How many SBR'ed lowers do you have?

[alamo5000]

I recently finished up my second SBR and I am really digging the ambi lower I have.

I have two lowers that are SBR but now I am thinking about doing a few more while the waiting is short.

What other calibers have you guys done your SBR's in and how many do you have?

Here is my initial short list:

A 12.5 inch 5.56 just because I've always wanted one in that length.

A 12.5 inch 6.8 SPCII because the ballistics are awesome. The downside to this mags, brass, and bolts are not plentiful that I can see.

I've never been that attracted to 6.5 Grendel but I am open to ideas. Seems like it would be in the same boat as the 6.8 SPC.

If I decide "for sure" on one or two of these I might buy a couple of lowers and just SBR them and it might take me a year or two to finish them up but at least I will have the lowers.

What do you guys think? SBR more lowers or just use the ones I already have? That would probably be a lot more practical but I like having a whole gun not just a an upper :)

Also keep in mind that I like the tinker factor. I like the build and reload and shoot process so it's not a whole lot of tactical bullshit that is making me wonder about this.

I do have at least two more cans that I want and more like six but that's another story.

[UWone77]

Personally, I like dedicated platforms. Switching uppers maybe more practical and economical, but that's not how I like my rifles setup. I just like to grab and go.

[Sak007]

10.5 5.56
7 300blk
extra Ar lower - probably gonna build a 4.5 22lr
11.5 7.62x39 Akm
Plans to sbr a 10/22 , Bolt gun & 308 Ar in anticipation for a 12 8.6 Creedmoor & that Wa will probably ban "pistol" braces

[fledge]

I have “enough” AR flavor lowers.

In general, 556, 6.8, and 300blk cover the general small frame options.

An AR308 lower would be good from an established brand (and a few upper receivers that match just in case).

Would personally like an SBR 10/22 takedown to switch out barrels now that that market has taken off.

[Sak007]

I have “enough” AR flavor lowers.

In general, 556, 6.8, and 300blk cover the general small frame options.

An AR308 lower would be good from an established brand (and a few upper receivers that match just in case).

Would personally like an SBR 10/22 takedown to switch out barrels now that that market has taken off.

My plan for the 10/22 is to add an Innovative Arms integral charger barrel on an Odin chassis with a Sig mpx/mcx folding skeleton stock unless Aeroknox finally drops his .

[Joelski]

Planning on doing a 10.5" in 5.56 to go with my .300 BLK. Other than that, nothing else is compelling. Longer is too close to 14.5" not to be frivolous. Shorter than 10.5" is just a jack-off gun (IMHO). Not a fan of pistol AR's, either.

[Former11B]

None

It’s bad enough having to register a suppressor, but my rifles on top of it? Not down with that plan. I travel a lot out of state with varying destinations on short notice. If I wanted to take a <16” gun, I may not have enough notice for a permission slip from the ATF

[Aragorn]

None

It’s bad enough having to register a suppressor, but my rifles on top of it? Not down with that plan. I travel a lot out of state with varying destinations on short notice. If I wanted to take a <16” gun, I may not have enough notice for a permission slip from the ATF

This is where I’m at. I keep/kept thinking I want to do one, but realistically my folding .300 pistol kinda ticks all the boxes. If I need more than what a short .300 can give me, I have 16” 5.56’s that’ll do nicely.

[fledge]

None

It’s bad enough having to register a suppressor, but my rifles on top of it? Not down with that plan. I travel a lot out of state with varying destinations on short notice. If I wanted to take a <16” gun, I may not have enough notice for a permission slip from the ATF

Yeah, if interstate travel is a common consideration and you are limited in options, that makes sense. I find I travel enough that I can’t keep all the laws straight anyway. Most of my collection is for keeping in-state. I prefer travel with a legal-in-all-50-states option to give me one less thing to think about when on the go.

[Sak007]

Planning on doing a 10.5" in 5.56 to go with my .300 BLK. Other than that, nothing else is compelling. Longer is too close to 14.5" not to be frivolous. Shorter than 10.5" is just a jack-off gun (IMHO). Not a fan of pistol AR's, either.

