Nickel Boron Upper/Lower Project

[UWone77]

I'm a big fan of Nickel Boron Coating as I shoot a lot of rounds suppressed. Personally, I find that I seem to be using a lot less lube when using Nickel Boron Carriers. However, I wanted to figure out if I could quantify "better." Am I really get more rounds down the pipe before lubing vs. a solid phosphate coated carrier? Is the premium I pay for the coating worth it?

I decided to take this one step further. How about a fully Nickel Boron Coated upper and lower with the coated BCG? Recently, I obtained an unanodized upper and lower receiver from Aero Precision (http://www.aeroprecisionusa.com). Perfect, I thought, for this project as I will be sending the receivers off for Nickel Boron Coating. The receivers will be coated by WMD Guns (http://wmdguns.com/index.php). I have previously used WMD on a Heckler and Koch USP Compact .45. The finish was wearing off the slide, but I wanted something different at the time, such as Nickel Boron. WMD Guns (http://wmdguns.com/index.php)did a fantastic job, and the finish still looks great. Their prices are also reasonable, but take 4 weeks for turnaround time.

WMD Guns (http://wmdguns.com/index.php) charges $75 for each the upper and lower receiver. They also charge $15 for return shipping. After a LE/MIL discount of 10%, my cost is $150.

I plan to build this upper as a suppressor host for testing. The final specs of the gun are not finalized, but suggestions are welcome. I live in a semi-free state, so yes suppressors are allowed, but SBR's are not, thus I will only consider 14.5 and 16" barrels for this. I have several options for suppressors as I can use Surefire or AAC models from my collection.

Parts List:

Rainier Arms Nickel Boron Thunder Bolt Carrier (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3651)
Rainier Arms Raptor (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3172)
ALG Defense ACT Trigger (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3022)(To keep with the Nickel Boron Theme)

I will probably use my typical set up using a Magpul CTR, MBUS, MOE+

Barrel, Handguards, suppressor mount to be determined.

Once the build is complete, my goal and purpose will be to shoot as many rounds possible suppressed and possibly unsuppressed without lube or cleaning before the gun will no longer run. Malfunctions, round counts, will all be documented and we will take plenty of pictures.

Will update this post once my receiver set comes back from coating. Suggestions always welcome.

[UWone77]

Unanodized Aero Precision Upper and Lower:

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/aero_zpsb6f4fee6.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/aero_zpsb6f4fee6.jpg.html)http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/aero2_zps3886dd47.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/aero2_zps3886dd47.jpg.html)

[UWone77]

Finally got the coated upper and lower back from WMD. Apparently, they are backed up and the 4 week turnaround time has turned into 8-10 weeks. Pictures to come. We also got some individual parts coated for another project. Here's a sneak preview of what they did to the Raptor I sent in as well.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/1375304_470518243062115_1151647662_n_zpsc5863f11.j pg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/1375304_470518243062115_1151647662_n_zpsc5863f11.j pg.html)

[mustangfreek]

I thought i had seen a pic of the coated upper and lower on FB earlier , but cant find it now..

Cool project..

[UWone77]

I thought i had seen a pic of the coated upper and lower on FB earlier , but cant find it now..

Cool project..

I'm finding taking photos of Nickel Boron coated anything is a pain. I'll have to get Stickman to do it this weekend and post progress pictures. I think this maybe a fun project as not cleaning or lubing a gun appeals to my lazy side.

[MoxyDave]

I'm finding taking photos of Nickel Boron coated anything is a pain. I'll have to get Stickman to do it this weekend and post progress pictures. I think this maybe a fun project as not cleaning or lubing a gun appeals to my lazy side.

I'll be interested in your results. I find even with NB, shooting suppressed gums up the works anyhow. Really helps with cleanup, but eventually things get sticky enough to start malfunctioning.

[UWone77]

A quick shot of the coated lower. I finally got the lighting somewhat to my satisfaction. Once I figure out what barrel and handguard/rails I want to use, I'll get his gun put together.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/1382102_472468576200415_1796787023_n_zps9d22bbea.j pg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/1382102_472468576200415_1796787023_n_zps9d22bbea.j pg.html)

[UWone77]

Here is where we are now:

I will probably change out the Raptor for a Fortis Hammer as it will be coated in Nickelene (which is similar to Nickel Boron but allegedly slicker) I haven't decided on a barrel. I will likely go with a standard 16" BCM mid-length, but I may go with the new Rainier Arms Mountain Series, which are CL CHF barrels. This depends on cost. I'm up for suggestions on the Rail/handguards.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/998539_477535505693722_1936613937_n_zps8e870c0b.jp g (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/998539_477535505693722_1936613937_n_zps8e870c0b.jp g.html)

After installing some Tactical Link accessories:

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/1468576_482739965173276_21213762_n_zpse6665918.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/1468576_482739965173276_21213762_n_zpse6665918.jpg .html)

[Calengor]

Which coated trigger are you using? As far as rails, I'd say Geissele MK4, as that's my current favorite rail. That or centurion CMR.

