Building a Friend's Rifle Project

[UWone77]

On the theme of the Pay it Forward thread Aaron here revived, I decided to build a buddy a rifle. Recently, he had to sell all of his guns to take one for the family. I can respect a guy who puts the family ahead of himself. However, this left him in a situation where he has no guns and no home defense weapon. No one should ever be in this position.

My buddy did acquire a stripped Mega Arms lower receiver, so I told him that I would build up the rest of the gun. Once I get the parts together, I'll post the progress here. I told him I my goal was to build this and finish it by the end of the spring. I won't be building a low end/cheapest I can find gun. This will probably take a little time. Some of the parts I've dug out of the parts bin for this build:

Mega Arms Lower (mentioned above)
Magpul MBUS
CMT Bolt Carrier Group
Parallax Tactical KeyMod FFSSR Rail

Some specs I'm shooting for is a 16" CL barrel for general use and a 2 point sling. Everything else is up in the air and up for suggestions. I'll take plenty of pictures as this build progresses.

[zero7one]

We can talk off line on what I may have to assist with this build.

[AaronP220]

I've got a MEGA charging handle that I can donate to this project! I've got a Geissele SD3G trigger laying around i'll let go on the cheap, too.

Believe it or not I've got a buddy who I just started a build for. I'll post another thread for it, though.

[UWone77]

Thanks Gents, obviously this wasn't a solicitation for parts, but just shows what a great group of guys hang out here.

I really just wanted to take my time on this as I didn't want to just throw a mish-mash of parts together. I wanted something that I would use myself for home defense and make him feel confident when/if he ever had to use it.

[AaronP220]

I'm building a buddy an AR right now as well. He went through a bad divorce, lost his twin boys, all his stuff and his money. He breaks his back for 45 days in S. Korea to come home for 20 days and pray his ex will let him see his boys without starting trash. Since he had to sell all his guns to pay legal fees and what not my wife told me to build him an AR for when he gets back in two months. I figured I'd slap him something together just so he had SOMETHING and when she saw my parts list (the wife knows guns well) she goes "don't buy anything you wouldn't use". So the entire list changed. Which plays into what you just said. I kind if felt like a bag of crusty dog crap after she said that because it was a lot of cheaper stuff just so he could have something - most of it was stuff I probably wouldn't use. Not saying it was bargain basement stuff but I've always been of the "buy once and buy right school". So when she said that and I saw all the stuff I had in the cart that I wouldn't use it made me think about why and who I was doing this for and what it will mean for him and what it means to me to give my best friend something like this.

So I feel ya. Make it something sepcial!!

.....but the SOB is buying his own glass. LOL.

[AaronP220]

Is the lower a billet or forge lower? If billet, what version?

Considered a 14.5 P&W? If it's for a home defense thing shorter is almost always better in my opinion.

[UWone77]

Is the lower a billet or forge lower? If billet, what version?

Considered a 14.5 P&W? If it's for a home defense thing shorter is almost always better in my opinion.

It's a standard Forged Mega Lower.

Your wife is a wise woman. If I give something to a buddy for home defense, I have to make sure it's going to go bang every time he pulls that trigger. If I won't use it why should I expect him to?

I will see what's out there for barrels, but likely going 16" as a pin and weld job would be a pain if he decided to swap out handguards later. I don't think he plans on being poor all the time.

[AaronP220]

Gotcha.

Like I said I another post. Check out Wilson barrels. For $250 you get a premium tube - especially for the cash.

[FortTom]

PM Sent.
FT

[MoxyDave]

That's a nice gesture. Good luck with the build.

[mustangfreek]

Good on you guys for helping out..I have received some help from members here and other forums , whether it be parts, input or strait up harsh , honest responses..lol

i have given where i can and hope your friends appreciate what your doing for them and im sure they will. Its this behavior that makes me like such hobbies, and friends within it..

Good job guys..[:D]

[Computalotapus]

I have been amazed how fast this community pulls together. How quickly it comes together for a common cause.
I am working on several projects at the moment and have had to put my personal build to the side. Maybe after these next two build I will have spare parts. As of right now I have an A2 grip and a Standard Charging Handle from a S&W M&P 15


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RiverRat]

UW,

It's a great thing you're doing and if I have parts lying around that fit your bill of materials, I would be happy to mail bits and pieces. We all know you don't really don't need our help in selecting quality parts. I'm guessing where we can help would be in the "I know this is in stock here, now, at this price." So here's what I found for you.

