Cranes AR15 Build - From Planning to Assembly

AR-15 » Build It Yourself

AR Sponsor:

Site Notices

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Cranes AR15 Build - From Planning to Assembly

Posted: 1/8/2015 8:01:51 AM EDT

First post.

Well, my gun collection is growing, but one genre of gun I have yet to add to the collection is the AR platform. Up until now I have been shooting more open sights, and some scoped stuff. I am mostly into target shooting 100 to 200 yards, but I'm wanting to push out to farther ranges eventually. I do my own loading, and just finished my new reloading bench last week:

ARs and parts seem to be a buyers market at the moment so I thought it's probably a good time to build or buy. I am heavily leaning towards building, but have found a couple of sources of inspiration. The one feature I like the most is a wood stock. I know this might be controversial, but I absolutely love the idea and this will be the basis for the build.

Saw this one today at Cabellas. By far my favorite pre made AR-15 I have seen yet. I can get it for $1230 plus tax. Very very tempting. My hunch is I can build something better for the same or perhaps even less money, but thought this might be a good starting point.

Here is the tech sheet on it.
https://www.windhamweaponry.com/pdf/NewTechSeets/VEX%20Wood%20Stock-Nutmeg%203-5-14%20MSRP.pdf

I also kinda like the like of this one with the two tone. Not sure if I will go down that road or not, but never the less I thought it was pretty good looking.

Anyways, enough about looks. My goal is to build a rifle that shoots half way decent.

To be continued....

Posted: 1/8/2015 8:02:47 AM EDT

[#1]

So far here is my "recipe":

*Stripped Lower. (don't have one picked out yet. not convinced this is a super critical part) $125 locally.

*Stripped Upper. (still deciding) $125 locally.

I can get this combo locally for $250. Not sure the quality but my hunch is these parts are super critical. They did fit together nice and tight. I like the color too.

*Oak Armament .223 Wylde barrel. $261. I like the idea of the .223 Wilde and a medium weight 18in barrel.
http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17518&cat=&page=1

*Wood stock. Still looking into this. $150 from either vendor. Still deciding which I like more.
-Boyds http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/ProductDetail/789981d32110_spikes-tactical-ar15-carbine-hg-set-fc-f
-Lucid http://www.woodforar15.com/product/stock-sets-2/

*Trigger. Elfmann triggers. $240. I would be interested if there are others people really like as well. Timkin seems nice too for about the same price.
http://www.elftmanntactical.com/store/product/match-trigger/

*Gas block. $40. Very open to suggestions.

*Gas tube. $15.

*Charge Handle. $30. Not sure how important this component is.

*Bolt carrier group. Very much open to suggestions on this one. $100 is my estimate. If this is a super important component I won't skimp here.
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/upper-parts/bolt-carrier-groups/ptac-5-56-full-auto-nickel-boron-bcg.html

That totals to about $1100 not including tax. That is less then the Windham setup, and probably is a bit better quality.

Thoughts? I guess where I need the most help is making sure everything is compatible before I buy it.

Thanks!

Posted: 1/8/2015 8:45:42 AM EDT

[#2]

I like the concept of a wood furniture AR. I've thought about doing one down the road. These are merely my humble opinions:

Spend your money on the barrel and trigger group. The WOA barrels are well regarded, and are probably a good choice.

Lower Receiver - I'd skip the billet receivers and just buy an Anderson lower and an upper of your choosing. They look to be OOS at AIM right now, but I'm sure they'll be back in shortly.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1ANSLNTG&name=Anderson+Manufacturing+AM15+Multi.+Cal.+Lower+Receiver+w%2f+Trigger+Guard&groupid=577

Upper Receiver - If it were me, I'd use an A2 upper for a build like this.

Bolt Carrier Group - I'd skip the PTAC line from Palmetto completely. I've been very happy with the AIM Surplus BCGs. For this kind of build, I'd probably use their V2 Nitride BCG.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAIMBCGV2&name=AIM+v2+BLACK+NITRIDE+.223%2f5.

Stock - While laminate wood may be stronger, a good portion of this build is about aesthetics. I'd stick with real wood.

