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Posted: 9/28/2015 12:01:26 PM EDT
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Spikes Tactical Upper + Lower
Stag Arms LPK BCM Gunfighter MOD3 Grip Raptor Charging Handle AIM v2 Black Nitride BCG Magpul UBR Geissele G2S Trigger VooDoo 14.5" pinned Barrel Seekins SAR2 Rail VooDoo gas tube Odin Works gas block http://i.imgur.com/Yi9JE1o.jpg I may send the rail off for FDE cerakote at some point but right now I can't be bothered. I just need to shoot it now |
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It's a little difficult to rate your build if it's not close to being finished yet, but it looks like you're off to a good start.
Maybe post another pic once you have everything assembled? As for the coatings of everything--if you want it to match perfectly, then have them all Cerakoted the same color at the same time. I'm also a fan of rattlecanning, so that's a viable option too. I would also recommend sticking with something simple like an A2 for the muzzle device for now. That brake is pretty expensive, and I'm personally not a huge fan. YMMV. |
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Looks good thus far, keep us updated!
Also, seeing as you have been bitten by the NFA bug it probably is a good idea to have a suppressor in mind for long term and to build the gun around that, ie, an adjustable gas block and making sure the barrel sticks out far enough past your rail to attach your desired suppressor. |
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Looks good so far. What optic will you be putting on it?
Personally, I'd get another stock. That Magpul UBR is good but it's heavy. 26 ounces heavy. (For comparison, the MOE SL is 13.6 ounces.) I wouldn't coat the barrel or muzzle break with anything - the black matches your CH, FA, etc. |
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http://i.imgur.com/JB32B4R.jpg Spikes Tactical Upper + Lower Stag Arms LPK BCM Gunfighter MOD3 Grip Raptor Charging Handle AIM v2 Black Nitride BCG Magpul UBR Geissele G2S Trigger On order not received yet http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/v/vspfiles/photos/SKN-SAR-2.jpg -I would like to Cerakote this to match the upper/lower set. I do not know if it is closer to Magpul FDE or Cerakote FDE Things I still need and what I'm considering... Barrel - https://www.primaryarms.com/Radical_Firearms_16_Mid_Length_Barrel_1_7_Twist_p/rf1617m.htm Gas Tube Gas Block Muzzle Brake - M4-72 Severe-Duty Magpul AFG2 Magpul mbus pro Could use some recommendations on the barrel, muzzle brake, and handguard coating. In certain lighting, the magpul stock looks a little off from the upper/lower set. Your priority needs to be on getting a quality barrel and critical core components at this point. You spared no expense on a lot of nice to haves, but appear to be scraping the bottom with the barrel, so I would steer you into a quality barrel from a reputable source. Radical Firearms seems to have been having some issues with nitriding, and they are relatively new on the scene. Barrel Go BCM or another proven vendor for your most important component of the AR15. These $100 barrels make me have a lot of questions as to how much quality time and effort is going into their manufacture, reamer specs, reamer life for the run, and QC. We're seeing a lot of bad chambers, bad nitriding, index pins falling out, thrashing barrel nut threads, crappy muzzle threads, salt residue in bores and chambers/threads, extensions coming loose, gas ports cut too large, bores not concentric, etc. For 16" pipes, I like lightweight with MLGS, but I don't know if this is meant to be a LW carbine blaster, or more of a DM carbine. Gas block Make sure your gas block is steel, and learn how to fit it correctly with the ports aligned to each other. Probably better to send the work out and have it installed by a good smith, unless you have access to a shop with the tools already geared to working on AR's (not Cleatus and Jim Bo, no matter how many tools they have and abortion-15's they have cobbled). Gas tube: Make sure it fits your gas system length. Before you put any popular rail accessories on your list, put optics, a quality US-made mount, a weapon light, and a sling there. Then put training and ammo on the budget before all the rail-mounted fads. You'll get plenty of opportunity to see all the bells and whistles on other people's guns at a course, and see how inconsequential most of them are. Stay away from NCstar, Barska, Chinese bipods, telephone cord lasers, and anything packaged in a box that looks like the same company that makes those pot metal dragon knives with fake rubies and sweat shop decor-basically most of what you see at a gun show. Avoid those Chinese box scope dealers like the plague, because that's what they are in reality to guns. You've accumulated some high quality parts already. There is no need to impulse buy anything sub-standard, especially the barrel. The advice I'm giving you is coming from being an AR15 junkie since the 1980's, to include 10 years of living with these guns in Infantry, Airborne, and Reconnaissance units all over the world, competing, teaching, smithing, and staying very close to what is going on with these guns over the years. Quoted:
Looks good so far. What optic will you be putting on it? Personally, I'd get another stock. That Magpul UBR is good but it's heavy. 26 ounces heavy. (For comparison, the MOE SL is 13.6 ounces.) I wouldn't coat the barrel or muzzle break with anything - the black matches your CH, FA, etc. Listen to this man as well. The UBR's are ok for AR10 builds or guns that are really front-heavy that need balancing out, but I personally don't like the weight. There are a lot of options now in good cheek weld and light weight, the MOE SL and BCM GF being two examples. I like the VLTOR Clubfoot/IMOD and LWRC compact stocks. The Clubfoot is good when you want to rear bag the gun for accuracy work, while also being compact with the angled cheek weld like an LMT SOCOM. The LWRC stocks are great for SBR's and compact carbines/PDW's. The BCM GF and Magpul MOE SL are great for lightwieght blasters in the SBR to 16" lengths. |
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Thanks for the heads up on Radical and all of the great advice in general.
