FRANKENGUN with a SKELETONIZED X-15

Small Arms recently published a review of their FRANKENGUN CHALLENGE.

What is a “Frankengun”?

A “Frankengun” is just what it sounds like – a cross between Frankenstein’s Monster and a gun, in this case a machine gun. The phrase goes back to the early Internet days when legal machine gun owners would cross-pollinate weapon designs using parts, and sometimes movie voodoo type add-ons, to create something that fit their idea of a fun gun. Frankengun contests are held occasionally, and we at Small Arms Review like to encourage our readers to participate, making sure it’s legal as they do so. Much like our fabled “MacWaffle” contest (Small Arms Review Vol. 2, No. 4), where readers had to make a working waffle iron out of MAC flats, this is about having some fun.
We received several entries but chose the top 2 presented here. The winner of the Frankengun Challenge will be judged by the readers and receive a 3-year subscription to both Small Arms Review and Small Arms Defense Journal. An RKI Certificate will be provided for those who put in an entry, which will be suitable for framing.

The Monolith

Living the Dream with My Favorite Thing

By Walt Kuleck

Waiting a year (less a day) for the tax stamp on my Colt M4 (LE6520) to come back from the ATF game me a lot of time to consider what to do with the lower when it became a legal SBR. When I submitted the form I had planned to create a true M4 with a 14.5 Inch Colt upper; however, that seemed to be a bit mundane. So, I began to cast about for alternatives with the desire to remain in the Colt universe. I had done some familiarization training with our city’s SWAT team, introducing them to their 11.5-inch Colt Commandos. Thus, the thought of creating a Commando with a Colt law enforcement upper came to mind. While searching various suppliers to nail down one of those 11.5 Inch Uppers, I came across a 10.5 Inch Colt Monolithic Upper. LE6945CK. That struck me as the perfect complement to the now SBRM4 lower.

This right from ¾ view highlights the Manta very comfortable rail covers, as adopted by the USMC for the M27 AR. The front sight is integral to the Monolith upper receiver.

In the process of writing a number of books on the AR platform, I had formed some ideas as to the appropriate configuration for my 6945 SBR. I chose a Geissele trigger and a flat wire buffer spring and heavy buffer on the lower’s internals. Externally, I installed a Nikon reflex sight and INFORCE weapon light. I particularly like the INFORCE light because it can be operated conveniently without the trouble of wires and remote switches.

This left side close up highlights the Manta suppressor cover on the Elite Iron suppressor and the INFORCE weapon light. The Manta cover remains cool enough to handle even after three 30 round mag dumps on full auto, to which I can attest from personal experience. The integral switch of the INFORCE light makes it easy to activate without the trouble of external wires and switch pads.

Up front, I screwed on an Elite Iron can. To protect tender flesh, clothing and equipment from a hot suppressor, I covered the can with a Manta suppressor sleeve. Manta’s polymer allows safely grasping the suppressor even after multiple mag dumps. Manta supplies rail covers to the USMR for their M27 automatic rifle; I have come to appreciate the Manta rail covers, so they were a natural choice for the project. A Vickers sling from Blue Force Gear shoulders the load.

This upper front left ¾ view highlights the folded integral front sight and the Manta rail covers. At the rear, the Nikon P-Tactical reflex sight is on a UTG riser for center co-witness. The knob on the top of the INFORCE weapon sight in the tensioning screw for the sight’s integral rail mount.

Finally, I have become quite fond of X Products’ drum mags, so an X-15 was the natural choice for a high capacity feeding device. The skeletonized version may not be the most practical in a dusty or muddy environment; It saves a little weight and, well, looks cool.

So, there you have it; a year-long dream, culminating in the opportunity to bring together some of my favorite things from Geissele, INFORCE, Manta, X Products and others. “The Monolith,” as I call it, is a fun piece and one of my all-time favorites.