Man oh man - BIG thanks to Brisco for helping out with the roll pin. Aaaand voila:

 

The complete list (There's a LOT of Magpul!):

 

Spikes Tactical Lower

Palmetto State Armory Classic Lower Parts Kit

Mil-Spec Buffer Tube Assembly

Magpul MOE Stock (Pinned in position 4)

Magpul MOE Grip

Magpul MOE Trigger Guard

Magpul ASAP (Ambidextrous Sling Attachment Point)

 

JSE Surplus Custom Upper (5.56):

Bull Dog 16" 1x7 Chrome Moly Barrel

Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5M2 Comp/Brake (Pinned)

JSE Surplus (Del-Ton) A4 Upper

Quad Rail Gas Block

Magpul MOE Handguard

Rock River Arms Bolt Carrier Assembly

Badger Gen 2 Tactical Latch

 

Optic is the Vortex SPARC

Not installed yet is the Magpul BAD (Battery Assist Device) Lever - upon BBK's suggestion that I get used to the rifle before installing it.

Looks really good, Nick. What are your thoughts on possible iron sights? It would seem like a bit of a pain as the gas block is not lined up with the rest of the upper, but I'm sure there are options. If you were using a scope of some sort, I'd say that its fine as it is. However, since you're running a 1X that runs off of batteries, I would say it would be smart to have BUIS.

 

And yea, glad you remembered my advice! The BAD lever will really make manipulating the rifle easier during malfunctions and whatnot, and it does not really develop any real bad habits. I just think you would benefit more if you became more accustomed to the rifle in its stock configuration before adding more to the mix (and you might find out that you prefer the rifle without the BAD! Though, doubtful ). I have noticed though, and read elsewhere, that BAD levers *can* get knocked off or somehow otherwise removed in some cases. It would be a bit awkward to be in that situation, and not know how to manipulate things.

look for magpul mbus sets...

i'm sure the gen1 stuff could be had for a good price now that the gen2 sets are out

 

lookin real good btw

I've been keeping my eye out for a good deal on a front gas block sight. I saw the Tru-Glo Fiber optic front site at SS today - it's not a flip one though. I think I'll go with a HK style front flip. Midwest Industries makes one.

 

Deni - The front gas block gets too hot and would melt a Magpul MBUIS. I'm considering it for the rear though.

Where did you send the upper for Brake Pin and how long did it take? Im currently building my upper as well.

A forum member from Toms River helped me out with the brake pinning. Where are you located? If you're close by, I'll ask him to contact you if he wants to help you out.

Dude, that looks GREAT! Good job. Wasn't as hard as you thought, huh?

No, not at all. A lot of people say the front pivot pin/detent is tough - it only took me a couple minutes.

Nick, good job homie! You'll be ready for May homie, just need some magazines.

I have 4 mags so far. Gonna get more of course.

Looks greaT Nick

Nice finished product you have there!

Hey Nick, Im in North Brunswick.. You're one town over from me!

Cool - I'll check with the guy to see if he wants to do it.

 

Another update:

Couldn't resist - had to install the Magpul BAD lever.

You'll love the BAD lever. I have on on my AR (i'm a first timer also), and it works really well. Haven't had a malfunction yet where i needed to use it to lock the bolt to the rear, but using it to release the bolt is great.

irons?

None yet, Ray. Haven't found ones that I want/like yet.

Many options, but they're all basically the same. Post front sight and peep rear. It's all about price and looks now.

Nick what sight are you using?

Yeah I'm trying to find an affordable flip front that I like. If not I may use a fixed. Not sure. I really would like a HK style front sight.

 

Bryan - it's a Vortex SPARC.

 

Range report: about 500 rounds through - 0 malfunctions.

 

Sighted in the optic (thanks for the help, Dan).

 

I'm all good. Just need BUIS.

How's the optic Nick? Details

I typically recommend the ARMS #71L set, runs $90 for the set, and is a great value.

 

In your case, if I remember correctly you will need to mount it to your forward railed gasblock, so you would need a metal set as the polymer may melt. Troy makes some nice ones. Unfortunately metal versions cost 2X the price or more of polymer versions.

Optic was good. Had some initial issues with it 'turning off' - which I figured out later on - it was inadvertently getting switched into NV mode (Night Vision) and so it was on, but the dot was invisible. After most of the people left yesterday, I had it on for a couple hours with no issue. 2x magnifier is nice, but it narrows down your field of view a bit.

 

I definitely need a metal low profile front gas block sight. Rear sight can be anything really.

Update!

 

Got a Midwest Industries Front Gas Block sight, and a Magpul MBUIS Gen 2 from SKD Tactical.

Way to go NICK, good job. Anything else?

Nah. Been spending too much money on parts and ammo. Might get an AFG2.... dunno.

Looking real nice.

 

Harry