he
One thing I did notice was the tendency for the bolt to not want to "snap" closed with either the bolt close button (extremely untechnical term) or by using the charging handle to charge the first round.  It felt sluggish and a few times needed a second pull and faster release of the handle.  Possible user error?  

I had a great time at the range.  I brough some of my other guns and didnt even fire them since I was having such a great time.  The Phantom worked wonderfully. I couldnt believe there was no flash from the barrel.  Even in the dim light of this range I couldnt see anything.   Well I could see the sparks coming off the back wall from the bullets but thats about it!!!  Brought my buddy to the range with me and he shot off some winchest 2 3/4 slugs and had a great time as well.  He shot the AR and I believe I have infected someone else with BRD.  Thank you to everyone for the kind words about my build and thanks to this sight for the amazing amount of knowldege.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Well guys...I have been a lurker and occasional question asker.  I found the search feature to be very useful and did not want to bother the board with questions commonly asked.  But the real reason to this post is I DID IT!!!  I built the whole gun on my own and it was the first time I have ever done something like this.   This is also my first AR, I have never even fired one before.  I will give a few details and post some pictures....everyone likes pictures dont they!!!

RRA  Lower (built from a stripped with a RRA LPK)
RRA upper (fitted with an RRA BCG)
CMMG 18" 1/8 chrome lined barrel with a Phantom
YHM rifle length hand guards with a midlength gas system
YHM flip up front and rear BUIS
ARMS mount with a Bushnell Banner 3-9x40
Hogue grip
6 pos stock

Let me know what you think.  One thing I would like to know is what should I do to test it before I start firing with live rounds?  I want to make sure everything works before I take it to the range and hurt myself.  

Anything I can do to make it better?  I really just want to get out there and shoot the ever loving crap out of it!  I already have my sights set on building another one.  I have the bug and I have it bad.  

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a338/JZHeyde/100_0914.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a338/JZHeyde/100_0907.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a338/JZHeyde/100_0903.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a338/JZHeyde/100_0899.jpg

Looks good, make sure you do a basic military function check before you go shoot.  Actually, I do one  everytime after I clean a weapon.

Nothing wrong with that!!!! Good Job

wow! that's a really nice AR! have fun with it

Thanks for the kinda replies everyone. I will look up the function check now.  Any other tips you have for me before I head out to the range?  Thanks again,

Jamin

That looks really awesome!! I was actually going to ask the forum if a Build it Yourself was recommended for someone who has not built one before. But seeing yours done so nicely, gives me more confidence to build one for my first time.

Very nice, looks like a great build .. the only suggestion I could possibly make is ...take the scope off and learn to shoot with the irons .. then go to the optic  That's how it should be IMHO ....

Your build is sweet.  I used "loc-tite" on my YHM handguard before using. Now its rock solid....It stands up to the "twist-test".  

That's a very good looking rifle! Congrats!

Neat. Me likey!

Danny

Thats a very nice looking setup. Job well done congrats

Great job, JZHeyde!

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of sending the first round downrange from a rifle you built yourself - especially the first one.

Turned out well. It pays to use quality components.

Thanks a  lot guys, im glad you all approve!  I really do mean that, this is a great site filled with many people who have probably forgotten more than I know about AR's.  I was planning on taking the scope off and learning with the irons first.  It makes no sense to have them and not know how to shoot with them.  I need to go back over it and make sure everything is tight.  Possibly put some locktite in a few places and then ill be ready for the range.  

If anyone has any doubts if they can do this or not you should not worry.  I used all of the information gathered on this sight to do the build.  I would have done a few things differently next time...basically took a little more time to research the parts.  Then again, this is so addicting I see another AR in the semi near future. If you are on the fence to build or buy, definitely build.  You get the parts YOU want and the experience of working  on the rifle.  I cant wait to get out and shoot mine!!!!

-JZHeyde

Sweet.  Does she have a sister?  

BTW, don't store her too long in the aliuminum case as they tend to hold moisture.  You want to keep her complexion nice and smooth.  

Stan

Looks good but next time you post "pics" make sure you black out the serial number. People can cause lots of trouble if the have those.

Looks good, give us a range report on how it shoots. Maybe some pics from the range if ya can :D

Great job on the build and congrats on catching BRD.

Nice build!

Great looking first build.....nice choice of platform and accessories.

77Bronc

Like everyone else said, Nice Build

Pretty cool, congrats on the build.......

NICE  

Nice Job!!!!  I like it.  

great build!! i used almost the exact same parts on my build!!!

Nice build, now how about a range report.

Sorry for taking so long to respond.  I cannot check this website from work and ive been working alot this week.  I am going to take it out to the range on Friday.   Its only a 25 yard range, but I will use the iron sights and just make sure everything works.  I cant wait to get out and shoot it.  Im going to go over everything tonight and make sure its tight.  Wish me luck!!!

-JZheyde

Bump for the update.

Bump for the update.

Oh my,

Sorry for all of the dublicate posts.  Please accept my sincerest appologies.

-JZ