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Nathan_Mack
9 October 2014, 18:29
I'm new to the forum (joined for the 100k giveaway) and in doing so I found one hell of a forum. Coincidentally in am also starting a pseudo-SPR build (based on a Mod 1 configuration somewhat). This will be my progress thread and I will post pictures soon to kick it off. I finally broke ground on this build by ordering a Mega SPR profile barrel. It is a true SPR profile and will accommodate a Allen Engineering AEM5 suppressor down the road. Here is the parts list so far; things in italics are under consideration and opinions/suggestions are VERY welcome. I'm easily enabled.

UPPER:
Daniel Defense stripped upper
RRA chrome plated BCG
Mega SPR profile barrel
Allen Engineering brake/suppressor mount
Midwest Industries smooth handguard?
YHM smooth handguard?
Rainier Arms handguard?
(PRI handguards are just too pricey)
Magpul MBUS Pro BUIS?
Undecided: handguard over low pro gas block or gas block with folding A2 sight?
Harris Benchrest 6"-9" bipod w/tilt

LOWER:
Rainier Arms forged lower (beautiful by the way)
CMG drop in trigger, flat trigger w/anti walk pins
BAD 45° safety selector
Magpul MOE Grip (May go to K grip)
A.C.E. fixed rifle length skeleton stock?
Adjustable Magpul type stock?

I think that about covers it for now. I will post pictures in the next couple days. My previous AR15 build was not ambitious at all. I just built a simple rifle for work (Double Star lower, Del-Ton upper, troy handguard). This will be my first ambitious AR build.

Thank you for all comments/suggestions in advance!

-Nate

Deckard
9 October 2014, 22:12
I'd ditch the RRA BCG and get BCM's or Colt's. If you want a rail on a budget I'd look at ALG's EMR M-LOK. Have you decided on optics yet?

VIPER 237
9 October 2014, 22:34
I'd ditch the RRA BCG and get BCM's or Colt's. If you want a rail on a budget I'd look at ALG's M-LOK. Have you decided on optics yet?

Exactly. I don't trust RRA, they use 8620 steel for their bolts instead of C158 or 9310, they are not HP/MPI tested, and their chromed ones are know to have hydrogen embrittlement issues. Sell it and get a BCM.

BCM's KMR hand guard is about as good as it gets, plus its scary light. Midwest Industries SS gen 2 is another favorite. I prefer my hand guards to extend past the gas block.

For the price the MOE rifle stock is tough to beat if you want a fixed stock. If you prefer a collapsible design get a Vltor A5 receiver extension kit and then its really personal preference on which stock, I like the B5 bravo or the Magpul STR. The new SL from Magpul and the Gunfighter from BCM also look very good.

Gaspipeshooter
10 October 2014, 03:57
I'm a big fan of Midwest Industries handguards. Relatively inexpensive, and depending on the model you choose, you can get a slim, smooth handguard and add rail sections where you want/need them. I've put three of the Gen 2 SS-series on three different builds and I've got the SS Series two piece free float on my piston pistol build. Great quality all around in my experience, and I like the look.

Nathan_Mack
10 October 2014, 05:13
I'd ditch the RRA BCG and get BCM's or Colt's. If you want a rail on a budget I'd look at ALG's EMR M-LOK. Have you decided on optics yet?


Exactly. I don't trust RRA, they use 8620 steel for their bolts instead of C158 or 9310, they are not HP/MPI tested, and their chromed ones are know to have hydrogen embrittlement issues. Sell it and get a BCM.

BCM's KMR hand guard is about as good as it gets, plus its scary light. Midwest Industries SS gen 2 is another favorite. I prefer my hand guards to extend past the gas block.

For the price the MOE rifle stock is tough to beat if you want a fixed stock. If you prefer a collapsible design get a Vltor A5 receiver extension kit and then its really personal preference on which stock, I like the B5 bravo or the Magpul STR. The new SL from Magpul and the Gunfighter from BCM also look very good.

Thank you for the information. I am 99% sure it is a RRA BCG. It looks pretty so it should sell with no difficulty.

As for stocks: for me the MOE rifle stock looks gawd-awful. It's not always about aesthetic appearance, but it kinda makes me want to vomit. [:D]

I am partial to ACE stocks. Used their shorty stock for a long time. The B5 interests me, too.

