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Posted: 4/4/2017 7:50:23 AM EDT
Completed the wife's lower the other day.
 20170403_090057 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
 20170403_090214 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
 20170403_090432(0) by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
Would not have been my first choice, but it has a solid feel to it and weighs 1lb less than a conventional fixed stock lower. Original thread here: https://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/689893_It_has_been_spoken__It_will_be_done__The_planning_commences_.html She was completely unimpressed with the 22lr so I kept it. Instead of the 14.7" pin/weld/government profile it'll be a 16" lightweight with a Carlson "mini comp" flash hider. 
So far it is: • Blem CAV-15 MKII • CMC 3.5lb single stage trigger • S&W lower parts kit • Carbine spring and buffer The upper will • • Daniel Defense A1.5 rear sight • Bushnell TRS-25/UTG riser (tentative) • Carlson mini comp • Magpul midlength MOE SL handguard • You may say, "Rick, that red dot/riser are a real POS," but they're old school, work, and are affordable. *Update 5/8. Done for now. It's pretty cool...like a modern A1. Not sure if I'll throw a red dot on it. It's pretty sweet as is. Weight is 7lbs 14oz loaded. 6lbs 12oz empty.  20170508_083130 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
 20170508_083204 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
I sacrificed my AT4 sling for it. Worth it. * Update 7/3. Test fired. Works fine with TulAmmo. Low recoil, 3:00 ejection, locks back on empty. |
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Posted: 4/4/2017 8:16:37 AM EDT
[#1]
Looks good! FYI, there's a storage compartment under that buttplate.
Did you get the ARFCOM discount on the blem? |
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Posted: 4/4/2017 9:40:33 AM EDT
[#2]
That should be an ass-kicking little carbine. The only thing I don't like about it is that you haven't built it and shown us pics!
Just me personally, I'm a fan of fixed stocks on ARs. I don't like having a sliding part on a critical part of the operating system. (Yeah, I know, collapsible stocks work just fine, indulge my occasional paranoia.) Also, I have warmed up considerably to the Cav stock. I know it gives some people the Crawling Wallies, but I don't mind it at all. I think it is, so far, the class of the field of the polymer lower receivers, avoiding the "traditional" problems you run into with a poly lower (can I even say traditional and talk about a poly lower? is that allowed?). If they made one that took the A5 buffer and had a Stark-type grip, I'd be on it like nobody's business. |
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Posted: 4/4/2017 9:58:52 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Looks good! FYI, there's a storage compartment under that buttplate. Did you get the ARFCOM discount on the blem? Yeah. The butt was the first place I looked, naturally. That alloy plate is pretty nice. It's a shame there's no trap door. No discount. Oh wells. 
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Posted: 4/4/2017 10:13:59 AM EDT
[#4]
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Posted: 4/4/2017 10:22:28 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That should be an ass-kicking little carbine. The only thing I don't like about it is that you haven't built it and shown us pics! Just me personally, I'm a fan of fixed stocks on ARs. I don't like having a sliding part on a critical part of the operating system. (Yeah, I know, collapsible stocks work just fine, indulge my occasional paranoia.) Also, I have warmed up considerably to the Cav stock. I know it gives some people the Crawling Wallies, but I don't mind it at all. I think it is, so far, the class of the field of the polymer lower receivers, avoiding the "traditional" problems you run into with a poly lower (can I even say traditional and talk about a poly lower? is that allowed?). If they made one that took the A5 buffer and had a Stark-type grip, I'd be on it like nobody's business. Yes, this would be perfect for an A5 set up. There appears to be room for it if they chose to incorporate it in the future. I will disagree on the Stark grip. That thing is an abomination. The way it comes is nice. It's a very neutral grip. It would be hard to beat. Unfortunately this may not be completed for some time. I still have my own SBR upper to complete at this time. This set up was the wifey's choice. She gets what she wants. It's not my cup of tea, but I can't fault her for her tastes. For a simple, lightweight rifle it's ideal. This will be the gun, essentially, when done. 
My rifle is a 10lb beast and everyone hates it.  20160916_184054(0) (1) by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
Not really...but for the wife and kid it's a bench gun. |
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Posted: 4/4/2017 11:00:22 AM EDT
[#6]
She might like it even more if you put an aluminum flash can up front.
