PDA

View Full Version : My first full ground up build - SMOS build



besthaticouldo
2 March 2016, 08:52
Hey all,

I am new here. Obviously you can tell by my post count, but I've been lurking for a while.

I am working on my 2nd rifle.

My first was a DPMS forged lower, PSA lower build kit, PSA freedom rifle upper kit, and all the Magpul furniture. It is my first AR, and I wanted something I could learn on and enjoy and shoot.

I've started collecting parts for my 2nd build and am getting my plans laid out

I currently have
Rise Armament Black Fallout Single Stage Trigger
KNS .154 Non-Rotating Trigger and Hammer Pins
B.A.D. Titanium Enhanced Pin Set
B.A.D. Ambi Selector Switch
VLTOR 5 Pos MilSpec Buffer Tube
MFT BMS Stock
Strike Industries Bolt Catch
Strike Industries Mag Release
B.A.D. Enhanced Mag Release Button


Tentative Plans
SMOS SM Slick Side Upper
SMOS SM15 Lower
SMOS SM13 Rail
Wilson Combat Recon 16" 1/8 416R Barrel


Don't really have an idea for BCG, Optic, or grip right now.

But this is basically where I'm starting.

Here are some pics of my PSA rifle
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1657/24212051074_09624027fd_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CTx6fs)2016-02-05 15.35.33 (https://flic.kr/p/CTx6fs) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1494/24537876160_700415e249_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Dok2Gm)20160204_173903 (https://flic.kr/p/Dok2Gm) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

Here are some pics of the lower parts installed into a CMT hex lower (that's getting returned)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1556/24587984723_e43222a527_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DsKRe6)20160222_194843 (https://flic.kr/p/DsKRe6) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1632/24919184530_b50437e571_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DY2koA)20160222_194850 (https://flic.kr/p/DY2koA) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1595/25214791235_6cdff56ed4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Eq9oXV)20160222_194854 (https://flic.kr/p/Eq9oXV) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

I'm here for advice and for guidance, I'd appreciate any of it. Obviously I am the padawan.

Thanks for looking!

SINNER
2 March 2016, 09:07
Nice parts list so far but there are much better choices for barrels out there than those Wilson Combat barrels. BCM and Rainier Arms to name a few.

besthaticouldo
2 March 2016, 09:18
Nice parts list so far but there are much better choices for barrels out there than those Wilson Combat barrels. BCM and Rainier Arms to name a few.

What makes the BCM better than the WC? Not asking to be combative, genuinely wondering.

Naytwan
2 March 2016, 09:24
Once you put those BAD pins in a rifle you will never want stock ones again. I went with the black ones since the titanium was to blingy for me.

besthaticouldo
2 March 2016, 09:25
Once you put those BAD pins in a rifle you will never want stock ones again. I went with the black ones since the titanium was to blingy for me.

Yea, I think I'm going to snag another set for that PSA rifle.

Dstrbdmedic167
2 March 2016, 09:28
As sinner said nice list but why is the hex lower getting retuned?

I'll second sinner on choices of barrel. WC makes great barrels but you can get more bang for your buck and still have the same quality.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

henpecked
2 March 2016, 09:31
Looks nice, let us know how it shoots. Palmetto may not be high end but its a good place to start.
Thanks

besthaticouldo
2 March 2016, 09:31
As sinner said nice list but why is the hex lower getting retuned?

I'll second sinner on choices of barrel. WC makes great barrels but you can get more bang for your buck and still have the same quality.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Never going to be able to get a matching upper.

What things should I be looking for in a barrel? It's basically a target rifle.

Jerry R
2 March 2016, 10:03
Nice looking build - let us know how it shoots. And on the new build ...


It's basically a target rifle.

This -- Rainier UltraMatch in 223 Wylde (https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-ultramatchtm-223-wylde-barrel-16) and only a few buck more than the Wilson.

alamo5000
2 March 2016, 10:08
Sharpen your statement if you will... "It will be a target rifle"...

Define that. Shooting tiny groups? Punching paper? Shooting steel? How accurate do you want to get? Also what distances will you be shooting at in general?

I did my first build as an accurate shooter target gun and I got very good advice here. I love that barrel still.

Take your time and get what you need and you will be happy a long time.

besthaticouldo
2 March 2016, 10:13
Sharpen your statement if you will... "It will be a target rifle"...

Define that. Shooting tiny groups? Punching paper? Shooting steel? How accurate do you want to get? Also what distances will you be shooting at in general?

I did my first build as an accurate shooter target gun and I got very good advice here. I love that barrel still.

Take your time and get what you need and you will be happy a long time.

