User Panel
Posted: 3/22/2015 1:16:21 PM EDT
Finally got my lower back, so I'm on the hunt for the upper I want at this time. (Or, what I 'think' I want)
Here's my list of components so far. I was wanting to get the opinions of the local guys instead of asking in G.D. Barrel Upper Glass Block Doesn't have to be this one, but something like this. I want it to be steel, though. That's the major pieces, short of a hand guard. After some research, I feel I'd most like an ALG EMR v2, but I'm not sure which length to get. I would like the gas block to be underneath the hand guard, but I don't know if the 13" would be long enough or if I should get the 15". I just want the gas block covered, it doesn't have to be too much further forward. I wouldn't mind finding comparison pictures of 18" barrels with 13" and 15" guards to get an idea of the look. I'm undecided on BCG, as it will probably have to wait a while. I should be able to get all the other parts to finish the upper but the BCG, unless I get a super cheap one. Anybody have any hints, helpful info, pics, or chastisement for me? Thanks, Curt/j20owner P.S.: Oh, if anyone local to KC area has an upper vice block that clamps the receiver to make putting the barrel/nut on safer, I would like to borrow that if possible once I have parts. |
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[#2]
My budget being what it is, I'm going to try the cheap barrel. If it's crappy, I'll save up for something that has a better reputation.
I think based on your pictures, I'll go with the 13" alg. As for the billet upper, I dunno. They have the barrel I'm interested in and a put together upper. I have no idea if one is better than the other. |
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[#3]
Forged is stronger. Billet can be machined into fancy things. Both work, one is just way more expensive.
I would still encourage you to save up your money for a better barrel. I don't think you'll regret it. I was told long ago "buy right, buy once." I'd keep your eye on the EE. A WOA SPR just sold a last week for $225. |
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[#4]
Mp40Gunner, do you have mid-length gas? OP's barrel selection is rifle-length. A 13" handguard will only hide about half of the gas block on a rifle-length system. In order to hide it completely, you'll either have to go to a 15" handguard, or a mid-length system. In the 18" barrel category, both mid-length and rifle-length gas systems are common, as they both function pretty well. If you want to hide the gas block, it will be cheaper for you to get what is basically the same barrel in a mid-length configuration. Same barrel, mid-length. This one is only about $15 more for mid-length.
As for that upper... I'm a tad wary of the price. I've NEVER come across a billet upper that cheap, much less a complete one... If legit, it is a fantastic deal. Be cautious, though. In your budget range of parts, some of these parts are a bit of a gamble on quality. If you decide to order one, PLEASE post pics and a review here. I've googled this company, and cannot find much of anything about them. ALG defense, for your handguard, is the sister company of Geissele. I'd buy ALG any day for a budget build. ETA: If you plan on shooting this for accuracy, I would have to agree with Mp40gunner, in that saving an extra hundred bucks or so for a higher end barrel will assure performance. Like I said earlier, I have zero experience with this company, and had never even heard of them before this thread. If you DO get that barrel, put some match grade ammo down the barrel and post up some groups. I'm REALLY curious to see what sort of groups a barrel like that can lay out. |
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[#5]
That's something I didn't even think about Chapman! Bit of an embarrassing moment. It's Noveske's intermediate length, which is in between mid and rifle.
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[#6]
Quoted:
That's something I didn't even think about Chapman! Bit of an embarrassing moment. It's Noveske's intermediate length, which is in between mid and rifle. View Quote I've got a rifle length with a 13" rail, half the gas block is still sticking out. I figured yours had to be shorter |
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[#8]
I'm probably going to still get the cheap barrel. It may not be the best shooter but someone has to be the first. I was planning on really testing it out with various loads. Good thing on noticing the shorter gas system. That would have disappointed me more, lol. I know I'll be taking a gamble on that barrel, but my gut says rifle gas. At this point another $100 is the difference between a shooter and something I'll have to wait quite a bit longer to shoot.
SAA does have a gored upper for $10 less. Haha, my phone switched forged with gored...... |
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[#9]
Good deal
When you get all that stuff, make sure to post pics! I'm very curious to see how this stuff performs. I wish I could help with the assembly part, but I'm halfway across the state |
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[#10]
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[#11]
I caught a Black Friday sale from Rainier and bought a Rainier Ultramatch 18" barrel for a SPR build, so this thread really interests me. I haven't bought anything else yet, but I know I want an adjustable gas block for shooting suppressed, and a rail that will make adjusting it easy, any suggestions?
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[#12]
I've been doing more looking. I was on Primary arms website and they have several adjustable gas blocks, a couple that I would consider trying. Others there were too pricey for my taste.
