Give me some ideas

[FortTom]

I've got a line on a super deal for a complete BCM lower assembly, new in box. I was thinking of picking it up this weekend, if the deal goes through. Problem is, I don't have a clue what to do with it, as far as a complete rifle. My last project was for a rifle that I had thought about for a long time, a sturdy but light 5lb. camo'd rifle. Missed it by 2 oz. Was happy with that. But I've got a safe full of 5.56 rifles, and I'm getting bored with those. I'm hoping someone can come up with something new and exciting. But....here's the things I don't want.

No NFA stuff, period. I love shooting suppressed rifles, but they do have their drawbacks. Long story short, I did the dance with NFA and it was just a plain nightmare for me, and I also felt like that stuff belonged to the ATF and I had to ask "daddy" ATF, what, where and when I could have something. Getting rid of it was a nightmare too. Not knocking other's choice to own that kind of thing, but just not for me. So that eliminates SBR's, Suppressors, etc.

So a pinned 14.5 or 16, it is.

Caliber. A couple of years or three ago, if you didn't have a 300 BLK piston operated weapon, around here, anyway, you just weren't cool. I rarely see people buying or talking or shooting piston kits, or really even 300 BLK's. I don't know if it's regional or not, but in my circles you can't even give one away. I've read thread after thread here and on other forums that discuss the 300, and ammo around here is plentiful. But after all I've read, I'm not convinced they are the Hogzilla killers people think they are. This coming from a guy that used to hunt hogs with some heavy duty stuff to put pissed off hogs down where the stand. Plus I'm not hunting hogs anymore, due to logistics with storing and sharing the meat. I'm not even sure as to their effectiveness against bad guys. In short, people go back and forth on the subject, and I end up with more questions than answers.

I posted a question about a 458 SOCOM here quite a while ago, and it didn't raise much excitement either. I also don't want to pay 50 bucks a box for ammo.

As far as caliber goes, though, I'm open minded, but would definitely want a reason, such as a real performance gain over 5.56. But with easily found ammo that won't go out of style in a couple of years.

Sorry for the length of this, and I may have eliminated every option I have, but I'm hoping someone has a light bulb go off in their head and make recommendation I could use. Please, if you recommend a certain thing over another, explain why.

Thanks ahead,

FT

[UWone77]

Did I read this right?

FT is building another gun? [:D]

The NFA processes is much easier than you think. Don't let your one bad experience taint you.

Having said that, I vote 10.5" with a SB Tactical Brace.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Having said that, I vote 10.5" with a SB Tactical Brace.

Been thinking about a pistol.

What do you think SB brace vs Shockwave blade?

[FortTom]

Did I read this right?

FT is building another gun? [:D]



Yeah, I was waiting for that. Hope you had a good chuckle, chuckle head.....

[UWone77]

Been thinking about a pistol.

What do you think SB brace vs Shockwave blade?

The Brace is just more comfortable and more shoulderable... I guess that's not the intent, but the new generation of braces just throws up the bird to the ATF. I don't have a problem with it. The Blade has it's positives, cost being the most obvious one, but I really like the SB Tactical 3 position PDW brace for what it is. A nice side step to the NFA with minimal compromise.


Yeah, I was waiting for that. Hope you had a good chuckle, chuckle head.....

We always hope it's the last build, but sometimes shit just drops in our lap, or we get the itch. I just knew it would happen !

[alamo5000]

Did I read this right?

FT is building another gun? [:D]


This is his last LAST one. No seriously. He means it. ;)

[FortTom]

How about this. A 14.5 with a pinned comp in 300 BLK using 125 grain (or something close) factory ammo. Due to logistics problem (temp) lost access to shop, I'd like to order from someone who can sell the parts and assemble the thing with the components I choose. Went to Raineer arms but all I could find in 14.5 was one $425 barrel. How would that round/barrel length work? Could it serve as both a paper puncher, and CLEANLY take down a deer out to say...125 yards?