[UWone77]

Which coated trigger are you using? As far as rails, I'd say Geissele MK4, as that's my current favorite rail. That or centurion CMR.

Calengor, I'm using the ALG ACT.

I just used my CMR and MK4 on another build, but I could pull them off the other builds.

[Calengor]

Sorry, I missed it in the first post somehow.

Will you be coating the handguard? If you're going to use a new handguard, keeping the "slick" look, maybe an NSR.

[UWone77]

Went with the Nickelene coated Fortis Hammer. Got the 16" Rainier Arms CHF Mountain Series barrel.

Handguards and we're done.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/996980_572482799490511_2134234188_n_zps3b453ec0.jp g (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/996980_572482799490511_2134234188_n_zps3b453ec0.jp g.html)
http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/1424492_571612022910922_241299605_n_zps71d3d623.jp g (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/1424492_571612022910922_241299605_n_zps71d3d623.jp g.html)

[UWone77]

The Rainier Mountain Barrel is off to be pinned with a Fortis Lo-Pro gas block, should have it back after Thanksgiving. As for handguards we are going with the 14" Fortis REV Rail in FDE to match the rest of the theme. I should have it done next week once everything is back together and I can start shooting it before the end of the year.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/1451485_577708392301285_1999156656_n_zps873acfd3.j pg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/1451485_577708392301285_1999156656_n_zps873acfd3.j pg.html)

[mustangfreek]

Me Likey...[:D]

That charging handle is growing on me the more i see it..

[UWone77]

Barrel is pinned...

Just have to put it together later. I'm going to go with a Surefire MB556K for a muzzle brake as I just received the phone call that the tax stamp for my Surefire 212 Can has been approved. I ordered a set of MBUS backup sights but haven't decided on what kind of optic to throw on this gun during the testing. We are almost there.


http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/1450849_581129778625813_329737928_n_zps0f627c9a.jp g (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/1450849_581129778625813_329737928_n_zps0f627c9a.jp g.html)

[UWone77]

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/551378_581129625292495_836606812_n_zps46edcb0b.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/551378_581129625292495_836606812_n_zps46edcb0b.jpg .html)

[Aragorn]

This is going to be absolutely gorgeous.

[akersc]

Ohhh she's purty!

[browcs]

Looking good...projects like this one are helping me decide the way(s) to go when I get my Anderson lowers.

[XFIRE]

As you can see, I love this combo... great work UW, keep it up!

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z381/viperjody/JCL_5159.jpg
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z381/viperjody/JCL_2355.jpg

[Aragorn]

Any updates on this?

[UWone77]

Any updates on this?

Just waiting for sights, and deciding which optic to use.

Since the last pictures a Surefire MB556K was installed for the muzzle device. I'll be using the FA556-212 Suppressor on it. Otherwise she's ready to shoot soon.

[UWone77]

Sights came in. Threw an extra Leatherwood CMR on a Bronze ADM mount. Not sure if I will keep this setup or go with an Aimpoint.


http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/1525112_587090058029785_1125982520_n_zpseae93908.j pg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/1525112_587090058029785_1125982520_n_zpseae93908.j pg.html)

[MoxyDave]

Nice! This is an epic build you have going on here. I love that Fortis rail.

[UWone77]

Here's the rough mock up. I think it'll be good enough for anyone to borrow at the range and feel comfortable about it. I might end up swapping out the Fortis Shift Grip, because it's not for everyone, and go with Magpul Handstops. I have an Aimpoint M3 lying here or a H1 I may use instead as well.


http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/1526616_587089884696469_1254483894_n_zpsf07a1609.j pg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/1526616_587089884696469_1254483894_n_zpsf07a1609.j pg.html)

[Jerry R]

Very Nice !!

Wish I lived close enough to "borrow" it at the range

[MoxyDave]

What's that doodely-doo attached to the receiver extension, covering the castle nut? Sling mount?

