Modify Anti-Reversal Latch: A Mixed Bag

Since it’s Mundane Monday, I’ll take some brief time to cover an internal “upgrade” part I’ve been futzing with for a few weeks now: the Modify Anti-Reversal Latch.

I actually received this part by accident (thanks Evike!), as it’s not one I would typically order. Generally speaking, anti-reversal latches are something that simply drops into your gearbox and wham-o! You’re done. With this particular AR latch, however, I have found it to be the rather inglorious exception to that rule.

But first: what sets this anti-reversal latch apart from the myriad others out there? To start with, this latch has a ‘captured’ spring that is held in place with an E-clip. It also has a slotted shaft designed to allow you to release the latch via a screwdriver for ease of takedown. It’s also reputedly heat treated for extra strength. These are all great ideas, and if they actually worked then this would be an amazing anti-reversal latch.
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VFC SCAR H with Retro Arms Gearbox Conversion

One of the really cool things about dropping a Retro Arms gearbox into a VFC SCAR receiver is that with a couple of small modifications you can have a true quick-change spring with ZERO removal of the gearbox required.

Installing the Retro Arms CNC gearbox shell requires a modification to the lower receiver to allow it to sit level – basically the removal of about a 1/2″ of polymer material (a “shelf” if you will) from inside the magazine well.

I ultimately decided not to drop a MOSFET into this gearbox since I wanted to retain the ability to remove the lower and not have any ugly wires snaking through the buttstock hinge area (which also creates a potential pinch point). So I removed all of the stock wiring harness, as well as gutted the wiring from the buttstock and ditched the fuse. I rewired the entire thing with 16 gauge Deans ultra-wire and reused the VFC contact pins and electrical contact hardware in the stock. Overall it makes for a really clean look; and coupled with the high speed gearset and the Systema Magnum motor it has excellent trigger response.  Continue reading “VFC SCAR H with Retro Arms Gearbox Conversion”