MW2 M4A1 ‘Burgertown’
The Story
Ente has always been a firearms enthusiast and interested in history, especially World War I, World War II and The Vietnam War. Ever since he first saw the iconic profile of the M4A1 he wanted one of his own.
Spc. Nicholas Haney, from the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, on patrol.
December 8th 2005
Mosul - Iraq
Paratrooper of 82nd Airborne Division's Company B , 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment providing security for a meeting between Gen. John Abizaid, commander of the U.S. Central Command, and the Al Fallujah Council.
February 20th 2004
Fallujah - Iraq
Why build one?
Well first of all, cost. An actual M4A1 can cost a pretty penny. Ente built his for less than $1,000 USD with new & reproduction parts.
(Tools not included in that price.)
Ente enjoyed the M4A1 in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and that was the first time he played a Call of Duty game, it was Thanksgiving 2009. Ente went to his Aunt's home for a Family Thanksgiving dinner, while the Adults were getting things set up and food was being prepared for serving, him and his cousins played Modern Warfare 2 Special Ops Missions on their PlayStation 3 while waiting for food.
Ente was enamored with the game, he grew up playing games like Super Mario Bros. on the NES, Donkey Kong Country on the Super Nintendo, Pokémon on the GameBoy, Star Fox 64 on the Nintendo 64, Sonic The Hedgehog on the Sega Genesis, Guitar Hero and Grand Theft Auto on the PlayStation 2, etc. He had never seen a game like this before, realistic graphics, first person shooter with military lingo, operations, and gear. He had Family that served in the Navy & National Guard and was always curious about the military after watching tons of documentaries on the History Channel.
Since that day he wanted an Xbox 360 and when the next Call of Duty, Black Ops came out he fell in love with the gritty Vietnam era story and clandestine operations covered in the game. He still Plays Call of Duty to this day on his PC and has expanded to games like Counter-Strike, Splitgate, Battlefield, and PUBG. Black Ops 6 is pretty good in his opinion but he dislikes all the colorful costumes and Fortnite style emotes and characters.(Ente did play Fortnite at release and through Chapter 2 Season 3, he likes Fortnite but dislikes all the games trying to emulate it.)
Ente saw a few clone or tribute builds on reddit of the 2009 Modern Warfare 2 M4A1 and decided it would be fun to build. After all he started with MW2 and it would be somewhat sentimental to him for the memories.
How did he do it?
Building the M4A1 was quite easy when it came to sourcing parts as they are still prolific and the rifle is still in service today. He went to Palmetto State Armory and was looking for parts for his Retro Builds when an M4A1 parts kit popped up in the feed. He figured it was so affordable why not buy it and toss it on the shelf for another build one day. Coincidentally he was browsing reddit not long after in the r/AR15 subreddit and came across KomradeKrycek's post where he built a Modern Warfare 2 2009 M4A1 and a Modern Warfare II 2022 M4. Then it clicked, why not use the kit laying on the shelf and build the MW2 2009 rifle? So after that he went looking for parts that would compliment the build and get it looking close to the in-game rifle.
Ente picked up an Anderson Manufacturing Stripped Lower Receiver from someone local who was selling it after not building a rifle, he got it new in box for about retail price. He then went to Midwest Industries for a Quad Rail Handguard.
Ente went to Knight's Armament Company for the 'Broomstick' forward grip. After that he went to ModArmory to source surplus KAC Rail Covers as they weren't available in the size he wanted on KAC's website, you need two small ones side by side on the left and right side to get the MW2 look.
Ente went to Magpul to get an MBUS Rear Flip Up Sight and sourced a Holosun HE510C Red Dot Sight as it matched the Red Dot in the game the closest without breaking the bank.
Finally after sourcing all the components he disassembled the M4 Stock and had an Extra A1 Grip laying around as the in game rifle had one (Ente also finds the A1 Grip much more comfortable.) and pulled the retaining clips from the Rail Covers. With the Stock, Lower receiver, Grip and Rail Covers ready he took them to a local custom shop to have them Cerakoted. Ente looked into doing it himself however decided against it, professional cerakoting would look better.
Once he got the coated parts back he laid the parts out on the bench and got to work.
After it was completed he used headspace gauges to check the chamber clearance to ensure the rifle was safe to operate.
Accessories
Ente sourced a barrel mount Laser Sight similar to the one in game and got a Magpul MS1 Ranger Coyote Two-Point Rifle sling to use while carrying the rifle during training drills.
After a few months of research, careful planning, sourcing parts and tools, the build was finished.
A list of parts and tools used can be found below. For those who want to build their own M4A1.
Thank you for reading if you made it this far!
