass deflector, or weight savings? Brass deflector Light carrier and adj gas? yes for adj gas, leave BCG for customer's choice. Handguard length? 13"+

Could try a lighter handguard as well. Maybe a heavier stock, if that doesn't do it for you, then I would go with reprolfiling the barrel

Between the VM and M3k, I think they're two completely animals in terms of handling and weight. Both even operate differently than each other, so get a good feel on which one you prefer, might as well get your money's worth.

I turned mine my 18" SPR profiled barrel down, I only lost a few oz's but it's better balanced. I didn't lose any accuracy over it either. Balance is more important than overall weight, it could be a 5lb rifle, but it still wouldn't be fun if all the weight way out in front. I think barrel profile, handguard and comp choices have a big impact on balance being that those items are furthest away from the shooter. A heavier stock can also help with bringing some of the weight closer to the shooter.

this is an option...