FT[:D]

[FortTom]

This is his last LAST one. No seriously. He means it. ;)

Why doesn't everyone just get together and have a group laugh on me, and get it over with.[:D]

[Aragorn]

How about this. A 14.5 with a pinned comp in 300 BLK using 125 grain (or something close) factory ammo. Due to logistics problem (temp) lost access to shop, I'd like to order from someone who can sell the parts and assemble the thing with the components I choose. Went to Raineer arms but all I could find in 14.5 was one $425 barrel. How would that round/barrel length work? Could it serve as both a paper puncher, and CLEANLY take down a deer out to say...125 yards?

FT[:D]

That would come down to ammo. I've got Barnes VOR-TX rounds in my 8.2" blackout that, if I could place the shot well enough (it's a tiny gun with a red dot) I would trust to drop one cleanly at 300y. Those VOR-TX rounds are not effing around.

My barrel came from Ballistic advantage. They have one in 14.5" as well.

https://ballisticadvantage.com/14-5-inch-300-blackout-pistol-length-barrel-modern-series.html

Actually they sell uppers and everything. I'd imagine you could call them up have have them build one out for you.

[fledge]

At this point, I think 300blk is of no advantage but for short barrel suppressed.

If I was in your shoes, I’d look hard at the 6.8spc. Great all-around caliber for defense and hunting and adds something new to your stable. Plus, it’s the parent case for the Valkyrie which you may end up falling into on the next deal you find.

[UWone77]

At this point, I think 300blk is of no advantage but for short barrel suppressed.



This.

No reason to go with 14.5 or 16 if you're going to go 300 BLK. No suppressor? I wouldn't do 300.

FT, you have plenty of 16" + guns. I'd go short. Let this one be a toy, the braces have come a long way.

[alamo5000]

I just got into 300 BLK myself, kind of on a whim. Basically I just built an upper.

While I understand the sentiment about suppression (BELIEVE ME, I do) if one's goal is to have a short to medium range hunting rig 300 BLK with light supers (say 125gr) is definitely not joking around. At 100 to 200 yards bambi does not stand a chance. Of course a lot of that comes down to terrain and bullet selection. Where I live because it's so heavily forested if you get a 200 yard shot on a deer people are in the "holy cow" zone.

That said you can wring out that same performance out of a 9" barrel. 16" inch, sure, whatever, but you won't gain a lot going longer with that caliber.

300 BLK is probably the most diverse gun calibers out there as far as capabilities go. You can go ninja quiet or you can go supersonic with light stuff all the way up to heavies.

If you insist on 300 BLK, I think honestly it's definitely not a bad round, especially for limited engagement distances. Inside 200 yards with supersonic ammo anything white tail size and smaller will be screwed.

I am kind of with Uwone on this one. Go with a 9" or something like that and put a brace on it. Run 100% supers 100% of the time since you aren't into NFA. Don't even bother chasing around heavy or subsonic ammo. A gun like that will give you an entirely different feel. You can hunt with a red dot and those short packaged guns are very addictive.

Terminal ballistics wise, if you shot a deer at 200 yards with a 300 BLK with supersonic ammo, it would have roughly the same 'f'ing up the animal power' as shooting the same bullet out of a 18 inch .308 at roughly 300 yards. A .308 will definitely kill bambi at 300 yards and 300 BLK will do the same damage at 200 yards and within, generally even out of short barrels.

[Former11B]

At this point, I think 300blk is of no advantage but for short barrel suppressed.

If I was in your shoes, I’d look hard at the 6.8spc. Great all-around caliber for defense and hunting and adds something new to your stable. Plus, it’s the parent case for the Valkyrie which you may end up falling into on the next deal you find.

Yup. If you’re looking at 300BLK for 16” supers, switch gears and go 6.8SPC or 7.62x39. The x39 ballistics are very similar to 300BLK (super) and Ammo is way cheaper and sure as hell not going anywhere


Then there’s always 22 Nosler or 224Valkyrie but I’m even having reservations about Valkyrie. I think 90gr bullets are still too much for it. Proven bullets in .224 being 77gr TMK or 80gr ELD at a substantial velocity boost

[FortTom]

Yup. If you’re looking at 300BLK for 16” supers, switch gears and go 6.8SPC or 7.62x39. The x39 ballistics are very similar to 300BLK (super) and Ammo is way cheaper and sure as hell not going anywhere

Thank you all for the suggestions, and keep 'em coming if you got anything else on your mind. 11B had a good idea, I think. Although this will be primarily a paper puncher with a relatively less expensive red dot (thinking Aimpoint Pro) it could be a life saver in the event of a catastrophic event. KY sets just off the New Madrid fault, and is capable of producing a quake that will make San Andreas people look like wussies. Other stuff too, like 50 tornados in a day, or whatever. Those are the realistic things that I prep for. 7.62X39 is plentiful and cheap, and like 11B said, "it's not going anywhere". Also could be pressed into hunting service, although I have a LR-10 that might be better suited for that.