Punching paper mostly. 25/50/100

Will probably see some time shooting steel on a farm as well.

I'd like to be pretty accurate.

alamo5000
2 March 2016, 10:22
With my rifle I did a .7" or a little more than 1/2moa 10 shot group at 100 yards...

If we can define your routine we can offer better advice. Stupid accurate will require reloading.

That same gun that I can do the sub moa with if I switch to regular ammo my groups are no where near that.

100 yards is easily doable but if you're not going to invest in quality ammo on a regular basis getting some match barrel is overkill.

besthaticouldo
2 March 2016, 10:38
With my rifle I did a .7" or a little more than 1/2moa 10 shot group at 100 yards...

If we can define your routine we can offer better advice. Stupid accurate will require reloading.

That same gun that I can do the sub moa with if I switch to regular ammo my groups are no where near that.

100 yards is easily doable but if you're not going to invest in quality ammo on a regular basis getting some match barrel is overkill.

I don't mind springing for quality ammo every once in a while. But usually I shoot American Eagle .223 (usually can snag it for under .30 a round).

I'd be happy doing a 1" group at 50yds.

alamo5000
2 March 2016, 10:57
Excellent. Now you have a goal and you can buy accordingly. Your barrel...you have a whole ton of options there. Ballistic Advantage on to who know what will get you there easily.

Others can provide more specific brand advice and price comparisons...

I would go with something pretty good and nitride because the life of the barrel will give more long term bang for the buck and it stands up to more abuse.

besthaticouldo
2 March 2016, 11:03
This one is about $30 more than the WC one I was looking at. Seems like it'd fit the bill.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Recce-SS410-Barrel-with-Mid-Length-Gas-p/bcm-brl-ss410-16-8.htm

And gets great reviews on their website. I may call BCM and tell them what my goal is and see what they suggest.

alamo5000
2 March 2016, 11:33
You're going to get better advice here. Just saying. BCM makes good stuff from what I gather but when WEVO speaks people listen.

alamo5000
2 March 2016, 11:35
Plus you are able to get a barrel that will more than do what you want for less money. Plus that one looks like it's stainless steel.

Fathom_Arms
2 March 2016, 14:17
Our Black Nitride Mil-Spec BCG would fit nicely!

alamo5000
2 March 2016, 15:31
Our Black Nitride Mil-Spec BCG would fit nicely!

Pair it up with that new barrel you guys are offering and the OP is in business...

Post up a link or something like that so that we can see what you're offering. :)

JSchell1309
2 March 2016, 18:02
Hey all,

I am new here. Obviously you can tell by my post count, but I've been lurking for a while.


I'm in on this, if this is anything like your WRX build thread... we are in for a shit show lol.


Excellent. Now you have a goal and you can buy accordingly. Your barrel...you have a whole ton of options there. Ballistic Advantage on to who know what will get you there easily.

Others can provide more specific brand advice and price comparisons...

I would go with something pretty good and nitride because the life of the barrel will give more long term bang for the buck and it stands up to more abuse.

After weeks of looking around this is what I came up with. A $150-$250 price range Nitrided barrel seems like best bang for the buck. I looked into Ballistic Advantage, AR15Performance, Black Hole Weaponry, and Micro MOA. Bang for buck I ended up choosing a Nitrided ARP barrel. Anyone else here have thoughts on those 4 barrel makers?


This one is about $30 more than the WC one I was looking at. Seems like it'd fit the bill.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Recce-SS410-Barrel-with-Mid-Length-Gas-p/bcm-brl-ss410-16-8.htm

And gets great reviews on their website. I may call BCM and tell them what my goal is and see what they suggest.

That's damn expensive for what it is. Were you wanting this to be 16" or 18", stainless or nitrided, mid length or rifle gas, bench gun only or sporting/3 gun shooting? Only feed it american eagle or re-zero each time you swap to decent ammo. Budget... your wife is going to kill you lol.

Dstrbdmedic167
2 March 2016, 18:27
I have 2 ARP barrels. Damn good shooting barrels for no more than they cost. I have a 16" 277wlv (shut up UW) and a 12.5" 223 Wylde barrel on my SBR.

Ballistic advantage has been getting my money as of late. They're also great shooting barrels and you can get a pinned GB with them for the cost of other companies. BHW and Micro MOA are good but I've never used them personally


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

besthaticouldo
3 March 2016, 05:26
Our Black Nitride Mil-Spec BCG would fit nicely!


Pair it up with that new barrel you guys are offering and the OP is in business...

Post up a link or something like that so that we can see what you're offering. :)

Yea, links, that'd be helpful. I'm curious.