Gas Block - I'd say stick with irons. Get ADCO to pin on a FSB and call it bulletproof.
https://www.adcofirearms.com/shopservices/shop_qnew.cfm?code=FSB%20Install

Trigger Group - I honestly don't know much about the ELF triggers. I do know that I love my Geissele triggers. For a build like this, I'd run an SSA-E. A good second alternate to save some money would be the Geissele G2S.
http://geissele.com/super-semi-automatic-enhanced-ssa-e-trigger.html

Posted: 1/8/2015 9:06:43 AM EDT

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:
Upper Receiver - If it were me, I'd use an A2 upper for a build like this.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:
Upper Receiver - If it were me, I'd use an A2 upper for a build like this.

Could you please explain what that means? I have heard this said before but not sure what it refers to.

Bolt Carrier Group - I'd skip the PTAC line from Palmetto completely. I've been very happy with the AIM Surplus BCGs. For this kind of build, I'd probably use their V2 Nitride BCG.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAIMBCGV2&name=AIM+v2+BLACK+NITRIDE+.223%2f5.

Yes, I actually had ruled out the PTAC earlier, but pasted the wrong link. Thank you for confirming this.

Stock - While laminate wood may be stronger, a good portion of this build is about aesthetics. I'd stick with real wood.

Personally I really like the laminate look! But I am looking at a bunch of options. I have a lot of rifles that are nice woods. This AR will certainly be the different one in the bunch, which is one reason the laminate look which is a bit more "modern" appeals to me. However I am a sucker for a nice figured stock...so we will see.

Gas Block - I'd say stick with irons. Get ADCO to pin on a FSB and call it bulletproof.
https://www.adcofirearms.com/shopservices/shop_qnew.cfm?code=FSB%20Install

Again, if you would kindly elaborate. From the link it seems to me you are suggesting I install the front iron sights. Something I was intending NOT to do. I will be using a scope on this. Am I misunderstanding you?

Thank you so much for your help. I appreciate the feedback, and thanks for bearing with me. The AR's are certainly new territory for me.

Posted: 1/8/2015 9:15:51 AM EDT

[#4]

I recommend this Aero Precision upper / lower set from DOA sales. $120 with free shipping (on orders over $100). I have used them for two builds and they are excellent. They are first quality, not blems. I see no need to spend more money on an upper and lower.

DOA

The WOA 18" SPR barrel is in stock at Brownells for $269. I built an SPR style AR with it and it has been very accurate out to 500 yards.

WOA

Posted: 1/8/2015 9:42:04 AM EDT

[#5]

OK, if you're set on optics only, go with an A3 flat top upper. My minds eye for a wood AR is irons only. The A2 upper has the carry handle and rear sight built in. Also, you can skip the ADCO FSB pin as well. Just use a low profile, set screw gas block.

If you like the laminate, go for it. As I said, it will be inherently stronger than standard wood.

Posted: 1/8/2015 10:36:12 PM EDT

[#6]

Ordered my AR furniture from Boyds today. The other business wasn't really impressing me with the customer service. When buying a custom wood piece you would think a picture of the actual piece wouldn't be too much to ask. Anyways, Boyds customer service was stellar, and I have used their products before and was happy. I'm pretty sure its the same setup as was on the Windham Weaponry VEX model I was looking at. Chose to go the butterscotch color. Should be great!

Also thanks for the lead on the Aero upper and lower. I found a local guy today who stocked it (for quite a bit more) and was impressed with the quality. I just ordered it shipped to my local gun company. Hopefully it will be here mid next week.

I will order the BCG tonight too.

Posted: 1/8/2015 11:25:07 PM EDT

[#7]

Be sure to post up some pics when you get the furniture.

Posted: 1/8/2015 11:59:52 PM EDT

[#8]

Got another question....this time regarding headspace.

On the White Oak Armament you can add a headspaced bolt for $59
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17786&cat=&page=1

If you order the barrel from them then they discount it to $55 and headspace it to the barrel.

Unfortunately the barrel I want is out of stock.
http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17518

So I cannot order them together. This is the wording on their website:

When purchased with a barrel, a standard bolt assembly is discounted to $55 (list price$59) and will be headspaced to your barrel.

View Quote

The barrel is in stock at Brownells here but does not include bolt.
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/ar-15-m16-223-wylde-match-barrels-prod54526.aspx

I am wondering how important it is to get matched head spacing. At White Oak are they just pulling their brand bolt off the shelf and including it with the barrel, or is there something they do to match it?

Thanks!

Posted: 1/9/2015 12:59:21 AM EDT

[#9]

Think I will take my chances and ordered everything separate.

