Iraqi Tabuk 24" Sniper Clone Project

[LX Kid]

Help!!!! I have a new Cope's 24" barrel and Yugo M70AB1 trunion and asking for help! Does anyone know where I can get a reciever flat for a "straight" stock? I also need the Yugo rear sight assembly, gas block, bolt & carrier and front sight. "Aw heck", I guess I need everything! Anyone know where I can find any of these things short of buying a $400 "under-folder" kit? Willing to do some trading or buying of these things! Your help would be "GREATLY" appreciated! Thanks

[BenC]

Is this the copes barrel with the 3/4 inch diameter or with the 1/2 inch diameter? Does it have fins on it?

If it' the 3/4 inch diameter one you'll need a Yugo M72 parts kit to fit on the barrel as the M70 will not work.

You can pick up most of a kit at http://www.centerfiresystems.com/Y-M70-BBL.aspx

Otherwise https://www.apexgunparts.com/index.p...4h0vhc08dl3r73 has most M70 parts.

Again, check your barrel diameter.

[LX Kid]

Yes BenC it is one of Cope's special "Tabuk" run barrels. It does not have fins and is a stepped barrel. Which part of the barrel are you calling "3/4"? I made the assumption that it was for the M70AB1 straight stock configuration. Barrel dimentions for front trunion is .913, where the rear sight goes is .731 and gas block it's .631 and the front sight is .591 measurements. Thanks

[vladimir]

You would best be finding a Fixed stock yugo with a bad bore . You will need all the parts . Make sure it has no Zastava marking on the rear site base if you want it engraved .Any parts you dont use are easily sold . I would get a NDS receiver and wouldnt mess with a Flat . Getting a real close copy of a Tabuk is alot of labor and time and money .trust me on that .

[vladimir]

Good alternative is the link Ben c gave you .its the whole front end of a yugo .

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/Y-M70-BBL.aspx

If you check with this guy .He makes new yugo fixed stock rear ends .

http://mygunsnorthwest.com/contact.html

That will get you started.

[AKBLUE]

+1 to Vladimir. A NDS 9 receiver is the best $105 you will spend. But you will be spending a fair amount of $$ to build a Tabuk clone. The US fixed stock US trunnions run $85. A guy on AKFORUM had the Tabuk receiver scope rails for $33. Ironwood Tabuk rear stock is $95 plus a buttpad is needed.
I'm doing a mutt Tabuk on the cheaper trail with RPK parts from Romanian and Yugo RPK's on an NDS9. Looks pretty good so far but not a real deal rifle.

[vladimir]

I think my whole cost was near 1100 .00 , but I went all the way with it . It adds up quick .

This is what would need to be done for as close as you can get in addition to a standard build . I did all these steps.

1)Remove all the night sight parts from the front sight and weld up the holes and have machined back to spec.
2) Assemble all the barrel parts onto the new barrel
3) Have a PSL rail welded and machined to as close a copy to the tabuk rail as possible . And have spot welded to the receiver
4) Have the front trunion machined blank and send out for engraving as well as the rear sight block .
5) Have the NDS receiver selector markings welded ove and machined flat .then have engraved with Iraqi markings .
6) buy stockset from Iorn wood designs
7) Buy tabuk flash hider from NDS
8) Find russian dragunov padded cheek rest .
9) Find Saiga 12 or RPK cleaning rod .

[LX Kid]

Thanks Vladimir and BenC. Why do I want the NDS-9 versus the NDS-5? They don't give a picture of the NDS-9, just a description saying they are the same except the NDS-9 does'nt have the top cover locking pin holes. Is that the differance between the M70 vs M72? By the barrel dimentions I listed above can you verify that it is the M72 front end that I need? Thanks

[vladimir]

You need m70 trunion. And the NDS 9 is better because the Tabuk did not use the locking mechanism . It wasnt designed for grenade launching .

[vladimir]

Pics of mine

[LX Kid]

Thanks Vladimir. I'm going to order the M70 front end, NDS-9 reciever and the flash supressor tomorrow. Going to use Brownell's black gun kote and check out that stock adapter you suggested to me a few months ago. I bought two barrels, on that last April run, and will see how this one goes before I build the second barrel up. Don't know that I will go to the extent that you did on your "beautiful" Tabuk but will have a nice looking "Tabuk style" rifle. It will look good up next to my M70 underfolder. Thanks Guys!

[rayman1]

Sounds like you've got quite a project going!

