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Why BCM? And why spend $360 on an assembled lower?

I appreciate the suggestion... but did you notice that I already purchased my upper assembly, and BCG?

 

BCM because they are BCM. Honestly, they are very very good at making sure they sell you quality parts at a reasonable price. Not all things AR are created equal, receiver and parts can be made out of spec or out of the wrong material. Not all lower parts kits are created equal either. The list if what I would have done, I understand you already bought stuff. Personally I'd return it, but thats me.

 

 

Never understood why folks upgrade their charging handle. What's wrong with the mil-spec one?

 

Because if you ever work a milspec one real hard you can bend it. Because if you work a milspec one real hard you can break the roll pin that takes all the weight of the operation if you use an extended latch. Extended latches are very useful for quick operation with one hand only, and also useful when you have a scope mounted and things get crowded.

 

Already mentioned...

 

What you mentioned was the UTG thing and no rear sight, I'm mentioning something different.

 

Also already mentioned that the muzzle device is purchased.

$45 Troy medieval, purchased using $50 gift card = FREE

 

can't beat that.

 

If you say so, the reason I suggested the muzzle break I did is because we live in NJ so once you permanently attach the muzzle break you are SOL if you ever want to remove the front sigh or gas block if you ever want to replace your hand guard with a real one (UTG doesn't count as real, for me). With the Troy you are committing yourself to non-free floated hand guards which are bad for all the reasons I've already listed.

 

The reason I posted that list of parts is an example of what I would have done with that money instead of your choices, but we all have different tastes and opinions I suppose.

 

FYI - If my posts/replies seem harsh, its because I'm tired of the forum replies always ending-up the same way.

"This is what I would buy"

"You're completely wrong because my excel spreadsheet says so"

"I heard from a friend of a guy, who's uncle's buddy, said that you are wrong."

 

Just comment on the selection of parts I have mentioned, why or why not, and provide alternatives or suggestions.

 

Remember, I posted asking for your help and advise.

Think positive. Don't flame.

 

Thanks.

 

 

Well look, if I think you are making a mistake I'm going to tell you so when you ask for help. You can ignore me, I won't feel offended, just don't complain when stuff doesn't work the way you expect it. When I say this is what I would buy, it is a polite way of saying I wouldn't buy what you did or plan to. I don't have a damn spreadsheet, I shoot my damn rifles so the numbers and issues with accuracy above are based on my experience. Maybe you are a very awesome shooter and you won't have my problems. I have not heard from a friend of a guy, everything I've listed here came from personal experience. Again, maybe I suck at this, but then why ask us?

 

I've provided a list of alternatives and suggestions and you seem to have rejected them. No skin of my back.

I have to agree with Vlad G and the others in their assessment and advice. What makes the AR an interesting platform is that it is capable of being able to stretch it's limits, and relatively well. However, I do think that if a budget is being considered and is the most important factor, focus on one task-- and improve upon it later, or get another rifle to fit another purpose.

 

The only advice I have to add is that if you haven't already considered it, after building an AR, instead of focusing on what a tool can do, focus on how you can better use said tool. Buy a ton of ammo, take courses, etc. Even if you have advanced experience with it, shooting is a perishable skill. I am finding out, every time I get the opportunity to shoot with more experienced/trained, that I have a lot to add to my repertoire and plenty of polish to be done.

 

Thank you. I've been researching and looking for several months. The Upper, my first purchase on this project, was made 2 weeks ago.

 

Every part on this rifle (Upper, BCG, Lower, Accessories, etc.) was individually looked into for at least a week or two.

 

Sure the one "weak point" on this build MAY be the BCG. I'll shoot the crap out of this rifle and see how the BCG holds-up.

Either way, it's easily replaced.

 

For the money, I'm not sure I can find better components... unless someone makes a constructive suggestion otherwise.

Del-ton is kinda on the lower end, IIRC.

 

that being said, my upper is a del-ton, but I run a different barrel and bcg.

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I suggested a $30 handguard not a $500 one, you might want to actually read what I wrote.