I'm looking at this barrel instead now Faxon 16" barrel , though I'd love to SBR @ 14.5" for aesthetic purposes in the distant future. Going to go with a cheaper A2 birdcage for now. No rail accessories planned other than Magpul AFG2. Aimpoint or Eotech for optics at some point. I want to get comfortable with irons first. For coating...I only want to coat the Handguard, which I think runs around $70 at an applicator. It doesn't need to match perfectly. As for the UBR...i rather like the hefty feel of it. I wouldn't say it feels 'too heavy', but it definitely feels very solid. However, that may change when I can actually shoot with it lol.... |
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I've heard a lot of good about Faxon, but haven't had one in-hand or bullet hosed yet, but AIM normally carries pretty good products and stands by them with very active customer service.
It's too easy to recommend BCM and not worry about it after that. You can get a 14.5" MLGS Light Weight barrel from BCM right now for $180, which is probably the most affordable I've ever seen from them. When you see all the trainers that personally use and recommend BCM, that should be enough of an endorsement. They just work, chambers are correct, steel is actual MIL-B-11595E, hard chrome lined bore, HPT/MP barrel (how many people do that?), etc. I've been using them since 2009, and have seen them used extensively in Arctic conditions, and they just keep running the round count up. |
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Does BCM sell pinned/welded 14.5's separate from their upper receiver groups? Too impatient to wait 5-10 months for SBR registration for first AR. I planned on grabbing a 16inch mid length for 1-2 years first. You'll have to buy a muzzle device to bring the total length to over 16" and have it pinned/welded yourself. |
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ADCO and others can hook you up with turnaround within the week.
There are several forum members who can do the work to a high degree of satisfaction, with quick turnaround. John Thomas comes to mind from Retro Arms Works, or you can just get a 16" MLGS for a little more from BCM. |
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Ballistic advantage makes a good barrel And this would be my other recommendation. Here's a 16" Mid Hanson profile. |
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16" DD barels on sale at Western Sport right now
Daniel Defense 16" Barrel |
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I agree with most above. You seem to spare no expense on certain items that don't effect function, but appear to cheap out on your barrel and maybe your BCG. BCM makes great barrels in general, and Ballistic Advantage seems to knock value out of the park (can usually find a good barrel and gas block combo for around $200).
