I'm new the AR15 world. All I have today is my M&P15T (Heavy Crowned Barrel + HEAVY Quad Rail) and I wanted to try something newer, more versatile, and most importantly, larger feature set. In MA, where I came from, we are not allowed comps of any kind.

 

I was hemming and hawing about whether to buy new, used when I got some good advice - get a new upper. So I did. I went with a Bravo Company Standard 14.5 Midlength Upper Receiver Set with a Troy Alpha 11" Rail (LINK: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-14-5-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-VTAC-ALPHA-p/bcm-urg-mid-14%20vtactrx11.htm) with a black Battle Comp 1.5.

 

I also added a BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 Medium charging handle. The plan is to mate this upper set with my current BCG and Lower, add in my MBUS sights, Angle Foregrip, ACOG, and get the RMR setup offset. I think this will be a cool build that I'll likely frankenstein as I learn more about what I like and don't like.

 

Anyone have thoughts on the components and setup? I'm very open to wisdom from the group.

 

Cheers,

James

 

 

 

 

No pics yet but will post once the box arrives sometime next week or so.

Great choice. You won't egret getting a BCM upper. They are top notch. I know that Troy rails are not quite as well regarded as DD and LaRue, but I think they are solid as a rock and wouldn't have a problem putting one on my rifles.

I like the regular handguard and vertical grip better than the angled foregrips, but that's just me.

Great choice. You won't egret getting a BCM upper. They are top notch. I know that Troy rails are not quite as well regarded as DD and LaRue, but I think they are solid as a rock and wouldn't have a problem putting one on my rifles.

I like the regular handguard and vertical grip better than the angled foregrips, but that's just me.

 

You have no idea how happy that makes me - I was really nervous. The Troy Alpha is one of those rounded forends with a rail over the top and some accessory rails towards the end. I'll likely figure out what I like and don't like with this longer reach. I have the AFG on the M&P because everything was short and very very heavy over the front.

 

Any other thoughts on stuff to mod, Chris? I'm thinking trigger will be next... safety selector?

I'm new the AR15 world. All I have today is my M&P15T (Heavy Crowned Barrel + HEAVY Quad Rail) and I wanted to try something newer, more versatile, and most importantly, larger feature set. In MA, where I came from, we are not allowed comps of any kind.

 

I was hemming and hawing about whether to buy new, used when I got some good advice - get a new upper. So I did. I went with a Bravo Company Standard 14.5 Midlength Upper Receiver Set with a Troy Alpha 11" Rail (LINK: http://www.bravocomp...20vtactrx11.htm) with a black Battle Comp 1.5.

 

I also added a BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 Medium charging handle. The plan is to mate this upper set with my current BCG and Lower, add in my MBUS sights, Angle Foregrip, ACOG, and get the RMR setup offset. I think this will be a cool build that I'll likely frankenstein as I learn more about what I like and don't like.

 

Anyone have thoughts on the components and setup? I'm very open to wisdom from the group.

 

Cheers,

James

 

 

 

 

No pics yet but will post once the box arrives sometime next week or so.

 

You might want to get a new BCG as well.

I believe, bolts and barrel extensions tend to wear together.

I could be wrong, but that's what I've read.

You might want to get a new BCG as well.

I believe, bolts and barrel extensions tend to wear together.

I could be wrong, but that's what I've read.

 

Any favorite BCGs?

You have no idea how happy that makes me - I was really nervous. The Troy Alpha is one of those rounded forends with a rail over the top and some accessory rails towards the end. I'll likely figure out what I like and don't like with this longer reach. I have the AFG on the M&P because everything was short and very very heavy over the front.

 

Any other thoughts on stuff to mod, Chris? I'm thinking trigger will be next... safety selector?

 

I like the rounded forends. I have big hands and stubby fingers, and they grasp that better than the fully railed one like I have on my Colt 6940. It's one reason I shoot my Spikes with Magpul forend more than the Colt. My opinion is that accessories should come after determing their necessity. Spend $300 on a case of 223 and figure out what you like and don't like. The other stuff can come as you figure it all out. I might even start without the AFG unless you are positive it improves your shooting. Having a baseline config on your gun before you mount all kinds of doodads is important. It gives you a starting point where you can add and subtract features as you decide you do/don't need them.

...I might even start without the AFG unless you are positive it improves your shooting. Having a baseline config on your gun before you mount all kinds of doodads is important.

 

Fair point well made. I have the do-dads already on the 15T but I like your idea of running the gun "naked" first and adding or subtracting what makes sense.

Get a new BCG. New BCG on a new upper is usually ok unless osmething is out of spec with one or the other. New bolt on an old upper is usually ok. Old bolt on a new upper can have issues if it is worn enough. Mixing and matching old bolts and old uppers that did not get that way together can be problematic as well.

 

Not that it will be but htat is basically the increased order of risk. Besides it is jsut a pain to swap stuff whenever you want to swap uppers. Also, if you break something you now have a spare. Want to sell that first upper because you now realize what you thought you liked wasn't what you actually like, it's easier to sell.