 

I'm done here, it seems that you didn't want to ask for advise but you want people to validate your choices.

 

Good luck

UTG is cheap, chinese made stuff. i even stay away from UTG stuff for my airsoft guns.

I didn't say "Tack driver at 500 yard targets all day."

 

Moving on...

 

Same here. It doesn't sound like you have unrealistic expectations of what you are building. A light-ish 16" AR with a dot is very handy, fun, and reasonably usable from 0-300 yards for something resembling accuracy. It's basically what I am running. The ugn is probably capable of more, but the red dot is the limiting factor for more than minute of bad guy accuracy past 300.

If you have done so much research on your selections what is it your looking for, a pat on the back???

 

 

Im tired of those that save their pennies and make an emotional investment in thier equipment and then defend their choices like you said their mom is a fat ugly trailer park hag!!!! The reality is that sometimes she IS!

If you think there is no functional difference between rail systems.....you have a lot to learn. Yes DD is a real rail system. Why? Because when devices attached to said rail actually fit because its within spec, this matters. When said device recieves a little torque coming up against something like a baracade and doesnt twist or cave the rail it functionally matters. At least it does to me.

Ok, per the OP's request for comments on the individual components. I'll only bother with thing I think you should avoid or can get a better value on.

 

 

What I have so far:

Del-Ton 16" 1:7 chrome lined, flat top upper receiver

Del-ton Bolt Carrier Group

UTG PRO Model 4/15 Carbine Length Symmetrical Split Slim-Rail Quad + Rail covers

Troy Medieval Muzzle Brake

4x Magpul 30, pinned to 15, magazines

 

As of late del-ton is selling mossberg barrels. They claaim their bolt is MPI and HPT tested, so assuming it's true the only question is how well staked they are. From the sound of the comments, it might need an o-ring fix if you get FTEs.

 

I'd skip the troy medievel break in favor of any number of other brakes. It is not terribly effective. If you must have a muzzle device you can poke someone with, I recommend the rainier arms mini compensator. It uses a baffle design that is common among more effecgtive comps and is pointy and within $5 of the troy price. http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2841 For straight out budget ansd effectiveness, I'd get the nordic components tactical comp. http://shop.nordiccomp.com/Nordic-Components-Tactical-Compensator-223-Black-Oxide-CMP-TC-22-BK.htm

 

I wouldn't buy an accessory rail that just attaches like a standard fore end. But that's me. I think free float tubes are worth the money, but a budget is a budget. It's pretty easy to deflect POI without one. If I were going to jsut use handguards, I'd probably goe with the magpul MOE ones for $30.

 

Lower receiver (del-ton complete lower, with ACE ARFX stock, and Magpul MOE grip = $280)

Optic - I want a 2 MOA Red Dot, plus a 5-7x magnifier ($150 Vortex Strikefire, possibly)

Stock - ACE ARFX Entry, or Full Skeleton are in 1st place

BUIS - pending purchase...

I personally like the ARFX. I use the magpul MIAD with the large insert, so the moe is probably GTG unless you have small hands.

 

If you want light and cheap, I recommend the primary arms micro dot bundle. https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_Micro_Dot_With_Removable_Base_p/md06lhmbundle.htm

 

Order a 3x magnifier with it and they discount. Dunno what the mount is like anymore, they used to have an american defense bundle which is a good mount, but that's not there anymore.

 

BUIS, the magpul current gen sights are nice and the most affordable out there.

 

Extras:

Forend Grip - Grip-Pod, with integral bi-pod

"True" Magnifier 5-7x - Strikefire comes with cheesy 2x

Mount - Slide/Tilt mount for Magnifier

 

Nicest flip out mount I have seen is larues. I haven't seen any as nice for less money. The american defense swing out is $130, but I ahven't met it in person, and I'm not sure how robust their deisgn is. I also haven't seen any variable power magnifiers for red dots. IF you mean something between 5x to 7x rather than a 3x, then primary arms has them too. Their optical quality is ok.

