C8 Conversion
 

Okay I have an ICS M4. I want to convert it to a Canadian weapon. Where can I find a body with Canadian markings to replace the M&P body? Plus I know that the LE stock and forgrip are green. I can paint them, but does anyone make them in green so I don't have to paint?
Thanks in Advance for your help.

looks
 

So 19 people looked and not one comment?

@OP: The rear stock on the C8's are actually CAR-15 stocks, slight difference but still if you want to be accurate you'll have to find a CAR 15 stock.

C7
 

Sorry I have to admit to being an impatient guy when it comes to my hobbies.
Okay so the Car 15 stock shouldn't be a problem. I see that toronto airsoft have G&P Canadian variants. It's sad really that I'm not up on my Canadian weapons. I'm more into European weapons HK etc. But I really want to put together a Canadian load out. So I really donot care if I do a C7 or aC8 just which ever one gets me there with the least amount of work.

C8
 

Well as close as I can without spending thousands of dollars. Who make a blank M4 body that would work? Or can I just buy a complete M4 with a blank body to get me started? Do Canadians use ris fronts or just the ribbed tube style?

C8
 

Thanks for the list. I have just found photos of what I would like to accomplish. I copied this image form another thread I hope that Jon doesnt mind

C8
 

I would like to start fresh with this, ie a new gun. So I need to find a new M4 with no trades a Ris front the PEQ box. The only thing I have is the Elcan.

http://airsoftcanada.com/attachment....5&d=1341804642
one thing i will say about the image is that we have long since ditched the thermold mags.

WE
 

No WE for me. I want to stay AEG for sure. I didn't knwo that you can have the body reiingraved? Would that thin the metal of the body down?

Mags
 

I know about the mags, thanks for heads up anyway. Okay guys, I'm no noobb, but I have to ask a noobite question. What brand of M4 would buy that comes close to what I'm looking for. I know that I will have to go looking for a Car 15 stock old version with rubber but. But what basic gun would you buy?

since you'd be essentially doing external work i'd start with something with a good internal base, King arms, and G&P come to mind

Okay, so once you've stripped off the original powder coat finish, what do you replace it with? Paint?

I thought TM compatible lowers would not fit ICS uppers? Are there blank ICS lowers?



as for this:

I thought I read somewhere else that people have had their receivers re-powdercoated.

Im doing a c7 conversion on my we gbb where can i get the od stock, pistol grip, and stock?

LOL
 

You guys have all the same questions I have! I think once the upper coat taken off, the ingraving is done and the gun will put back to black. They souldnt give you back a bare metal body??
The lack of parts for Canadian stuff is more than a little frustrating. I have checked UN company, Ehobby, Airsoft parts etc. Its getting the dam stock. The other bits can all be spray painted the green, Krylon.
Check the list that was posted on this thread for the parts list.

Try Redwolf or WGC.

Stuff
 

Well it looks like I found everything I need to get this going. The only concern I have is the trades on the body. So the trades on the body now are in white. They will what sand it down, then add the blackend trades? Do I need to send them photos of what I want, or do they know already?

engraving
 

Does Dave at Imperial know all the markings? Do you know If I can mail him the body?
Sorry to ask so many questions!

You can contact him at dave@imperialengravers.com

He does a lot of C8s, he has a template ready to go. All you need is to decide which model you want to get engraved, and the serial number. The process would be to sandblast it, then from there:

a) If you want deep engraving (as in the body gets milled) the milling is done and a new powder coat is applied.
b) If you want laser engraving (as in the body gets etched, no cuts) the coating is done and the laser is used to create your trades.

Right now he doesn't have any powdercoat, so it may be a bit of a wait.

A sample of his work is here: http://www.airsoftcanada.com/attachm...1&d=1328236163

If you're doing a C7 or C8 conversion, your best bet is probably to use Krylon OD paint on the grip, handguards, and stock. OD isn't a perfect match for the shade of green the CF uses, but it looks better than black.


If you do use spray paint, be sure to use Krylon's Matte sealer to protect the painted finish.

Brownell's in the States sells OD furniture, but it's questionable whether they'll ship them to Canada.

I can confirm Brownells does import furniture to Canada. Cheaply and quickly too!

The real C7A2 uses "Canadian Average Green" furniture, which is coloured a bit brighter than OD green.

Oh no!
 