You planning on running a can on that 5.56 ?

[Joelski]

Already have one. Will I buy another? Perhaps, but I don't have that "gotta have it" thing anymore. Unless some of that comes back, I might have maxed out..

But yeah, I see what you're getting at. .556 is a flame thrower at 10.5" as well.

[alamo5000]

For me I've already gone down the rabbit hole of SBRs. I do have to say that I like it a lot. It's a whole different thing. Also for me at least up until now, and probably forever, hopefully I will have a relatively permanent place to store firearms if needed.

I think the whole NFA thing is stupid for a variety of reasons, especially suppressors and short barrels are about the stupidest thing ever to have to pay extra for. There is no technical reason at all for it, but I definitely see the aversion to the whole government bullshit.

I was surprised to see .22 SBRs on people's list...That's something new. I will have to think about that one. It might be a pretty cool idea to run a .22LR CMMG kit on one of my lowers. It would be interesting to see what other ideas some of you guys have. I saw this from SLR rifleworks the other day and it looks really cool. Theirs is also full auto. [BD]

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As for now my only other semi sort of itch for an AR platform SBR is the 12.5" 5.56. That one I am about 90% sure I will do. The 6.8 SPC I would be 90% on as well but I don't see a whole ton of support for that cartridge right now. Just mags at least where I was looking were like $30+ per mag... I don't want to get into something that I would always have to be wondering if it will fall off support or not. It seems like it would take a slightly bigger investment to get into that but on paper it looks fantastic.

Another idea I have is to see about building a very light weight 5.56 SBR build. Do one of those where you try to use the lightest components possible might be interesting.

I still am very much on the fence about pistol caliber ARs...so for now no big thing there (yet) at least until I can find someone with one that I can run and see if I like it.

[Sak007]

Already have one. Will I buy another? Perhaps, but I don't have that "gotta have it" thing anymore. Unless some of that comes back, I might have maxed out..

But yeah, I see what you're getting at. .556 is a flame thrower at 10.5" as well.

I have a 10.5but my next 5.56 build is going to be in an 11.5 as every gun i run is suppressed and their are better options in 11.5 with reduced gas ports to make some really nice shooters in that length . The combo I've found that works really great on short guns is a LMT enhanced carrier , A5 buffer tube , h2-3 buffer & green Sprinco spring .

[alamo5000]

I have a 10.5but my next 5.56 build is going to be in an 11.5 as every gun i run is suppressed and their are better options in 11.5 with reduced gas ports to make some really nice shooters in that length . The combo I've found that works really great on short guns is a LMT enhanced carrier , A5 buffer tube , h2-3 buffer & green Sprinco spring .

That's interesting. Maybe I just had good luck or something like that. I run adjustable blocks on mine and I tuned it just right.

Does an adjustable block create the net effect of a smaller port size?

Anyway I run an extra power spring and an H2 with my adjustable blocks and they are very reliable.

[gatordev]

As for now my only other semi sort of itch for an AR platform SBR is the 12.5" 5.56.

Let's assume NFA isn't an issue for a moment, if I had to give up all of my ARs except one, i would keep my VSeven 12.5". If I could only keep two ARs, it would be the VSeven and my Centurion Arms 12.5". One is configured as a Mini-Recce, the other with a RDS, and between the two (or just one that can be reconfigured), at the end of the day either one does everything I really need.

[Sak007]

That's interesting. Maybe I just had good luck or something like that. I run adjustable blocks on mine and I tuned it just right.

Does an adjustable block create the net effect of a smaller port size?

Anyway I run an extra power spring and an H2 with my adjustable blocks and they are very reliable.


Are you running a bleed off block like a Superaltive ?
And yes an adjustable block is a sorta fix for an over gassed barrel or something like a BRT gas tube . Iv'e just found that personally the combo of an enhanced carrier /A5 buffer tube / green sprinco spring / h2-3 buffer offer the most consistent softest shooter in a sub 11.5 barrel especially if using a Sionics / BRT / Colt fbi hrt or some other barrel with a gas port meant for full power 5.56 loads suppressed at these lengths. Now obviously if your gun is running fine with your adjustable block why waste $$ on more parts , but if starting from scratch this may be a good way to go .

