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Posted: 3/3/2021 9:27:09 PM EDT
Help me decide.
I already have 11.5in and 16in caliber 5.56 buying a new lower and upper from AERO in FDE. BUT I can’t decide if I should do a 18in Douglas/Krieger barreled MK12ish build with correct AEM5 and Ops inc with Vortex Razor 1-10, Atlas. OR 9in .300 Blk out with Surefire suppressor, rest undecided probably Centurion rail. I will spend the next year+ to build this with premier USA made parts and then move to other platforms as #3 ARs is enough...Maybe AR10 6.5c I’m a lifelong firearms enthusiast, it’s not for any direct purpose but I do think hunting whitetail deer ?? or hogs would be really nice experience and I wonder about the .223 for humane kills, maybe I should not worry about the cartridge. What would you do considering this will cost upwards of $4000, I am a normal person money wise, hence the year build. I just want a suppressed build and I’ve heard MK12 is quietest 5.56 can be and of course .300blk is made for subs. |
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I have an 8" DD 300 BLK suppressed with a Surefire can.
She's a keeper. I vote that. Suppressing a 5.56 is stupid in my opinion (and I have one of those too). It goes from fighter-jet-100'-away loud to -freight-train-100'-away loud. Quieter. But not quiet. |
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300 blk is the only rifle round that suppresses worth a damn. suppressors on 5.56 are borderline hearing unsafe at best.
in addition, you can remove the suppressor and have something shorter than your 11" 5.56 and still has far better terminal ballistics (ie, wounding) you already have a 16", getting an 18" doesn't open any new doors for you |
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Quoted: Snip... as #3 ARs is enough... I’m a lifelong firearms enthusiast snip View Quote Ahem, no you're not. You're mildly interested. Ok, now that we got that out of the way, I love 300 blk, but I'd say an 18" or 20" 5.56 is needed first. Especially if you won't have any other 300 blk guns. If it's purely for suppressed though, 300 blk is really fun and versatile...so I guess I'm torn and we've clearly decided 3 AR's is not enough. |
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I love my blackouts...
But let me ask you....how much money do you have put away for ammo? |
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Get the AEM5 while you can because they are not going to be making them anymore from my understanding.
After that get the Surefire 300sps. Slowly work on both from there on out. |
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That is a good idea, especially since it takes a long time to actually “get” the cans. I could build out something while I waited.
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LoL “mildly interested”
I’m just in my EARLY 30s, so as far as I’ve been, had first Remington 870 at 8 yes old, Owned: Sig P220 45acp, Colt 6920, Colt 6933, PSA 16in, Glock 19,43,45 and .270 Winchester ATR. I’m trying man I’m trying, working on enthusiast I guess. My dad had an Israeli Uzi with burst and different barrels he could change and some old school .357 magnum revolvers from Smith and Wesson and Colt that got me started. The 870 and trap shooting got me started. I probably should just work on them both, wow...I will be single soon. ???? I guess I want to be able to shoot hogs at night and not disturb the people around me because everyone seems to HAVE CANS! I always thought it was to much trouble and I hate asking Uncle Sam for my permissions slip but with the current aura I think better get one while I “can” |
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If you are attracted to clones/inspired builds that feel like they have some historical significance or something, do the MK12. As parts become rare and harder to find you will be kicking yourself for not starting earlier. Though the complete MK12 rifle is very effective, many of the parts have been made somewhat obsolete by other parts that can do the same thing for cheaper/lighter, so parts will eventually be discontinued and become difficult to find.
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As someone who has both, and as many have echoed already, get that AEM5 going asap or possibly miss out forever. Then build a mk12 mod h, its my favorite ar and quietest can. Then you can get any number of 30 cal cans going for any builds after that like a 300blk.