Oh no! So now I will have to do both a C7 and a C8. Thanks for the info for the engraving. Thank you also for the company in the States for the furniture. I will look into that right away. Won't the stock be a different tube size? Or would that come with the tube as well as the stock?

Just buy a CAR-15 style stock to fit whatever sized tube you'll be using. My GBBR uses a real-steel sized tube, so I used a real stock.

Anyone know where i can get an elcan scop preferably in green so i don't have to paint?

Real steel: http://www.alphaopticsinc.com/weapon_sights.html

Repro: airsoftparts, airsoft depot.

I second the recommendation for the Elcan from Airsoft Depot. http://airsoftdepot.ca/catalog/produ...roducts_id=739

Realistic appearance with excellent optical quality.

LOL
 

Ya like I'm going to put a $1300 Elcan on my airsoft rifle. For me its an inpression not a replication. I have a G&P elcan which I will keep black for my C8. However I will definately buy another from Huangs and paint it green for my C7. Not sure how well Krylon will hold to the rubber?
This is the first time in my life I have been excited by any armalite! I have the stock, and Ris on the way. I knwo that we no longer use the thermomold mags but I think I will go with them anyway. Just because most people dont use them and I think they look cool!

Do you have links to the furniture you ordered?

I have some Canadian Thermold Mag housing shells "real steel", they are yours for free... just cover the cost for my shipping...

The Krylon Fusion paint I sprayed onto my Elcan adhered quite well. Just be sure to finish it with a coat of matte sealer for added durability.

Krylon
 

Is that matt sealer from Krylon?

Yup. Krylon matte sealer.


I bought my matte sealer from Michael's (a nation-wide chain of craft stores). It's not that easy to find anywhere else...

Be _sure_ to use the matte, as the satin sealer is much glossier than you might expect. The satin is more durable, though, so I usually apply a couple of coats of satin for durability, then finish it off with a couple of light coats of matte. The result is pleasingly durable.

Nice
 

Wow Basic those are gorgeous! The green does give it that little bit extra umph! Thanks for sharing your photo!

I had a hard time matching the paint for the same reasons listed. The Krylon Camouflage OD is to dark. I did the following

Base Coat: Krylon Fusion (Green) 2 coats

Main Clour: AERVOE Light Green (34151) Military Vehicle and Recreation Camo Paint Meets FS595 Color Specs (2 coats)

Krylon Satin Clear coat (2 coats)

Krylon Matte Finish (2 coats very light)

All coats were very light to minimize the buildup. As stated the Krylon Matte is used for artwork and isn't as durable as the actual satin clear. I used it only to dull the satin finish. Too many coats and it goes white so it has to be used sparingly. It came out far closer in my opnion to the actual CF color then any of the OD. I'm only halfway done my C8 conversion as you can see. Still need a buttplate, elcan and Triad rail.

Ew, replace that ugly LE stock; I can't stand them in CX conversions.

Agree on both accounts and I plan on doing both in time. A buddy is already near completion of a C7A2 conversion and is planning on sending out his lower for recoating and engraving. I also want to do the same as well as grab the appropriate CAR-15 rear and correct front. Currently working on a budget. The photo was to show the colour match not imply that the gun was a C8.

New to airsoft this year.

The plan is a C8 with a Eotech for CQB and a C7A2 with a Elcan C79 for field/marksmen.

Understood.

Thanks for the mention of AERVOE paint. Their "Light Green" looks fairly close to the CF's "Canadian Average Green".

paint
 

Where can I get the aervoe paint? is it in a spray can? Does it need a special sealer?

paint
 

Thank you sir!

If you wouldnt mind doing us all a favor and future people looking to do the same, post links to the parts you find. so people don't have to constantly ask :)

I've been very tempted to do a C8 GBB

Great
 

Good Idea! Lets make a composit list of parts, base guns, paints etc to convert to C7 and C8's.

Not quite working on a list of where to buy parts, but I am working on a pretty hefty guide to the C7/C8 rifles.

Also, on a somewhat related note...

http://i.imgur.com/NWjzp.jpg

I got my recievers back from Dave @ Imperial Engravers. I'll be posting a review tonight or tomorrow.

WOW
 

That is gorgeous! Looks great!

That's gorgeous! If only I could find a blank WE receiver. Imperial does mighty fine work.

The trades are very nice.