If by some unholy thing I got cut off from all my 5.56, 7.62 would be another pleniful ammo I might buy, barter, steal or fight for.[:D] Any comments or other suggestions, please jump in. I don't have to have this thing done in a week or anything.

Thanks,
FT[:D]

[BoilerUp]

I have a 300 BLK and agree with the others that I really wouldn't bother if you aren't going to SBR and suppress it. 6.8 SPC is a great round, especially for hunting, but ammo isn't exactly plentiful (although the XM68GD is awesome) and reloaders get more performance out of the round since Remmy messed up the SAAMI spec.

Since it's a complete lower I presume it has a stock so I'd want to ensure it was transferred as "Other" before I built it in to a pistol if you consider going that route. All my lowers get built into pistols first so I can stay within the letter of the law when switching between pistol and rifle.

[Stone]

I am going to come at this from a different angle. I would take a pass on the lower. If you buy a 556 lower your options are limited to what you can build and you put yourself into a box with only a few options. If you pass on the lower you leave all of your options open to build whatever you want and will have more time to figure out what you really want to do. My builds usually take about a year and a half from conception to firing the rifle. Half the fun is chasing down all the right parts and getting it exactly the way you want it. Fighting the urge to get that initial impulse buy is hard but in the end stops us from backing ourselves into a corner. I would pass on the lower and take more ideas on other options...

[alamo5000]

I am going to come at this from a different angle. I would take a pass on the lower. If you buy a 556 lower your options are limited to what you can build and you put yourself into a box with only a few options. If you pass on the lower you leave all of your options open to build whatever you want and will have more time to figure out what you really want to do. My builds usually take about a year and a half from conception to firing the rifle. Half the fun is chasing down all the right parts and getting it exactly the way you want it. Fighting the urge to get that initial impulse buy is hard but in the end stops us from backing ourselves into a corner. I would pass on the lower and take more ideas on other options...

I like that. I like that post a lot.

[UWone77]

I am going to come at this from a different angle. I would take a pass on the lower. If you buy a 556 lower your options are limited to what you can build and you put yourself into a box with only a few options. If you pass on the lower you leave all of your options open to build whatever you want and will have more time to figure out what you really want to do. My builds usually take about a year and a half from conception to firing the rifle. Half the fun is chasing down all the right parts and getting it exactly the way you want it. Fighting the urge to get that initial impulse buy is hard but in the end stops us from backing ourselves into a corner. I would pass on the lower and take more ideas on other options...

I bet FT already purchased it.

FT, this is no knock on you. I've done it before, and really I think we all have. Even when I ask people for opinions, I already have my mind 90% made up.

If you want a 16" 300 unsuppressed Blackout, go for it. It's still fuckin America! [:D]

[FortTom]

I bet FT already purchased it.

FT, this is no knock on you. I've done it before, and really I think we all have. Even when I ask people for opinions, I already have my mind 90% made up.

If you want a 16" 300 unsuppressed Blackout, go for it. It's still fuckin America! [:D]

Actually, I'm sort of leaning towards 11B's idea of building it into a 7.62X39. Gives me an option on ammo, ammo plentiful, enough balls to cleanly take game at reasonable ranges and in a format that I'm very familiar and comfortable with. To my mind, it just makes sense, although I have to admit, my mind has been responsible for a few cluster F#%K's over the years. Then again my mind may be subject to change at anytime, without notice.[:D]

FT[:D]

[Jerry R]

FT, as far as performance goes in an AR15 lower, I would vote for 6.8SPC. I have two - 10.5 SBR and 16 carbine, both piston. I really like the cartridge. Ammo pricing has come down, readily available, and lots of .270 bullet weights. Easy to reload.