I'm about to buy two more cracked old CavArms lowers for use as jigs on Flat Spot lowers. Trinity Ordnance sells the cracked ones for $25 each, good ones for $60. |
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Posted: 4/4/2017 4:09:00 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
She might like it even more if you put an aluminum flash can up front. I'm about to buy two more cracked old CavArms lowers for use as jigs on Flat Spot lowers. Trinity Ordnance sells the cracked ones for $25 each, good ones for $60. I've kind of admired the JMT lowers, but they don't make much sense in practicality or price. 
They look awesome 
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Posted: 4/4/2017 4:36:42 PM EDT
[#8]
 Attached FileI really like mine. 16 inch DT lw middy, Fixed A2 , Will probably swap to an A1 stock If I can trade for one. Has an SSA trigger, Holosun optic and DD 1.5 rear |
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Posted: 4/4/2017 6:57:51 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/213498/IMG-0886-180895.JPGI really like mine. 16 inch DT lw middy, Fixed A2 , Will probably swap to an A1 stock If I can trade for one. Has an SSA trigger, Holosun optic and DD 1.5 rear |
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Posted: 4/4/2017 9:47:41 PM EDT
[#10]
That lower will give you no problems. Good luck with the build.
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Posted: 4/5/2017 3:46:45 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That lower will give you no problems. Good luck with the build. Worse comes to worst the receiver is recyclable. If she hates it I can always cut it up and throw it in the recycle bin. 
 20170405_142433 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
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Posted: 4/5/2017 4:06:34 PM EDT
[#12]
So you mount a carbine buffer and carbine length spring in that lower?
It looks good to me. |
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Posted: 4/5/2017 4:07:28 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/213498/IMG-0886-180895.JPGI really like mine. 16 inch DT lw middy, Fixed A2 , Will probably swap to an A1 stock If I can trade for one. Has an SSA trigger, Holosun optic and DD 1.5 rear |
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Posted: 4/5/2017 6:22:20 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So you mount a carbine buffer and carbine length spring in that lower? It looks good to me. There's a lot of material where the traditional AR pattern polymer lowers bust. It's a cool concept. |
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Posted: 4/13/2017 9:25:16 AM EDT
[#15]
Ordered a PSA nitride pencil profile "freedom" upper.
For $200 without BCG it aught to work. I'll probably use an RRA bolt group and standard charging handle. |
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Posted: 4/13/2017 10:44:19 AM EDT
[#16]
Should be light. GWACS Mfourgery is just a hair over 6 lbs. I'd love to have a pencil bbl for mine.
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Posted: 4/13/2017 11:37:06 AM EDT
[#17]
I put together a LW carbine many years ago using a CavAID lower, a LW barrel assy from Bushmaster and a Colt slickside upper receiver. Using a FA BC assy and a H buffer for smoothness. It weighs 6lb 1oz with a loaded 20rd mag in it.
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Posted: 4/13/2017 10:51:33 PM EDT
[#18]
That's amazing.
My 15-22 is 6lbs 2oz. I may be a little jelly when this is done. |
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Posted: 4/14/2017 8:51:26 AM EDT
[#19]
My Cavarms lightweight is 5.5 WITH an Aimpoint Micro, back up sights and a light...they can be built into some nice light guns.
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Posted: 4/14/2017 11:04:57 AM EDT
[#20]
I hate threads like these. I've always been interested in the CAV-15 lower and have always recognized that it addressed most of the serious flaws in the polymer lower venue. A thread like this makes me think of a 16" Faxon pencil barrel coupled to a CAV-15 lower. Pick a light handguard and optic...boom...a complete rifle that's a hair over 5 pounds. Not a bad setup to have on hand. Just one more tempting AR platform to spend money on.
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Posted: 4/14/2017 11:47:34 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My Cavarms lightweight is 5.5 WITH an Aimpoint Micro, back up sights and a light...they can be built into some nice light guns. I'm tired of assembling AR-15's. My son is talking about a varmint style rig. 
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Posted: 4/15/2017 10:36:06 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I hate threads like these. I've always been interested in the CAV-15 lower and have always recognized that it addressed most of the serious flaws in the polymer lower venue. A thread like this makes me think of a 16" Faxon pencil barrel coupled to a CAV-15 lower. Pick a light handguard and optic...boom...a complete rifle that's a hair over 5 pounds. Not a bad setup to have on hand. Just one more tempting AR platform to spend money on. This is looking at ~$550 sans optic or light. (Already had the trigger). That it should come in lighter than this is kinda awesome.  20160313_083034 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
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Posted: 4/16/2017 2:49:42 AM EDT
[#23]
Have you tried co-witnessing that red dot?
