help me build a new AR15 upper

D

darko

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near that toronto place
I've been wanting to build a new upper for a while, and Im specific about what I want.

Basically, I want a barrel in the 10.5" range and a full length free float rail system which is just long enough to cover the entire barrel and leave only the flash hider exposed.

This rifle from the other thread is a great example, its just about exactly what I want:
srtposter7lg.jpg


I've never built an upper myself, nor do I know anything about those quad rail handguards and how they assemble, or what lengths they come in. Also, I dont wanna blow an arm and a leg on this, so parts have to be reasonably priced and commonly available. I'll want folding front and rear sights, and a rail gas block at the front is not an option. I want the rail to come all the way to the end of the barrel (or close enough).

Can someone toss out some ideas as to where I might look for parts or even complete uppers like this? What kind of rail? How long? What kind of barrel? Will I need to machine down a front sight?

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated...

Thanks
 
Any flat top upper with a 10.5 barrel will work. Depemdimg on what specifics, but there are loots for sale on the EE from all sorts of manufactures. For the handguard a full length one might be too long, I think they are 12 inches. The carbine ones are usually 9 incehs which might work quite well. Otherwise a 11.5 barrel and a 12 guard might work. I'm not sure on the spacing for the installation though. If you don't have the proper tools I suggest taking your pile of goodies to a person with them, it usually goes better that way. I have a Daniel Defence Light rail on my full size which I love, and Armalight A3 upper fom WOLVERINE highly recomended by me. I think you might have to machine down a gasblock rail or front sight though, it's pretty tight under there. I like your idea though, I'm changing my Oly 11.5 to a 16 inch with 12in guards it looks pretty cool.
Good luck with the build :D
 
Yeah I noticed in my searches that 12" and 9" were common sizes, one is too big and the other a bit small for what I want on a 10.5" so maybe the 11.5 is a good idea.

Another thing Im wondering about, will these quad rail handguards sit flush with the rail on the upper receiver? I'd hate to have a gap between them. I'd like it to look as close to a monolithic upper as possible, for example.
 
darko said:
Yeah I noticed in my searches that 12" and 9" were common sizes, one is too big and the other a bit small for what I want on a 10.5" so maybe the 11.5 is a good idea.

Another thing Im wondering about, will these quad rail handguards sit flush with the rail on the upper receiver? I'd hate to have a gap between them. I'd like it to look as close to a monolithic upper as possible, for example.
Click to expand...


Thats easy Troy or Samson will give you that continuous free floating top rail.
 
Well FWIW, in my opinion take a look at a LMT Monolithic upper. It will answer all your needs and all you will have to buy extra are the flip up BUIS. The quality of LMT, plus the fit/finish is well worth the money IMO.
 
According to Questar site it looks like they can't get much of anything under 16", not to mention the cost is up there above the $2000 mark. I figure I can build something for less than that and it'll look very similar.
 
Well I can see your point, why don't you jump ahead of everyone and see if you can get a LWRC piston upper? Contact LWRC (Darren is the POC) and see if you can get someone to bring one in. Armseast, and CQB services come to mind, or Questar.
 
mildot said:
Well I can see your point, why don't you jump ahead of everyone and see if you can get a LWRC piston upper? Contact LWRC (Darren is the POC) and see if you can get someone to bring one in. Armseast, and CQB services come to mind, or Questar.
Click to expand...

Now you're taking me from a $2100 upper to a $3000+ complete rifle ;)

I'd love to get that M6A2 SRT, but its way more than I'd be willing to spend.
 
They do just sell there uppers. I once again see your point, and I can understand the budget requirements. That said given the exchange rate I suppose that if one was going to make the "jump" now would be a good time. After all it doesn't hurt to make a few emails and phone calls.BTW the complete rifle would be sweet. I'm seriously looking at a piston upper down the road. I guess I didn't help much? I will say though, that you can't go wrong with any LaRue product.Good luck Buds.
 
Yeah it all comes down to stuff being tougher to import now, not to mention the costs associated with the process and the waiting time. I'd rather buy local and support our dealers, too.

Arms East carries CMMG barrels in various lengths, I've already fired off an email to them to see what they can do as far as this kind of build is concerned...

There's really no reason I should be able to find all necessary parts without importing things specifically.
 
I think Arms East has sold all their short barrels. I had the chance but not the money.

You may have to get a barrel shortened. I'm interested in a short upper too, so post anything you can find out.

Those Noveske units sure look ###y...
 
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Like has been mentioned, anything under 16" is no longer allowed to be exported out of the US.

So that leaves you with two options:

-Keep your eyes peeled on the EE and snap up any short barrel you can find for a decent price.
-Or, have a 'smith cut an existing barrel down to your desired length. This may or may not lead to feeding issues due to the size of the gas port.
 
whitbyman said:
Thats a great upper, anyone importing it in Canada?
Click to expand...
No. Even if someone was importing Noveske, that upper is under 16" and therefore, not eligible for export out of the US.
 
Greenhorse six said:
Have a look at Midwest Industries MCTAR-24 its a 10" carbine length free floating forearm,Wolverine carries them.It'll give you a MRU look.
Click to expand...

Finally after 20 posts someone actually makes a suggestion on a part :) Thank you.

I did a quick online search, this looks just right (if the barrel was shorter in this case)

MCTAR-24-3.jpg
 
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