 

The grip pod thing is more of a gimmick than a really useful bipod. Especially without a free floated fore end. I'd save the money and focus on technique.

Dunno what the mount is like anymore, they used to have an american defense bundle which is a good mount, but that's not there anymore.

 

They still have that combo https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_Micro_Dot_With_Removable_Base_AD_p/md06adt1-10bundle.htm

I suggested a $30 handguard not a $500 one, you might want to actually read what I wrote.

 

I'm done here, it seems that you didn't want to ask for advise but you want people to validate your choices.

 

Good luck

 

Please come back.

Which hand guard would you recommend?

Please come back.

Which hand guard would you recommend?

 

I'd say he was probably talking about the Magpul MOE handguards...they're in the $30 range...I'm building an AR now and I have them on mine and they feel real nice for the money.

I'd say he was probably talking about the Magpul MOE handguards...they're in the $30 range...I'm building an AR now and I have them on mine and they feel real nice for the money.

x2, I have them on mine as well. I like the feel of the MOEs better than standard handguards (and think they look better too, and there is alot of acessories you can get for them now (sling mounts, light mounts, rails etc)

I liked the MOE handguards, as I did have them on an old upper that I use to own. My only issue is that there was some play-- and I have heard from others (some on forums, some in person) that the play can become quite apparent and be an issue. Still, this was a very small percentage (>5%), and if I was looking for budget handguards I wouldn't have any issues investing in the MOE ones.

Mine have some play in them, but it doesnt bother me

Haven't noticed any play in mine. They're pretty tight on.

Mine are tight too...no play at all...I was actually surprised how solid they feel

They still have that combo https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_Micro_Dot_With_Removable_Base_AD_p/md06adt1-10bundle.htm

 

Glad to see they still have it. There site was behaving weird when I went there for the link. Half the stuff that is there now was missing. Perhaps they were doing some site maintenance.

So received the UTG hand guards in the mail.

They seem pretty darn tough to me.

I actually did a mock "roughness" test and bashed the hand guard against my wood bench several times (not mounted to rifle)

Not a dent. It did take off some of the black finish.

Also mounted a few accessories to the rails. Perfect fit so far.

 

The muzzle brake however is HEAVY.

Cool looking, yes.

Effective, no idea yet.

But I may return it simply due to the weight of this thing.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2841 For straight out budget ansd effectiveness, I'd get the nordic components tactical comp. http://shop.nordiccomp.com/Nordic-Components-Tactical-Compensator-223-Black-Oxide-CMP-TC-22-BK.htm

 

 

Thank you for the suggestion.

The TROY compensator weighs a ton (about 1/2 pound) and I decided to return it.

The Rainier Arms comp. is what I am looking for, so I ordered one today (1.4 oz.)

Also, the Nordic comp. is on backorder.

They still have that combo https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_Micro_Dot_With_Removable_Base_AD_p/md06adt1-10bundle.htm

 

Dang, that's a pretty good deal.

Although weight is a concern, I do like that the Vortex Strikefire has the flip-up lens covers, mount, and 2x magnifier included.

However, it's twice the weight of the Primary Arms, or Bushnell TRS-25...

 

I also don't like where Vortex optics have their power switch.

Updated original post:

Rainier Arms Mini Compensator

Will a 3 MOA Red-Dot site work for 300 yards targets?

Sights are more a limitation of the shooter than the sights. In the context of a battle rifle, yes they will work generally speaking.

Will a 3 MOA Red-Dot site work for 300 yards targets?

It will work as long as your capable of shooting it that far. Dont forget that a 3moa dot will cover approx 9" @ 300 yards

It will work as long as your capable of shooting it that far. Dont forget that a 3moa dot will cover approx 9" @ 300 yards

 

Hmmm... So, by that calculation, is it safe to say that a 2 moa dot will cover 6" at 300 yards?

 

Vortex Strikefire is a 2 moa dot.

 

According to most of the online reviews, and youtube videos I've been watching, it seems to be pretty rugged.