Well I've Decided To Try And Build An AR15 *** ITS FINISHED *** POST 42

[mildcustom2]

Never assembled an AR15 from scratch but decided to give it a try. I sold my S&W M&P15 a few months back and had a empty hole in gun safe ever since.

I purchased a Stag Arms lower receiver, lower parts kit and M4 flat top Upper Receiver. Now I just need to gather up the rest of the parts. My plan is to build an accurate 20"-24" varmint barrel AR-15 for making small groups at the range shooting off the bench.

I'm thinking of ordering a Spike's Tactical - BCG (5.56) M16 w/HPT/MPI Bolt - Nickel Boron bolt assembly, Rock River Arms Stainless Steel Varmint Barrel 24", 1:8 Twist, .223 Wylde Chamber and Daniel Defence 14" free float lite series Quad Rail. Of course Magpul stock etc etc for accessories. Maybe an Atlas Bipod.


Any and I mean any advice or suggestions please feel free to comment as I've never done this before.

 

[dogzilla]

A 24" barrel is a lonnng barrel. Unless you're going for 1000yds a 20" will do everything a 24 can do. I have an armalite .308 with a 24" barrel and that sucker needs a gun carriage to move it around. I have a 20" Hbar AR15 that will cloverleaf at 200 all day long and it's a lot less cumbersome

 

[mildcustom2]

A 24" barrel is a lonnng barrel. Unless you're going for 1000yds a 20" will do everything a 24 can do. I have an armalite .308 with a 24" barrel and that sucker needs a gun carriage to move it around. I have a 20" Hbar AR15 that will cloverleaf at 200 all day long and it's a lot less cumbersome

Thanx for the advice, I may go 20" or if I go 24" look at a fluted barrel option. But you are correct in that a 24" barrel 1.050" up to the gas block is quite heavy. It will be a rifle I won't ever shoot standing that's for sure.

 

[hbean]

Personally my idea of precision shooter your barrel and bolt should match each other dimensionally, unless you have access to huge inventory of bolts and barrels that you can pick from, I would highly recommend talking to ATRS about one of their barrels and matching bolt and the only thing left is a nice crispy trigger.

 

[vondnik]

Personally my idea of precision shooter your barrel and bolt should match each other dimensionally, unless you have access to huge inventory of bolts and barrels that you can pick from, I would highly recommend talking to ATRS about one of their barrels and matching bolt and the only thing left is a nice crispy trigger.

+1 here. Last time I made a presision shooter I bought a douglas SS 20 inch barrel and it came with it's matched bolt. The gun was boring accurate to shoot under 400 yards.

I feel like I have to warn you ... building ars is addictive and expensive...

 

[Epoxy7]

I understand wanting to build but what you are building is already very available. The Stag 6R fits the bill and I believe they sell just the upper. 1/2 moa guarantee. It's unlikely you will be able to build at the same price point.

 

[mildcustom2]

+1 here. Last time I made a presision shooter I bought a douglas SS 20 inch barrel and it came with it's matched bolt. The gun was boring accurate to shoot under 400 yards.

I feel like I have to warn you ... building ars is addictive and expensive...

Thanx for the tip, I will look into a matched barrel and bolt.

I understand wanting to build but what you are building is already very available. The Stag 6R fits the bill and I believe they sell just the upper. 1/2 moa guarantee. It's unlikely you will be able to build at the same price point.

Ever built a hot rod? A lot of pride to be had in building and customizing something the way you want it not the way thousands of other people already have. Plus I think its something everyone should try at least once.

 

[dogzilla]

Usually to get a matched barrel and bolt involves buying an un-chambered or short chambered barrel, and have a gunsmith chamber it to a bolt you supply. Most pre chambered barrels are set up using mil spec bolts, so if you are going that route, all you do is have the headspace checked to be certain. I do know that when you buy a chambered Kreiger AR15 barrel that is how they do it, and to be honest, if it is good enough for Kreiger I am not going to argue(you can also get Kreigers un-chambered, but they say the pre chambered ones are their most popular seller.