UPPER:

Since this is an "I only have one AR" build, I fully agree with your 16" barrel selection. Where my opinion might be the outlier is thinking that "only one AR" builds should have a lightweight profile barrel. I find that few people pick up my LW AR and say "dang, that's too light", but plenty of people lament having a muzzle heavy carbine. I would spec out midlength gas system, though that's personal preference. If you buy into that thinking, I found a few good options in stock right now....

1st choice: Daniel Defense LW middy barrel (24ish oz) - shockingly available for $279 at RifleGear. I might grab one for myself, as these have been really hard to find over the last 18 months. Use BCM .635 gas block on this.
2nd choice: Spikes "Optimal" barrel (26ish oz) with a pinned block for $269 at AIM.
3rd choice: If you're willing to give up CL for melonite, Adams Arms Ultralightweight 16" carbine and middy barrels (23ish oz) can be had at RifleGear for $235. If have a 14.5" version of that barrel and LOVE it so far. Use a DD or VLTOR .625 clamped block for this - the barrel isn't dimpled.

You might want to find one of the hybrid comp/hider muzzle devices if you select one of those barrels and can stand the additional concussion. I haven't found one I love for use on light barrels yet, maybe you can suggest one for me.

Spikes upper receivers (with door and assist installed) are available at AIM for $100 right now. I have 2 of these uppers - one is a little loose, the other is perfect. At the price, I think this is a pretty solid option, especially since the Mega lower has a tensioning screw to take up slack.

I would have a very difficult time not paying for a BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 or Rainer Raptor on this, though I couldn't find sale pricing for you.

LOWER:

I highly recommend an ALG trigger for any carbine built after saying the words "home defense." I really like my ACT, little creep, no grit, clean break, strong springs, 100% reliable. I'm sure the QMS is good too, though I don't have trigger time with one. You can get either at JoeBob's for normal price ($45 or $65), but you can add an LPK w/o FCG for only $29 more. The JBO parts are good and the combo price is attractive.

With a lightweight barrel and the Parallax rail, I would be VERY tempted to add a steep angled grip if your buddy is willing to square up. You've probably handled them all and already have a favorite.

Couldn't find any great stock deals for you, but I'll keep my eyes open for something on Magpul CTR or STR stocks. Personally, I like the buttplate angle on the Magpul designs over the reversed angle of the B5/LMT.

Let us know how you progress :)

[UWone77]

Great post RiverRat.

I think the barrel will be the last thing I figure out. I know I want to go with a 16", but as you mentioned with the lightweight rail, a lightweight barrel maybe a perfec match. A couple of items that I did find today to add:

Fortis Gas Block
Magpul MOE Stock
Lower parts kit


I'll probably go along with the MOE theme and use a MOE grip as well.

[MoxyDave]

Can't go wrong with Bravo Company:

Standard lightweight 16":
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Barrel-Stripped-LIGHT-WEIGHT-p/bcm-brl-mid-16lw%20std.htm

Personally I'd go with the hammer forged version for a few bucks more:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-BFH-16-Mid-Length-LW-Barrel-Stripped-p/bcm-brl-s-mid-16lw%20bfh.htm

A 16" lightweight middy is my favorite configuration. Unless you expect to be going to war, a lightweight profile is the way to go.

[RiverRat]

UW - please note that all of the barrels that both Dave and I listed have .625 blocks. I hope that Fortis you picked up is for a skinny barrel if you're leaning that way.

And here's another real silly thought. You might wander over to Bushmaster's web store (I know, I know, bear with me a second). They're clearing out some overstock red dots. These optics are really 3 MOA Primary Arms Microdots, left hand side intensity controls, emitter at 6 o'clock, supplied with a lower 1/3rd cowitness QD mount. They're not Aimpoint H-1 bullet-proof and that configuration is loaded with weirdness but they cost forty four dollars each. Yup, the cost of an MBUS front site. You could buy a dozen of them for the price of the aforementioned Aimpoint H-1. Having used one of the PA micros, its no that bad. I would go so far as saying its a no brainer at that price as a temporary install until an upgrade is procured. I picked up 2 of them as backups, I can double-check that they're unmarked PA micros if you would like.