I'm looking for the following parts for my C8 conversion

Slimline CAR-Type Plastic Handguards (Six Hole)
- CAR-Type Stock & Buttpad
- ELCAN C79A2 or EoTech 552
- CADEX Rail & CADEX Folding Grip
- Diemaco TRI-AD Rail Mount

PM/post here if you come across any of these at a reasonable price.

I'm also looking at a C7A2 to start so same thing applies... just at this point I dont have anything for it.

Okay. I'll start this off with some of the resources I've used.

C79 Elcan Scope Replica: Airsoft Depot

http://airsoftdepot.ca/catalog/produ...roducts_id=739

http://airsoftdepot.ca/catalog/produ...oducts_id=1200


Guarder Butt Pad - 4 Position Stock: WGC

http://www.wgcshop.com/wgc2008/main/...tid=14&cat=613


C7/8 Handguards (Black or Green): Brownell's

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2...-15-HANDGUARDS


Cadex Folding Foregrip or Stubby Foregrip: Hamilton Tactical

http://www.hamiltontactical.ca/


eBay has also churned out a few surprises.

I found an OD green butt pad for the 4 position stock there, as well as an ambi charging handle, and a few other goodies. eBay is not firearm friendly, though, so you have to learn a few tricks while searching.

If, for example, you're looking for an M4/M16/AR-15 magazine release, use search terms like "16 release" or "15 magazine". Vendors slightly munge the item name to keep eBay from filtering out their ads.

Airsoft Global sell a number of options for the stocks. CA in black, OD or tan for US$36 or G&P complete with 3-pos pipe for US$48 in black.

They also have a Guarder pad for US$19.50 that looks it might fit. ** out of stock **

Classic Army M15 Retractable Stock - OD - the tan is US$0.50 more and the black even more so at US$55 as it is a full kit like the G&P.

G&P XM 177 Retractable Stock

Guarder 6 Position Carbine Stock Pad

Looks like they have a G&P 5-pos kit as well for US$52: G&P M4A1 5 Position Sliding Buttstock ( BK )

Shipping would be $12-15 depending on bare stock or full kit.

Good finds; the only thing is the butt pad is wrong, but close enough to the uninitiated.

Great
 

This is great guys keep it coming.....

http://www.scopeandlaser.com/?sp=&p=...&more=&lang=en
This stock pad looks about right. I got it for my C7A2 project.
I've ordered a few things from this place, no complaints yet.

Yup. That's the right one.

I realize this isn't a C8, but this photo does show some variations that can added to builds, such as the black stock.
Modified C7A2 while on deployment.
The soldier has added his own KAC M5 RAS( thank you Kokanee for the info!)
My particular project will be roughly based off this.
It also negates the need to find that darn Tri-ad rail. (for now anyway;))
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/picture...pictureid=4605
So far.....
http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/...IMGP4431_1.jpg

Triad
 

I've been trying to find a clear image of the triad. I'm not sure really what it looks like. Is it a tri rail by the front sight?

Looks like this (see attachment). The real one is made by Diemaco. They arent impossible to find and run realistically around $75-$150 in price range.

Thanks
 

Thanks for that! It's just about what I thought it would look like.

That's all there is to them. You don't get much in the way of added rail, and they make an already front heavy weapon even more unbalanced.

Can anyone link me the green stock or forward parts? Not finding them :-(

What platform are you building it on? I bought RS DPMS handguards from Brownells, and an RS Fiberlite CAR stock from DSA Arms... the CAR stock was about the same price after shipping as an airsoft one, plus I got a free reciever extension, heavy buffer, and castle nut to use with it. I don't think anything's available in Canadian Average Green though, so that needs to be painted.

CAR-15 Stock
 

Just a note on the stock; I have a CAR-15 stock that is actually from my dad's former service C8, and it's black, not CAG. Despite common conception, not all of the stocks and hand guards are in CAG as many soldiers, including my father (now retired) would constantly modify they're service weapons for their specific needs. As well, plain and simply, not every single stock and hand guard the military has in use for service weapons are colored to this spec. His old war buddy Mark even had a coyote coat quad rail system added to his C7A2 service rifle for a deployment in Afghanistan in 2008, so color is very subjective unless you are going for a true baseline C7 or C8 model with no additions/modifications (which from the thread it seems you are, which I totally dig by the way).