If you're going to go all out, just be aware the barrel on the Iraqi Tabuk DMR is actually 21 3/8 inches long (23.6 inches including the flash hider). When the US-made barrels came out, they went off assumed measurements and made them a couple of inches longer than the actual Tabuk DMR barrels. It's really a minor point but might be a noticeable one if you're going for an "as close as possible" look and if that kind of thing would bug you.

The Iraqi Tabuk DMR rifle project can be quite a little money pit in terms of getting the little things for it, since it's such a unique weapon. One of the things to hunt down is a Yugo M72 (RPK) rear sight leaf.

[vladimir]

Yeah I forgot the RPK rear site . Its easier to find an e german one .you will probably never use the Iorn sites anyway . problem is when you find a RPK rear site they are usualy pricy . I also had the topcover engraved to match .I basicly had a decent serial number on my Yugo kit .I just added the number 4 in front of the original number . That made it nessary to just have the trunion and topcover serialised .then the rest kinda still matches minus the first number .

[vladimir]

Thanks Vladimir. I'm going to order the M70 front end, NDS-9 reciever and the flash supressor tomorrow. Going to use Brownell's black gun kote and check out that stock adapter you suggested to me a few months ago. I bought two barrels, on that last April run, and will see how this one goes before I build the second barrel up. Don't know that I will go to the extent that you did on your "beautiful" Tabuk but will have a nice looking "Tabuk style" rifle. It will look good up next to my M70 underfolder. Thanks Guys!

Mine is blued . Flat oxide . It worked pretty good even where the receiver selector marks were welded over and engraved with Iraqi selector markings .

[LX Kid]

Here's an update of my project. Parts I have found are:
1. 2 / 24" Barrels
2. NDS Reciever
3. Complete "New" front end
4. Yugo pistol grip
5. Extra front trunion
6. Complete trigger guard w/selector stop
7. Tapco trigger group
8. Rivet set
9. 6X42 Russian scope

Parts still needed:
1. RPK rear sight leaf
2. Bolt on stock rear trunion
3. Tabuk stock set
4. Tabuk flash supressor
5. Compliant gas rod
6. Scope rail
7. Rear sling swivel

Ok guys, what else have I forgotton? I'm in about $600 so far and "maybe" about $300 more and I can go shoot those pesky squirrels!

[pwhited]

I was hoping you'd post these again, that's a gorgeous rifle.

Pics of mine

[LX Kid]

Hey Vladimir, how long is your cleaning rod? Is it an RPK cleaning rod? Oooops, just saw something else I'll need. A cheeck rest. Where do I find that? Thanks

[vladimir]

Hey Vladimir, how long is your cleaning rod? Is it an RPK cleaning rod? Oooops, just saw something else I'll need. A cheeck rest. Where do I find that? Thanks

I might have a cleaning rod for you .Gimme a wile to look since I am busy . I think I have an RPK rod . My rod is actualy a Saiga 12 shotgun cleaning rod . I got it from a guy named Tantal . He maay have some more .but let me check my parts first . The cheek rest is from a Dragunov .Thats going to be your biggest challenge .And it works so incredibly well on the rifle .its realy a nessesity item to me . I got mine for a guy that goes by the name of Russeller .Came from russia to great brittia and took almost 3 months to make it to me .

[vladimir]

I was hoping you'd post these again, that's a gorgeous rifle.

Thanks .It is the best rifle in my entire collection . I had it at the range wednesday since it was 60 here in missouri .There was a Iraqi Veteran ,about 25 years old , darn near crapped himself when he saw it .He was convinced it was real . but Said it looked too nice to be Iraqi work ..LOL . I let him shoot it .Made me feel good . I have had some offers on it .I will never part with it . When its my time I will pass it down to my daughter or will it to the VFW post as long as they will display it and keep it in firing condition ,mimus disabling the FCG for display .

[LX Kid]

Thanks Vladimir about the cleaning rod! Maybe a Mosin 91/30 rod would be a good substitute. LX Kid

[vladimir]

PM me .I found the RPK74 rod ,It will work perfect . Same lenght as my Saiga 12 rod .Perfect size .But it has almost no finish left.

[LX Kid]

Hello Vladimir! Your PM box is full and won't accept any more messages! Is'nt the RPK-74 rod a little too skinny? Thanks

[pwhited]

Thanks .It is the best rifle in my entire collection . I had it at the range wednesday since it was 60 here in missouri .There was a Iraqi Veteran ,about 25 years old , darn near crapped himself when he saw it .He was convinced it was real . but Said it looked too nice to be Iraqi work ..LOL . I let him shoot it .Made me feel good . I have had some offers on it .I will never part with it . When its my time I will pass it down to my daughter or will it to the VFW post as long as they will display it and keep it in firing condition ,mimus disabling the FCG for display .