[UWone77]

Took your suggestions and went with the lightweight Daniel Defense Barrel with the pinned Gas Block... got a pretty great deal on it $150

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1434_zpsa94a4c9c.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1434_zpsa94a4c9c.jpg.html)

[UWone77]

Picked up a few other parts:

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1431_zpsa45d3378.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1431_zpsa45d3378.jpg.html)

[RiverRat]

Wow. "Pretty great" is an understatement. That's a smokin' deal. Your friend's new carbine is shaping up very nicely. We've been talking 16" the whole time, but the ratio on that looks 14.5ish to me. Optical illusion?

I look forward to hearing what you pick up for the remaining 4 major components. I wouldn't be surprised to hear 1-4 BCM pieces and/or 1-2 Rainer parts [pop]

[UWone77]

Wow. "Pretty great" is an understatement. That's a smokin' deal. Your friend's new carbine is shaping up very nicely. We've been talking 16" the whole time, but the ratio on that looks 14.5ish to me. Optical illusion?

I look forward to hearing what you pick up for the remaining 4 major components. I wouldn't be surprised to hear 1-4 BCM pieces and/or 1-2 Rainer parts [pop]

No,

You've got a good eye! That is a 14.5" After speaking to my buddy about it, he was fine with a 14.5" as he wanted to go with a lightweight setup. 16" would have been ideal, but the deal I got on the barrel/gas block combo, especially a Daniel Defense one, I could not pass up.

Picked up the MOE Grip today, gas tube, and a few other small parts. Will probably put together the upper this weekend.

[RiverRat]

Now I'm really interested in which muzzle device you'll pick. It is the one component I wish I had tested more for my light 14.5" (which I love despite the muzzle rise)

Will your buddy be able to test a few options attached to this upper and an tax-stamped lower before you have to finalize it?

[MoxyDave]

SBR or pin 'n weld? Nice deal on that barrel!

[mustangfreek]

Nice deal on the barrel..damn i thought my recent score on a bcm chf LW 16" barrel and gas block for 215 was a steal...you stole that for a $150.....Any more of them for that price?..lol my old mans build needs a screamin deal like that..

[UWone77]

SBR or pin 'n weld? Nice deal on that barrel!

Unfortunately, it will be a pin and weld. I'll have to discuss with him in length what kind of muzzle device he's comfortable with leaving on there as he knows it won't be a cheap deal to change his mind later.

[MoxyDave]

Can't blame you as NFA is taking over a year now; it's hardly worth it. The BattleComp 1.5 would be my choice.

[rayjax82]

Can't blame you as NFA is taking over a year now; it's hardly worth it. The BattleComp 1.5 would be my choice.

We can't run SBR's in WA state... yet.

I'm the guy UW is building this for, and I can't tell you what this means to me. Its been a rough year and a half, and having people, some friends and some random strangers care about me being able to protect my family is amazing.

I've been at a complete loss for words during this whole thing, and unfortunately this post doesn't fully convey my gratitude to everyone who had a hand in putting this together.

Thank you UW, gentlemen. I hope to be able to PIF myself in the near future.

[mustangfreek]

We can't run SBR's in WA state... yet.

I'm the guy UW is building this for, and I can't tell you what this means to me. Its been a rough year and a half, and having people, some friends and some random strangers care about me being able to protect my family is amazing.

I've been at a complete loss for words during this whole thing, and unfortunately this post doesn't fully convey my gratitude to everyone who had a hand in putting this together.

Thank you UW, gentlemen. I hope to be able to PIF myself in the near future.

Welcome, your screen name looks familiar from SGN..

[rayjax82]

Welcome, your screen name looks familiar from SGN..

Thank you, and yes thats me.

[UWone77]

Hand fitted the upper, rail, barrel, BCG, and Raptor. Mocked up a Fortis RED brake, but my buddy will likely want a BattleComp 1.5 that he's coughing up on his own dime to cover it. Great choice for a muzzle device if you're going to be married to it.

Will work on the lower tonight, here are a few updated pictures.


http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1462_zps32f6bee1.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1462_zps32f6bee1.jpg.html)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1463_zps19035b8a.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1463_zps19035b8a.jpg.html)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1464_zpsea6e5905.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1464_zpsea6e5905.jpg.html)

[RiverRat]

Nice. That was one of the 3 muzzle devices I wondered about. BattleComp's established performance for this type of rig made it the front-runner and its a selling point if your friend someday decides a different upper better suits his needs.