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Posted: 4/16/2017 9:20:25 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Have you tried co-witnessing that red dot? For $25 it's been a pretty good buy. Viewed through the small aperture it's a nice crisp dot. Viewed on its own it's the typical cheap red dot starburst. The tube is tiny, so I like the FOV with the high mount. |
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Posted: 4/16/2017 11:18:01 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It's a lower 1/3. I like it there.
For $25 it's been a pretty good buy. Viewed through the small aperture it's a nice crisp dot. Viewed on its own it's the typical cheap red dot starburst. The tube is tiny, so I like the FOV with the high mount. |
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Posted: 4/17/2017 1:31:07 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ah. Do you have astigmatism? Even fancy Aimpoints are a blotch to me. The dominant eye is 20/20. I have amblyopia in the non dominant eye, so it's a limited field of view and dull, fuzzy image from that side. It's pretty useless in any practical sense, but the shootin' eye is good. |
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Posted: 4/18/2017 12:40:48 PM EDT
[#27]
In some miracle the PSA upper made it here in a few days vs the usual week or two. The wife intercepted it...to which I warned her not to open it or she'd ruin Christmas.
At any rate, it's a departure from anything I've got. The 22's are gov/med profiles and all the 5.56's are heavies. I stuck a bolt assy and charging handle from another gun in it as well as the rear sight from the 15-22 and an empty magazine on it. It ended up at 6.5lbs on my scale. A little disappointing, but not bad. I'll order the muzzle device in a few days, and will probably use a Bootleg bolt instead of the RRA. The handguards are pretty much junk. I don't know why Colt is the only company that can produce a decent round handguard. The upper/lower fit is snug. It doesn't get any better. Absolutely no wiggle, but no tools needed, either. There's a small gap between the vertical surfaces of the upper/lower. It's slightly more more than what is typical, but no big deal. The balance is perfect. A triangle handguard retainer is used which will have to be swapped to round for the SL handguards. It'll probably be a while before I can get the bolt group or rear sight. I may take pictures of the upper tomorrow. I really want to finish this thing 
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Posted: 4/18/2017 12:44:16 PM EDT
[#28]
God, those lowers are ugly.
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Posted: 4/18/2017 12:50:53 PM EDT
[#29]
Dsn't your light hard to activate with your support hand on the right side of the rifle like that??
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Posted: 4/18/2017 12:56:12 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Dsn't your light hard to activate with your support hand on the right side of the rifle like that?? |
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Posted: 4/18/2017 2:00:08 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Dsn't your light hard to activate with your support hand on the right side of the rifle like that?? |
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Posted: 4/18/2017 2:06:56 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
God, those lowers are ugly. They look good from a distance.
People buy them because they're light, simple, inexpensive, and practical. Even these guys like them. What Would Stoner Do? Rethinking the AR15 in 2017 - Introduction - InRangeTV |
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Posted: 4/18/2017 4:40:49 PM EDT
[#33]
If anyone is looking for one JSE suplus has the Carson mini brakes on sale for $27.
Everybody else has 'em at $39.99. http://www.jsesurplus.com/jandtcarlsonminicomp.aspx |
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Posted: 4/18/2017 7:58:49 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. They look good from a distance.
People buy them because they're light, simple, inexpensive, and practical. Even these guys like them. What Would Stoner Do? Rethinking the AR15 in 2017 - Introduction - InRangeTV Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
God, those lowers are ugly. They look good from a distance.
People buy them because they're light, simple, inexpensive, and practical. Even these guys like them. What Would Stoner Do? Rethinking the AR15 in 2017 - Introduction - InRangeTV
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Posted: 4/18/2017 8:22:14 PM EDT
[#35]
They tend to look better if they say Sabre Defense on 'em, and you realize you don't have more than $33 each in 'em, including the lower & the stock.
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Posted: 4/18/2017 10:30:04 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not sure who those guys are, but you're right. From a distance they do look good. That is, until I get closer and realize its a Cav Arms lower.
