Txfilmmaker
20 March 2015, 12:58
I thought I would start my own thread instead of constantly hijacking other threads.
This rifle represents a bit of a journey, gifts from God (winning stuff), the love of my family. My kids loved buying me the BCM grip, B5 buttstock, etc. It's what makes it special. It has a story. If I just wanted a rifle and had $800, I probably would have followed UWone77's advice and bought a Colt. I tend to obsess over buying stuff, because I can't afford to be wrong. If money was not an object and I had not won all of my parts, I probably would have just purchased a complete BCM or Daniel Defense rifle. Probably the BCM because I don't like the new grip or buttstock on the DD. Those barrels are in the same arena as the Mountain Series. The Ballistic Advantage Hanson barrel was appealing because of the price and having several people recommend it. But, it's newer and not as proven as a Mountain Series barrel or DD, BCM, etc. I have an instructor friend who just shoots Stag Arms rifles. He is a lefty, but he also just wants a good solid budget rifle. He did not buy their "plus" package. He was given an Aimpoint to put on it. He can afford to spend as much as anyone, but he chooses not to spend a lot. He purchased a muzzle brake and a very good trigger, but that's all. He can out shoot most competitive shooters with far more expensive rifles. He may not be nationally known, but people who have gone to Gunsite, Thunder Ranch, etc. have told me he is as good as they get. He told me to choose based on budget and not worry about it. "It wouldn't matter." In my case, it probably doesn't matter, but I still like to have quality and I like that my friends here are part of the story of my rifle. The consensus seems to point towards the Mountain Series barrel. The great arbiter of the AR, Obi UWone77 Kenobi has ask good questions and given good feedback. I believe that even led to him getting Rainier to put the Mountain Series on sale. Many of you have stated how helpful he has been to your own builds. One of the members has even (graciously) offered to permanently pin a BCM gas block on it and not charge me for labor. I'll let him tell on himself. I don't want to mention who offered in case he gets barraged with requests. Additionally, I like the idea of buying from Rainier Arms. The Samson rail I won came from Revolvr App. I'm pretty sure that is one of there companies. I read that Gost and DutyUse have mentioned liking LW barrels. I like the way the lighter rifles handle. If I already had the rifle I'm building, I would totally be into getting a 14.5" LW rifle. It may seem trivial, but I don't like how skinny the 16" LW barrels look and if I had a 14.5" version, I would want the 13" KMR to cover most of it up. Weird, I know... Gost PMed me about 16" version. If I could see it in person, I "might could" (Texas colloquialism) go that route? Maybe not? I believe BoilerUp is an engineer with a masters degree. He was pretty fond of the price/performance ratio of Melonite barrels. Ballistic Advantage Hanson anyone? ;-) Alamo5000's input has been very helpful as well. He has sent me a lot of great info and things to think about. Point being, I have had a lot of good feed back. It's hard to get inside other's heads and know, definitively, what to advise. When money becomes less of a problem, I will likely take carbine classes and try out 3 gun. My instructor friend has offered me a free carbine class and to loan me whatever I need to try out 3 gun. Including ammo. I'm sure I will put my rifle on a bench and shoot for groups here and there. However, when I think of shooting for tight groups, I think of getting what Kyle Defoor recommends for an "Everyman" hunting rifle. Or something similar. http://kyledefoor.tumblr.com/post/32826327608/everyman-hunting-rifle-part-1-the-action
That's kind of a glimpse of where my head is at. There are others who have helped with advice as well. Sorry if you weren't duly credited.
This rifle represents a bit of a journey, gifts from God (winning stuff), the love of my family. My kids loved buying me the BCM grip, B5 buttstock, etc. It's what makes it special. It has a story. If I just wanted a rifle and had $800, I probably would have followed UWone77's advice and bought a Colt. I tend to obsess over buying stuff, because I can't afford to be wrong. If money was not an object and I had not won all of my parts, I probably would have just purchased a complete BCM or Daniel Defense rifle. Probably the BCM because I don't like the new grip or buttstock on the DD. Those barrels are in the same arena as the Mountain Series. The Ballistic Advantage Hanson barrel was appealing because of the price and having several people recommend it. But, it's newer and not as proven as a Mountain Series barrel or DD, BCM, etc. I have an instructor friend who just shoots Stag Arms rifles. He is a lefty, but he also just wants a good solid budget rifle. He did not buy their "plus" package. He was given an Aimpoint to put on it. He can afford to spend as much as anyone, but he chooses not to spend a lot. He purchased a muzzle brake and a very good trigger, but that's all. He can out shoot most competitive shooters with far more expensive rifles. He may not be nationally known, but people who have gone to Gunsite, Thunder Ranch, etc. have told me he is as good as they get. He told me to choose based on budget and not worry about it. "It wouldn't matter." In my case, it probably doesn't matter, but I still like to have quality and I like that my friends here are part of the story of my rifle. The consensus seems to point towards the Mountain Series barrel. The great arbiter of the AR, Obi UWone77 Kenobi has ask good questions and given good feedback. I believe that even led to him getting Rainier to put the Mountain Series on sale. Many of you have stated how helpful he has been to your own builds. One of the members has even (graciously) offered to permanently pin a BCM gas block on it and not charge me for labor. I'll let him tell on himself. I don't want to mention who offered in case he gets barraged with requests. Additionally, I like the idea of buying from Rainier Arms. The Samson rail I won came from Revolvr App. I'm pretty sure that is one of there companies. I read that Gost and DutyUse have mentioned liking LW barrels. I like the way the lighter rifles handle. If I already had the rifle I'm building, I would totally be into getting a 14.5" LW rifle. It may seem trivial, but I don't like how skinny the 16" LW barrels look and if I had a 14.5" version, I would want the 13" KMR to cover most of it up. Weird, I know... Gost PMed me about 16" version. If I could see it in person, I "might could" (Texas colloquialism) go that route? Maybe not? I believe BoilerUp is an engineer with a masters degree. He was pretty fond of the price/performance ratio of Melonite barrels. Ballistic Advantage Hanson anyone? ;-) Alamo5000's input has been very helpful as well. He has sent me a lot of great info and things to think about. Point being, I have had a lot of good feed back. It's hard to get inside other's heads and know, definitively, what to advise. When money becomes less of a problem, I will likely take carbine classes and try out 3 gun. My instructor friend has offered me a free carbine class and to loan me whatever I need to try out 3 gun. Including ammo. I'm sure I will put my rifle on a bench and shoot for groups here and there. However, when I think of shooting for tight groups, I think of getting what Kyle Defoor recommends for an "Everyman" hunting rifle. Or something similar. http://kyledefoor.tumblr.com/post/32826327608/everyman-hunting-rifle-part-1-the-action
That's kind of a glimpse of where my head is at. There are others who have helped with advice as well. Sorry if you weren't duly credited.