I'm in on this, if this is anything like your WRX build thread... we are in for a shit show lol.

After weeks of looking around this is what I came up with. A $150-$250 price range Nitrided barrel seems like best bang for the buck. I looked into Ballistic Advantage, AR15Performance, Black Hole Weaponry, and Micro MOA. Bang for buck I ended up choosing a Nitrided ARP barrel. Anyone else here have thoughts on those 4 barrel makers?

That's damn expensive for what it is. Were you wanting this to be 16" or 18", stainless or nitrided, mid length or rifle gas, bench gun only or sporting/3 gun shooting? Only feed it american eagle or re-zero each time you swap to decent ammo. Budget... your wife is going to kill you lol.

She really might. I can feed it whatever we feel like. American Eagle is decent, and easy to get. But if I wanted we could get 62gr+ ammo. Just depends I guess.


I have 2 ARP barrels. Damn good shooting barrels for no more than they cost. I have a 16" 277wlv (shut up UW) and a 12.5" 223 Wylde barrel on my SBR.

Ballistic advantage has been getting my money as of late. They're also great shooting barrels and you can get a pinned GB with them for the cost of other companies. BHW and Micro MOA are good but I've never used them personally

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have been looking around on BA. They have some really nice stuff for a really good price. I'm going to have to do some more research.

besthaticouldo
3 March 2016, 09:55
Ordered a barrel today

Went with this one
http://ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/11562/32508


Chamber: 223Wylde
Profile: SCOUT lightweight-.700/.750/.700
Fluted: No
Barrel Length: 16"
Twist Rate: 1:8- Hybrid 5R rifling
Gas System: mid Length
Diameter at Gas Port: .750"
Muzle Thread Pitch: 1/2-28
Material: 416R Stainless
Finish: turned behind gas block, smooth grind finish in front of gas block
Process: Button Rifled
Barrel Lining: stainless
Barrel Extension: M4
Assembly: Stripped
Weight: 1lb 12oz


It's SS which I guess isn't everyones top choice. However, with the amount of shooting I do I'll probably never shoot the barrel out, and if I do the price was good enough that I can get another haha. Aside from that it basically had everything I wanted.

besthaticouldo
9 March 2016, 06:49
Optic arrived yesterday

Burris AR536
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1580/25644187715_eaec3a4fcb_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F56azv)20160308_171558 (https://flic.kr/p/F56azv) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

Price was good, and with the mail in rebate it becomes even better IMO. Seems like pretty good quality.

Everything has been ordered, now it's just a waiting game.

besthaticouldo
12 March 2016, 12:36
1st iteration is done

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1644/25108248103_7a2f1820a4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EfJkpn)20160312_143057 (https://flic.kr/p/EfJkpn) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1681/25108243493_545564ca42_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EfJj2T)20160312_143110 (https://flic.kr/p/EfJj2T) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1714/25734867655_ca8e5ddfbe_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Fd6VyK)20160312_143101 (https://flic.kr/p/Fd6VyK) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1678/25434142100_c043fa2d80_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EKwCko)20160312_143122 (https://flic.kr/p/EKwCko) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

mustangfreek
13 March 2016, 03:34
Nice!!

Back that optic up a few notches, bugs my OCD...lol... and others also probably, plus unless it's a monolithic-full upper- rail I wouldn't run my optic like that-on the rail.

besthaticouldo
13 March 2016, 07:30
Nice!!

Back that optic up a few notches, bugs my OCD...lol... and others also probably, plus unless it's a monolithic-full upper- rail I wouldn't run my optic like that-on the rail.

I'm going to, it's going to be as far forward on the upper as possible. Correct?

Thanks, I can't wait to shoot this thing. I bought a 1911 I'm dying to shoot as well.

mustangfreek
14 March 2016, 18:39
Well as far as where it goes it's up to you and what's comfy, eye relief etc.

What 1911?

besthaticouldo
15 March 2016, 05:02
Well as far as where it goes it's up to you and what's comfy, eye relief etc.

What 1911?

A Ruger Sr1911 in 45. I have an SR9E and love it and the price at my local gun store on the SR1911 was too good to pass up. I had 675 out the door with my SMOS transfer rolled into it. Not too bad.

I moved the sight around and got it where it's comfortable.

mustangfreek
16 March 2016, 02:03
Nice I've had a few of them SR's and there really nice gun for the money, they have a few new versions out one with a rail..

Anyways good deal , sounds like sineine needs to go breakin a few new guns

besthaticouldo
16 March 2016, 05:49
Oh it's definitely time, need to find the time unfortunately.