[Stickman]

What's that doodely-doo attached to the receiver extension, covering the castle nut? Sling mount?

Looks like the Tactical Link Sling Mount. Gun looks good, should be interesting to see what kind of results you get as far as the lube/lack of lube goes suppressed.

[UWone77]

Shot 110 rounds through the gun today. Was a bit limited on time, so I just wanted to run a few magazines through it to make sure it passed all the function checks. I did not lube the gun, and all 110 rounds went down the barrel without a hitch. 30 of the rounds were shot suppressed. I hope to get around 500 rounds through the gun on the next trip to the range.

[Aragorn]

I still can't get over how good the weapon looks. If it shoots as well as it looks, it ought to be a pretty awesome piece.

The academic effort to see how much/if NiB is better is still something I'm watching as well, as I run a NiB BCG. Can't wait to see more.

[gatordev]

Shot 110 rounds through the gun today.

I didn't think you actually shot the thing, I just thought you took purdy pictures of it. I keed!

I'm interested to hear about lube and suppression as well. When I was back home for Xmas, I found my MK18 didn't last long with a WMD BCG and some less than optimum lube (Slip 2000, but NOT the EWL stuff...I got it "free" a few yeas ago because Slip shipped me the wrong stuff and told me to keep it). I didn't have any more lube with me, so I called it a day for that gun, but I'm looking forward to do some more dedicated testing.

[UWone77]

I have to be honest gents. This is about the only gun I felt a little bad prior to shooting her for the first time. Normally I don't give a crap if I accidentally scratch my weapon or get it dirty, but even I was surprised how good this gun looks. In fact I've decided I'm probably going to send off another set of receivers to WMD guns for another Nickel Boron Bath.

This will be my main shooter this year, so hopefully I'll make it to the range more often than not with this particular rifle.


http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/995286_515406661906606_806633882_n_zpsfaf6e259.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/995286_515406661906606_806633882_n_zpsfaf6e259.jpg .html)

[mustangfreek]

It sure did turn out nice.

Question- is that the fde color strait from fortis or did you have it coated? As it looks like a pretty close match to the magpul fde color, atleast in the pics..

[tactical cowboy]

that is a great looking boom stick!!!

[UWone77]

Haven't had chance this month to shoot this much with all the other shooting I'm doing for other projects. However, I did squeeze 2 magazines through it today while doing some pistol shooting. 30 suppressed rounds, 30 unsuppressed. No hiccups.

I plan to burn through 300-400 rounds through this next week.

[mustangfreek]

You never answered my question..lol

Is that fde fortis rail there stock color? As it looks like its a pretty close match to the magpul fde???

[UWone77]

You never answered my question..lol

Is that fde fortis rail there stock color? As it looks like its a pretty close match to the magpul fde???

Yeah, that's the stock FDE cerakote they offer. It is pretty close to Magpul FDE, but I'm not sure which shade of FDE they call it.

[FortTom]

Uwone77,
I'm wondering if you might be interested in a simple test, to post with your other observations. I did this with a NiB BCU, to prove a point. I took my multi-meter, it has a temp probe, to the range with me and pumped 90 rounds through my LMT as fast as I could empty and dump mags. Measured the BCU, where I could reach it with the probe, withoug removing it from the upper. (I didn't want to waste valuable time, letting it cool quickly.

Then I removed the old phosphorus bolt and repeated the test with a Spikes NiB BCU, after letting the rifle to cool to outside temperature, (about mid 80's, if I remember). The difference was somewhere around 20+ degrees, the NiB being cooler, as I expected it to be, at least by a little.

I'd like to see you test all of yours, upper, lower, anywhere you can get several readings, and try the same test with another rifle (non-NiB) and see how much cooler the gun runs. My theory being the cooler, the longer it's going to last. Actually, I envy you a bit. I've thought about doing the same thing you have accomplished, but didn't know if I could pull it off, as far as NiB screwing up critical dimensions, etc. and also getting color into the nickel besides adding carbon for black.

Looking forward to hearing more, been wanting to know what the outcome was, when you get it done. I have a LMT rifle that I wouldn't mind offering up to the AR spirits, for the same treatment, depending on the costs, coloring, etc.

Thanks,
FT

[mustangfreek]

Yeah, that's the stock FDE cerakote they offer. It is pretty close to Magpul FDE, but I'm not sure which shade of FDE they call it.

Thanks....[:D]

It looks like a good match atleast from the pictures.