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Posted: 5/1/2017 7:40:20 AM EDT
[#37]
The upper is together. The taper pins were in stupid tight. For consistency they were Hulk smashed back in as they came out. A punch got chipped getting them out and another got dented putting them back. That's never going anywhere
It's a lot less exciting put together. Not sure why. Feels a bit toyish, I guess. The Carlson "mini-brake" does not allow the mounting of a bayonet. With how thin the barrel is that may not be much of a loss...but I am dissapoint. A bolt and rear sight are left to make a functional rifle. Not sure if I should do an OD MBUS rear sight or stick with the DD A1.5. The Magpul Pro rear looks pretty slick, too. Don't want to deviate from the plan and face potential rejection, either. I may sell a trinket or two to get this thing kicked off. |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 1:28:25 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The Carlson "mini-brake" does not allow the mounting of a bayonet. how thin the barrel is that may not be much of a loss...but I am dissapoint. M16A1s had a skinny barrel, and they used bayonets just fine... but seriously, what do you need a bayonet for? |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 2:52:59 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Put an M16A1 flash hider on it. They only cost about $5.
M16A1s had a skinny barrel, and they used bayonets just fine... but seriously, what do you need a bayonet for? For when you're out of ammo and the hun is coming over the top, of course. They don't like it up 'em! 
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Posted: 5/1/2017 8:24:57 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The upper is together. The taper pins were in stupid tight. For consistency they were Hulk smashed back in as they came out. A punch got chipped getting them out and another got dented putting them back. That's never going anywhere
It's a lot less exciting put together. Not sure why. Feels a bit toyish, I guess. The Carlson "mini-brake" does not allow the mounting of a bayonet. With how thin the barrel is that may not be much of a loss...but I am dissapoint. A bolt and rear sight are left to make a functional rifle. Not sure if I should do an OD MBUS rear sight or stick with the DD A1.5. The Magpul Pro rear looks pretty slick, too. Don't want to deviate from the plan and face potential rejection, either. I may sell a trinket or two to get this thing kicked off. |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 9:26:22 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Put an M16A1 flash hider on it. They only cost about $5. M16A1s had a skinny barrel, and they used bayonets just fine... but seriously, what do you need a bayonet for? Why a bayonet??? Because you can.
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Posted: 5/1/2017 9:32:38 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
A LaRue rear with the VFZ mounts is $71 before shipping, but you lose the QD ability. Not that you're likely to care with a fixed rear, but still. I had looked at the Larue. It's a bit blocky, that one. It doesn't look very well integrated, though the basic design is nice. |
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Posted: 5/8/2017 9:39:38 AM EDT
[#43]
Got 'er done. Update in OP.
20170508_083130 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20170508_083204 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
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Posted: 5/8/2017 1:13:59 PM EDT
[#44]
Looks nice. And has the all important flashlight so that she can clearly identify you.
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Posted: 5/8/2017 9:31:34 PM EDT
[#45]
T.Y.
Yes. It also haz dat beam so she "can't miss."
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Posted: 5/12/2017 3:13:43 PM EDT
[#46]
I have aquired a Colt SP1 carrier with a sheared off bolt in it. The bolt came out easier than expected.
Have a new gas key, can pin, firing pin retainer, and a takeoff Colt firing pin. Should work okay. I just need a bolt and may have a charging handle donated to the cause. It is so close... |
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Posted: 5/12/2017 5:23:00 PM EDT
[#47]
I really really dig that. Is the stock A1 in length? Or should I say does it end up being the same length as a lower with an A1 stock?
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Posted: 5/12/2017 5:57:29 PM EDT
[#48]
Yes. If you need longer, the Cav Arms Mk 1 might be a little longer than an A2 stock. Some folks have shaved down the Mk 2 for a shorter than A1 stock - it uses a carbine tube molded into the stock, so you could cut it down quite a bit. I should probably cut one down to build an AR pistol, just to blow minds.
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Posted: 5/12/2017 8:39:13 PM EDT
[#49]
It is A1 length.
Some are cutting them down and gluing a fitted buttpad on 'em. 
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Posted: 7/3/2017 8:09:49 PM EDT
[#50]
Purchased an RRA bolt the other day to finally finish this thing off.
Test fired with a couple rounds off 55gr steel cased TulAmmo .223. Fired fine; no flash, low recoil, 3:00 ejection, locked back on empty. It looks a little funny with the SP1 carrier showing a hint of patina in through the ejection port. I like it. Can't ask for more. This will be it until she fires it after Christmas. |
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