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What's new?
Well, it's been real, but I no longer have a bullpup M14...I sold my modified #1Rogue
stock to a friend the other day... he will continue the evolution that I started.

I removed the barreled action and set it aside for use in the new
M14.CA Blackfeather Rifle Stock that's heading my way from Canada.

Modifications & Upgrades to the Rogue conversion kit
I hope that you can benefit from my experience...

I understand that it's an odd niche that would ever consider converting an M14/M1A into a bullpup.
My experiences with this chassis could help you and that is why I share the following information.


Configurations that I have tried since receiving my Rogue chassis July 2011
 I've been told that mine is the very 1st production model ~ #1Rogue

* * * * *

I have used the Mod 1 type SEI barreled action in this chassis, it has a light weight 18" barrel.
I have used the Mod 0 type SEI barreled action in this chassis, it has a sub MOA medium heavy weight 18" barrel.
* The overall length of any 18.0" barreled action equipped with a DC Vortex is 28.25" in this chassis.

I then tried the CQB-16 barreled action that SEI built for me earlier this year is now in my bullpup M14 chassis.
* The overall length of any 16.25" barrel equipped with a DC Vortex or Comp is 27.75" in this chassis.

I reinstalled the 18.0" Mk14 Mod 1 standard weight barreled action into the
bullpup chassis so that I meet & exceed all Federal rules concerning minimum length.

The 29" Blackhawk Homeland Security Discreet Case and 7.62mm
hook & loop 3 mag shingle that I purchased separately are perfect.

* * * * *

Modifications/Upgrades:

My first modification:

Within minutes of handling the chassis for the 1st time I noticed a problem with
the trigger pad JTac uses, the sharp bottom edge stabbed my trigger finger.
I used the outline of my EBR trigger shoe and re-shaped the bottom of the trigger pad with a hand file.


The next modifications:

After I addressed the trigger pad I focused my attention on mag changes.

I had a SADLAK tactical mag release installed.
Reaching back and behind the mag body to release the mag is
much easier with the SADLAK part - I've determined that this is must have item.

The original pistol grip is OK, but I replaced it with a Magpul MIAD.
I have large hands and the grip change provides me with
additional room to rock the mags in and out of the receiver.
This is a wise change especially if you plan to use the X-14 drum mag.

I have tried the Magpul AFG, Grip-pod, Tango down and Atlas bipods.
I then tried the RFG from Magpul an it's a keeper.


More changes:

Sling mounts and sling:

BDS Enhanced Dual Sling attached to the Magpul RSA and MSA.
Substantial cutom fitting was required to install the MSA.

 
Left side charging handle:

Once installed, I concluded that the left side charging handle
is also a must have item for the M14 Bullpup conversion.



Note the SAGE proprietary op rod guide block, I modified the chassis so that I can move
barreled action in and out of my SAGE EBRs and in and out of the bullpup chassis easily.

Current optics in use:

Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR/T in SEI'S TALL wire EDM rings on a LaRue Tactical LT608 with Gen II Magpul MBUS

 I tried an offset MRDS... it was a total waste of time
 on this chassis, but it is awesome on my SAGE EBRs.

More changes:

JTach 2" Recoil pad extension with built-in Mono pod rail pictured on the left.
This is an excellent accesory if you want a mono pod ... it weighs 14 ounces.

Let the buyer beware

The Rogue conversion kit is an interesting option for a few owners of the M14/M1A rifle.
The kit attempts to transform the M1A rifle into a multi-purpose, SHTF CQB/Snipers Hide rifle.
It's bullpup configuration attempts to do this by moving the rifle action 11.75 inches closer to the users body.
This may look good on paper, but the design ends up transforming a once well balanced rifle
with good, user friendly ergonomics into a bulky and heavy unbalanced tail dragging rifle with
slow & problematic mag changes. The Rogue bullpup is not user friendly to left handed shooters.

Update: JTactical finally took my advice and reduced the weight of their 2nd generation Rogue conversion kit.
Unfortunately they only reduced it by a few ounces (less than a pound) - not enough to make a meaningful difference.
The 2nd generation Rogue conversion kit is still more than a pound HEAVIER than a SAGE Mod 1 stock.

Bottom line

IMHO, the 2nd generation Rogue conversion kit isn't terrible and it may be worthy of your consideration.

At this time, the ROGUE bullpup conversion, in my opinion, may be a decent range toy set-up,
but it has no place in a working rifle role, the SAGE EBR is a better choice for this role.

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