Second build > AR Discussions

Posted: 4/25/2011 8:15:39 PM EDT

For my second and last AR15 build, I wanted something that would would be a couple of steps above my 16" middy BCM rifle in terms of accuracy and would not give up anything in the "run it hard" department that BCM rifles are known for.

I initially settled on a build by MSTN using an N4 light barrel, but opted to go with a barrel that has been spec'd out by a friend that knows his shiznit. He was pretty much on the same track as I was in what I thought would be a kick-ass above average GP barrel (My base line comparison is to that of the Noveske N4 light barrel, as I consider this the best of the hard use chrome lined barrels out there that demonstrate above average accuracy as compared to a "rack grade" 4150 CMV barrel).

The barrel that has been produced is using a Rock Creek 5R barrel with a 1x8 twist and mid-length gas system using bonafide 4150 CMV steel. The final finishing is be done by Compass Lake Engineering. The throat is a slightly larger Wylde (difference is denoted by the Wylde Tactical [WT] designation) chamber to ensure reliable/consistent extraction. The barrel is also salt bath nitrided (which leads to more of a consistent internal geometry in comparison to chrome lining) by a company that has experience in doing weapon barrels and does barrels for some known companies. The contour is similar to the Noveske N4 light barrel, which I prefer, in that it tapers form the rear to the front. The barrels, however, are not HPT'd, only inspected by ultrasound at Rock Creek. I do have the option of getting the barrel HPTd and then MPId, via outside factory means. Initially, I was concerned about the barrel not being HPT/MPI, but I decided to push ahead anyway. My call considering I understand what the purpose and benefits are of HPT/MPI.

I am excited about this barrel, as I think it should be able to deliver in the accuracy dept with some of the better SD rounds out there, but still be durable/robust enough to be used hard against a horde of zombies. Hey, you just never know.

But, seriously, I just wanted to build something a little "above average" for my second and last build.

Complete build specs:

Upper receiver: complete DD bought via Rainier
BCG: BCM
BUIS: FDE Troy
FF Rail: DD Omega 9" with FDE XTM panels
Light: G2 with TNVC upgraded head unit (using VLTOR off-set mount)
CH: BCM Gunfighter medium latch
Misc: F marked FSB

Lower: Stag
Trigger: SSA
LPK: G&R Tactical
Receiver ext/buffer spring/buffer: BCM kit with "H" buffer
Stock: MagPul CTR
Grip: MagPul MOE
Sling Mounting Point: Noveske end plate QD attachment point
Sling: Vicker padded sling (FDE)

Optic: Will be purchasing an SS 1-4x from SWFA which will ride in a LaRue SPR-E mount (which I already have)

7-15-11: Received new ammo for testing and borrowed my buddy's scope, which has higher magnification.

Posted: 4/25/2011 8:57:51 PM EDT

[#1]

I don't understand the last build thing you said...I think thats a foreign language around here...

Sounds like its going to be a good one. Interested in how that barrel performs for you.

Posted: 4/25/2011 9:08:49 PM EDT

[#2]

last build...

he is in denial.

I said that many times before in the past.

That said... once you do build this / finish it... you have to post the obligatory photos

sounds like you did some pretty good planning in your build specs. Very specific.

Posted: 4/25/2011 9:19:41 PM EDT

[#3]

I'm serious about this being my last build, as it's just too expensive when buying components that are higher quality. Kinda like having several high performance cars, but not having all the money needed to keep them fueled and being able to do all the maintenance!

Posted: 4/25/2011 9:40:21 PM EDT

[#4]

To me "my last build" is the most recent build prior to my "next build."

Posted: 4/25/2011 9:43:03 PM EDT

[#5]

Let us know in a year how that "last build" thing works out for you.

Posted: 4/25/2011 10:45:35 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Let us know in a year how that "last build" thing works out for you.

The words "final build" make about as much sense around here as having a Gamblers Anonymous meeting around the craps table at Caesars Palace in Vegas.

The odds are against you, young Skywalker...

Posted: 4/25/2011 10:52:23 PM EDT

[#7]

I think I'm fine with these two...really.

At any rate, I can't wait to get the upper in and see what it can do.

Posted: 4/25/2011 11:14:43 PM EDT

[#8]

Please post a range report, once you get it dialed in-I'm curious too

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Posted: 4/26/2011 6:55:01 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
For my second, and last AR15 build,

Posted: 4/26/2011 8:21:14 AM EDT

[#10]

The build sounds top notch. Mind me asking where you got the barrel from? I just bought a URXIII and I'm going to build a 3gun rifle and the barrel you're using sounds perfect for what I want.

Posted: 4/26/2011 9:12:17 AM EDT

[#11]

I am on my 5th build. I was only going to build 2.

Posted: 5/3/2011 8:43:11 PM EDT

[#12]

UPDATE: Rifle has been HPT but not MPI. The company we were gonna go with no longer does it. I'm just gonna skip this step.

Posted: 5/20/2011 11:18:00 PM EDT

[#13]

More to follow later...

Posted: 5/21/2011 6:14:50 AM EDT

[#14]

Sounds like a good next to last build. You know there is always one more.

Posted: 5/22/2011 9:02:37 PM EDT

[#15]

I apologize for putting out info in bits and pieces instead of after shooting a bunch of rounds through the rifle and shooting for groups. Since I'm still waiting on some Hornady match ammo and I haven't had time to go to the range, I just decided to put out stuff as time permitted.

So, with that out of the way, here are some more pics:

Posted: 6/13/2011 8:41:35 PM EDT

[#16]

Range results (5-29-11):

*Weather was pretty damn windy, enough to make me wonder how it was going to affect my groups, but I shot for groups anyway. Scope used was a Leupold VX-III 1.5-5x20mm set at 5x. Rifle was on sand bags up front and at the rear.

Hornady 75 gr TAP .223

Hornady Superperformance Match 75 gr NATO 5.56 with T2 bullet

Molon's testing yielded: "The 10-shot group of the 75 grain 5.56 NATO Superformance load had an extreme spread of 3.4” and a mean radius of 1.16” using "a chrome-lined, NATO chambered 20” Colt HBAR with a 1:7” twist" with a free floated barrel. This same set-up shot a "10-shot control group .... using match-grade hand-loads [which] had an extreme spread of 1.2”.

Hornady 55 gr V-Max

By this point, I was getting tired and kinda rushing shots.

Posted: 6/13/2011 10:29:33 PM EDT

[#17]

That barrel is pretty.

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