[UWone77]

If you go SBR, 1 or 2 AR's are enough. SBR something more fun.

[Uffdaphil]

I have 7 shorty uppers and can’t remember if I followed through on a 3rd SBR lower or not. Too lazy to dig everything out to check. The latest crop of braces make it unlikely I will file for another. Frees up more $$$ for glass and cans.

[Sak007]

If you go SBR, 1 or 2 AR's are enough. SBR something more fun.
Agreed , my friends think I'm crazy because I wan't to sbr everything bolt guns , lever actions etc.... . Maybe it's because I moved from Ca and went stamp crazy because I finally got a taste of fleeting freedom here in Wa . I also think that with the path our state is going they will be going after "braces" and having an sbr will be the only way to own anything short .

[alamo5000]

If you go SBR, 1 or 2 AR's are enough. SBR something more fun.

Such as? I'm looking for ideas. I'm almost sure that I will put together a 12.5" SBR. At a minimum I will build an upper.

What are your top 3 fun guns? SBR of course.

[alamo5000]

Let's assume NFA isn't an issue for a moment, if I had to give up all of my ARs except one, i would keep my VSeven 12.5". If I could only keep two ARs, it would be the VSeven and my Centurion Arms 12.5". One is configured as a Mini-Recce, the other with a RDS, and between the two (or just one that can be reconfigured), at the end of the day either one does everything I really need.

I was torn something terrible when I built my first SBR. I was about 1/2 an inch from going 12.5 instead of 10.5 but at the end of the day I went 10.5.

Don't get me wrong I like my 10.5 but I still want a 12.5. After a few years of trial I think a 12.5 would be awesome.

[Former11B]

Let's assume NFA isn't an issue for a moment, if I had to give up all of my ARs except one, i would keep my VSeven 12.5". If I could only keep two ARs, it would be the VSeven and my Centurion Arms 12.5". One is configured as a Mini-Recce, the other with a RDS, and between the two (or just one that can be reconfigured), at the end of the day either one does everything I really need.

I actually really want to give a 12.5” a try

I was shooting my 10.5” last weekend out to 400yds with 100% hits on steel and at 500yds (with my 1.5x ACOG), I was dropping 30-40% of my shots.

I wonder if the 12.5” with the extra boost of velocity, improved dwell time and all the other benefits would become my favorite

[alamo5000]

One of my biggest things regarding guns is to have a backup. Or two.
Redundancy is a good thing to a certain point.

Same thing with cans. I have two 5.56 cans and now I need to be redundant on rimfire and 30 cal.

The main idea is to not get stuck out if something goes wrong.

Having 3 SBR'S wouldn't be horrible but I am inclined to not want to over do it on the AR platform. I do want to diversify some, or maybe a lot.

That said I am still a believer in doubling up on the general stuff.

[Sak007]

Such as? I'm looking for ideas.
I'm gonna build an sbr 300blk bolt gun , another couple Akm's , an integral 10/22 , a large frame ar set for a 12.5 8.6CM & also thinking about a levergun .
I would be all over a Saiga sbs if Wa allowed its subjects to have them .

[Sak007]

I actually really want to give a 12.5” a try

I was shooting my 10.5” last weekend out to 400yds with 100% hits on steel and at 500yds (with my 1.5x ACOG), I was dropping 30-40% of my shots.

I wonder if the 12.5” with the extra boost of velocity, improved dwell time and all the other benefits would become my favorite

You may want to contact Clint over a Black River Tactical , his barrels are reportedly getting velocities close to a 12.5 at shorter lengths . I will be using his 11.5 barrel set up specifically to run suppressed on my next build .
https://www.blackrivertactical.com/concrete5/optimum-barrel/

[UWone77]

I actually really want to give a 12.5” a try

I was shooting my 10.5” last weekend out to 400yds with 100% hits on steel and at 500yds (with my 1.5x ACOG), I was dropping 30-40% of my shots.