UPDATE.

Ordered a lot of my parts.

Upper lower Combo. $140 including transfer fee and shipping.
http://shop.doasales.net/AERO-PRECISION-STRIPPED-LOWER-UPPER-SET-AP501903.htm

Bolt carrier group. $99.95 shipped.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAIMBCGV2&name=AIM+v2+BLACK+NITRIDE+.223%2f5.

White Oak Armory 18" Match Barrel. $277.94 shipped.
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/18-rifle-spr-barrel-sku100009962-54526-104737.aspx

Boyds Laminate Wood Furniture. $175.25 shipped.
http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/FindAStock?Make=62&Model=998&Action=1D&Shape=40

So basically I'm less then $700 and have most major components.

Now to fill in the gaps. Need misc hardware. Oh, I will spend $250 on a good match level trigger. That is important in this build. I will pick it up local tomorrow.

So for the hardware...suggestions to make this complete?

Posted: 1/9/2015 10:04:47 AM EDT

[#10]

I will say that Midway just released coupon codes for $10 off $100 and $20 off $200. Not a major savings, but for a mess of misc. parts it might save you a little. I bout a CMMG parts kit a while back that was sans FCG, which seemed decent quality.

Posted: 1/10/2015 12:05:11 AM EDT

[#11]

Purchased many more parts today. The rest of them, in fact. I think I have everything at this point, but you never know. Most of it is being shipped, so now starts the waiting game. This will be a stellar opportunity to see who ships quickly and who does not.

Scope mount, $19.97, http://www.ebay.com/itm/131370434220
Forward Assist, $11.99, http://www.ebay.com/itm/191180113432
Delta ring, spring, barrel nut combo, $19.91, http://www.ebay.com/itm/191370658903
Ejection Cover, $9.74, http://www.ebay.com/itm/201105891717
Gas block, $10.50, http://www.ebay.com/itm/271728753729
Lower parts kit, $39.38 shipped. Aim Surplus. Nice thing about this is it didn't include trigger or handle and comes in neat little bags with explanations about where everything goes. Should be helpful. Anderson brand.

Bought locally:
Guntec buffer tube. $49.95 - might have overpaid for this. Meh.
BCM Mod 4 Charge handle. $39.99. You know...for name recognition.
Gas tube rifle length, $16.99
Trigger- Elftmann. $249.99
They threw in the front furniture mount for free. Zipeee!

So if any of this look incompatible please let me know.

So far here is what I have in hand. Everything else has been ordered.

I am really impressed with the Elftmann trigger. I went with the curved trigger and the non skeleton version.

I even went so far to start assembly. Here is my rifle so far:

Posted: 1/10/2015 8:48:18 PM EDT

[#12]

Well, you're ready for the range! Lol

Posted: 1/12/2015 5:04:38 PM EDT

[#13]

Got a bunch of parts in from Rousch_sports on eBay. Very impressed. They were well priced, and the fit and finish all all the parts that came in are much better then I expected. If that is not enough...I ordered them on Friday and they are here Monday. Not too bad.

Gun assembly continues. Here is the assembled work. (so far)

Posted: 1/15/2015 1:31:53 AM EDT

[#14]

More parts came in today. The BCG came in from Aim surplus. I looked at many carrier groups- this one seems to be a pretty good bang for the buck as far as fit and finish go. Out of all the ones I looked at this one just seems to be nicer. Of course we will see how it works when its in the rifle.

Also got my scope in today. Now this one is NOT going on the AR- I am taking the Leupold 2-7x off my bolt Weatherby .223 and putting it on the AR. The Weatherby is now getting the Vortex Viper 4-16x50. So far it looks really nice. Seems very clear. Have not had a chance to look at something longer then 50 yds in it. (neighbors might get nervous if I go outside and start aiming at the mailboxes down the street)

Should be a good scope for the type of rifle it is. It is probably the most accurate rifle I own. It will be interesting to see how the AR keeps up.

One last note- I think I am going to switch barrels. Brownells has not even processed my order yet when nearly all other venders got the parts in my hand, and they were ordered several days later. Then I realized a company called Odinworks is local in Boise. They make a .223 Wylde barrel guaranteed to be sub-MOA. Anyway, strongly considering canceling with Brownells and knocking on the door of these guys:

https://www.odinworks.com/223_Wylde_Barrel_DMR_p/b-223-18-dmr.htm

Oh, and to keep the trend going here she in the current state of assembly:

Alex

Posted: 1/16/2015 2:16:25 AM EDT

[#15]

I got a shipping notification this morning from Brownells. They shipped the barrel. I was going to cancel and go with the Odin but now the White Oak Armament barrel is on the way. It should be fine.