60 degrees, feel my envy? It's 20 here right now and I'm about to head off to the range myself, I have a new (to me) MAK-90 to try out, some 30.06 reloads I need to get back to work on, and a purchased yesterday .357 mag lever action that I HAVE to try out. Can't say I blame you for never parting with the Tabuk, ones like that are rare and the fact that you built it, well hell, that's a labor of love right there without a doubt. Nicest home built I've seen here, bar none...

[vladimir]

Hello Vladimir! Your PM box is full and won't accept any more messages! Is'nt the RPK-74 rod a little too skinny? Thanks

Nope its the same diameter as my saiga 12 rod .

[Fatherandersonthepaladin]

That is one sexy as hell gun Vlad... now you got me missing my old AK...

[LX Kid]

Probably not the best place to ask this question but I'll ask anyhow. I've got a new barrel and want to know if there are any "smarty pants" ideas to ensure that the rear sight block, gas block and front sight get aligned on the barrel before pinning? The extractor cut has already been cut. One guy has said "just draw a straight line down it!" I think something more accurate is required so it will "shoot straight!" One idea I've got is to place barrel at 90 degrees on a flat surface and use a chalked plum line. No I don't have a lathe to index the barrel on. Maybe someone has a link they could share? Thanks

[vladimir]

I chalked it. Then scribed it lightly where I know a part would eventualy cover the scribe mark .And used those as a refrence and checked with a string as I assembled . If your off ever so slightly it doesnt matter as long as it looks good looking down the sight line . Just check ,check abain ,then recheck . Cant be too safe .The other advice I can offer is dont drill and pin anything till your damn sure its cool .I waited till the very end and headspaced and pinned the barrel before I even pinned the parts to the barrel .I then checked handguard fit ,topcover fit and everything .Then I backtracked and pinned the barrel parts and drilled the gas port.

[vladimir]

If you are nervous or worried ,pay to have it done is another option .I know of someone that will do that and headspce the barrel to the trunion . Then its just another kit build . His link is under the thread about pistol builds .he does the same things for pistol builds . Its the same thing except the barrel is longer instead of shorter .A member on ak forum had him do his tabuk barrel . Restorit1 is his web name .

[LX Kid]

Thanks Vladimir! I'm kinda stuborn about doing my own work. I will gather all the information, "and advice," then go for it. Once armed with the knowledge I figure I can do just about anything short of brain surgery. Ha Experience cost a lot and I guess I've had to pay a lot over the years. If it turns out to be a night mare I'll take your advice and have it done. These challages are what makes it fun. Thanks

[vladimir]

Thanks Vladimir! I'm kinda stuborn about doing my own work. I will gather all the information, "and advice," then go for it. Once armed with the knowledge I figure I can do just about anything short of brain surgery. Ha Experience cost a lot and I guess I've had to pay a lot over the years. If it turns out to be a night mare I'll take your advice and have it done. These challages are what makes it fun. Thanks

I did mine .It wasnt bad at all .Just dont getin a hurry .thats where I cause problems for myself . It will go good .mine was by far my best work .

[LX Kid]

For my optics, I think I'm going for the same setup I have on my PSL. Russian mount with weaver scope base. I'm left handed and this mount puts it low and centered over the barrel. The mount that is laying next to the rifle was too high and so I bought the low profile one, which is shown on my rifle. I found that the mount tends to loosen up so I'm going to add a set screw that will tighten into the rail for added stability.

[fingolfen]

On the leaf sight, some people are saying use the Iraqi markings, some people say use the standard numbered markings - I haven't seen a non-blurry pic of the real thing...

I've got a build in progress as well, nearly there on the parts...

http://fingolfen.blogspot.com/2009/0...og-part-1.html

[vladimir]

On the leaf sight, some people are saying use the Iraqi markings, some people say use the standard numbered markings - I haven't seen a non-blurry pic of the real thing...

I've got a build in progress as well, nearly there on the parts...

http://fingolfen.blogspot.com/2009/0...og-part-1.html

The sights are USA numbers . Dont do the Farsi .I did it because mine was an early build . Back then there were so few pictures or reports of the real thing ,it was assumed the sight was in Farsi . But they were wrong .I had my engraving done before the facts about this came out . I personaly like it and have both standard and Farsi numbered sights . I keep the Farsi sights on because they are cool . And I dont use iorn sights anyhow.