It's a little beat up because my father has actually used it in combat, and its missing the rubber shoulder butt, but I may be willing to part with it. If you have a hard time finding the right parts (i.e. CAR-15 stock) and are interested, maybe let me know. From the thread though there are listings of some sites you can purchase this stock from for fair pricing. If you want a 'true' CAG coat, your best bet would be a color mix to coat the stock as finding one already colored to spec will be rather difficult, and probably more expensive than necessary in my opinion.

No platform yet, plan to build a GBB C8, the body/ internals will be chosen off what is easiest and best too use :) Trying to find parts so I can price it out though

In addition to what I stated above; don't need to have it all colored to CAG. Many of the soldiers here on recent excercise do not have hand guard, stock and their ELCAN in CAG. Some have one or two or all in black.: http://airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=143693

Agreed. But all the ones I've had my hands on have been green. So I'd like to make it green. Just wish it was available in green. Rather than painting it.

Yeah no, totally understandable. If you're looking for a baseline C8 or C7 the CAG color is the way to go.

Very nice work. What's the total estimate do you think?

Agreed
 

I have to agree, nice job on that gun! I just got my stock in. CBSA have had my peq box and ris for almost a week! Next time I will bring them across myself.

What's the best m4 gbb right now?

WE Tech has several models. In all honesty they're your best bet if you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for a good quality one. The RA Tech modified versions are good too, but can be a bit pricey.

Are those C8 extension barrels hard to find? Can't seem to find one lately.

WGC shop had them, but they appear to be out of stock. You want the Proarms L119A1 barrel.

Is it the WA barrel kit or did you use the extension from either kit?

DQ
 

Dumb question here, but are those barrel extension designed for aeg's as well as GBB?

I used the extension from the WA kit, though the AEG one will work.

An AEG specific version does exist.

Make it.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d9...9/IMG_3111.jpg
(Systema PTW)

ELCAN | ELCAN LX Version?
 

Quick question, what the hell is the difference between these two ELCANs? The site has no real description:

Elcan Style Combat Scope 3x (Out of stock) :http://airsoftdepot.ca/catalog/produ...rv7sc7of7b8en7

Elcan Style Combat Scope 3x (LX Version) (In stock) : http://airsoftdepot.ca/catalog/produ...oducts_id=1200

I'm looking to pick one up, but if the LX version is of lesser quality then I want to get the normal ELCAN. May sound like a nooby ass question, it's just the site isn't very descriptive and they both look the same to me. A little help?

I contacted them already and was told the difference is the "trades" the LX one in stock doesnt have the Elcan trade marking.

The knobs on the LX version are wrong.

Does anyone know of any other companies/sites that are selling the normal Elcan replicas other than Airsoft Depot? I want to get one exactly like the first one I listed above, not the knockoff LX version.

Something I've noticed: Those Elcans are longer than the real deal. Clarity is great though.

engraving
 

If there is some engraving already on the lower will is it possible or can Dave at Imperial can fill and re-engrave or just get a lower with no engraving at all?

I'd honestly go for a blank receiver. You can strip and redo a laser engraved reciever with some ease, but deep cut is another thing altogether.

Thanks for the input My WE from Toronto airsoft said that there were no trades on it but when I got it there are the US gov Colt ones. Now to start looking for a blank receiver.

Again I pose the question; are there any other places I can get a good quality Elcan replica? Preferably a non-illuminated one? Those just seem cheesy to me.

Also, if I'm not going for an exact replica, I'm curious if the LX version of the Elcan will have the same reticle as the trademarked version on AirsoftDepot. Does anyone know?

This is the reticle on mine. I have the correct knobs on mine. It's a good reticle, just nowhere near like the real one. Best you go down and pick it up in person.

http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/revie...notinscope.jpg

Elcan
 

I got my elcan from Evike a long time ago. It's a g&p none illuminated and is a cross screen reticle. I paid $90 for at the time.

I have an Elcan replica from Airsoft Depot - the one with the trades, and this is how the reticle looks:


I've seen many other C79 "clones", and none of them have the brightness, clarity, or quality of this particular scope. I've seen several of the G&P scopes, and they were all terrible. Poor optics, completely inaccurate reticle, and almost zero eye relief.

I sincerely hope Huang can get more of the Elcan logo'd replicas in stock, because I'd love to have a second one. I don't know what the LX version is like. I've never looked into it, because I want trades on my scope. Why engrave C7/8 markings on the rifle, and have a blank scope? Not for me.