 

[mildcustom2]

After looking into it today I have found that Shillen and Krieger sell head spaced, barrel/bolt matched together. However for the price I can just buy my Spikes Tactical Nickel Boron BCG/Bolt assembly, send it to Alberta Tactical and have them to a pre head spaced and bolt matched barrel setup for me.

Really appreciate everyone's suggestions and advice.

 

[hbean]

Can't wait to see it

 

[mildcustom2]

Can't wait to see it

Me either

I have ordered a few more odds and ends to assemble the lower. Also ordered a Rainier Arms Raptor Ambi charging handle. I am left handed so left handed controls are nice. Probably going to order an Atlas Bipod tonight too.

Still debating on what buffer I will end up going with too. Thinking a Spikes H2 heavy buffer but need to research this a bit more. The BCG may be a long lead item from Questar so may hold the project up for several months. I am really trying to build a one hole gun at 100 yards or further ideally.

 

[Epoxy7]

Thanx for the tip, I will look into a matched barrel and bolt.



Ever built a hot rod? A lot of pride to be had in building and customizing something the way you want it not the way thousands of other people already have. Plus I think its something everyone should try at least once.

Yes I do understand. You seem to know what you're getting into so I look forward to seeing the results.

Oh and yes to the Spike H2 buffer. I have them on a couple lowers I put together. Quality and the Tungsten dust is much smoother than the regular metal in most buffers. It's a good solution without going to the next level of hydraulic buffers.

May I also suggest a PRS stock and billet triggerguard. I have the spike enhanced trigger guard in a few rifles. Looks good. The A2 stock will do in a pinch as it's not bad for a precision rifle but the PRS is exceptionally nice. If going for extendable and lighter build then check out A frame stocks such as the LMT Sopmod/B5, magpul STR etc. It gives a better cheek weld than CTR etc stocks.

I have a couple of the Spike Tactical enhanced lower part kits with the coated trigger. I'm impressed by the quality, I wouldn't hesitate with their coated BCG. The only other one I'd consider if wanting a coated BCG is the LMT.

As for timeline. My ADCOR uppers with HERA HLS lowers were about a year for all the parts to arrive. But the LPK took the longest to get so you're ahead of the game.

Looking forward to seeing pictures.

 

[mildcustom2]

Yes I do understand. You seem to know what you're getting into so I look forward to seeing the results.

Oh and yes to the Spike H2 buffer. I have them on a couple lowers I put together. Quality and the Tungsten dust is much smoother than the regular metal in most buffers. It's a good solution without going to the next level of hydraulic buffers.

May I also suggest a PRS stock and billet triggerguard. I have the spike enhanced trigger guard in a few rifles. Looks good. The A2 stock will do in a pinch as it's not bad for a precision rifle but the PRS is exceptionally nice. If going for extendable and lighter build then check out A frame stocks such as the LMT Sopmod/B5, magpul STR etc. It gives a better cheek weld than CTR etc stocks.

I have a couple of the Spike Tactical enhanced lower part kits with the coated trigger. I'm impressed by the quality, I wouldn't hesitate with their coated BCG. The only other one I'd consider if wanting a coated BCG is the LMT.

As for timeline. My ADCOR uppers with HERA HLS lowers were about a year for all the parts to arrive. But the LPK took the longest to get so you're ahead of the game.

Looking forward to seeing pictures.

Thanx. I'm trying to consider everyone's advice on this. It will be my first ground up build and I don't want to waste money doing things twice.

Spikes H2 Buffer ordered, Spikes Nickel Boron BCG and bolt ordered. Once the BCG arrives I will order a Magpul STR stock like you suggested. There's no point blowing the bank until the one part that will hold the build up is here. All the important more hard to get stuff is ordered. All I need to order when the BCG/bolt shows is the barrel with extension, gas tube, low profile gas block and quad rail. All of which are relatively easy to get so I will wait until the BCG/bolt shows.

Kinda settled on a 223 wylde chambered 24" fluted 1.050" diameter barrel, .936 under the gas block and .920 after the gas block. I want something that will perform and I think this will work best for me. Fluted barrel to help trim a bit of weight however its not that critical as this will be a bench shooter.