Did get more parts in today.

Upper and lower came in. Went in and paid the transfer free, and I'm good to go. The Aero set looks fantastic. Fit and finish is as good as anything I have seen so far. Very pleased. It is also labeled "Multi Cal" which is nice.

Continuing assembly...LOL.

Although I did manage to tap in the trigger guard....so I guess real assembly has indeed started. Tomorrow I will Duracoat it and hopefully my hardware kit comes in before the weekend so I can get going. Still no word from Boyds Stocks...no tracking # and they have not returned any of my calls. Pretty disappointing considering I have been pretty happy with their products, but customer service seems to be on the lacking end.

Posted: 1/16/2015 2:17:17 AM EDT

[#16]

Oh, and could someone please tell me why my pictures show up as links? In the previous sections they show up fine, and they were posted in the same manner.

Posted: 1/16/2015 5:15:35 PM EDT

[#17]

Ok, well I got my Duracoat in and applied. It is actually not hard to put on. Let me preface by saying this: I am not a good painter. I have rarely painted something and thought "that turned out really well." Must be a patience issue.

Not with this build. I will tell you the steps and how I did it.

Before:

First thing I did was don some latex gloves. I sprayed down the upper and lower individually with carb cleaner and then cleared it with an air gun. Several times. At no point from here on did I touch it with my bare hands. I then hung the components on our dining room chandelier with thin wire. Pro tip: It is much easier if you hang it from two points.

Lastly I brushed the entire thing with acetone and let it air dry. I left the original coating AS-IS, and didn't scuff. (this is what the instructions recommended)

About taping and plugging holes: I didn't. This may or may not work against me. We will see. I didn't avoid holes or inside parts per se, but I didn't focus on them either. I made no attempt to coat the inside. Any overspray that happened, happened, but it's not like I layered it. I will be sure to let you know if this works against me during assembly.

Something I did notice- the coating is very thin.

Posted: 1/16/2015 5:16:05 PM EDT

[#18]

Here is what I used to apply the coat:

It was a $9 Harbor Freight gun. Worked flawlessly. I used a pressure regulator and sprayed at 40psi. I did light coats, was careful with my book keeping on where I had sprayed, and repeated 3 times. Overall it seems like a very thin layer, which I like. Time will see how it holds up.

I did add more hardener, which they say you can do it you want a bit more of a gloss finish. Not more then they recommended, but on the high side. I like more of a glossy wipeable finish. It kinda makes the fisheye (not in a bad way) a bit bigger. What I like is it is VERY consistent and far as texture.

One word of caution: Don't put your leftover cleanup acetone in a knock off Dixie cup. I may have watched all 6 seasons of Breaking Bad, but apparently didn't learn anything.

All in all this is all I used. It should be good for many more guns.

One last pic of the upper. It is every bit as clean as the original coating. Very pleased.

Posted: 1/17/2015 12:32:12 AM EDT

[#19]

Major progress!

After baking the Duracoat in the over for an hour it was ready for assembly. The Duracoat will take a week to fully cure, but they say you can assemble within an hour if you bake it or 24 hours if you let it be. Of course I didn't want to wait.

Even after just an hour baking, the finish seems very hard. In fact I slipped a few times with the punch during assembly and thought "I've marred it all up for sure." without even a trace of chipping or scratching. Not quite willing to do a scratch test at this point, but I have to say the Duracoat held very well during assembly. I was as gentle as possible, but even so I slipped a few times.

Don't mind the extremely dirty oven. Yes, we cook food in there. Yes, it's gross.

Installing components. The blue backing makes it look more green then it really is.

Posted: 1/17/2015 12:32:45 AM EDT

[#20]

Just in case anyone is wondering... I was unsure of the sequence of installing things. I might as well share my process.

Lower:

1. Trigger
2. Mag release
3. Buffer tube/spring retainer
4. Takedown pins
5. Safety

One thing that was nice was this Aero lower was set up for a set screw for the rear pin detent. Just a quick clip of the spring and a screw which a local shop gave me means the keeper will not fall out when the stock is off. Nice little feature I was unaware of until today.

