Crazy $$$ Build

[Aragorn]

So the day finally came where I said “F*ck it. I’m gonna build the rifle I want.”

An End-of-the-World Race Recce built with the best synergies from the combat, race, and lightweight realms of AR’s.

No compromises. None, whatsoever, of any kind. Money no object.

To do this I made and followed a thought tree for part selection.

Function > Ergonomics/Interface > Weight

Function of the given part first and foremost. Of everything available, which can do the job best? What’s toughest and least likely to fail? What additional benefits can be gained?

Following function was ergonomics and interfacing considerations. We’ve all handled weapons that felt great, and we’ve all handled weapons that haven’t. Small differences can make a very tangible difference. I wanted to address this and put together a weapon that felt molded as much as possible for the human to machine interface. As a parallel, I wanted the weapon to have a soft and silky smooth recoil impulse.

Once these conditions were met, or when they were non-applicable or at a performance tie, weight was the deciding factor. Decided by the differences down to the ounce and gram.

The parts list:

Tip to Tail

Barrel:
* Proof Research 16” Carbon Fiber 1/8 w/ Intermediate gas
* SLR Multicolor Anodized Ti Sentry 7 GB w/ Nitrided Gas Tube

Receivers/Forend
* Modern Carbine Brace Built MC6

Upper Components:
* Forward Controls EPC
* V7 Ultra Light Minimal FA
* V7 Straight Dust Cover Rod
* Radian Raptor CH

BCG:
* LMT E-BCG
* V7 Cam Pin
* JP One Piece Gas Ring

Lower Componets:
* Brace Built Receiver Matched Pivot Pins
* Forward Controls ABC/r v3 Bolt Catch
* V7 Ti Grip Screw
* BAD Mag. Catch
* Forward Controls EMR-H (Mag. Release)
* Forward Controls Mag. Catch Spring
* Umbrella Grip 23
* V7 2055 Aluminum Lithium Carbine Buffer Tube
* V7 Lightweight Castle Nut / End Plate

Trigger
* JP Roller Module & Safety

Buffer System:
* JP SCS

Stock:
* Magpul SL w/ Limbsaver Recoil Pad

Sights:
* Rainier BUIS

Optic:
* Kahles K18i -1x8
* Scalarworks Leap 30mm Mount

Pics of the receivers and other parts on hand. (Nevermind)

I’m going to do a back to back shootout with a few different muzzle devices and roll with whichever performs best. Goal with that is minimal flash and a flat muzzle.

The MC6 Chassis was chosen due to the incredible level of detail they put into it. 7075 for the receivers and even the forend. It had all the features I wanted without any I didn’t. I wanted something lightweight with a flared magwell, forward assist, and without the addition of ambi controls. I ALSO wanted something that was a true free float, which this is as the rail does not contact the barrel nut. The MC6 has ALL of that plus a little. Upper receiver tensioning and the inclusion of a cam pin track in the upper receiver to prevent dragging and scarring. Very nice. The set is cerakoted in what looks like, to my eye, a dark charcoal. It DOES have a crap ton of machine marks. You can see the lines of pretty much every single cutting operation of the CNC machine. HOWEVER, it is consistent and symmetrical and the former machinist that still resides within me is unbothered. In fact I actually kind of like it. Combined with the color and parts selection, it seems like it’s almost going to come together with a bit of a neo-industrial feel, which I think is kind of cool.

I went with an intermediate gas system for maximum system smoothness, and combined with the adjustable gas block, LMT E-Carrier, and JP SCS should be wicked smooth.

*A note on the gas block... my original intention was to use a BRT gas block with a micro tune gas port set for 5.56 (as 5.56 is all I buy). The issue I had with this was I would be limited to only 5.56 which didn’t really fit the whole... end of the world... mind set for the rifle. However I also read a piece of wisdom that said “Plan for the 99.9% of the time, not the 0.01%” which I found to be sound advice. The adjustable gas block gives me both. I can tune for total reliability with 5.56 and brass cased .223, and should 0.01% happen and the undead begin munching brains or Chinese fighters are buzzing around overhead, I can easily open the gas to run any kind of ammo.

Other things. The BCG and charging handle are currently at MAD Custom Coatings getting refinished in MAD Black Plus, their signature black of Cerakote Elite which is supposed to be harder/stronger/all the things better than regular Cerakote while having a working coefficient of friction that rivals Teflon. This fits well into my criteria for both ruggedness and smoothness.

The optic is going to be a Kahles 1-8 riding in a Scalarworks 30mm mount. Optic was a hard choice for me and eventually I came down to the Kahles and the S&B PM2 Short Dot CC. I wanted something where I could PID targets within the effective range of a 5.56 75-77gr. OTM and engage them with precision. I want that while giving up nothing in across the room speed and performance. Not the easiest choice I’ve ever made. I ultimately went with the Kahles for the ultra wide FOV and weight. I just couldn’t realistically see much difference between the two at 1x. Scalarworks mount chosen because I love the one for my MRO and it’s the lightest available that’s quick on and off.

All parts are bought and paid for, most in hand. I’m just waiting for the scope to show up from Brownells, and the barrel which is potentially 12 weeks out. (Buzzkill)

To further personalize and make the rifle unique, I’ll be having some custom artwork deep laser engraved.

TL;DR: I’m building a super badass rifle. There’s a pic of the receivers somewhere in the middle.