-Ente & Maltz
Founders of Functional Reserve Militia
Parts:
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Parts Kit
PSA 16" M4 Carbine Freedom Rifle Kit
Since its inception, Palmetto State Armory has focused on providing the best quality AR-15 parts and accessories for the best price possible. Following year after year of exponential growth, Palmetto State Armory’s core principle remains the same, and our commitment to freedom before profit remains unwavering.
Product Made in USA
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Lower Receiver
Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 Lower Receiver Stripped.
Excellence in manufacturing is a status many companies in the firearms industry aspire to achieve yet few can attain with confidence. At Anderson Manufacturing, quality is our cornerstone and has been for almost 70 years.
Product Made in USA
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Handguard
Midwest Industries Carbine Length Handguard
Midwest Industries was founded in 2003 by two partners in the precision machining industry, united by a lifelong belief in American-made products, American values, and the second amendment. Since the company was founded, their goal has been to provide high-quality parts with innovative features at a price point that is attractive for all levels of income.
Product Made in USA
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Magazine
Brownells 30 Round Aluminum Magazine
In the 1920s and 1930s, Bob Brownell was a middle-America businessman who owned and managed a gas station and sandwich shop in his small hometown, Montezuma, Iowa. In his free time, Bob was a devoted shooter and outdoorsman who enjoyed repairing and customizing firearms. He started by working on his own guns, but news of his talent spread quickly and he soon began accepting jobs from friends. In 1973, Brownells moved into its first purpose-built facility, where it remains today. As the company continued on its path of success, the new building had been expanded twice by 1980.
Product Made in USA
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Rail Cover
Knight's Armament Company Rail Cover
Knight's Armament Company is an American firearms and firearms parts manufacturer, known for producing the Rail Interface System and the Rail Adapter System grips for firearms use. The United States military, as well as other special forces and police around the world, use KAC RIS/RAS conversions for many popular firearms.
Product Made in USA
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Foregrip
Knight’s Armament Company Broomstick Foregrip
Knight's Armament Company is an American firearms and firearms parts manufacturer, known for producing the Rail Interface System and the Rail Adapter System grips for firearms use. The United States military, as well as other special forces and police around the world, use KAC RIS/RAS conversions for many popular firearms.
Product Made in USA
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Rear Sight
Magpul MBUS 3 Rear Sight
Our name comes from our original product, the Magpul, which aids in the reloading of mags during combat. Founded by a Marine in 1999.
Product Made in USA
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Optic
Holosun HE510C Red Dot
Since 2013, Holosun has been committed to creating innovative optic and laser/IR technologies for a broad range of shooting and hunting needs. Today, Holosun is at the forefront of developing new features including innovations such as; up to 100,000 hour battery life, Solar Failsafe technology, the signature Multi-Reticle System, and much more. Holosun is the industry leader in bringing feature-rich, high-quality products at a рrice that won't leave you stranded for ammo money.
United States based company
Product Made in China
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Sling
Magpul MS1 Sling in Coyote
Their name comes from their original product, the Magpul, which aids in the reloading of mags during combat. Founded by a Marine in 1999.
Product Made in USA
Recommended Tools:
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Upper Reciever Rod
Midwest Industries Upper Reciever Rod
Midwest Industries was founded in 2003 by two partners in the precision machining industry, united by a lifelong belief in American-made products, American values, and the second amendment. Since the company was founded, their goal has been to provide high-quality parts with innovative features at a price point that is attractive for all levels of income.
Product Made in USA
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Handguard Tool
Midwest Industries Handguard Removal Tool
Midwest Industries was founded in 2003 by two partners in the precision machining industry, united by a lifelong belief in American-made products, American values, and the second amendment. Since the company was founded, their goal has been to provide high-quality parts with innovative features at a price point that is attractive for all levels of income.
Product Made in USA
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Vise Block
Pro Mag Lower Receiver Magazine Well Vise Block
Dedicated to only turning out superior products for dependable performance has held true since their conception. In fact, ProMag is one of the leading manufacturers of handgun magazines in the world.
Product Made in USA
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Armorer's Wrench
Magpul Armorer's Wrench
Our name comes from our original product, the Magpul, which aids in the reloading of mags during combat. Founded by a Marine in 1999.
Product Made in USA
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Pin Punch Set
W Wiregear Pin Punch Set
W Wiregear is a brand that makes tools for installing and adjusting handgun sights. Their products include sight tools and pin punch sets.
Product Made in USA
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Pin Starter Punch Set
Wheeler Engineering Pin Starter Punch Set
For over two decades, Wheeler has consistently provided rugged, high-quality tools and accessories that the pros use, to build and maintain firearms. Each product reflects our history of innovation, ensuring that our tools will last a lifetime. We are known for our unwavering commitment to providing tools that are made to build and built to last.
