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I wanted to go with a 2 piece gas block, because after I have my muzzle device pinned on, I'll still be able to remove the gas block if I need to replace it. Additionally, If I wanted to replace the forearm later on, I couldn't get the barrel nut off if I can't get the gas block off according to my knowledge. That specific YHM block, because it is compatible with the forearm.

I realize I probably should apply for my tax stamp for an sbr, and get rid of having to have the muzzle device pinned on. Next time :D

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Good list, but IMHO MBUS are meh.

It's a good cheap start, but you will prolly want to upgrade.

And if you think this will be the only AR you build, I have news for you: It's addictive.

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Sounds like you are planning much of your build around a 14.5" bbl with a pinned FH.

All that for 1.5"? Get a tape measure out and look at 1.5" and ask yourself if it's worth the hassle.

Just build a 16" gun and skip the headaches.

When you build an SBR do a kick ass 10.3".

My 2 cents.

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Mbus are more than fine. I have Troy, Diamond Head and Magpuls. All three have a little peep hole in the rear site and a pin for the front sites.

Magpuls are the only ones that are actually spring loaded flip-ups.

Lets face it, they're backups for a fun gun thats also going to be running an optic of some sort.

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Judge my first build  - Thought I'd get some opinions on my first build. Well, the upper anyways.

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Yankee Hill 12" Diamond Series forearm - Not my thing but I can't say anything bad about it. All I can say is having gone through plenty of 4 rail handguards, I would look at one of the newer designs that just have a top rail and removable panels for the side and bottom. Keeping with the budget theme, I would look at the MI Gen1 or Gen2 SS series or the Troy TRX Extreme

Yankee Hill 2 piece low profile gas block - No way would I go with a 2 piece gas block. That's just asking for problems. From both a relaibility and cost standpoint, I would get a barrel with a fixed FSB that I would cut down to fit under the rail

DD 14.5" 1/7 twist barrel, hammer forged, chrome lined - Good choice here. The barrel is one of the most critical parts of the build and not the place to skimp. I do have to ask, why 14.5"? I used to be a big fan of 14.5" barrels over 16"ers but after some time I realized that the 14.5" barrels are worth the extra hassles they cause.

SE Vortex Flash Hider - Complete waste of money IMO. Do you have night vision equipment? even if you do, why pay that much money when for half the cost you can get a YHM 5C1 or 5C2 which gives you your 1.5" for a 14.5" build, block 99% of all flash and don't have any stupid tines to get hung up on stuff and make weird noises when fired.

DD BCG Mil Spec - Good choice

Vltor BCM Gunfighter charging handle - Good choice

Rainier Arms Upper - Why? Not there there is anything wrong with it but if you are going to use a DD barrel and BCG, why not use a DD upper or maybe a Spikes upper to match your Spikes lower

Mbus Gen 2 flip up sights- I personally think the Troys are worth the money over the mbus's but if money is tight, you can get buy with the mbus's

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Thought I'd get some opinions on my first build. Well, the upper anyways.

Spikes complete lower w/ stock and grip. Great, but if you can find a PSA lower and don't care about rollmarks go with that because its cheaper.
Yankee Hill 12" Diamond Series forearm I don't like these, they are too wide, soft anodizing, sharp ass rails, heavy comparatively, i prefer the Troy TRX-E's or the Samson EVOs or really any other modular rail.
Yankee Hill 2 piece low profile gas block Meh, I would go with a clamp on low profile block, they don't cause stress points like pinned and set screw ones and im not really sold on that style you picked out.
DD 14.5" 1/7 twist barrel, hammer forged, chrome lined Go with a lightweight whatever you do, and paying extra for "cold hammer forging" is a rip off, there is no functional difference to be had with going with a barrel made by cold hammer forging vs. cut or button.
SE Vortex Flash Hider i prefer comps myself but I don't need to hide my position from Charlie or Bambi
DD BCG Mil Spec I would buy the cheapest BCG out there with the same on paper specs as that DD, I bet Core15 or PSA has one.
Vltor BCM Gunfighter charging handle Solid purchase.
Rainier Arms Upper great choice on the upper, screw that forward assist!
Mbus Gen 2 flip up sights I personally prefer the sight picture on a Troy front, but I like the MBUS rear... its whatever you like, try and get some trigger time behind both and see what you prefer, quality really is a non issue here... they are both quality.

1 thing I haven't specifically picked out yet is optics. Will be going with a red dot and magnifier, just have to find a combination that works for me, and has a flip to side mount for the magnifier that clears the Mbus rear sight.

Suggestions welcome. I Promise to post pictures of build when completed. And pictures of my girlfriend in a separate thread.

ETA - I forgot to list my upper.

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I'll try to address both of you. I Appreciate the feedback. Sometimes it's hard for me, as I have limited hands on experience, to really be the best judge.

Forearm : So far, it seems both of you are basing it on opinions of that particular forearm, and not quality. With minimum hands on time for me, I'm glad you guys can share how you feel about it. As long as it's reliable, then time will tell if my opinion matches yours. Don't mean to get into a debate here, but i have owned that forearm and my comments on it are not opinion, they are fact.  It is heavy compared to other rails on the market, the anodizing is thin, the rail edges are SHARP, and it is really wide.  Considering you are building a rifle that has grab and go capability i would think you would want something a little easier to hold and keep up.  

Gas Block : I tend to agree with both of you. I'm not sold on the design at all. But I am sold on a 14.5" barrel. This gas block allows me the capability to change things and upgrade when need be. I'd love to get rid of it, if I found something to take its place. As it stands, I know 2 people with this exact one, and neither have had problems with the block specifically. Keep in mind the size of it, if you end up getting a smaller forearm like i suggest, this gas block may not work.

Flash Hider - Airgunner, you may have convinced me. I took a look at a few videos, and it seems to perform well. I'll do a bit more research though. Being in WA, where its dark for 50% of the day 7 months out of the year, it is important to me to keep a low signature at night. And yes, I intend to invest in optics that assist me vision at night.

BCG - I'd like to stay with the same brand BCG as barrel. Reliability is all about these 2 pieces in my mind. No reason to save money in this area.  Nothing worng with this, but no real reliability is gained here, if you really want a reliability increase with a functional difference try a NiB coated BCG from spikes or Core15.

Upper - Chose Rainier Arms because 1) They are quality. 2) They are local to my area. The finish will match the spikes lower. And they have a nice clean upper, something I didn't overlook. It's too bad Spikes isn't able to sell my lower without it's roll mark. There is no promise the finish on the upper you get will match the lower you get.  Brand A does not always match with Brand B over every sample.

Mbus - I'll admit, I'm taking the cost saving route. I don't have time with either sight, but I'll be able to upgrade easily if I'm not happy.




ETA - Pics of girlfriend..

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Barrel and brake came in! I did decide to go with the Phantom 5c2, thanks airgunner for the suggestion. Larue index clips came in. Expecting vert grip and gen 2 mbus to arrive this afternoon, but knowing USPS, I'm thinking it will be tomorrow.



Gas system and magpul triggerguard are supposed to be delivered tomorrow afternoon.  



http://www.underthewood.net/images/rifle02.jpg



I've got my eye on a Vortex Sparc in the EE, and come Monday if it's still around, it will be mine. Going to a buddies on Sunday who has vice + upper rec. block, so I can torque down barrel nut.



Weighing in right now at 6lbs 2.5oz. Heavier than I'd like, but with rifle length diamond handguard, I expected it.

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You may will find a problem with the GAS..

Thats a DD .625 barrel (Lightweight) (that you have listed) and needs a .625 gas block..

Brownells has the correct one for $35..#100-006-899