Sorry about not getting back earlier.
Changed the GI birdcage to a VG6 Epsilon brake. It works great, serious control. But it made the gun hard to get in and out of the storage location. One negative to fixed stocks. But I really like the A1 fixed stock for shooting.
Added a bipod. Too much weight out front (18″ barrel) to be quick and dynamic. And it hangs up on stuff. Had to relocate the sling so its basically just a carry strap, not as useful as a proper sling.
Remounted the hunting scope. Its large and heavy enough to really limit what the rifle can be used for. Short range use is limited. I was actually running plain iron sights on the gun for defense since it was built. How much magnification do you need at 10y?
For about a year and a half, I had this set up with my favorite fighting rifle features, changing to hunting rifle configuration ruined many of the good features, at least temporarily.
What is possibly worse, my son fell in love with this version. So a deal was struck, I traded him the entire upper, with the return of a couple of parts when he gets those he wants. Like a free float handguard.
So I will be assembling another upper in the same basic form, minus the hunting modifications.
NiBo bolt carrier group, flattop upper without the forward assist, YHM folding front and rear sights, rifle length gas system, A1 handguard until I get the other back, and I’m debating between the 18″ and 20″ barrels. It will probably come down to what is available when I make the order to which I go with.