Upper:
1. Forward assist
2. Dust cover
3. BCG/Charge handle.

And that is pretty much it.

You might notice I don't have my barrel yet....or furniture. Brownells didn't ship until this morning (a week after I ordered) and Boyds stocks hasn't even given me an update since the order. Nor have they replied to emails or voicemails. Not super happy. Hope their product is good when I get it. I do have them on other guns and have been happy, but with those I ordered from a 3rd party.

The specs you see is just dust. The Duracoat really came out well on this.

And here she is at the moment. Now just waiting on furniture and the barrel.

I will keep you updated.

Posted: 1/19/2015 8:34:24 PM EDT

[#21]

Well it has been 12 days since I ordered and Boyds stocks hasn't even shipped. I left 4 voicemails and have yet to get a response. I have waited on hold for about 2 hours total only for it to go to voicemail eventually. I'm throwing in the towel. I can't even get ahold of them to cancel my order.

So I wen't back to here:
http://www.woodforar15.com/product/stock-sets-2/

It was slightly more then Boyds, but they answered the phone in 2 rings, she got up and went to make sure it was in stock as I was on the phone, she said "Yep! We got a set. I can have it out the door by the end of the day!"

Good enough for me.

It's a shame, Boyds makes a good product. Too bad it's so hard to give them my money.

Stocked up on mags today at Cabelas. Only $12 each. Of course I just had to fill them.

Posted: 1/19/2015 9:07:03 PM EDT

[#22]

This thread will end up costing me money, I can't wait to see what it looks like.

Posted: 1/19/2015 10:03:12 PM EDT

[#23]

What stock set did you end up with from the new vendor? I didn't see any prices on the site, maybe it's the mobile version I'm seeing. Good work so far!

Posted: 1/19/2015 10:30:45 PM EDT

[#24]

Very nice.

Posted: 1/20/2015 3:11:10 AM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
What stock set did you end up with from the new vendor? I didn't see any prices on the site, maybe it's the mobile version I'm seeing. Good work so far!

View Quote

Found it here. Chose the brown laminate. http://www.woodforar15.com/product/stock-sets-2/

Turned out to be about $205ish. A bit more then the Boyds setup...but hey, at least they are shipping it.

Posted: 1/21/2015 9:29:03 PM EDT

[#26]

Great day today! The barrel came in along with the barrel tool. I have everything but the stock at this point.

I did run into one small hitch. The gas block I ordered doesn't take into account the far and of the grip support. (not sure what that is called.) What this means is the gas port didn't line up perfectly, as well as the indentation for for the set screw if this plate is used. I'm sure they make two types and I just happen to have the wrong one. No need to panic however, by taking some material off the back of the gas block equal to the thickness of the plate everything works fine. I ran it under the belt sander for a few passes taking a little at a time until it lined up. It left a shiny spot, which I can reapply Duracoat later.

Lines up here without plate before modification:

Misalignment with plate:

Gas block modified:

Modification complete:

Posted: 1/21/2015 9:29:37 PM EDT

[#27]

Upper complete:

Reattached to lower:

Now just waiting for the stocks to arrive. I got a voicemail from Boyds today saying they HAD shipped the stocks even though I had cancelled. So I will compare it to the other vendor and see which I like better. Ugh.

I had the real urge to test rifle since everything is there now. I took a spent casing and installed a new primer (no bullet or powder) and chambered it Sure enough, it went "POP" when I pulled the trigger.

A good day! Hopefully soon I can get the stocks and take it out to the range. Can't wait to sight in.

Oh, one question about oiling: Where do I lube?

Posted: 1/21/2015 10:48:41 PM EDT

[#28]

Lube

Posted: 1/26/2015 6:09:04 PM EDT

[#29]

Build complete!

The Boyds stock came in today....only took a week and a half longer then the 2nd slowest vendor.... :nono:

Anyways, it took minutes to get it all thrown together. Away to the indoor range I went. Loaded her up...pulled the trigger....BOOM. Pulled the trigger again...nothing. The first 5 rounds did this, and I cleared manually each time. Note the round you see here is the spent round, and not the new one.

