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1/9/2015 9:34:49 PM EDT
New member here and new to AR's. I have started my first build/pin project after lurking and reading many threads on here. I am looking to build an AR for HD, SHTF, and just overall fun rifle to shoot.

I am purchasing an Anderson stripped lower from my local FFL. I have ordered PSA's CTR lower build kit and 2 PMags for the build portion. After receiving my tax return, I will be ordering BCM's BFH 16" mid LW upper receiver group with KMR handguard. I still need help with choosing sites. I have read many people recommend the MBUS and many others. The MBUS seems to be good for the price but what else is there? The KAC seem very steep in price. Then comes lots of ammo and many more PMags.

After I get my project functional and have put many rounds through it, I will add some basic accessories. I am thinking of adding an angled fore grip, a basic light (Streamlight ProTAC HL?) and mount, a real good red dot (T2/T1, etc.), and maybe a magnifier for longer range (100 yards). I haven't researched slings yet but I am sure that should be added to the list to finalize my project.

Your thoughts and recommendations?
1/9/2015 9:52:43 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
New member here and new to AR's. I have started my first build/pin project after lurking and reading many threads on here. I am looking to build an AR for HD, SHTF, and just overall fun rifle to shoot.

I am purchasing an Anderson stripped lower from my local FFL. I have ordered PSA's CTR lower build kit and 2 PMags for the build portion. After receiving my tax return, I will be ordering BCM's BFH 16" mid LW upper receiver group with KMR handguard. I still need help with choosing sites. I have read many people recommend the MBUS and many others. The MBUS seems to be good for the price but what else is there? The KAC seem very steep in price. Then comes lots of ammo and many more PMags.

After I get my project functional and have put many rounds through it, I will add some basic accessories. I am thinking of adding an angled fore grip, a basic light (Streamlight ProTAC HL?) and mount, a real good red dot (T2/T1, etc.), and maybe a magnifier for longer range (100 yards). I haven't researched slings yet but I am sure that should be added to the list to finalize my project.

Your thoughts and recommendations?
View Quote


1/9/2015 11:20:40 PM EDT
[#2]
BCM's own sights look pretty bad ass on their uppers. I think they're just re-branded Troy Battle Sights with a BCM logo.

I'm a Bravo Company fanboi, though.
1/9/2015 11:44:22 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
BCM's own sights look pretty bad ass on their uppers. I think they're just re-branded Troy Battle Sights with a BCM logo.

I'm a Bravo Company fanboi, though.
View Quote


Thanks for the info. Will check those out.
1/12/2015 8:33:24 AM EDT
[#4]
What's the major difference between the BCM BFH and SS barrels? IS the SS more durable, accurate, corrosion resistant at the cost of added weight? Just asking because the original 16" BFH middy LW I wanted is no longer in stock but the SS barrel is.
1/12/2015 9:53:25 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
What's the major difference between the BCM BFH and SS barrels? IS the SS more durable, accurate, corrosion resistant at the cost of added weight? Just asking because the original 16" BFH middy LW I wanted is no longer in stock but the SS barrel is.
View Quote

Generally, BFH (= Cold Hammered Forged) barrels have a longer service life while SS barrels are more accurate.  Here's the rub though: individual barrels are different with respect to accuracy.
1/12/2015 10:53:58 AM EDT
[#6]
So BFH is better. Figures! I guess I could do a 14.5" barrel but I am not sure those are legal in Florida. I think that falls under SBR which requires a Class 3 license?
1/12/2015 11:36:42 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
So BFH is better. Figures! I guess I could do a 14.5" barrel but I am not sure those are legal in Florida. I think that falls under SBR which requires a Class 3 license?
View Quote


That's a federal statute, not a state one, though some states take it upon themselves to ban certain classes of NFA weapons.

Get an appropriate length flash hider/comp and have it pinned to give you a legal >16" length.
1/12/2015 12:28:37 PM EDT
[#8]
So I can do the 14.5" BCM LW BFH mid with KMR and add the Surefire MB556K and be gtg? Would this be a good set up for a first timer for HD and longer range 100/200 yards? I am assuming the 14.5 would be better for maneuverability in HD vs 16. The 16 would give you a little longer range vs 14.5 or is it more about the limitations of the 5.56 as far as range goes?
1/12/2015 1:42:55 PM EDT
[#9]
I guess I should move this to the "Build" section now and not "Basic".
1/12/2015 1:44:56 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
So I can do the 14.5" BCM LW BFH mid with KMR and add the Surefire MB556K and be gtg?
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Quote History
Quoted:
So I can do the 14.5" BCM LW BFH mid with KMR and add the Surefire MB556K and be gtg?


Sounds like you'd be GTG, but I'd do the math and make sure that works out to over 16".


Quoted:Would this be a good set up for a first timer for HD and longer range 100/200 yards?


Sure, though I'd probably go with a flash hider instead of a brake, but that's largely preference. The recoil of the 5.56 is pretty low and doesn't warrant the greater noise and blast that a comp causes.


Quoted:I am assuming the 14.5 would be better for maneuverability in HD vs 16.


Yes, slightly. Comparing a 16" and a 14.5" with the same FH will probably only gain you 1". I have both and while it's worth it to me, others disagree. Keep in mind that unless you're going to SBR a lower you'll have to pin and/or weld that Surefire, so it isn't coming off without some work. Something to consider if you like changing stuff out.


Quoted:The 16 would give you a little longer range vs 14.5 or is it more about the limitations of the 5.56 as far as range goes?


I think there's like a 75fps loss with a 14.5". Negligible for your ranges and uses. Many will tell you that you can make repeatable hits with a 10.5" barrel at 300-500yds.

Good luck on your build.
1/12/2015 3:49:38 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
So I can do the 14.5" BCM LW BFH mid with KMR and add the Surefire MB556K and be gtg? Would this be a good set up for a first timer for HD and longer range 100/200 yards? I am assuming the 14.5 would be better for maneuverability in HD vs 16. The 16 would give you a little longer range vs 14.5 or is it more about the limitations of the 5.56 as far as range goes?
View Quote


See Barrel Length Studies in 5.56 for velocity difference between 14.5 and 16.0 (and other lengths).  To me, the velocity difference is negligible and the quality of the barrel is far more important.  At 500 yards, the difference in drop is ~7-8 inches.

You might want to consider a flash hider instead of a brake.  Then, consider it some more the more often you shoot indoors and in the presence of other people.  5.56 with a brake is loud.  Not long ago I failed to double-up (plugs + muff) my ear protection while shooting a SBR indoors and I'm now paying the price--for the rest of my life.

1/12/2015 6:56:53 PM EDT
[#12]
Thanks minion and boardsnbikes.

Well the 16" BFH came back in stock so I jumped and ordered it with a medium charging handle. Will probably get here way before my PSA order.
1/13/2015 1:49:28 AM EDT
[#13]
1/13/2015 7:23:02 PM EDT
[#14]
Ok, went ahead and ordered a set of MBUS Pro sites for now. Maybe when the Pro LR becomes more readily available I will give it a try. Now to go learn about ammo (HD vs target vs "green tip", etc.).
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