I wonder if the 12.5” with the extra boost of velocity, improved dwell time and all the other benefits would become my favorite

Noveske 12.5 Crusader Barrel. Best 12.5 on the market.

[Former11B]

You may want to contact Clint over a Black River Tactical , his barrels are reportedly getting velocities close to a 12.5 at shorter lengths . I will be using his 11.5 barrel set up specifically to run suppressed on my next build .
https://www.blackrivertactical.com/concrete5/optimum-barrel/

The website shows all 3 of his 11.5” barrels are cut for 5/8x24 threads....that’s a no go for me

[Sak007]

The website shows all 3 of his 11.5” barrels are cut for 5/8x24 threads....that’s a no go for me

I probably should have mentioned that , I only run 30 cal cans

[mustangfreek]

Goose egg..

Would like to do one 556 and a 9 mil setup eventually

[gatordev]

I actually really want to give a 12.5” a try

I was shooting my 10.5” last weekend out to 400yds with 100% hits on steel and at 500yds (with my 1.5x ACOG), I was dropping 30-40% of my shots.

I wonder if the 12.5” with the extra boost of velocity, improved dwell time and all the other benefits would become my favorite

I shot a 10.3" Colt M4-profile barrel (cut from a 16") out to 500y with my Elcan on a near-zero wind day and was getting very reliable hits once I found the hold. But shooting the 12.5" seems to require less "effort" and finesse at that distance. On a no-wind day, 600y is boringly repeatable. Once the wind kicks up, at least for my shooting ability, I find 500y to be the limit for the 12.5", and if the wind is swirling, hit percentage goes down more so. But inside 500y, the thing (VSeven) just shoots so damn well.

At last month's 2-gun competition I shoot in, I was able to go 3 for 3 on a 10" plate at 300 with the CA barrel and a T-2/3xc off of a barricade. It's a nice little shooter, as well, for being a "fighting carbine."

Like I said, I've really enjoyed the 12" form factor and performance.

[MoxyDave]

12.5" is a great length. I have 2 Noveske Crusader 12.5" builds and they are handy and function reliably. Many years ago I did a ton of research on this. From what I remember, pressure drops off pretty significantly around 12.5" for the standard 55gr XM193 round. I can't seem to find the graph online. Any shorter, you get minimal dwell time, a lot more unburned powder at the muzzle resulting in decreased velocity, a huge fireball, super loud, etc. I can't remember who it was that wrote the article but I think it was on DefenseReview.com? Pat McNamara or maybe Kyle Defoor? Any way I decided that 12.5" was the right length for me. I also had a GemTech suppressor that specifically said in the instructions not to use it on a barrel less than 12.5" so that was the clincher. These days I don't think I'd even bother with the SBR thing; I'd just get a 14.5" with a pinned/welded flash hider and call it a day. Way too much hassle to save a couple inches, and we need to quit supporting this NFA nonsense IMHO.

[gatordev]

It may have been D4. I know he was singing its praises at a class I was at (after I had already discovered the length myself). He was actually quoting Monty, though, when he said it was an optimal length.

Then again, D4's praises and lamentations can change with the wind, so maybe it wasn't him.

[fledge]

These days I don't think I'd even bother with the SBR thing; I'd just get a 14.5" with a pinned/welded flash hider and call it a day. Way too much hassle to save a couple inches, and we need to quit supporting this NFA nonsense IMHO.

With the SOLGW Nox you can get a 13.7 barrel out to 16” and use the dead air can. That’s only a functional 1.2” longer than the 12.5 and a savings of $200 and other hassles. That would be a handy little bolt gun length.

12.5 is my personal favorite too for 556 but if I had to “do it all over again....”

[Sak007]

The website shows all 3 of his 11.5” barrels are cut for 5/8x24 threads....that’s a no go for me

I believe I saw a post that he will be doing 1/2 x 28 models also & now a tapered shoulder for us Q fanboys [BD]

[alamo5000]

Here is a follow on question that isn't exactly NFA in nature, sort of.