I was half hoping that you would put a Precision Armament AFAB Mini Comp on this - if I had real-use confirmation it were stable on a LW 14.5, I would be ordering parts immediately. Might have to run the experiment for myself now.

Thanks for posting the pics as this develops.

[UWone77]

My buddy purchased the stripped lower with the color fill already done, so please excuse the mall ninjaness of the lower. He plans to have it removed once I'm done with the gun. The lower parts kit and receiver extension went on without a hitch as expected. After all, this is a Mega Arms lower, I wouldn't expect anything less.

So far this project is going a lot faster than I expected. This is primarily due to the generous donations of several of you, and it is appreciated. My buddy went ahead and decided instead of compromising he is going forth with the Battlecomp 1.5 out of his own pocket rather than settle. Smart move, considering as we mentioned before, it's going to be rather expensive to switch muzzle devices on a 14.5" I'll drop it off at the gunsmith for a pin and weld next week, and about another week after that, I should have it finished and ready to go for him.


http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1467_zps02788099.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1467_zps02788099.jpg.html)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1468_zpsa434c8d0.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1468_zpsa434c8d0.jpg.html)

[rayjax82]

Beautiful.

I tried to take the color fill out with some nail polish remover(the guy I bought it from said he used nail polish). That didn't work, so I'm thinking MEK will do it.

[mustangfreek]

Nice....

[UWone77]

Going in for a pin and weld tomorrow with the Battle Comp 1.5:


http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1473_zps08ffc79e.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1473_zps08ffc79e.jpg.html)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1472_zps8e27d8db.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1472_zps8e27d8db.jpg.html)

[MoxyDave]

Very nice. Your friend will be super stoked.

[FortTom]

Going fast!!. Hopefully the "disco paint" will come off. [:D] I'm sure your buddy appreciates it.

FT

[UWone77]

While waiting for the pin and weld, I picked up the ALG QMS Trigger.


http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1520_zps9e690e0a.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1520_zps9e690e0a.jpg.html)

[MoxyDave]

Nice. I recently picked up an ALG Combat Trigger for my lightweight 16" and I really like it. I'm curious to hear your impressions of the QMS.

[UWone77]

Nice. I recently picked up an ALG Combat Trigger for my lightweight 16" and I really like it. I'm curious to hear your impressions of the QMS.

I really like the QMS and ACT for that matter. It provided a very consistent 6lb pull on the trigger. I've been slowly converting some of my older lowers using stock LPK triggers to the QMS or ACT. As long as people don't expect SSA performance, it's the best value going.

[MoxyDave]

Completely agree. I don't mind a good stock GI trigger at all. Once in a while you get lucky with a parts kit and it comes with a decent trigger. If not, ALG Defense to the rescue lol.

[UWone77]

Back from the pin and weld. Here are some shots with various optics, just to change up the look. I also changed the Raptor to a Fortis Hammer in the pictures.


http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1527_zpsbf66a70c.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1527_zpsbf66a70c.jpg.html)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1521_zps699aeadc.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1521_zps699aeadc.jpg.html)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1526_zps6e03bf12.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1526_zps6e03bf12.jpg.html)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/IMG_1525_zps5808c6d0.jpg (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/UWone77/media/IMG_1525_zps5808c6d0.jpg.html)

[AaronP220]

That's what's up! Very nice build, sir!!

[UWone77]

Well,

I finally handed the rifle over during the weekend. My friend was very thrilled to receive the rifle, that he spent the next few hours after getting it, rubbing off the color fill in the lower receiver. I just want to thank several of you for donating to the cause, as well as Parallax Tactical and Rainier Arms for assisting me in this project.

Originally, I thought this would take a couple of months as I was going to slowly gather the parts in time for spring, but you guys help accelerate the time line, and another person out there is an AR15 owner. Here's the complete break down of parts:


Parallax Tactical FFSSR 13" Rail
Daniel Defense 14.5" LW Midlength barrel
Battlecomp 1.5 pinned
Milspec M16 Bolt Carrier Group
CMT Upper Receiver
Mega Arms Gator Lower Receiver
Magpul MOE, MBUS
ALG QMS Trigger
Ergo Grip
Rainier Arms Raptor

Retail Total ~ $1350 Thankfully, I didn't have to pay that amount.


Might have to put together another one down the road... I seem to have more "needy" friends.[:D]

[Computalotapus]

Great looking rifle and a very generous gift.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MoxyDave]

Well done, nice build [:)]

[rayjax82]

What a great gift. I can't thank everyone, especially UW, for all that they have done.

