Converting an Ics Mars Sbr for CQB (Shorter Barrel)

[djdd87]

Hi all, I've got an ICS MARS SBR and I was wondering if anyone knew if there were any non-ICS alternative parts for the front of the gun (I say non-ICS as the ICS parts seem to be incredibly expensive)? I want to use my SBR at a few CQB sites I go to, but it's a tad too big; I'm assuming it's possible to change the handguard and outer barrel to something much shorter (obviously changing the inner barrel to suit)? 

The SBR is 725mm stock and I'd like to get it to <600mm by reducing just the barrel. Then basically before a game day, I can just swap the front over depending on which site I'm playing at.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Speedbird_666]

TLR? Yes, it can be done with non-ICS parts but it's probably not worth doing at all.

To explain:

I have three ICS guns - two of which definitely fit 'standard' AEG rails/outer barrels. The third is a much older ICS gun and I haven't tested the barrel threads but I assume that will be OK too.

I would not be swapping the barrels/rails over on the existing upper receiver on a regular basis - unscrewing and re-screwing the barrel nut and rail will eventually knacker something - most airsoft guns (Including ICS M4s) are only made from relatively soft Zamak metal. Buying a replacement MARS upper and building a complete short front-end off that instead would be a more sensible approach, because it would only be the matter of pulling the receiver pins and swapping the upper before game day.

Problem is - you could end up spending a fair bit of cash buying an upper receiver, rail system, inner and outer barrel. You might need to think about another hop unit/rubber/nub because you don't want to be swapping that over between your inner barrels. Then there's the problem with volume-matching cylinders between the different barrel lengths if you choose to go really short, so a new upper gearbox might be needed too. Overall, you could be looking at well over £100.

Frankly, you might be better off buying another gun altogether.

I did this by buying an ICS CXP-15 to complement my longer guns. You can get a plastic one for £130 brand new. I run mine with a stock adapter and Stubby stock and it's brilliant in CQB. You could run it as a straight-up pistol just attaching a sling on the back and that works extremely well too.

Another thing - and you might not like me saying this - is that your gun is already pretty short, well within CQB norms. If you struggle with the length of it (ooh err), it could be a gunfighting technique issue. Perhaps look at attachments that will help better control what you already have (e.g vertical  grip) and try to remove as much unnecessary weight from it as you can (you don't need gucci red dots with magnifiers etc.)

Just my 2 pence.

 

[Lozart]

Another thing - and you might not like me saying this - is that your gun is already pretty short, well within CQB norms. If you struggle with the length of it (ooh err), it could be a gunfighting technique issue. Perhaps look at attachments that will help better control what you already have (e.g vertical  grip) and try to remove as much unnecessary weight from it as you can (you don't need gucci red dots with magnifiers etc.)

Just my 2 pence.

This. 100%.