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Quoted: If you are attracted to clones/inspired builds that feel like they have some historical significance or something, do the MK12. As parts become rare and harder to find you will be kicking yourself for not starting earlier. Though the complete MK12 rifle is very effective, many of the parts have been made somewhat obsolete by other parts that can do the same thing for cheaper/lighter, so parts will eventually be discontinued and become difficult to find. View Quote Hmm I was interested in the MK12 because I had heard it was the quietest best toned, reliable suppressed 5.56 What cans would you recommend that are perhaps newer and better overall? |
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Quoted: If you are attracted to clones/inspired builds that feel like they have some historical significance or something, do the MK12. As parts become rare and harder to find you will be kicking yourself for not starting earlier. Though the complete MK12 rifle is very effective, many of the parts have been made somewhat obsolete by other parts that can do the same thing for cheaper/lighter, so parts will eventually be discontinued and become difficult to find. View Quote Would you say the AEM5 is the best 5.56 can and if not what would you say is? |
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Quoted: buying a new lower and upper from AERO in FDE. View Quote I did an Aero Upper and Lower in FDE from them and paired it with a SLR Rifleworks handguard that you can order from them in FDE. Combined that with Magpul FDE MBUS sights, a Hogue FDE pistol grip, and a FDE stock (Strike Industries Viper). Also got some of the small parts (forward assist, mag release, safety selector, takedown pins, charging handle) in FDE. Sharp looking rifle. I built 2 uppers for mine....8.5" .300 Blackout and 14.5" 5.56mm. I almost never shoot the 5.56 upper. Go with the .300 BO. Or do both. |
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300blk’s shine with short bbl’s when compared to 5.56. They more efficiently burn their powder with the larger bore.
But, as Clint said “ The 300 is basically like throwing around kitchen sinks!” 300 gets my vote |
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Quoted: I did an Aero Upper and Lower in FDE from them and paired it with a SLR Rifleworks handguard that you can order from them in FDE. Combined that with Magpul FDE MBUS sights, a Hogue FDE pistol grip, and a FDE stock (Strike Industries Viper). Also got some of the small parts (forward assist, mag release, safety selector, takedown pins, charging handle) in FDE. Sharp looking rifle. I built 2 uppers for mine....8.5" .300 Blackout and 14.5" 5.56mm. I almost never shoot the 5.56 upper. Go with the .300 BO. Or do both. View Quote I’d like to see photos of that FDE build. |
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The more I look into .300 blk the more it seems like a “range toy” I normally stick to well respected calibers in use by military but what does everybody think about that? I’m not denying the adequate stopping power for home defense or hogs but wondering why no Mil/LEO has picked the caliber up.
I’m also seeing it’s incredibly expensive to shoot, I like to shoot outdoors and 300 rounds plus in a day. Hasn’t happened for a year but I’d hope it will soon. Mk12 has a long history and I guess I could not do a clone and get a Surefire can that would adapt to not only the 18in but my other weapons as well. If you could by one can for 5.56/308 any brand what would it be and why? |
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Quoted: The more I look into .300 blk the more it seems like a “range toy” View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: I’m not denying the adequate stopping power for home defense or hogs but wondering why no Mil/LEO has picked the caliber up. You're right, I guess if you ever invade europe you will encounter some supply chain issues. But then if your concern is home defense, I guess you've already determined it works. |
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Quoted: The more I look into .300 blk the more it seems like a “range toy” I normally stick to well respected calibers in use by military but what does everybody think about that? I’m not denying the adequate stopping power for home defense or hogs but wondering why no Mil/LEO has picked the caliber up. I’m also seeing it’s incredibly expensive to shoot, I like to shoot outdoors and 300 rounds plus in a day. Hasn’t happened for a year but I’d hope it will soon. Mk12 has a long history and I guess I could not do a clone and get a Surefire can that would adapt to not only the 18in but my other weapons as well. If you could by one can for 5.56/308 any brand what would it be and why? View Quote AAC took the 300 Whisper and turned it into .300blk on behalf of a US military customer....it is a mission specific caliber.....not a general purpose caliber. What do you want to do with the weapon, because .300blk and a Mk12 are on opposite ends of the spectrum? Will your Mk12 be a lot different than your current 16" 5.56? Is your 11.5" 5.56 already your home defense weapon? |
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Quoted: Is it true the only thing needed to make a 5.56 into a .300 blackout is a .300 blk barrel? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: You're right, I guess if you ever invade europe you will encounter some supply chain issues. But then if your concern is home defense, I guess you've already determined it works. Is it true the only thing needed to make a 5.56 into a .300 blackout is a .300 blk barrel? Yes. |
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Quoted: Is it true the only thing needed to make a 5.56 into a .300 blackout is a .300 blk barrel? View Quote 1. Barrel 2. Muzzle device (I like KAK micro flash cans). 3. Pistol length gas tube for all but 16" barrels...I also grab a new gas block. Easier to go with a new one instead of trying to remove the roll pin from the old one. 4. Boat load of $$$ for ammo (or reload) |
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People love to talk shit on the 300BLK round but the fact is it carries FAR more energy than a 556 and is just as capable inside 300 meters depending on barrel length. At a distance, projectile weight becomes an issue. The heavier projectiles are increasingly useless despite how hollywood quiet they are. IMO the point of shooting someone is to eliminate them as efficiently as possible (causing the most amount of damage in the least amount of time) and if you are using 220gr projectiles you might as well be using 9mm from a handgun.