I really really appreciate it. Thank you gentlemen. Pics will be coming soon, however they probably won't be as good as UW's.

Thanks everyone!

[mustangfreek]

UW is a good guy.....

that build is a nice build, especially to hand over to a friend..Good on all you for helping..now stock up on mags and ammo..[:D]

[UWone77]

UW is a good guy.....

that build is a nice build, especially to hand over to a friend..Good on all you for helping..now stock up on mags and ammo..[:D]

And some people don't even get a RAC to finish their build :)

[FortTom]

Excellent UW,[:)]

FT

[mustangfreek]

And some people don't even get a RAC to finish their build :)

[bash]......God damn you..keep rubbing it in...[BD]


I still need one..[:D]...[pop]

[rayjax82]

So without further ado, here it is sans color fill and wearing an Aimpoint PRO. I would really like to thank everyone, expecially Rich who was involved in putting this together for me. This really means a lot! The picture isn't as good as UW's, but it will do.

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af179/cellis8200/gun2_zpsc58d7ba4.jpg (http://s1005.photobucket.com/user/cellis8200/media/gun2_zpsc58d7ba4.jpg.html)

[mustangfreek]

Awesome...and looks better without all the crayon color fill on it..[:D]

[DMViergever]

Looks good! I am very fond of the Ptax handguards.

[rayjax82]

Range Report:

This is a little late, but I’ve been slammed with work and a new project I’ve been working on.

The first time I shot this rifle, I wasn’t able to take it to a range where I could really test out the functionality. It was more to sight it in as the range only lets you load one round in the magazine at a time.

I ended up sighting it in at 50/200. That was the best I could do, as since my glaucoma surgery red dots have a tendency to look like commas or barbells. Good enough for home defense though.

The rifle is far more accurate than I am and unfortunately I don’t have any pics of groups. Any group I shoot would be embarrassing anyway. I did have a few issues that were likely ammo related.

1. If I monopodded the rifle on the mag and fired my one round the bolt would not lock back. If I didn’t monopod it, it would. This was with the one gen 2 windowed pmag I had, the other two mags I had were aluminum GI mags. I didn’t test if the GI mags would do it.

2. I shot some Remington 55g UMC, Tula, 45g vmax reloads, and some American Eagle through the gun. The UMC wouldn’t lock the bolt back 50% of the time. The American Eagle would lock it back 100% of the time, the Tula 0% of the time, and the 45g vmax reloads 0% of the time.

I’ve read that these 14.5” middies need a little breaking in. So after I was sighted in I packed it up and called it a day. The rifle was lightly lubed with slip2k EWL. Casings were ejected at approximately 4 oclock. Round count approximately 80 rounds.

The second time I shot this rifle I went to an indoor range with no restrictions on rounds in the mag. I brought with me only wolf gold and American eagle. The weapon was heavily lubed with slip2k EWL.

Man talk about no hiccups. This thing had ZERO issues that day. It shot the wolf gold, and the AE no issues. I was not bench rest shooting but I was getting rounds COM at 25 yards with NO problem. The bolt locked back after every mag. The thing has almost zero muzzle flip with that battlecomp. Follow up shots were as quick as the range would allow. I can’t stress enough how much I enjoy this rifle.

The Parallax Tactical FFSSR is a fine rail that balances the rifle well. The slim middle allows me to really get my hand all the way around the rail and control the rifle. I highly recommend it if you have medium to small hands. I don’t hang a lot of crap off my rifles so the missing rail space is a non-issue.

Overall this is a great gift from a very generous man. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate this. To Rich and everyone else who pitched in I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My next trip out with this rifle will be at the end up of the month. I will be heading to a local pit and plant to put a few hundred rounds through it, and then see if breaking it in fixes the ammo issues I had.

Thank you everyone!
Chris

[Dr Tran]

That's a good looking rifle.

[mustangfreek]

Sounds like a decent first outing...for a nice rifle...That rail is really growing on me..

I have heard numerous times remington 55gr ammo and tulammo are weak, as probably why the bolt didnt lock back.


Going to the NES from the other site?

[rayjax82]

Sounds like a decent first outing...for a nice rifle...That rail is really growing on me..

I have heard numerous times remington 55gr ammo and tulammo are weak, as probably why the bolt didnt lock back.


Going to the NES from the other site?

Yes sir.