[fingolfen]

The sights are USA numbers . Dont do the Farsi .I did it because mine was an early build . Back then there were so few pictures or reports of the real thing ,it was assumed the sight was in Farsi . But they were wrong .I had my engraving done before the facts about this came out . I personaly like it and have both standard and Farsi numbered sights . I keep the Farsi sights on because they are cool . And I dont use iorn sights anyhow.

Got it! Thanks - I'm going to have Angela do the rest of the engraving... any thoughts on serial numbers?

[vladimir]

Got it! Thanks - I'm going to have Angela do the rest of the engraving... any thoughts on serial numbers?

There was some guy claiming to know serial numbers on these on Ak forum . IMHO hes a internet self proclaimed star ..Hes off because I found and have pics of numbers out of his ranges.When I confronted and offered to share info and pics ,he quickly retreated and fell silent . Go with 42xxxxx and a 2003 date and you will be close enough . too few examples are noted to be any more certain .

[fingolfen]

There was some guy claiming to know serial numbers on these on Ak forum . IMHO hes a internet self proclaimed star ..Hes off because I found and have pics of numbers out of his ranges.When I confronted and offered to share info and pics ,he quickly retreated and fell silent . Go with 42xxxxx and a 2003 date and you will be close enough . too few examples are noted to be any more certain .

I've got a pic with a 2002 date and serial number from Dragunov.net - sounds like good advice on going with something in that range...

... so what's this I hear about the U.S. made Tabuk barrels being too long by about 2"???

[vladimir]

I've got a pic with a 2002 date and serial number from Dragunov.net - sounds like good advice on going with something in that range...

... so what's this I hear about the U.S. made Tabuk barrels being too long by about 2"???

I have read only one measurement on the web . When Tabuk barrels were made there was a diffrent measurement .I havent found the time ,since my computer skills suck .But if someone was to take a new green mountain barrel or a pic of a copy like mine .It could be scaled and photostopped next to a pic of an original for compairison .I just scaled it by eye using the handguards and I think that the 2 inch shorter measurement does not seem right . it doesnt look right . I think the 2" longer barrel measurement may be right . Its hard to tell without perhaps scaleing the pics .

[fingolfen]

I have read only one measurement on the web . When Tabuk barrels were made there was a diffrent measurement .I havent found the time ,since my computer skills suck .But if someone was to take a new green mountain barrel or a pic of a copy like mine .It could be scaled and photostopped next to a pic of an original for compairison .I just scaled it by eye using the handguards and I think that the 2 inch shorter measurement does not seem right . it doesnt look right . I think the 2" longer barrel measurement may be right . Its hard to tell without perhaps scaleing the pics .

Here's what I found:

http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=76899

Thoughts?

[rayman1]

Unfortunately, the barrel measurement seems to be true. Since I never measured any while in Iraq, I had a friend do a measurement on one in January 2009 shortly the issue popped-up and it seems the case. TheAKForum member "Jeff21" cleared the issue up quite solidly with some great photos - one of which pretty well sealing the deal on the US barrels being too long and the actual barrel being 21 3/8":




It's really a minor detail for most folks as there's not going to be an absolute 100% clone with these rifles, no matter what you do. If you want to get into particulars, the barrel issue is something like the difference between having a 75% perfect clone as to maybe an 80% perfect clone when you factor in US parts, receiver, etc. Who really cares with such differences. It's a unique enough rifle in its own right. And, as someone pointed out, it gains you some FPS in ballistics which is always good. I tinkered with one in Iraq for a few weeks and personally never liked the way it felt. It just seemed like a bastardization of a few variants of Kalashnikovs and never really satisfied any of them (ammunition of an AK, barrel of a sniper, receiver of an RPK, too long of a magazine for use, etc.). But definately unique.

As mentioned earlier, you're good for using the existing rear sight as-is. The numbers in what we now call European numbers (1, 2, 3,...) is right-on. The Iraqis didn't do their rear sights using what we now call the Arabic-Indic style ( ٠.١.٢.٣) numbers. (Vlad - not "Farsi" as that's Iranian ).

I agree and think you'd also be safe with a 42XXXXX for either 2002 or 2003 (which is probably the most commonly found years for the rifle, it seems). Vlad and a few members on the other site were doing some great number/year collecting and have some good examples (except the "102000 range on a 1998" one that was in question - that's actually an Iraqi Tabuk rifle if you look at part of the photo at the upper handguard where the grenade sight if it's the one on the forum photos).