The idea that all powder gets burned inside 9" of barrel length should tell you exactly what you need to know about how critically the person repeating such a thought is capable of thinking. The simple fact that the many different powders available burn at many different rates makes this myth truly one of naivete. That said 556 out of a decent barrel will keep it's velocity and it's energy at greater distances (300-700). So do you want this weapon to engage inside 300m or outside? My suggestion is get both because they do different things, and stock up on 300blk 110gr-125gr ammo for the best terminal ballistics offered by the cartridge. I have a 300blk built specifically for shooting humans. (In self defense) I have 556 rifles for shooting humans (In self defense) and training. Watch these videos for some good insight on the rounds: P&S ModCast 4-3 300 Blk v 556 Subsonic The Best 300BLK Barrel Length & All Things 300 Blackout Answered |
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The Kalashnikov has more energy than an M16. Which one does more damage?
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Get a 13.7-13.9” or 14.5” 5.56 instead of the 2 choices you listed. Or an LR308. |
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Quoted: The Kalashnikov has more energy than an M16. Which one does more damage? View Quote I just can't stay out of this, considering the x39 rounds are designed to tumble to deal damage and the 556 and 300 rounds are designed to deform to transfer energy I think the point you're attempting to make is a moot one. |
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I’ve shot and seen stuff shot with expanding 7.62x39 and 300BLK also. It’s not dramatic.
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Quoted: I just can't stay out of this, considering the x39 rounds are designed to tumble to deal damage and the 556 and 300 rounds are designed to deform to transfer energy I think the point you're attempting to make is a moot one. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: The Kalashnikov has more energy than an M16. Which one does more damage? I just can't stay out of this, considering the x39 rounds are designed to tumble to deal damage and the 556 and 300 rounds are designed to deform to transfer energy I think the point you're attempting to make is a moot one. Funny, I always heard it was those little wussy 55gr .22s that're designed to enter a NV's calf, tumble, take a left at Albuquerque, tumble up into the NV's chest and explode out their shoulder. Guess you just can't trust Special Forces you meet at gunshops these days. Sad really. |
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Quoted: I'm not denying the adequate stopping power for home defense or hogs but wondering why no Mil/LEO has picked the caliber up. I'm also seeing it's incredibly expensive to shoot. View Quote https://www.guns.com/news/2020/07/24/dod-picks-hornady-300-blackout-for-cqb-use For most military needs, 5.56 gets the job done, though there is some limited .300 Blackout use in the military. Law Enforcement, it's "expensive to shoot" answers that. |
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Unless you have both the strong desire and budget to build a .300 into an MP5SD replacement sort of weapon, I would go with the Mk12. But do it 16", even though you already have a 16", because it's just handier and you're not giving up much.
Blackout will be cheap to shoot some day, but today is not that day and tomorrow is not looking good either. |
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Guys thanks for the replies, I’m not giving up on either of them. I have already gotten one upper and one lower and will be getting another set too.