[FortTom]

FT, as far as performance goes in an AR15 lower, I would vote for 6.8SPC. I have two - 10.5 SBR and 16 carbine, both piston. I really like the cartridge. Ammo pricing has come down, readily available, and lots of .270 bullet weights. Easy to reload.

Yes, I think this was mentioned above. The ballistics are pretty awesome for a round this size, and definitely worth considering. If IRCC, I read that the Army, Marines? , one or another, were considering this to replace the 5.56 in their Spec Ops units, with 6.8SPC, which if it happened, would benefit me, by keeping the caliber "alive" and available. Lots of good info in this thread, maybe more to come. Might take a wile to consume it all and make a decision.

FT[:D]

[ChattanoogaPhil]

If you insist on 300 BLK, I think honestly it's definitely not a bad round, especially for limited engagement distances. Inside 200 yards with supersonic ammo anything white tail size and smaller will be screwed.



Around here we call that a 30-30.

https://i.imgur.com/RGtdG5D.jpg

[Stone]

I am definitely a fan of the 6.8 and have wanted to do a build for the longest time. LWRC makes a dedicated full ambi receiver set for a DI gun and uses Magpul 68 magazines which are available in a bunch of sizes.

https://xtremegunsandammo.com/shop/free-shipping/lwrc-six8-receiver-set/

[Aragorn]

If you want longer, go 6.8. If you want shorter go .300. Either is more than adequate for slaying deer.

Cool thing about a small .300 pistol is this...

5570

5571

5572


Hides in the ultra inconspicuous Camelbak. 3 40 round mags for 120 rounds total. Rounds that expand out to 300y even out of the short barrel. Granted when I set mine up I did so as an emergency use travel gun. I figure 120 rounds of that plus my handgun should get me back to my other rifles/ammo, or give me long enough to secure something else. But that's also bug out end of the world type thinking. Really though and in all actuality, for any trouble encountered on the side of the road or whatever, it's PLENTY. Pressed into the 120y hunting roll you specified, it would also be PLENTY.

For your purpose (120y hunting, possible bug out), the only reason I see to go with a larger rifle in 6.8 vs. a .300 pistol would be for the want of a legit stock. Even then though, the SB SOB I have on there is awesome, and with the Law Tactical folder, the LOP pretty much exactly where I normally run my stocks. As UWone pointed out, they also make adjustable ones as well. Seriously, it's like packing around a .30 cal semi-auto sub gun with 40 round capacity. It's awesome.

[mustangfreek]

FT

I also +1 the shorty option with a brace..no longer then 10.5” and shorter if you want to party

[FortTom]

FT

I also +1 the shorty option with a brace..no longer then 10.5” and shorter if you want to party

I'm pretty sure I've decided on the 6.8 SPC II with a HBAR 16" barrel.

Thanks to all for the help.

FT[:D]

[Stone]

Hell yeah!! Not sure if you have heard of the 68 forum but there is a boatload of knowledge over there about the 68 caliber. One of the mods over there is a member here too.

[BoilerUp]

I'm pretty sure I've decided on the 6.8 SPC II with a HBAR 16" barrel.

Thanks to all for the help.

FT[:D]

Well, that surprises me. Which barrel? I recommend ARP: https://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38010/27237

[FortTom]

Well, that surprises me. Which barrel? I recommend ARP: https://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38010/27237
BU, I'm looking for a decent complete upper assy if I can find one. Since I'm putting it on a complete lower, which surprisingly, I like just like it is. Hoping to make this a assemble and shoot project.

FT[:D]

[FortTom]

Well, that surprises me. Which barrel? I recommend ARP: https://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38010/27237

I just spec'd one out on their website. Comes in under 1K with all the "extras" I added on.

FT[:D]

[Jerry R]

Great choice.

[FortTom]

Great choice.
Ha..ha..[:D]

Forgot to credit Jerry. He offered a great deal of help in choosing the 6.8spc. After a lengthy conversation with him, via PM, and some more judicious reading after that, I realized that it was just what I needed, and fit perfectly with what I want to achieve, actually it outshines what I had in mind, I just didn't know it yet. [adore] Thank you to everyone else who helped with your suggestions and experience. It's exactly what makes this place great, without all of the ego B.S.