Product Made in USA
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Center Punch Set
WHLLING Center Punch Set
Established in 2016, WHILLING have done offline business operation for many years, their company is dedicated to hand tools, crafts & equipment.
Product Made in China
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Takedown Pin Install Tool
WHILLING Takedown Pin Install Tool
Established in 2016, WHILLING have done offline business operation for many years, their company is dedicated to hand tools, crafts & equipment.
Product Made in China
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Headspace Gauges
Forster Products 5.56 Headspace Gauges
Forster Products has been making some of the world's most popular precision reloading and gunsmithing tools for over 80 years.
Product Made in USA
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Hex Key
Eklind Tool 3/16" Hex T-Handle Wrench
Founded in 1923, Eklind Tool Company is your complete source for the highest quality, professional grade tools.
Product Made in USA
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Snap Ring Pliers
SK Snap Ring Pliers
An american brand, since 1914. Innovating for American Professionals since day one. High quality precision-crafted tools. We continue or commitment to quality innovation for the world's toughest professionals. Tools that work as hard as you do.
Product Made in USA
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Building/Cleaning Mat
2F22E Building/Cleaning Mat
The pattern on the work cleaning mat is very clear, including complex disassembly steps and details. Experience Ultimate Convenience! This cleaning pad is made from eco-friendly, resilient materials, ensuring a scratch-free, durable surface for safe and effective maintenance.
Product Made in China
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Rifle Builder's Manual
AR-15 Rifle Builder's Manual
Rob spent his professional writing career as the editor of several national automotive, off-road and outdoor magazines (including Mustang Monthly, Mustang Enthusiast, Jp, J Rations and Heartland USA), and as a freelance writer, columnist (Guns & Ammo, Petersen's Hunting and Outdoor Life) and photographer.
Product Made in USA
Extras:
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Cerakote
Desert Sand Cerakote
Founded over 35 years ago, NIC Industries Inc.'s vision was to manufacture coating products that would truly have a global impact. NIC now manufactures industry-leading coatings that are distributed and sold in nearly 90 countries around the world.
Product Made in USA
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Pistol Grip Plug
MLLL Pistol Grip Plug
Plug has special cavity for storing CR2023 battery and small Allen wrench. You can also store larger battery for your electronic optics, or any smaller object you will need to have quickly accessible. This plug will also prevent dirt from entering the grip. This plug should fit snugly any fits standard A1 or A2 grip. The plug prevents debris from lodging in the cavity of the grip and functions as a shock absorbing pad to protect the when setting the down on hard surfaces.
Product Made in USA
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Laser Sight
CTOptic Rifle Barrel Mount Laser Sight
Product Origin Unknown
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Threadlocker
Permatex Orange High Strength Removable Threadlocker
Orange Thread locker can be removed with hand tools and does not require heating to achieve removal
Permatex Orange Thread locker ensures that pieces will not loosen or back out over time. 3X the strength of Blue Thread locker, Ideal for High Vibration Applications. Use for: Automobiles, Motorcycles, Heavy Equipment, Marine and Industrial Applications
Product Made in USA
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Adhesive Ceramic Cement
Rocksett
Popular for muzzle brakes / recoil compensators and suppressors, Keeps assemblies from vibrating loose. Electrical insulation - for both A.C. and D.C. up to 20 Radio MHz. Non-Toxic - odorless - non-flammable - Long Shelf life. Stands with oil, fuels, acids and alkalis. No Mixing or priming required.
Product Made in USA
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Speed Loaders
Military Speed Loader Stripper Clips
Devil Dog Depot provides high-quality Marine Corps products and outstanding service to our brothers and sisters across the nation and around the world. Their Mission is to provide our customers with an excellent selection of USMC products, fast shipping, competitive prices and our signature 5-Star customer service.
Product Made in USA -
Cleaning Kit
Military M16//M4 Cleaning Kit
Devil Dog Depot provides high-quality Marine Corps products and outstanding service to our brothers and sisters across the nation and around the world. Their Mission is to provide our customers with an excellent selection of USMC products, fast shipping, competitive prices and our signature 5-Star customer service.
Product Made in USA -
Gas Tube Cleaners
16″ Gas Tube Cleaners for M16/M4
Devil Dog Depot provides high-quality Marine Corps products and outstanding service to our brothers and sisters across the nation and around the world. Their Mission is to provide our customers with an excellent selection of USMC products, fast shipping, competitive prices and our signature 5-Star customer service.
Product Made in USA
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