I was also wanting to ask about BCG, if anyone wanted to share their thoughts. SAA has a few that interest me. For the super cheap(read=I can get it running quicker) I could go with this. For $25 more I can get this Nickel Boron BCG. If my memory is correct, only real difference between an AR15 BCG and a M16 BCG is weight. I'm guessing the nickel is worth the extra $25? |
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[#13]
I have a nickel boron one in my 300 blackout, and I really like it. It's much easier to clean, and I only shoot it suppressed so it gets really dirty quickly.
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[#14]
Quoted: I caught a Black Friday sale from Rainier and bought a Rainier Ultramatch 18" barrel for a SPR build, so this thread really interests me. I haven't bought anything else yet, but I know I want an adjustable gas block for shooting suppressed, and a rail that will make adjusting it easy, any suggestions? View Quote I run the Syrac on my 300 SBR and on this SPR upper. They work really well. Basically 2-3 clicks for running suppressed, and back 2-3 clicks when not. I wasn't mounting anything but the bipod on my upper so I really didn't need a quad rail. That's why I went with the MFR. Saves weight on an already heavy rifle. You have to be careful which gas block you get. Some adjust from the front and others from the side. If you run a hand guard over your gas block, you may need to modify it in order to get to the side adjustment screw. I know Noveske makes a rail specifically with a cutout in order to run their switchback gas block. |
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[#15]
Quoted:
I've been doing more looking. I was on Primary arms website and they have several adjustable gas blocks, a couple that I would consider trying. Others there were too pricey for my taste. I was also wanting to ask about BCG, if anyone wanted to share their thoughts. SAA has a few that interest me. For the super cheap(read=I can get it running quicker) I could go with this. For $25 more I can get this Nickel Boron BCG. If my memory is correct, only real difference between an AR15 BCG and a M16 BCG is weight. I'm guessing the nickel is worth the extra $25? View Quote Are you wanting to suppress this rifle? If not, just go with the regular gas blocks. Adjustable gas blocks come in handy with suppressors, due to the different pressure characteristics. Nickel Boron's only real advantage is that it is easier to clean than a standard mil-spec BCG. It's a little prettier, too. You have to decide if that is worth it to you. |
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[#16]
Quoted:
I caught a Black Friday sale from Rainier and bought a Rainier Ultramatch 18" barrel for a SPR build, so this thread really interests me. I haven't bought anything else yet, but I know I want an adjustable gas block for shooting suppressed, and a rail that will make adjusting it easy, any suggestions? View Quote IIRC, Rainier makes mid, intermediate, and rifle length gas. Which length did you get? The Syrac adjustables are awesome gas blocks, and when used on rifle-length system with any 13" rail, the front half of the gas block is exposed, and easy to get to the adjustments. It doesn't look as cool as a completely hidden gas block, but way more accessible |
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[#17]
Quoted:
IIRC, Rainier makes mid, intermediate, and rifle length gas. Which length did you get? The Syrac adjustables are awesome gas blocks, and when used on rifle-length system with any 13" rail, the front half of the gas block is exposed, and easy to get to the adjustments. It doesn't look as cool as a completely hidden gas block, but way more accessible View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I caught a Black Friday sale from Rainier and bought a Rainier Ultramatch 18" barrel for a SPR build, so this thread really interests me. I haven't bought anything else yet, but I know I want an adjustable gas block for shooting suppressed, and a rail that will make adjusting it easy, any suggestions? IIRC, Rainier makes mid, intermediate, and rifle length gas. Which length did you get? The Syrac adjustables are awesome gas blocks, and when used on rifle-length system with any 13" rail, the front half of the gas block is exposed, and easy to get to the adjustments. It doesn't look as cool as a completely hidden gas block, but way more accessible It's the SPR barrel, it has a rifle length gas system. I like the Syrac, but I wish it didn't require the use of an allen to change the setting |
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[#18]
Curt, this is KOOLmike from sksboards, you're welcome to use my vise block. I have the kind where you pin the upper to it and then there's a cap that goes over the flattop rail and you clamp the whole thing in a vise. Works great.. Anyway, IM me if you need it and we can exchange contact info.
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[#19]
Ah, cool deal, mike. I think I'm ordering my barrel today.