And for those wanting to do one of these unique builds but finding yourself on the fence due to the interesting "circular hole" type front sight base, no worries. The Iraqi Tabuk DMR was also been manufactured with the "oval hole" pattern, as well, but the "circular hole" seems to be the most commonly seen ones.

[vladimir]

Unfortunately, the barrel measurement seems to be true. Since I never measured any while in Iraq, I had a friend do a measurement on one in January 2009 shortly the issue popped-up and it seems the case. TheAKForum member "Jeff21" cleared the issue up quite solidly with some great photos - one of which pretty well sealing the deal on the US barrels being too long and the actual barrel being 21 3/8":




It's really a minor detail for most folks as there's not going to be an absolute 100% clone with these rifles, no matter what you do. If you want to get into particulars, the barrel issue is something like the difference between having a 75% perfect clone as to maybe an 80% perfect clone when you factor in US parts, receiver, etc. Who really cares with such differences. It's a unique enough rifle in its own right. And, as someone pointed out, it gains you some FPS in ballistics which is always good. I tinkered with one in Iraq for a few weeks and personally never liked the way it felt. It just seemed like a bastardization of a few variants of Kalashnikovs and never really satisfied any of them (ammunition of an AK, barrel of a sniper, receiver of an RPK, too long of a magazine for use, etc.). But definately unique.

As mentioned earlier, you're good for using the existing rear sight as-is. The numbers in what we now call European numbers (1, 2, 3,...) is right-on. The Iraqis didn't do their rear sights using what we now call the Arabic-Indic style ( ٠.١.٢.٣) numbers. (Vlad - not "Farsi" as that's Iranian ).

I agree and think you'd also be safe with a 42XXXXX for either 2002 or 2003 (which is probably the most commonly found years for the rifle, it seems). Vlad and a few members on the other site were doing some great number/year collecting and have some good examples (except the "102000 range on a 1998" one that was in question - that's actually an Iraqi Tabuk rifle if you look at part of the photo at the upper handguard where the grenade sight if it's the one on the forum photos).

And for those wanting to do one of these unique builds but finding yourself on the fence due to the interesting "circular hole" type front sight base, no worries. The Iraqi Tabuk DMR was also been manufactured with the "oval hole" pattern, as well, but the "circular hole" seems to be the most commonly seen ones.

Good pic .IMHO its not worth shortning the barrel . I still have some more numbers here someplace ,My nephew still collects them as he gets them .I will post some when I can compile them . There are some oddballs indicating they probably mixed parts or upgraded some older rifles to Tabuks .I have a few out of serial ranges. he is supposed to get me some pics but they will not allow them to be sent from where he is . He will try when he is moved . I may soon be getting a closer look myself .I may very well take a job in Iraq since theres no work here for journeyman electricians and the money is very lucrative . I prefer Kuwait ,but well see.

[rayman1]

Good luck on your job over there. Lots of folks go there and take jobs with KBR, etc. Unfortunately at this time over there, you probably won't be anywhere near any AK's unless you're US military and you're going on patrols or dealing with the brought-back ones to a FOB, camp, etc. from a patrol before those weapons are given a loud, quick death. I always tried to let some of the folks that never left the wire enjoy some photo time with stuff so they'd have a photographic souvenir of themselves with something. Here's a few old photos (forgive the "backout" - folks in the photos probably wouldn't want their photos/uniform plastered on the internet):





When time permitted, I'd occasionally bring an RPG-7 or two, an RPK, various AK's, a PKM, and a short chrome AK or whatever we found that was interesting or different to Base Ops, Finance, Battalion, KBR folks that were interested, etc. and I'd give a quick area threat assessment briefing using them as props. But mainly it was so they could take photos of themselves with the stuff as it was near to impossible for them to see "enemy weapons" otherwise. Particularly any civilians over there as their contracting companies are extremely adamant about having nothing to do with weapons - being around such things and especially possessing them. And that's pretty much all of them - KBR, Stanley, L3, etc. And, depending where you go, you may be somewhat around soldiers (small FOB somewhere) or quite removed from anything where you really never hear a shot (Camp Victory/BIAP). But these days, some of the smaller FOB's and patrol bases are going away and they're going with a different concept which makes even seeing an AK for non-military practically impossible.

Should you decide to go, give me a shout and I'd be happy to square you away with any info I can.