[UWone77]

Couldn't help but try out another vendor for a NiB coated receiver. Just on aesthetics, the WMD job is much better than what I received locally. I haven't had a chance to completely build up the sister rifle to the NiB Project gun, so I'm not sure their NiB coating isn't as good or better. It appears that WMD Guns has a much nicer finish and is a little more polished looking.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1646_zpsc9e96b58.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1646_zpsc9e96b58.jpg.html)

[GOST]

I know it's not NiB but Rainier Arms has limited edition NTD bright bronze receiver sets in stock for a very good price.

[LMMzach]

I know it's not NiB but Rainier Arms has limited edition NTD bright bronze receiver sets in stock for a very good price.

Ah I have put a set in my cart like three times. Idk I like the burnt bronze they offer also. But the rainier is limited I guess and still looks nice

[LMMzach]

I picked one up talked to northtech there was only 30 made.

[GOST]

Sounds like your gonna have a very rare build. Can't wait to see it.

[mustangfreek]

So whats the plans for this rifle ?

Matching NIB upper/ bcg also?

[556Cliff]

Couldn't help but try out another vendor for a NiB coated receiver. Just on aesthetics, the WMD job is much better than what I received locally. I haven't had a chance to completely build up the sister rifle to the NiB Project gun, so I'm not sure their NiB coating isn't as good or better. It appears that WMD Guns has a much nicer finish and is a little more polished looking.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1646_zpsc9e96b58.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1646_zpsc9e96b58.jpg.html)

That looks pretty.

I noticed that you had NiB applied to the end plate and castle nut on this one. Was that done just for looks or some other reason?

[UWone77]

That looks pretty.

I noticed the you had NiB applied to the end plate and castle nut on this one. Was that done just for looks or some other reason?

Cliff,

The real story on this one was... it was already coated by someone else. They didn't want to deal with the project anymore, so I purchased what they had done. So the End plate/castle nut combination wasn't something I probably would have done, as well as the receiver extension.

Honestly, this NiB finish is nowhere near as good as the WMD Guns finish. I'll have to finish building it up and shoot it to see if it even comes close to being as easy to clean and shoot as the WMD however.

[556Cliff]

This is off topic but how come my last post disappeared when I edited it?

[UWone77]

This is off topic but how come my last post disappeared when I edited it?

It never disappeared, since you linked a photo, it had to be manually approved. So I did, and it's still there.

[556Cliff]

It never disappeared, since you linked a photo, it had to be manually approved. So I did, and it's still there.

I see, I guess I'm just to used to how the other sites work.

Thanks for the info.

[FortTom]

I was going to "rip-off" your idea about a NiB upper/lower, but with a twist. I would then send them off to be cerakoted and hydro dipped. But the logistics threw such a wrench into the project that I just said the heck with it. WMD, per phone now has about a 10 week turnaround, then the coater told me that because I only wanted to leave the insides NiB plated, that it would add even more time to their normal waiting period, for them to strip the plating off of the outside of the upper/lower, so they could get a cerakote base on the outside, then dip it. Now they aren't even taking on work, due to overload, and another trusted hydro-dip company wasn't sure how long such a project would take. I guess most of these folks aren't set-up to remove the plating, especially on one side. I was kind of bummed, but I'm also choosing parts wisely, as far as weight is concerned, and since I've got most of the parts, either in-hand or on order, the project is becoming an even lighter than my last rifle, cerakoted and dipped in an A-TAC camo pattern. Since I don't want the hassles of ATF suppressor jail, crossing state lines, and all things NFA, etc..I wouldn't be using a suppressor anyway, I'd just go with the more traditional coatings, inside and out, and go for a camo pattern that should work year around, at least where I live, and still provide great corrosion resistance in a light as I can get it rifle.

I wish I could have taken the NiB route that you did, but I'd have gun parts strung out all over the place for who knows how long, and then the unknown of having the outside of the upper and lower NiB plating removed.

Great job on yours, though. It looks great and should last for a dozen or so generations of UW's.[:)]

FT

[GOST]

ATACS is gonna tight, loose and sexy. If your wanting a NiB coating only in the upper Legion Firearms makes them. They were selling them at Weapon Outfitters and on their site.

[FortTom]

Actually only on the insides of the upper and lower. Anyway thanks for the info, but I'm going to stick with plan B, now. I think one of UWone77's main reason for inner and outer coating was to help keep the mess of shooting suppressed a lot easier to clean up.

FT

[GOST]

You could have your cerakoter micro slick the inside.