I wasn't planning on getting an adjustable gas block, just remembered seeing some on primary's site. Oh yeah, where's the unicycle? |
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[#20]
Quoted:
Ah, cool deal, mike. I think I'm ordering my barrel today. I wasn't planning on getting an adjustable gas block, just remembered seeing some on primary's site. Oh yeah, where's the unicycle? View Quote Oh, I still have the uni, just not as much time to ride anymore. My son is carrying on the tradition, though. |
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[#21]
Ordered the upper, gas tube, gas block, and flash hider from SAA. Hopefully order the barrel and hand guard next week or two.
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[#22]
Think I'm changing my mind on the barrel. Leaning towards a Faxon. 18" Socom. Seems like they've quickly gained a loyal following. Now if I'd just have the money and they'd have the barrel....
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[#23]
I'm about to list a 16" midlength 1/7 twist barrel. Never shot or installed I'd let it go 115 shipped. It's off brand as well. Let me know. I'm in Lebanon.
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[#24]
Quoted: My budget being what it is, I'm going to try the cheap barrel. If it's crappy, I'll save up for something that has a better reputation. I think based on your pictures, I'll go with the 13" alg. As for the billet upper, I dunno. They have the barrel I'm interested in and a put together upper. I have no idea if one is better than the other. View Quote Eric |
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[#25]
Thanks for the offer wheelchairman, but I'm dead set on an 18".
Eric, seeing as how at this juncture I'm running a mil-spec trigger and a $40 scope (if I can find it) I think either one of those barrels fits my budget. But I understand your point. This adventure is really about getting a running ar back in the stable. One I'm able to shoot it, I'll try to work towards improving it. |
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[#26]
No worries, j20. I have cheap rifles that shoot quite well too.
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[#27]
Quoted:
IMO and IME, when building an AR15 pattern rifle, one should spend as much money as is possible for your budget on these items and in this order: Barrel, trigger and optics. Everything else, assuming they're good parts of at least milspec quality, is just aesthetics and personal preference including the BCG. Eric View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
My budget being what it is, I'm going to try the cheap barrel. If it's crappy, I'll save up for something that has a better reputation. I think based on your pictures, I'll go with the 13" alg. As for the billet upper, I dunno. They have the barrel I'm interested in and a put together upper. I have no idea if one is better than the other. Eric Agreed. |
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[#28]
Kind of forgot to update this.....
I picked up a forged upper, gas tube, gas block, and flash hider from SAA. I then waited a while and got the 18" Faxon barrel I linked to earlier. I picked it up from AIM Surplus, which means it came with a 'pinned' gas block, so now I've got a start on parts for my 'next' build. Don't tell the wife. I also go one of AIM's nitrided bolts to go with the barrel. Just waiting on funds to pick up the ALG EMRv2 in 15" black. I'll post pics once I get it together and results once I shoot it. |
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[#29]
Another update. Won a Savage .17hmr through Ducks Unlimited. Sold that sucker and bought an ALG EMR V2 15". As soon as it gets here, hopefully DethroyMAK will help me put the pieces together and I'll be back to shooting an AR.
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[#30]
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[#31]
Quoted:
Think I'm changing my mind on the barrel. Leaning towards a Faxon. 18" Socom. Seems like they've quickly gained a loyal following. Now if I'd just have the money and they'd have the barrel.... View Quote Woohoo! We have plenty in stock so enjoy! |
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[#32]
Quoted:
Woohoo! We have plenty in stock so enjoy! View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Think I'm changing my mind on the barrel. Leaning towards a Faxon. 18" Socom. Seems like they've quickly gained a loyal following. Now if I'd just have the money and they'd have the barrel.... Woohoo! We have plenty in stock so enjoy! I've had the barrel for close to a month. Can't wait to get it together. |
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[#33]
Hand guard is here. Mocked it all up today at lunch and I think it will fill the bill nicely. DethroyMAK, I'll be contacting you!
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[#36]
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[#37]
Nathan, I noticed after assembly that the caliber and twist roll mark are both visible at the end of the hand guard. I thought that was pretty sweet.
BTW, was cruising in Kansas(swim suit shopping for the missus) and stopped at a DIck's. They had Federal American Eagle 62gr FMJ(green tips, yes) for $50/150 rounds. I bought two boxes. One day only sale. |
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[#38]
Quoted:
Nathan, I noticed after assembly that the caliber and twist roll mark are both visible at the end of the hand guard. I thought that was pretty sweet. BTW, was cruising in Kansas(swim suit shopping for the missus) and stopped at a DIck's. They had Federal American Eagle 62gr FMJ(green tips, yes) for $50/150 rounds. I bought two boxes. One day only sale. View Quote It wasn't purposeful, but very happy to see how it worked out. We mark all our barrels in the same place in front of the gas block journal. |
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[#39]
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