Found one
 

I found one on eBay I just ordered that seems decent enough that carries the logos and proper knobs. Same reticle and all, and everything appears to be the same as the one on Airsoft Depot except the oneadjustment knob is silver instead of black (simple coat of paint will do). Just curious, and I think I saw this earlier in the thread, but I'm rather lazy and don't want to fish through it; what did you use to paint the rubberized portion of your scope to get it close to the spec CAG color?

eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=221063584869

Airsoft Depot: http://airsoftdepot.ca/catalog/produ...roducts_id=739

Just drive down to ASD... one rule I have about optics is I always buy knockoffs in person. I can trust a RS company to deliver consistent product, but I've found way too many lemons in knockoff optics. I remember one Elcan I couldn't use since the reticle was tilted sideways, so it took a bit of cherry picking.

Hmm, I may give them a call tomorrow. I've already placed the order for the sight on eBay.. May cancel it then.

I had one of the clone elcans from huang and can tell you it's much smaller than the real one. Just a bit of advice, if you're going to build a C8, take your time, it's worth it to wait out the parts (Real elcans have been in the classifieds for as little as $400). There is nothing worse than some of the abortions some people come up with claiming it to be a C8.

Blank or laser trades body is the way to go, you can get the special files required to load into the engraver online.

Just been looking at the reviews from other people on eBay who bought the one I ordered earlier and all reviews I found of it were good, none bad, and out of almost 3500 reviews on all of the company's products over the last 12 months there are only 31 bad reviews on any products, none of them Elcans. I'm hoping for the best on this one, and worse comes to worse I can ship it back for refund (minus the chapped ass shipping charge). Fingers crossed, and if it turns out to be decent I will definitely post it as such here for anyone else looking into purchasing as I got a good deal (96.68CAD shipping in.). Just hoping it's not too good to be true. If it is then I guess your can tell me 'I told you so' Green Synergy, but I digress...

Hey, did you ever get that CADEX grip from Hamilton Tactical?

On the note of the C8 files, if you do go to Imperial Engravers, they actually already have a template due to the sheer amount of interest in CF Markings. All you need is your model number, and the serial.

Except for the colour of the windage adjustment screw, that looks just like mine. Please let us know how it looks, once it arrives.

When I painted my cover, I simply sprayed it with Krylon OD green. The paint is wearing a bit now, but it still looks good. Unlike the rifle's furniture, I didn't use sealer on the Elcan's cover. I figured even with sealer, the paint can chip off the rubber fairly easily. There has been chipping, but not too much. Another quick spray of paint every season should keep it looking the way I want.

No, I think I'm going to wait to see a CADEX one on the classies again and try to snatch it up before anyone else.

I just ordered the steel cqb outer barrel I needed to thread onto my L119A1 barrel extension so apart from a blank lower, maybe two, I'm gonna start building my SFW on the WA platform.

Unfortunately this company is fresh out of stock on their Elcan C79's, although the eBay page states differently. Got a full refund right away for it though which was good. Apparently these sights are in extremely high demand at the moment (ha-ha). Back to Google-magic and on the hunt for another one.

Talked to Huang from AD today and he said they aren't getting any in until the end of September at least, and I don't feel like waiting that long when I essentially have everything else except the CADEX grip (which I may not even bother with, probably get a custom rubber for comfort). Should any of you find a listing of in-stock, good quality Elcan replicas, please do update the thread with the link/details or even PM me. It's really the only piece I have yet to pick up.

It would be nice if some of these rubberized pieces already came colored to spec as well, although I guess us enthusiasts are alone in that department.

Only other that looks remotely similar is this one.: Amazon.com: 4x Tactical Elcan Type Optical Sight Rifle Scope: Sports & Outdoors

Don't like the fact that the bottom front rubber is 'cut off' though. Thoughts?

I've seen that type too. You'll want to avoid them. The optics are terrible and the reticle pattern is all wrong.

Figured as much. You would think with it being such a popular sight more companies would be selling the dame thing!

It looks just like this one -
http://airsoft-club.com/shop/bmz_cac...ge.640x480.jpg
http://airsoft-club.com/shop/scope/n...ht-rifle-scope
Man I feel sorry for the poor soul who bought this one thinking tha...........oh wait, hold on a second. Man I'm starting to feel sorry for myself:rolleyes:
Poo!