 

[Epoxy7]

If you're going 24" bench shooter then go PRS stock. The 24" barrels are heavy and the PRS balances it out. Plus it's adjustable for length of pull and cheek rest height.

The STR is great but better for carbines in the up to 18" length. 20" maybe but that's pushing it.

My rule of thum lighter police/military carbines at 16" or less I use the CTR. A bit heavier and more accurate 16"-18" A frame stock, 20"-26" A2, or preferably PRS stock.

 

[mildcustom2]

If you're going 24" bench shooter then go PRS stock. The 24" barrels are heavy and the PRS balances it out. Plus it's adjustable for length of pull and cheek rest height.

The STR is great but better for carbines in the up to 18" length. 20" maybe but that's pushing it.

My rule of thum lighter police/military carbines at 16" or less I use the CTR. A bit heavier and more accurate 16"-18" A frame stock, 20"-26" A2, or preferably PRS stock.

Hmmmmmmmm something I will have to think about. Can't I just put lead weights in the battery storage tubes on the STR?

 

[mildcustom2]

Maybe I will just go with a 20" barrel. 24" barrel as specified works out to 5.5 pounds of just barrel. 20" works out to 4.5 pound of barrel. Lots of time to discuss, research and figure out I guess.

 

[hbean]

Take a look on MDT's website they just came out with an enhance recoil pad for the PRS stock.

 

[mildcustom2]

I'm absolutely in love with this Quad Rail I came across. It's made by Seekins Precision who manufactures the exact same rails for Spikes Tactical but with the Spikes Spider logo on it. I figure with my Thick Varmint barrel this would look pretty sharp on my AR.

Can't post a pic cause of where I am working but here's a link.

http: //www.seekinsprecision.com/quad-rails-hand-guards/bar-quad-rail.html

 

[metcalfe]

^Yeah that is a cool rail!
You have good taste with all this Stag, Spikes, and Seekins talk...

I didn't know that Seekins made the Bar Rail for Spikes. I thought Spikes did everything in-house. Can't blame them for choosing Seekins to stamp their spider on anything.

Have you seen the Seekins lower? Man is it sweet!
I have a Stag lower as well, but if money, or time were no object, I would have built mine on a Seekins lower.

Time is on your side since you'll be waiting for the BCG. Why not get yourself some Arma-Coat and really make it yours?!?
I did mine in their FDE and I was really impressed by the quality of the finish.

 

[mildcustom2]

^Yeah that is a cool rail!
You have good taste with all this Stag, Spikes, and Seekins talk...

I didn't know that Seekins made the Bar Rail for Spikes. I thought Spikes did everything in-house. Can't blame them for choosing Seekins to stamp their spider on anything.

Have you seen the Seekins lower? Man is it sweet!
I have a Stag lower as well, but if money, or time were no object, I would have built mine on a Seekins lower.

Time is on your side since you'll be waiting for the BCG. Why not get yourself some Arma-Coat and really make it yours?!?
I did mine in their FDE and I was really impressed by the quality of the finish.

Thanx dude. I really love the Spikes and Seekins lowers and uppers. ###iest piece of billet aluminum I've ever laid eyes on. I don't even know if its possible to get them in Canada.

As for painting I think this one will be just black. However my next one........

I have ordered everything for my AR build except the stock and Timney Trigger but I already know what route I will be going. The barrel and BCG are 4-5 months delivery so lots of time to pace the floor waiting.

Parts List:

Stag lower
Stag Upper
Stag lower Parts kit
Stag buffer tube mil spec
Seekins/Spikes BAR Quad Rail
Rock River Arms 20" 223 Wylde 1:8 Stainless Barrel
Rock River Arms low profile Varmint gas block
Spikes Tactical Nickel Boron BCG/Bolt
Rifle length gas tube
Rock River Arms Buffer Tube Nut
Spikes Tactical H2 Buffer
Rainier Arms Raptor Charging Handle
Atlas Bipod

Just need to order the Timney Trigger and Magpul STR stock and I'm good to go. Optics will probably be one of my Bushnell Elite Tactial Illuminate scopes on a cantilever mount.

If I've missed anything let me know.