Nathan_Mack
10 October 2014, 06:07
I'd ditch the RRA BCG and get BCM's or Colt's. If you want a rail on a budget I'd look at ALG's EMR M-LOK. Have you decided on optics yet?


Exactly. I don't trust RRA, they use 8620 steel for their bolts instead of C158 or 9310, they are not HP/MPI tested, and their chromed ones are know to have hydrogen embrittlement issues. Sell it and get a BCM.

BCM's KMR hand guard is about as good as it gets, plus its scary light. Midwest Industries SS gen 2 is another favorite. I prefer my hand guards to extend past the gas block.

For the price the MOE rifle stock is tough to beat if you want a fixed stock. If you prefer a collapsible design get a Vltor A5 receiver extension kit and then its really personal preference on which stock, I like the B5 bravo or the Magpul STR. The new SL from Magpul and the Gunfighter from BCM also look very good.


I'm a big fan of Midwest Industries handguards. Relatively inexpensive, and depending on the model you choose, you can get a slim, smooth handguard and add rail sections where you want/need them. I've put three of the Gen 2 SS-series on three different builds and I've got the SS Series two piece free float on my piston pistol build. Great quality all around in my experience, and I like the look.

I've been looking pretty hard at Midwest, YHM and a couple others. Seems to be a lot of quality handguards out there under $220.

Ride4frnt
10 October 2014, 08:20
If you need any influence on the Rainier handguard, I have the Force 15" on my own SPR project. It is awesome. Light, not too fat in the hand.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s374/blue94dc4/Firearms/7EFA9F2C-C95D-4599-884F-6D4F1CB50688_zpsakki0fxf.jpg

Ride4frnt
10 October 2014, 08:26
Also, as far as stocks. If you're going to used the rifle for more than just bench shooting, or off the bipod, are you sure you want the weight of an ACE stock?

If you want something like the magpul PRS, but without the price tag, look into this
http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/LUTH_AR_Modular_Buttstock_Assembly_p/luth-mba-1.htm

Nathan_Mack
10 October 2014, 09:20
If you need any influence on the Rainier handguard, I have the Force 15" on my own SPR project. It is awesome. Light, not too fat in the hand.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s374/blue94dc4/Firearms/7EFA9F2C-C95D-4599-884F-6D4F1CB50688_zpsakki0fxf.jpg

That is nice for sure. RA handguards have had my interest for months now. But I am doing an OTB suppressor in the future (Allen Engineering AEM5; like Ops Inc No 12) so the last 3 or 3.5" of barrel needs to be unobstructed. 15" handguards are out if I decide to use a sight-integrated FSB...maybe ARMS?


Also, as far as stocks. If you're going to used the rifle for more than just bench shooting, or off the bipod, are you sure you want the weight of an ACE stock?

If you want something like the magpul PRS, but without the price tag, look into this
http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/LUTH_AR_Modular_Buttstock_Assembly_p/luth-mba-1.htm

Well, I'll look into it, but I don't think that an ACE stock is heavier than a standard A2 stock. It retains the normal buffer tube and the small skeleton frame just slides over it. Just not sure yet. ACE stocks have the rigidity I am fond of.

And thanks for the link...that stock looms damn nice. Wonder how it compares to the PRS in a side by side comparison?

Ride4frnt
10 October 2014, 09:35
That is nice for sure. RA handguards have had my interest for months now. But I am doing an OTB suppressor in the future (Allen Engineering AEM5; like Ops Inc No 12) so the last 3 or 3.5" of barrel needs to be unobstructed. 15" handguards are out if I decide to use a sight-integrated FSB...maybe ARMS?



Well, I'll look into it, but I don't think that an ACE stock is heavier than a standard A2 stock. It retains the normal buffer tube and the small skeleton frame just slides over it. Just not sure yet. ACE stocks have the rigidity I am fond of.

And thanks for the link...that stock looms damn nice. Wonder how it compares to the PRS in a side by side comparison?

Lighter, and more adjustability. Randy Luth is the founder of DPMS, so I trust he knew what he was doing when designing that stock.

Nathan_Mack
10 October 2014, 20:42
If you need any influence on the Rainier handguard, I have the Force 15" on my own SPR project. It is awesome. Light, not too fat in the hand.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s374/blue94dc4/Firearms/7EFA9F2C-C95D-4599-884F-6D4F1CB50688_zpsakki0fxf.jpg


Also, as far as stocks. If you're going to used the rifle for more than just bench shooting, or off the bipod, are you sure you want the weight of an ACE stock?

