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Posted: 2/25/2008 4:40:03 AM EDT
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I'm diving into my first build. I have a stripped RRA lower with a 2 stage LPK on the way. I've been studying this forum and think I'm ready when it arrives. I want a precision upper capable of sub moa in the end. I already have a Stag Arms M4 style carbine with Eotech. Its a 2-3 MOA gun. This leaves me struggling with a major decision. Since this is my first build, should I build the lower and let MSTN build my precision upper so its done right? I would not be happy if I throw some expensive parts together and the rifle shoots 2 MOA. I have no problem buying the quality needed, I'm just unsure of my ability to extract the precision out of the quality parts. How much of building a precision AR comes down to "parts hanging" and how much comes down to craftsmanship in tweaking a sub MOA rifle? I guess I could always play with the Stag and hang some more parts on it if I want to learn and play. Any opinions on this? Thanks Ken |
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With quality parts, putting the upper together is no big deal. There is not much tweaking to do. The guys putting them together, like Wes at MSTN have more experience putting them together, and also recognize any issues with the parts, like an upper receiver thats not quite straight. Also they have all the tools to make it go together smoothly and know which parts go together best. Also usually they have a machine shop, so things like pinning a gas block or welding a flash hider can be accomplished more easily then by us mere mortals. This becomes more important if you get more exotic, like where the size of the gas port might need to get modified. Taking advice from people around here, you can build a normal 16" yourself pretty easily. The barrel is the heart of the system, with the upper receiver and BCG next. You have the ability to select components no matter which way you go. So on a Build yourself job, Pros: defray the cost buying pieces over time. DIY pride Cons: Have to chase down the parts and pay shipping many times. Need tools. ------------------------------------------ And buying a upper from a builder: Pros: shoot it the same day the brown truck bring is No leg work. Guarantee Cons: $$$ I have build several myself. |
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I like the idea of building it myself, even if it takes time and a learning curve. I guess when comparing it to a custom bolt gun with all the issues with installing the barrel, headspaceing, trueing the action, pillars bedding, glass bedding, etc etc, it just seems odd for a guy like me to be able to take parts, put them together and whala, have a sub MOA rifle. I'll give a go over the next year. Although the wife already said she knows me too well, and that "over the next year" will most likely end up the next few months with a very warm credit card. Dang women. |
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I am considering a build as well and to simplify things, I am thinking about a Vltor VIS upper. The reason being that you don't need to worry about an upper receiver AND a separate railed handguard to install. Plus it seems that barrel installation is simple. Can anyone enlighten us installation of a barrel on a Vltor VIS? I already have a Larue stealth system that is excellent that I did not build, but I understand the pride that goes into building up your own. I put together my lower that now has a Geissele and after shooting it, I realize what I was missing out on. Now, I'd like to put together an upper but use a Vltor VIS for it's simplicity. |
If your are from a bolt gun background, the AR will be dull. Like done in 10 min dull. On an AR the most exacting part is torquing the barrel nut. But even those specs are like: "tighten to 35ft/lbs, and then keep going to line up the next hole for the gas tube". So actual torque is "enough to line up the holes". Oh and the tighten / loosen 3 times in a row then tighten to the hole. My local gun shop described the AR as a Lego set for big boys. Snap it all together, then take it apart and try different pieces. |
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I have a RRA National Match upper that shoots SUB 3/4 MOA at 1000 yards with Black Hills 77gr Molly Coated hollow points from a rest. I've shot 5 rounds at 200yards into a ragged hole from a rest... I'm pretty impressed with it. I paid $636 for it a few years ago, Retail Currently is $700.oo A guy I shot Western Division Matches with in 2007, pointed me to Fulton, instead of RRA, (after the fact) He's a Double Distinguished shooter, I checked out Fulton on his word, I don't know what range they guarantee 1/2MOA out to... but a 1/2 MOA on a semi is pretty impressive. From Fulton's Website: Fulton Armory Mirage DCM/CMP NM Service Rifle Match Rifle Upper $799.95 |
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