[vladimir]

Good luck on your job over there. Lots of folks go there and take jobs with KBR, etc. Unfortunately at this time over there, you probably won't be anywhere near any AK's unless you're US military and you're going on patrols or dealing with the brought-back ones to a FOB, camp, etc. from a patrol before those weapons are given a loud, quick death. I always tried to let some of the folks that never left the wire enjoy some photo time with stuff so they'd have a photographic souvenir of themselves with something. Here's a few old photos (forgive the "backout" - folks in the photos probably wouldn't want their photos/uniform plastered on the internet):





When time permitted, I'd occasionally bring an RPG-7 or two, an RPK, various AK's, a PKM, and a short chrome AK or whatever we found that was interesting or different to Base Ops, Finance, Battalion, KBR folks that were interested, etc. and I'd give a quick area threat assessment briefing using them as props. But mainly it was so they could take photos of themselves with the stuff as it was near to impossible for them to see "enemy weapons" otherwise. Particularly any civilians over there as their contracting companies are extremely adamant about having nothing to do with weapons - being around such things and especially possessing them. And that's pretty much all of them - KBR, Stanley, L3, etc. And, depending where you go, you may be somewhat around soldiers (small FOB somewhere) or quite removed from anything where you really never hear a shot (Camp Victory/BIAP). But these days, some of the smaller FOB's and patrol bases are going away and they're going with a different concept which makes even seeing an AK for non-military practically impossible.

Should you decide to go, give me a shout and I'd be happy to square you away with any info I can.

Talking to KBR ,looks like they are not taking alot of work since a pullout is imminent .My friend that went there as an electrician for KBR said sometimes they have private companys protect their asses if they get out into the feild .

[vladimir]

Good luck on your job over there. Lots of folks go there and take jobs with KBR, etc. Unfortunately at this time over there, you probably won't be anywhere near any AK's unless you're US military and you're going on patrols or dealing with the brought-back ones to a FOB, camp, etc. from a patrol before those weapons are given a loud, quick death. I always tried to let some of the folks that never left the wire enjoy some photo time with stuff so they'd have a photographic souvenir of themselves with something. Here's a few old photos (forgive the "backout" - folks in the photos probably wouldn't want their photos/uniform plastered on the internet):





When time permitted, I'd occasionally bring an RPG-7 or two, an RPK, various AK's, a PKM, and a short chrome AK or whatever we found that was interesting or different to Base Ops, Finance, Battalion, KBR folks that were interested, etc. and I'd give a quick area threat assessment briefing using them as props. But mainly it was so they could take photos of themselves with the stuff as it was near to impossible for them to see "enemy weapons" otherwise. Particularly any civilians over there as their contracting companies are extremely adamant about having nothing to do with weapons - being around such things and especially possessing them. And that's pretty much all of them - KBR, Stanley, L3, etc. And, depending where you go, you may be somewhat around soldiers (small FOB somewhere) or quite removed from anything where you really never hear a shot (Camp Victory/BIAP). But these days, some of the smaller FOB's and patrol bases are going away and they're going with a different concept which makes even seeing an AK for non-military practically impossible.

Should you decide to go, give me a shout and I'd be happy to square you away with any info I can.

Talking to KBR ,looks like they are not taking alot of work since a pullout is imminent .My friend that went there as an electrician for KBR said sometimes they have private companys protect their asses if they get out into the feild . My only fear is getting shot at wile up on a pole ,when your up there theres not alot of options .

[LX Kid]

Are you allowed to mail back handguards, stocks, action covers and the like? I sure would like to get hold of some unusual spares!

[rayman1]

You cannot mail back any weapon-related accessory as per General Order #1. This also applies to any M16/M4, etc. accessories you may have brought over or even had mailed to you in Iraq. If it's part of your gear, you hand carry it (in carry bag) with you. If it's not, it does not leave Iraq. Bayonets are OK so far as long as they have a sheath but even that is at the discretion of the unit/installation commander at some units/installations. Parts are very much not allowed to be sent home. Between the 100% inspection of your packages at the FOB/camp post office by the postal clerks, the US Navy Customs' dogs sniffing everything, and the several X-ray inspections of all packages leaving Theater and arriving in the US, it's a pretty risky move and the punishment can be quite severe nowadays. A ruined military career is not worth a $10 magazine or a $20 set of handguards. There's quite an involved, detailed process involved to ensure Joe or anyone using the postal system there doesn't send back anything dangerous or not through the mail.