I'm definitely going this weekend. Just hoping it's not a 1.5 hour wait for range time.

besthaticouldo
17 March 2016, 07:25
Took some time off work yesterday to go shoot.

Nice in the middle of the day. No one on the range. This isn't a range I normally go to and they forced me to use their ammo, which is BS. But whatever.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1681/25558402390_752abed36a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EWvuAb)20160316_141857 (https://flic.kr/p/EWvuAb) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1687/25738165902_ab707c4d37_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FdoQ25)20160316_143628 (https://flic.kr/p/FdoQ25) by Derrick Tackett (https://www.flickr.com/photos/besthaticouldo/), on Flickr

Nice when no one is on range. Quite nice haha.

velocity2006
17 March 2016, 08:15
Almost looks like some of those rounds are key-holing.

Brahmzy
17 March 2016, 08:48
Almost looks like some of those rounds are key-holing.

I was going to say the same, but it's the .45 holes... What's up OP? What's with the weird tears in the paper?

JSchell1309
17 March 2016, 19:32
Almost looks like some of those rounds are key-holing.

He had texted me this and I wondered the same thing. The top of all the strange holes look like a typical hit just the lower portion has an extra hole that is more square.

I was wondering if the .223 was key holing or tumbling but it's such a strange hole pattern. I figure the strange ones are from the .45 as you can see the smaller hole from the .223 in the target. I wouldn't figure a new 1911 would tumble, may just be the paper tears strange on impact.

mustangfreek
17 March 2016, 23:47
That does not look like just the paper, have seen my own test loads do that on a batch of 200 gr fp's I got somewhere,damn things keyholed everytime, switched bullets and it didn't do it anymore. Was also on one of my old SR's..Humm

Curious, What ammo?

besthaticouldo
18 March 2016, 07:43
Not entirely sure what's causing it. Kind of the downside of shooting multiple cartridges into a single target.

It was independence 55gr, it was extremely dirty. I only put 60 rounds through it, I was forced to buy overpriced range ammo.

The 45 ammo was American Eagle 230grain, it was what I brought with.

The paper was moving a good bit.

I'm going to clean both weapons this weekend and go over them and see if I notice anything being weird.

I don't know to be honest. I'm still a pretty novice shooter, so diagnosing this stuff is difficult for me.

That being said. I'm going to clean both. Take them separately and see if it happens again and go from there.

gatordev
18 March 2016, 13:58
If you were shooting AE 230gr, my guess is that the paper was blowing forward or backward when you were shooting the .45. Since the paper isn't perpendicular to the impacts, it was probably tearing the paper as the round went through.

What I can't figure out is why it wasn't doing that with the 5.56. Either way, the dirtiness of your weapons wasn't causing it.

besthaticouldo
18 March 2016, 16:06
If you were shooting AE 230gr, my guess is that the paper was blowing forward or backward when you were shooting the .45. Since the paper isn't perpendicular to the impacts, it was probably tearing the paper as the round went through.

What I can't figure out is why it wasn't doing that with the 5.56. Either way, the dirtiness of your weapons wasn't causing it.

So forgive me if this is a stupid question.

Would keyholing due to a weapon being dirty look different? Or would it be more consistent?

SINNER
18 March 2016, 17:35
True keyholing is almost always a shot out barrel. Those look odd though. Some have the entry hole in the middle and the tears are squared on both sides. Looks more like a loose target tearing than a keyhole.

gatordev
18 March 2016, 18:32
So forgive me if this is a stupid question.

Would keyholing due to a weapon being dirty look different? Or would it be more consistent?

As Sinner is pointing out, key holing isn't caused by a dirty barrel, but by the barrel no longer stabilizing the bullet as it travels through the barrel. Contrary to internet myth, a dirty barrel has zero effect on a bullet until after a large number of rounds. How many until it's affected? There's years of google searches to answer that (though I'd argue more than you'd probably need to worry about).

besthaticouldo
19 March 2016, 08:40
True keyholing is almost always a shot out barrel. Those look odd though. Some have the entry hole in the middle and the tears are squared on both sides. Looks more like a loose target tearing than a keyhole.


As Sinner is pointing out, key holing isn't caused by a dirty barrel, but by the barrel no longer stabilizing the bullet as it travels through the barrel. Contrary to internet myth, a dirty barrel has zero effect on a bullet until after a large number of rounds. How many until it's affected? There's years of google searches to answer that (though I'd argue more than you'd probably need to worry about).

So basically what you're saying is you think it's due to the target waving and not my AR or 1911?

I shouldn't worry about it, that works for me haha.