If you want something like the magpul PRS, but without the price tag, look into this
http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/LUTH_AR_Modular_Buttstock_Assembly_p/luth-mba-1.htm


Lighter, and more adjustability. Randy Luth is the founder of DPMS, so I trust he knew what he was doing when designing that stock.

It's definitely an interesting option compared to the much heavier and bulkier Magpul PRS. But, I'm not sure it's what I'm looking for with my build. It's profile footprint is too large for me, I think. I'm probably looking at the ACE long skeleton stock or a B5 type elongated collapsible stock. The ACE is in the 9 or 10oz realm I believe.

Nathan_Mack
12 October 2014, 15:46
Handguard consideration: SLR Rifleworks 14" key mod....thoughts, experience?

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab55/UWone77/SLR_3_zps3c123e60.jpg

Nathan_Mack
15 October 2014, 09:15
My barrel has arrived! The pictures remove any need for an introduction. Fit and finish are superb and I can't wait to get it attached to the upper. That won't happen until I get my hand guard and gas block/gas tube in. Waiting sucks.

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w363/JasonMPD/Mobile%20Uploads/20141015_114924.jpg
http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w363/JasonMPD/Mobile%20Uploads/20141015_115153.jpg
http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w363/JasonMPD/Mobile%20Uploads/20141015_115430.jpg
http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w363/JasonMPD/Mobile%20Uploads/20141015_115213.jpg

She'll soon have an Allen Engineering AEM5 suppressor adapter brake/collar.

Nathan_Mack
17 October 2014, 12:58
Here is a parts list update. I have several on the way:

Stock: ACE rifle length skeleton stock
Muzzle: Allen Engineering AEM5 suppressor adapter brake
Hand Guard: SLR Rifleworks Solo M-LOK, 14"

Still undecided:

-which low pro gas block
-which scope mount/riser (ARMS Swan Sleeve riser, or other?)
-which BUIS

More to come, pics to come too.

UWone77
17 October 2014, 20:02
I used a Rainier Arms Gas Block, worked perfectly, and had it pinned.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/IMG_2329_zpsa4f7ad5a.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/IMG_2329_zpsa4f7ad5a.jpg.html)

Nathan_Mack
18 October 2014, 12:43
It was Christmas in my mailbox today. SLR Rifleworks M-LOK 14" Solo rail and my ADCO order of an AE AEM5 MDM arrived today. Additionally, I found a rifle length gas tube and a bitchin' low-pro gas block made by a [very] local machinist for under $40 (review to follow separately).

First the SLR Solo handguard... you know that moment in an adventure movie when the explorer opens some long-lost box and has the huge smile on his face with the orange glow of something obviously priceless glowing within the box? THAT is this handguard. It is absolutely superb and on par or exceeds any other rail in the same price point I've ever used/handled. The barrel nut system is perfect, too. Any wrench that can open to 1-1/4" will install it. A great design. These "common tool" barrel nuts are such a great idea!

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w363/JasonMPD/Mobile%20Uploads/20141018_1503012.jpg

Allen Engineering (as I understand it) was the manufacturer behind the OPS Inc brand name and now brands their own stuff in the absence of OPS Inc (correct me if I am wrong!) I am opting for a Mod 1-like-build so the OPS Inc 12th suppressor and 12th suppressor adapter are the thing to use. So here is the Allen Engineering AEMB for the M5 o.t.b. suppressor. It is (with collar and thread protector) $146 to my door from ADCO (super great to order from!). OPS Inc branded stuff would cost easily 50% more or greater.

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w363/JasonMPD/Mobile%20Uploads/20141018_1502522.jpg

And being the impatient person I am...everything fit together loosely just for show. The ACE stock is on the way and I am ordering an A.R.M.S. #38L-EX riser with built in rear BUIS. Glass is next and I'm undecided on that.

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w363/JasonMPD/Mobile%20Uploads/20141018_150240.jpg

I talked to my local LGS and they can get Allen Engineering suppressors through their suppliers so I will be starting paperwork on one in the next month or so. This is the most extensive "purpose built" AR I've ever assembled. Quite awesome.

-Nate