Both builds will happen. The suppressed .300 will be in Rhodesian brush stoke with a factory OD lower and factory FDE upper, the entire firearm will be cerakoted professionally with brushstroke. The MK 12 will be Douglas or Krieger barrel 18in from compass lake. They will share the can. Until I can get another one. I plan to spend the next year to build them piece by piece. I’ve decided not to do a clone so the ops inc and AEM5 are out, it’s just outdated, as cool as it is, I genuinely love the look of the 18in with a tripod and it makes a nice DMR. These firearms are for collecting. I have home defense firearms for use. I will use them but they will be pristine examples of using my hands and creating something “creative”, at time I will hunt with them, Hogs, coyote, perhaps whitetail, which is why I want to be suppressed, for respect shooting at night. Eventually get a entry level thermal or Gen 3 PVS14 style Night observation device. I watch Mrgunsngear and I really think I may do a 13.7/14.5 (.300 blk) pin and weld to legal 16in so I can add a legitimate stock. I’m not sure but that is the most fun part, “making things” BTW my home defense is a Gen 5 G45 9mm 17rd with an extra (2) 33rd mags in the bedside table drawer, I would never use a rifle inside the home for any reason. For my area it would be unsafe for others surrounding me. I have hearing protection hanging on my wall above my bed if needed and a weapon mounted light and night sites on the G45. My current 11.5 is a Colt commando complete upper (factory) on a personally built PSA “M4 safe, semi, burst” lower, Daniel Defense LPK so I could have it be a pistol w/ SBA3. |
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Quoted: everyone should own a 300BO https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2657/850DFCA1-17FD-4AEE-8F61-BE568759AA80-1724989.jpg View Quote LOLWUT Please explain. |
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Quoted: Guys thanks for the replies, I'm not giving up on either of them. I have already gotten one upper and one lower and will be getting another set too. Both builds will happen. The suppressed .300 will be in Rhodesian brush stoke with a factory OD lower and factory FDE upper, the entire firearm will be cerakoted professionally with brushstroke. The MK 12 will be Douglas or Krieger barrel 18in from compass lake. They will share the can. Until I can get another one. I plan to spend the next year to build them piece by piece. I've decided not to do a clone so the ops inc and AEM5 are out, it's just outdated, as cool as it is, I genuinely love the look of the 18in with a tripod and it makes a nice DMR. These firearms are for collecting. I have home defense firearms for use. I will use them but they will be pristine examples of using my hands and creating something "creative", at time I will hunt with them, Hogs, coyote, perhaps whitetail, which is why I want to be suppressed, for respect shooting at night. Eventually get a entry level thermal or Gen 3 PVS14 style Night observation device. I watch Mrgunsngear and I really think I may do a 13.7/14.5 (.300 blk) pin and weld to legal 16in so I can add a legitimate stock. I'm not sure but that is the most fun part, "making things" BTW my home defense is a Gen 5 G45 9mm 17rd with an extra (2) 33rd mags in the bedside table drawer, I would never use a rifle inside the home for any reason. For my area it would be unsafe for others surrounding me. I have hearing protection hanging on my wall above my bed if needed and a weapon mounted light and night sites on the G45. My current 11.5 is a Colt commando complete upper (factory) on a personally built PSA "M4 safe, semi, burst" lower, Daniel Defense LPK so I could have it be a pistol w/ SBA3. View Quote You might be surprised if you looked at 9mm vs 5.56 penetration of common residential construction. |
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I’ve considered the penetration 9mm vs 5.56 and even though my defense rounds are hornady 75grain T2 or Blackhills 77gr. I still believe the Underwood 9mm to be better suited, the buildings here are mostly CBS (concrete block) but I just feel like it would be better suited to use a common defense caliber such as 9mm, even though they are Underwood +P+ LoL, I just love high grade ammo, feel like it’s the “tire” of the gun world, best tires you can get make the most difference on a track same for defense, 9mm FML at 990 or 9mm at 1300-1500 fps, it’s almost like a different caliber, I even have some “Underwood extreme penetrators” in case the bad guys hide behind my neighbors fridge.
Tbh I’ve really considered loading the first 5 rounds with Frangible Ammo but don’t know the brand to use for that and don’t want to be caught off guard, shot placement is key, I can hit a pumpkin at 75yards with the iron sites back when ammo was cheaper, I’d actually shoot. Miss those days. What does everyone think of the Rhodesian theme with arid:green tones? |
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Frangible ammunition is a poor choice. So is choosing a handgun when you could have a rifle.
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