The concept I have in mind is to maybe do something a little bit different from my other rifles.

My others are all billet and not exactly light weight. For this 12.5 though I am thinking about building a lighter weight 12.5 inch SBR.

I don't know if I like the skeleton receiver sets so excluding those which receiver sets would be lighter than billet?

I'm not sure if I want to go full on ultra light because I'm not sure about reliable function in an SBR format with those ultra light carriers and in my mind it doesn't warrant the cost per the last time I priced those out.

I am not set in stone here but doing something like a carbon fiber hand guard or other lighter weight things might be an interesting twist.

What do you guys think?

[BoilerUp]

https://www.2a-arms.com/product-p/2a-fset15-1.htm

[alamo5000]

https://www.2a-arms.com/product-p/2a-fset15-1.htm

Very nice! Stuff like that is exactly what I was thinking about. I want to get a vision in my head before I jump on it. It could be a pretty fun rifle if I decide to go that route.

I will try to find a light weight hand guard that would match that set as well.

I would bet all together I could shave off a lot of weight.

[BoilerUp]

Very nice! Stuff like that is exactly what I was thinking about. I want to get a vision in my head before I jump on it. It could be a pretty fun rifle if I decide to go that route.

I will try to find a light weight hand guard that would match that set as well.

I would bet all together I could shave off a lot of weight.

This Balios build weighs 5 lbs 11 oz dry and that's with a 16" barrel and 12" handguard. Not sure what role a lightweight SBR would serve, though? Well, as I type that, I'm thinking a similar build with a 12.5" 6.8 SPC barrel would be nice for deer hunting.

[alamo5000]

This Balios build weighs 5 lbs 11 oz dry and that's with a 16" barrel and 12" handguard. Not sure what role a lightweight SBR would serve, though? Well, as I type that, I'm thinking a similar build with a 12.5" 6.8 SPC barrel would be nice for deer hunting.

I got curious and weighed my latest build and with the optic, sling, empty mag, suppressor and everything (except ammo) it came it at 7lbs 15oz. My 5.56 SBR is probably about the same and my 16" is definitely more..."Light" is a relative term how I am using it. "Lighter" would probably be more accurate.

If I stripped everything down I think it would be about 6lbs 5oz or so...

I would think it would make a perfect hiking and camping rifle. Maybe something you could carry around in a lot of different scenarios.

That said I am not married to the idea just yet. It was just something I thought about and I said "that might be an interesting concept"... I am not totally sold on the idea just yet, but it definitely has me curious.

[alamo5000]

This one isn't NFA and it weighs in at 4.95 lbs. Hmmm. Gives me something to think about. Not sure if it would be reasonable to chase a pound.

https://faxonfirearms.com/fx5500-ultralight-ar15/

[Sak007]

I've been wanting to do an sbr on an Ascend lightweight set but haven't heard anything on them since Triggrcon2018
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[UWone77]

I've been wanting to do an sbr on an Ascend lightweight set but haven't heard anything on them since Triggrcon2018
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And you won't for now.

Ascend is going through some major changes.

[rxer311]

Personally, I like dedicated platforms. Switching uppers maybe more practical and economical, but that's not how I like my rifles setup. I just like to grab and go.

This is how I am as well...but I only have 2 at the moment.

[fairlanericky]

I've got my mostly Rainier parts SBR in 10.5" so far. Working on an 8" 300BO using an Aero M4E1 lower and a no FA upper. I've got 2 more M4E1 lowers I have plans for and
thinking of grabbing an M5 set.





I've been wanting to do an sbr on an Ascend lightweight set but haven't heard anything on them since Triggrcon2018
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There's another manufacturer out of Gilbert, AZ that has a similar looking receiver set. Quentin Defense has set called ARQ that has an interesting (to me) look.

https://www.quentindefense.com/product/qd-arq-receiver-set-fa/



Ric

[DISCOM]

Sak007 I went with a pistol and standard set, still one of the nicest billet sets I have worked with period.
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