I wouldn't worry about the stock until you're done. Once you add sights and maybe a light or other accessories, you may find the stock balances out your gun nicely. I like to have a couple stocks handy just to try different combos out. Most are relatively cheap. |
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Thanks for the heads up on Radical and all of the great advice in general. I'm looking at this barrel instead now Faxon 16" barrel , though I'd love to SBR @ 14.5" for aesthetic purposes in the distant future. Going to go with a cheaper A2 birdcage for now. No rail accessories planned other than Magpul AFG2. Aimpoint or Eotech for optics at some point. I want to get comfortable with irons first. For coating...I only want to coat the Handguard, which I think runs around $70 at an applicator. It doesn't need to match perfectly. As for the UBR...i rather like the hefty feel of it. I wouldn't say it feels 'too heavy', but it definitely feels very solid. However, that may change when I can actually shoot with it lol.... Faxon barrels are a much better choice than Radical |
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I agree with most above. You seem to spare no expense on certain items that don't effect function, but appear to cheap out on your barrel and maybe your BCG. BCM makes great barrels in general, and Ballistic Advantage seems to knock value out of the park (can usually find a good barrel and gas block combo for around $200). I wouldn't worry about the stock until you're done. Once you add sights and maybe a light or other accessories, you may find the stock balances out your gun nicely. I like to have a couple stocks handy just to try different combos out. Most are relatively cheap. I wouldn't say that I am trying to be cheap on certain parts. Since it's my first build, I think I lack direction in certain areas. I did splurge on a couple things just because I like the way they look :P I am mostly looking for good quality parts at the higher end of mid-range. The AIM v2 BCG was very highly recommended at a good price. I was completely clueless on barrels as there are so many different variables (rifling, twist rate, material, etc...). It looks like $200-$230 is a good price here for barrel + gas block Some of the parts I put extra into because I did not like the standard parts after shooting friends ARs (Trigger and Charging Handle) Lower+Upper set came at a higher cost because of FDE + Spike's branding...but it's a guaranteed match + it came with some nice bells and whistles (pivot pins, FA, dust cover already installed) |
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What barrels or price point would you recommend? UBR is already bought and attached so it's not likely to come off any time soon. Something to consider.......Voodoo 14.5" 5.56 Mid Length Gov Profile Barrel PINNED with Manimal Flash Hider $190. (The Manimal is .750 so you can install gas block, barrel nut without having to remove it.) Joe Bob Outfitters That or you usually can't go wrong with BCM or DD. |
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It sounds like you put some thought into your build with some nice parts in the lower. That said, there have been some disturbing reports about Radical barrels lately. This is a much better barrel, and the price is right.
http://www.westernsport.com/product-p/dd-07-116-04095-107.htm |
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It sounds like you put some thought into your build with some nice parts in the lower. That said, there have been some disturbing reports about Radical barrels lately. This is a much better barrel, and the price is right. http://www.westernsport.com/product-p/dd-07-116-04095-107.htm How does Voodoo compare to DD? 14.5 pinned at that price would be perfect but I hear DD is very high quality |
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How does Voodoo compare to DD? 14.5 pinned at that price would be perfect but I hear DD is very high quality Quoted:
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It sounds like you put some thought into your build with some nice parts in the lower. That said, there have been some disturbing reports about Radical barrels lately. This is a much better barrel, and the price is right. http://www.westernsport.com/product-p/dd-07-116-04095-107.htm How does Voodoo compare to DD? 14.5 pinned at that price would be perfect but I hear DD is very high quality I have both and DD is a better barrel. That said, it depends on what you're looking for. That DD barrel at Western Sport is a great barrel but it's a heavy bastard - 38 ounces. If you're building a DMR type rifle it would be a good choice. If you're building a "everyday, run & gun" type carbine I probably wouldn't go with that DD barrel. (That barrel + your UBR stock = 4 lbs, before you add any other parts.) I just built a carbine with a red dot that the Voodoo barrel works well on. It's 14.5, it weighs 24 ounces and has the pinned flash hider you can install a gas block, barrel nut over. Will it shoot 1 MOA? I doubt it. (Haven't taken the time to see how accurate it is.) It hits steel targets at 100. I also just built a RECCE type carbine that I used a 16" (lighter) mid length DD barrel. Again, depends on what you want to do and how much you're willing to spend. (I don't have a PSA Premium barrel, but they're made by FN and have a good reputation. That might be a good option that is accurate, comes in at a decent weight and price.) |
