Makasi barrel swap info

[u/DecentCompetition754]

I'm down in the U.S.

Just picked up the 16 inch version.

Can confirm, multiple parts are interchangeable with AR15 parts.

I personally swapped the standard trigger with a Rise Armament LE145 drop in trigger.

[https://risearmament.com/product/rise-armament-le145-trigger/\](https://risearmament.com/product/rise-armament-le145-trigger/)

I also wanted to upgrade the barrel to a chrome lined (just a personal thing with me). I went with a Criterion Hybrid 16 inch chromelined with a .223 Wylde chamber and headspaced BCM bolt.

[https://criterionbarrels.com/products/ar-platform/ar-15/ar-15-hybrid-barrel-carbine-gas-chrome-lined/?v=0b3b97fa6688\](https://criterionbarrels.com/products/ar-platform/ar-15/ar-15-hybrid-barrel-carbine-gas-chrome-lined/?v=0b3b97fa6688)

While the Makasi uses AR15 barrels, they are drilled and pinned. I used the following Jig to drill the new barrel myself. BRD engineering MK4.

[https://brdengineering.com/shop/ols/products/mk4-universal-gas-block-drilling-jig\](https://brdengineering.com/shop/ols/products/mk4-universal-gas-block-drilling-jig)

It comes with a 1/8 guide to drill the pin, but the makasi gas block uses a 3/16 pin. I found and used the following bushing without issue, it will fit on the MK4 jig in place of the 1/8 guide.

[https://www.mcmaster.com/product/2868T37\](https://www.mcmaster.com/product/2868T37)

I did notice that the 2 bolts that interface through the handguard and the barrel nut were not in line, resulting in teeth marks on the barrel nut from the handguard mounting bolts. I easily fixed it by adding some shims to the barrel nut.

[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPQ689XD?ref\\_=ppx\\_hzod\\_title\\_mob\\_b\\_fed\\_asin\\_title\\_0\\_0\](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPQ689XD?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_mob_b_fed_asin_title_0_0)

Finally, I wanted more of a fixed stock look for the Makasi. Unfortunately, I could not find any ready to order adapters that convert from 1913 picatinny to M16 female end plate. I combined the 2 items below to make my own. I had to Dremel the edges of the Yueoct mount so they would fit inside the anti rotation ledges of the adapter mount, but thankfully everything else lined up fine (the 2 parts even has the same 1/4 bolt matching threads!) Items below.

[https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09VYFV9VV?psc=1&ref=ppx\\_pop\\_mob\\_b\\_asin\\_title\](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09VYFV9VV?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title)

[https://stormwerkz.com/stock-adapters/yugo-m92-m85-adapter-type-4/\](https://stormwerkz.com/stock-adapters/yugo-m92-m85-adapter-type-4/)

Now that I've got it set up, will try to take it out for a spin in the next week or so. If anyone has questions about specific aspects of the rifle, let me know, I'll answer as much as possible.

[u/thecoolernameistaken]

So what you’re saying is an 11.5 version is possible

[u/DecentCompetition754 → u/thecoolernameistaken]

Yes, swapping the barrel is just like on an AR15. The only extra is drilling for the pin, but the Jig makes it easy.

Only 2 issues I had to solve, one was the guide for the 3/16 drill bit, and the other issue, the Jig mounts to the gas block with 2 screws, but the Makasi gas block screw holes are so close together, I could only fit one screw. The 2 screws are just to help align the Jig and keep it straight. Using just one screw just meant I had to manually align it then tighten it down. Once it was tightened down, it maintained alignment fine. I used a vice to suspend the jig/barrel and hold the jig in place.