New Semi-Auto’s: Customizability

[u/Dill_Pickle_Tears]

With the release of the Backland Hunter Elite, MK-15, and Carmel, I wanted to talk parts.

I haven’t pre-ordered but decided the Makasi will be my next buy, dropping the M1 Garand to second place in my buy queue. I’ve been watching reviews and a currently planning a build. While the Makasi is NOT AT ALL LIKE THE AR-15 IN FORM OR FUNCTION, I wanted to see if anyone more savvy than I can comment on the handguard compatibility and overall potential parts market for new semi-autos hitting stores?

I’ve seen reviews comparing aspects of thethe handguard hardware to geissele offerings and there’s a photo from a SIG forum where an American swapped the handguard on the pistol variant of the Makasi (makes me interested in the restricted models IRG is importing). How difficult would this sort of swap be?

What about the BH or Carmel? Hoping we continue to get new and fun firearms that we can actually use spare parts on or upgrade.

[u/HappyCan7250]

Didn't read all the comments, but i was digging through forums on the Mk15 and the barrel is AR compatible as best I can tell. 

Glad I picked the Mk15 since it comes with a government profile barrel, which looks significantly heavier than the Carmel barrel. The government profile though is thicker and the front though so it not an ideal profile, but it should hold up to heat a bit better than the pencil profile of the Carmel.

Im a bit concerned with the confiscation going on for businesses, and parts being eligible, that we may seem some AR parts dry up. MRA at least obviously will keep selling AR compatible barrels, but there's do not have a gas port drilled. Hoping we still are able to get some parts for the new rifles.

Mk15 also uses AR bolts and firing pin, but propietary BCG. Uses a standard mil spec trigger as well so that is easily upgradeable (if these parts stay on the market up here - hopefully).

I believe the handguard should be swappable on them if it's a standard AR barrel and nut. It looks like it is, from what I can see in photos. Not sure on the gas block length though, someone was asking a while ago on here and I seem to recall hearing it was a carbine length for gas block positioning on the barrel, but I'd probably hold off until having one in my hands to verify any parts fitment outside of basic stuff like the grip and maybe trigger group.

I believe in the US the Mk15 was advertised as caliber swappable too? I believe they make them in x39 and 556 at least. Seems like we are only getting the 556 models though for now.