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I have both and DD is a better barrel. That said, it depends on what you're looking for. That DD barrel at Western Sport is a great barrel but it's a heavy bastard - 38 ounces. If you're building a DMR type rifle it would be a good choice. If you're building a "everyday, run & gun" type carbine I probably wouldn't go with that DD barrel. (That barrel + your UBR stock = 4 lbs, before you add any other parts.) I just built a carbine with a red dot that the Voodoo barrel works well on. It's 14.5, it weighs 24 ounces and has the pinned flash hider you can install a gas block, barrel nut over. Will it shoot 1 MOA? I doubt it. (Haven't taken the time to see how accurate it is.) It hits steel targets at 100. I also just built a RECCE type carbine that I used a 16" (lighter) mid length DD barrel. Again, depends on what you want to do and how much you're willing to spend. (I don't have a PSA Premium barrel, but they're made by FN and have a good reputation. That might be a good option that is accurate, comes in at a decent weight and price.) Quoted:
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It sounds like you put some thought into your build with some nice parts in the lower. That said, there have been some disturbing reports about Radical barrels lately. This is a much better barrel, and the price is right. http://www.westernsport.com/product-p/dd-07-116-04095-107.htm How does Voodoo compare to DD? 14.5 pinned at that price would be perfect but I hear DD is very high quality I have both and DD is a better barrel. That said, it depends on what you're looking for. That DD barrel at Western Sport is a great barrel but it's a heavy bastard - 38 ounces. If you're building a DMR type rifle it would be a good choice. If you're building a "everyday, run & gun" type carbine I probably wouldn't go with that DD barrel. (That barrel + your UBR stock = 4 lbs, before you add any other parts.) I just built a carbine with a red dot that the Voodoo barrel works well on. It's 14.5, it weighs 24 ounces and has the pinned flash hider you can install a gas block, barrel nut over. Will it shoot 1 MOA? I doubt it. (Haven't taken the time to see how accurate it is.) It hits steel targets at 100. I also just built a RECCE type carbine that I used a 16" (lighter) mid length DD barrel. Again, depends on what you want to do and how much you're willing to spend. (I don't have a PSA Premium barrel, but they're made by FN and have a good reputation. That might be a good option that is accurate, comes in at a decent weight and price.) I'm pretty much sold on the Voodoo 14.5". I just need to wait till my next paycheck now haha |
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I can vouch for the VooDoo barrel, built two rifles with these recently and both are great shooters.
Another 14.5" to consider is this one from Green Mountain. http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m19-14-5-5-56mm-midlength/ Its very similar to, if not the same as, the barrel they make for the BCM Jack Carbine...excellent quality, but you will need to get the muzzle device pinned. |
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How difficult is it to install the barrel, handguard, and gas system? I would prefer to do it myself to familiarize myself with it. I have all of the necessary tools.
Seekins SAR rail, VooDoo 14.5" pinned barrel, and gas tube/block should all arrive by end of this week :) Still need some quality BUIS. I will probably go with the mbus pro. |
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http://i.imgur.com/JB32B4R.jpg Spikes Tactical Upper + Lower Stag Arms LPK BCM Gunfighter MOD3 Grip Raptor Charging Handle AIM v2 Black Nitride BCG Magpul UBR Geissele G2S Trigger On order not received yet http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/v/vspfiles/photos/SKN-SAR-2.jpg -I would like to Cerakote this to match the upper/lower set. I do not know if it is closer to Magpul FDE or Cerakote FDE Things I still need and what I'm considering... Barrel - https://www.primaryarms.com/Radical_Firearms_16_Mid_Length_Barrel_1_7_Twist_p/rf1617m.htm Gas Tube Gas Block Muzzle Brake - M4-72 Severe-Duty Magpul AFG2 Magpul mbus pro Could use some recommendations on the barrel, muzzle brake, and handguard coating. In certain lighting, the magpul stock looks a little off from the upper/lower set. I have that exact same barrel. Absolutely love it for the money. Much better accuracy than I expected. I get 1-2 MOA groups with pretty much anything I shoot. Anything from wolf, pmc to hornandy match. Great value on that barrel. |
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I have that exact same barrel. Absolutely love it for the money. Much better accuracy than I expected. I get 1-2 MOA groups with pretty much anything I shoot. Anything from wolf, pmc to hornandy match. Great value on that barrel. Quoted:
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http://i.imgur.com/JB32B4R.jpg Things I still need and what I'm considering... Barrel - https://www.primaryarms.com/Radical_Firearms_16_Mid_Length_Barrel_1_7_Twist_p/rf1617m.htm Gas Tube Gas Block Muzzle Brake - M4-72 Severe-Duty Magpul AFG2 Magpul mbus pro Could use some recommendations on the barrel, muzzle brake, and handguard coating. In certain lighting, the magpul stock looks a little off from the upper/lower set. I have that exact same barrel. Absolutely love it for the money. Much better accuracy than I expected. I get 1-2 MOA groups with pretty much anything I shoot. Anything from wolf, pmc to hornandy match. Great value on that barrel. I also have the same barrel and it shoots just fine. I got it last year from Primary Arms during their Black Friday sale for $65 and thought it would be a good risk to buy it. But hearing about the issues with barrel extension not being torqued correctly I would steer clear of them. |
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