FT[:D]

[Jerry R]

No credit necessary FT - just trying to help. I serve to live.

[FortTom]

Well, that surprises me. Which barrel? I recommend ARP: https://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38010/27237

BU, called them and had them take a 16"SOCOM (closest thing to HBAR they had), then spec'd out some upgrades, BCM KMR 15" hand guard, NIB Carrier, Comp, and a couple more things. Still came in under 1K with shipping. Said I should have it in a week or so, just had to order the hand guard. Eric, the person I spoke with had some good ideas, and they guarantee 1MOA with premium ammo, which is probably better than I can shoot anymore. I was as pleased as I could be with the BC complete lower. One of the nicest out-of-the-box lower assemblies I've seen, plus got it for a "couldn't turn it down" price, no matter what I told myself. The cool thing is that this is going to be a no stress build. Slap the upper and lower together. Pop on an aimpoint, go to the range and shoot. If it runs great, that's even less stress and a long wait for the beer light to come on.;)

FT

P.S. This will be my last build.

[BoilerUp]

BU, called them and had them take a 16"SOCOM (closest thing to HBAR they had), then spec'd out some upgrades, BCM KMR 15" hand guard, NIB Carrier, Comp, and a couple more things. Still came in under 1K with shipping. Said I should have it in a week or so, just had to order the hand guard. Eric, the person I spoke with had some good ideas, and they guarantee 1MOA with premium ammo, which is probably better than I can shoot anymore. I was as pleased as I could be with the BC complete lower. One of the nicest out-of-the-box lower assemblies I've seen, plus got it for a "couldn't turn it down" price, no matter what I told myself. The cool thing is that this is going to be a no stress build. Slap the upper and lower together. Pop on an aimpoint, go to the range and shoot. If it runs great, that's even less stress and a long wait for the beer light to come on.;)

FT

P.S. This will be my last build.

I think you'll like that. I've got the 16" Scout profile under a KMR-A13 on a Mega Receiver set. Yes, it shoots XM68GD under 1MOA all day. I also have an ARP 12.5" build that I'm hoping I have my suppressor for in time for white tail season in October.

[mustangfreek]

Are you a hunter FT?

Do you reload?

If not , then not sure what the appeal for the cartridge is.

If your just screwing around, why not a short barreled 458 or such..I thought u liked to party..lol.. just busting your old balls..post up some pics

What optics?

[FortTom]

Are you a hunter FT?

Do you reload?

If not , then not sure what the appeal for the cartridge is.

If your just screwing around, why not a short barreled 458 or such..I thought u liked to party..lol.. just busting your old balls..post up some pics

What optics?

Haven't hunted anything but rabbit, a few pheasants and squirrels in several years. Also help pick off a few coyotes for folks now and then (they are taking over parts of the state).
Mostly for the same reason I gave and sold my reloading gear for. Logistics. I downsized and bought a Condo about 3 years back. My garage barely holds my car. I don't have a "utility" room, per se', and really didn't want chemicals, powder, primers and smells in the extra bedroom. No where to store meat from a buck or boar, and probably couldn't give any away.

I just wanted something that was different and practical. Like the ballistics, internal and external of the 6.8.

Not sure what optics I'll make permanent. I'm going to pop an aimpoint pro and a 1X6 off of other rifles, when the upper gets here, then go to the range and figure it out from there.

If you read the OP, you'll see I'm not a big fan of NFA stuff. I like friend's set-up's, but for me, my foray into it was a nightmare, and I just don't do it anymore, so no SBR's, although I did consider a 458 SOCOM briefly.

Bought the upper from Blackstone Arms. SOCOM profile barrel, and some upgrades. He's just waiting for the BCM 15" KeyMod handguard I spec'd out for it, to come in. Should have it within 10 days or so.

FT[:D]

[mustangfreek]

Right on, I hear ya on all of that.

You could of skipped the nfa route and grabbed a brave and rocked on..

Next one right...[BD]