(continued)

Posted: 1/26/2015 6:09:35 PM EDT

[#30]

Took it into the gunsmith and we lubed the heck out of it. Greased the tube, wet everything, cycled by hand for a while. Now it will will clear the spend round, but not chamber a new one. It closes all the way by itself, it just doesn't seem to be going back far enough to take a new round with it. The general consensus so far it keep shooting it and let the BCG settle in a bit. I only shot about 60 rounds through it today. Next time I will bring 100 or so rounds and just keep firing and manually cycling each time. I will also verify gas block alignment tonight, although I did move it around a bit at the range to see if I could improve it...but nothing. I could make it worse but not better.

I put the paper out as far as it would go in the indoor range. All of these shots were standing up, and I certainly wasn't taking my time. Pulled the trigger the second my crosshairs were over the target taking no time to steady. Happy to see a pattern emerge, and I never even touched the scope adjustments. In other words, I am glad to be on paper (within two inches) the first time I pulled the trigger after blindly mounting the scope and not bore-sighting. I will keep you up to day. Hope to get out in the next couple of days to fire off more rounds. Tonight I will be reloading a whole lot of rounds. I might even go pick up some cheap stuff just to get a few boxes through. Perhaps I will try the 5.56 variety for a bit.

All in all a good day. Not really discouraged, I think I just need to iron out the issues. From what I hear this is par for the course.

Other ideas are always welcome.

Posted: 1/26/2015 6:31:18 PM EDT

[#31]

Is the forend a two piece or a one piece?

Posted: 1/26/2015 7:19:31 PM EDT

[#32]

Two piece.

Posted: 1/26/2015 7:41:48 PM EDT

[#33]

It looks really good. I may do a wood stocked AR sometime in the future as well.

Posted: 1/26/2015 8:15:47 PM EDT

[#34]

1 thing to check - sometimes, with new barrels - there are little burs of metal hanging around the inside of the gas port (in the barrel) from drilling out the gas port & when you shoot it that first time it can push these burs (or shaved metal from the bullets of the first couple shots fired) into the gas port blocking it slightly - I've had this happen twice on builds. Remove the gas tube & then the gas block & inspect all ports for foreign matter or blockage. reassemble. Check for air leakage around the gas block (takes a little ingenuity using plugs & rubber tubing to test it). Disassemble the bolt carrier & blow down the carrier key to insure no blockage is present there either. If all looks good at that point - lube up & go do some more test firing.

Not saying the above is happening in your case, but it never hurts to check for these things when doing a new build.

Posted: 1/29/2015 3:21:11 AM EDT

[#35]

Here is a picture of the gas port when I took off the block. I know the hole is sized larger on the block then the barrel. You can see the build up of soot which would indicate that while the holes were not concentric they did overlap and therefore gas block alignment shouldn't be an issue here. Unless I am missing something.

Posted: 1/29/2015 3:43:01 AM EDT

[#36]

I like the extra high grade walnut. Did you get a price on those? Bet if you did, they weren't cheap.

Posted: 1/29/2015 8:56:57 AM EDT

[#37]

Try just hand cycling the bolt a bunch while sitting around watching tv or something, might just need to work in and smooth out. Possible that the cerakote built up just enough of a layer in the upper receiver to slow things down?

What kind of ammo were you shooting?

Posted: 2/2/2015 6:01:31 PM EDT

[#38]

Ok, so here is the latest range report.

I was having some trouble getting her dialed in. It would shoot, eject, but not take a new round with it. Sometimes it would jam with two. I was running hotter loads seeing if I could just get through it for a bit and let it break in, but I made an error and charged about 100 rounds a bit too hot. 2 grains too hot. My target was 25.3 grains of H335 with 55gr Hornady FMJ bullets and 2.20" OAL. My scale was on the fritz, and I charged to about 27-28 grains. Anyways, I bent my firing pin. Pretty sure this was my fault. It was getting stuck closed and took all kinds of nasty encouragement to get back open. Ooops. Turns out the pin moved back past the retaining pin.

Anyways, we replaced the firing pin and put it back together, and then removed two weights from the buffer tube. Took it to the range today. Only had 100 rounds with me, but it did great. I had two not cycle, and I think those were a couple that had been dented from previous cycling issues. These were also hand loads. Also scored about 150 rounds left on the range which are in the tumbler now.

It is safe to say I have shown a huge improvement. Very happy. Now the fun part: Pushing the target back and seeing what she will do.

Alex

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Cranes AR15 Build - From Planning to Assembly

AR-15 » Build It Yourself

AR Sponsor:

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us