My first AR build.. Update!

TomZ

TomZ

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Location
Eastern Ontario
My first new AR was a Amalite M15A4 (14.5" HBAR Flatop) that I picked up from Wolverine's several years ago. I still have this rifle and I love it!

After seeing all the threads about building AR's, I decided to take the plunge. I started with a A3 flat-top upper and a DPMS 1/7 20" HBAR barrel. After I bought the action block and barrel wrench I was able to mount the barrel to the upper and test fired it on my Armalite lower. Nice start! I then picked up a new DPMS bolt and carrier to complete the upper. In the mail today I received a slightly-used DAR 701 lower with A2 stock. Yipee! Almost there ! I think I will call her "Darla" ;-)

I think I am going to set this up as a "service" rifle and I will probably go for ARMS #40L rear sights with maybe a ACOG or such scope. So many options for optics it is hard to choose! Next I will probably upgrade the pistol grip as well as the handguards. Hmm.. maybe also a better trigger group and a Magpul stock ;-)

Anyways, just wanted to post to give all you newbies hope. You CAN build an AR and save some $$$. I figure I spent about $950 on this rifle not including the tools I bought and I am anything but "handie" or "mechanically inclined" but this was a simple build.

Enjoy the pics!

TomZ

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I LOVE that "Made in Canada" on the lower !!! :) :) :D :D


Hmmm.. maybe the next AR will be in 9mm.. or maybe 6.8.. hmmm!
 
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TomZ:

Now that you've built that beautiful shooter, grab some competitive optics (like an ELCAN or ACOG or Leupold MR/T or IOR Valdada) and join us over at Connaught for the Service Rifle matches. You are already there... I've got a 5 hour drive to come and run that match for you all.

Beautiful build up by the way.....

Barney
 
Well, I had Darla out to the Stittsville range today. Nice morning for shooting as temp was about 18C and wind was light. Met several other CGN'ers there.

Darla worked flawlessly! I slapped on a Bushnell scope to see what I could get for accuracy. With Norinco 55gr ball I was shooting about 3" groups (not bad I think for a 1/7 barrel). With some quick handloads I was able to shoot a 5 shot group of under 1" at 100 yards, so I think this rifle has potential! Handloads were 62 gr SS109 bullets over 24 gr of IMR 4895. Next I will try some match bullets.

Here is the group:

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Next to do:

- Save for a REAL scope (either an Elcan or an Acog I think)
- Smooth out trigger (terrible pull!) or replace with a NM group
- Replace pistol grip with a Tango Down battle grip

Overall I am very pleased. I shot over 100 rounds of Norinco today along with 25 handloads and all worked well!

Once I have a real scope on it I wam hoping to try out some "Service conditions" shooting ;-)

For a first build I am thrilled!

TomZ
 
Very nice! What range do you belong to? I've got a similar setup but with an Aimpoint and Matech BUIS, maybe we can compare both types of optics sometime?
 
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