MRA renegade and Spectre ballistics builds

The nut usually comes with the handguard, and has to fit the threads on the receiver, so I believe the barrel rear has to be the standard size to fit between.

Usual advice is to use antiseize compound when assembling; is there a chance someone missed that step or cheaped out back when your rifle went together? That could make it a lot harder to open up.
 
The nut usually comes with the handguard, and has to fit the threads on the receiver, so I believe the barrel rear has to be the standard size to fit between.

Usual advice is to use antiseize compound when assembling; is there a chance someone missed that step or cheaped out back when your rifle went together? That could make it a lot harder to open up.

That is my thought. Our friends at NEA had QC problems. I fired surplus, corrosive ammo through it and although I cleaned right after use, that may be a factor. I have another NEA nut that seems to fit the handguard.
 
I looked and was blown away, but alas, I’m building a 6.5 Grendel and not a 5.56. I’d love to build a second upper with a short barrel in 22LR.

I think somewhere on here (or maybe an interview on Slamfire Radio) MRA said they will be developing a rimfire kit/rifle. I don't know if it would allow compatibility like you're saying, but I'd want that as well.
 
I think somewhere on here (or maybe an interview on Slamfire Radio) MRA said they will be developing a rimfire kit/rifle. I don't know if it would allow compatibility like you're saying, but I'd want that as well.

If they made it compatible with Ruger 10/22 magazines (or did a collab with Spectre to get them to work with their adapters somehow) that would be so cool...
Would it be too much to wish for it to be in semi-auto?
 
The nut usually comes with the handguard, and has to fit the threads on the receiver, so I believe the barrel rear has to be the standard size to fit between.

Usual advice is to use antiseize compound when assembling; is there a chance someone missed that step or cheaped out back when your rifle went together? That could make it a lot harder to open up.

Success at last!
Some oil, a little heat, a pipe wrench and a chunk of pipe as a cheater bar. There appeared to be no anti-seize and the pipe wrench took off a couple of the crenellations on the nut.
The nut is otherwise Ok and seems to be of heavier construction to a standard AR nut, so I'll lube it up and reuse it.
Thanks for all the timely advise.
 
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I’m surprised at the weight (9.0 pounds!), but once I order an 18” pencil barrel it should get closer to 8lbs. Still, not bad for a first build!
 

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Picked up another upper from spectre. One of the discounted blemished ones. I put my s&w m&p barrel on with the gas block pinned on backwards to block the port. Also put on a fake can/ linear comp. Was happy to get sub moa with 6 different handloads with the last load of tac and 55g hndy soft points into a 5/8 group!
I think this is my new predator gun!
The only thing I dislike is how much force is required to lock the bolt in, on both the grendel and the 556
 
Also, I installed the new little bushing they sent to prevent it from firing out of battery
I had to file down the square face behind the front takedown pin hole to get my mags to seat without really beating on them. Anyone else have this issue?
 
Also, I installed the new little bushing they sent to prevent it from firing out of battery
I had to file down the square face behind the front takedown pin hole to get my mags to seat without really beating on them. Anyone else have this issue?

Is this an issue as it’s the first I had heard about it. I just do not see how this could happen?
 
I took the gas tube, chopped it and inverted it then reinstalled it. The first time I did this I used a recycled gas tube with thousands of rounds through it. I figured who cares since I was going to chop it anyway? It didn't work out so well as the gas burned a hole in the tube ASAP! (watch the video for the flame) So I grabbed a brand new stainless gas tube and did the same with that and it seems to be holding up fine. A better solution would be a solid pin with the correct hole drilled in it. Hopefully MRA or SBI create one.


Yes, a pin to fill the gas block hole, with a small hole for the former gas tube roll pin would be a good way to do it.

For now I'm considering just flipping around the sort-of-A2 style sight / gas block from a Ruger AR-556. I'm trying to decide if it looks ok. I like the look of the big ol' triangle, just not sure if I'm ok with it backwards.

(And if things go well today, I'll just do something different. I think the Renegade and LPC have a place regardless.)
 
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Here is my MRA Renegade (bottom) along with my ATRS Modern Sporter.

The Modern Sporter is a .223 Wylde build while the Renegade is sporting a 12.5" 6.5 Grendel barrel from Faxon Firearms.

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FYI...

For those of you that want to build a MRA Renegade, or .308Win Maverick (when they become available), and want to use your exist factory Front Sight Base (FSB) or Low Profile Gas Block...

Tactical Ordnance, Inc. ("TacOrd", Newmarket, ON) is now producing a Solid Pin that will replace the factory Gas Tube to effectively stop gas escape - for consistent accuracy.

The TacOrd Solid Pin is made of "01" Tool Steel, and is cross-drilled to receive your factory 5/64" Cross Pin that secures the Gas Tube/Solid Pin in place - so you can use your supplied 5/64" Roll/Coil Pin.

The TacOrd Pin is a snug fit, which is what you want - very precise.

The great thing about the TacOrd Solid Pin is you can use your existing Front Sight Base (FSB) or aftermarket Low Profile Gas Block on your AR-15 conversion to Renegade or Maverick Receiver parts.

The other great thing is you DO NOT have to remove/punch out the tapered pins of a factory FSB, or remove the existing Low Profile gas Block. All you need to do is punch out the existing 5/64" Roll/Coil Pin, and remove the factory Gas Tube.

Then you can use the proper wrenches/blocks to remove the Barrel from the evil Upper Receiver.

Then it's a matter of inserting the new TacOrd Solid Pin, and using the existing 5/64" pin to secure it in place.

Originally, on my first two conversions to MRA Renegade platforms, I reversed the factory Gas Tube to "plug" the Gas Hole in the Barrel, and that works fine.

However, while I haven't shot the carbines much (winter is here!), I'm assuming that exiting gas pressure may eventually erode through the factory Gas Tube.

Accuracy-wise...the guns shoot every bit as accurate as if they had the AR-15 Gas System - even better since there are less moving parts!

I'm happy...this allows me to shoot my "AR-15" platforms, but in a slower, precision manner. But, hey...we've had a ban on Hi-Cap Mags for over 20 years, so what was the enjoyment on blasting off 5 fast rounds??

And...if you desire to hunt with a true "varmint" cartridge in a firearm that has an "AR" feel, the MRA Renegade Bolt Action System allows that.

I know there are other "conversion" platforms out there - I don't know if they allow for use of all AR-15 parts other than the Upper and Lower Receivers. But if they allow for use of the existing factory Gas Block/FSB, obviously they will work on their systems.

The price from Tactical Ordnance for the Solid Pin is $10.00, plus Shipping/Handling/Taxes, if necessary.

The 5/64" Cross/Securing Roll Pin is NOT included, as it is assumed you will be using your existing pin. However, I'm sure TacOrd can supply if you need another pin.

I know this sounds like an add, but I've always been very happy with TacOrd's products, precision work, and service, and this TacOrd produced "MRA Renegade Gas Block Pin" has solved my problems ahead of time.

Tactical Ordnance, Inc., can be contacted at:

Office/Work: (905) 775-1666

Email: contact Casey at: casey@tacord.com, or info@tacord.com

Below are a couple of pictures showing the TacOrd Solid Pin, and showing them installed on assorted Gas Blocks and FSB's.

The one Gas Block is for an Armalite AR-10 SASS Barrel Assembly - just waiting for the release of the MRA "Maverick" Upper.

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