Joining the semi-auto 6.5 G crowd: AA 24" upgraded Overwatch upper

[TOU]

Hey All,

I bought one of the first CZ 527's in 6.5 G when available...I'm a huge CZ fan and definitely 527's in particular. I have always had several BR's but recently have expanded more in to the AR platform.

Recently a buddy of mine previously bought a complete Alexander Arms 6.5G rifle with a 24" HB. He had gone to a shorter & lighter barreled upper (20") and offered me his complete 24" upper for a price I couldn't pass up. I said yes and bought it sight unseen.

It arrived a couple of weeks ago but haven't had a chance to do anything with it yet...it was not like any I had seen before. I believe it is one of the 24" "Overwatch" uppers that were available some time ago from various sources or maybe from AA directly with what seems like a couple of upgrades.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1003426821

https://www.stu-offroad.com/firearms/65grendel/65grendel-1.htm

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/411540474

https://www.impactguns.com/Semi-Automatic-Rifles/Alexander-Arms-6-5-Grendal-24-Overwatch-Rifle-AL-R-OVW24GRE-R-OVW24GRE/

That all said, mine is similar but has a different handguard and flash/compensator. Instead of the pictured round composite HG, mine is has a 12" Midwest Industries Quad rail. (looks to be $200 if bought separately.) It also has an upgraded HB WCI muzzle brake. (looks to be another $115).

https://www.shopalexanderarms.com/Muzzle_Devices-6_5_Grendel_WCI_Muzzle_Brake_3_4-28.html

I know it is a loooonnng barrel and heavy but for what I think I may use it for, it should be GREAT! Either way...I paid less than the cost of the upgrades so if I decide I want a smaller lighter set up I will get another upper or just use my CZ for a walk-about. Love to hear your thoughts about this upper.

Cheers,

TOU

[Mesa1978]

An AA Overwatch upper with bolt from Midway was my first Grendel. I only added the brake as an accessory. Much fun. Congratulations!

[VASCAR2]

[tdbru]

TOU,
i, like you, ran 6.5 Gr. bolt guns long before i decided to add an AR15 in 6.5Gr. when i did add, i wanted a 24" tube to maximize the velocity out of the petite little round. turned out well, but as you know, you can only get one kind of 24" barrel. heavy. great at the range. not so much joy to lug up and down the terrain. So, i built a much lighter upper using a Faxon 20" gunner CM barrel. still wanted as long as possible but wanted it light weight too. this seemed to be a reasonable compromise between weight and length. so for predator calling, light weight upper. Range time - 24" upper. if i recall correctly, about 3 lbs difference between the two uppers. so if you decide that the 24 Overwatch is great at the range and a bit heavy for hunting, the neat thing about the AR is you can build up another upper and go light and handy to hunt or maximize velocity and minimize recoil for range time. win-win.
-tdbru

[TOU]

Thank you all.

Let me say here, that I like my pistols and EBR's but they aren't my passion, more of tools and insurance policies etc. I also don't hunt larger game much anymore and am definitely more of an efficient small-caliber varmint-oriented shooter...that IS my passion. Next, I have owned many big calibers up to a .458 WinMag...long since sold. I shot my buddies .416 Rigby...once. If those float your boat, I'm happy for you...I'm just over that part of my life. That isn't to say I can't shoot them at 6'1:" 200# or health-wise, I just don't enjoy them anymore nor do I have the ego to care anymore what people think. I have owned many 7.62x51/.308W variations including bolts, M1A's, Saiga's & shot a few AR-10's & thought about converting to 6.5 CM. I never really loved any of them for many reasons. These days, a large caliber for me is 7.62x39 or .243W both in Czech bolts but neither are as highly efficient rounds...just very common and mild to shoot. For anything larger. in a bolt, I much prefer my .270 or 300 WinMag...or my 7x64B. I know...old school, but I know them pretty well.

So 5-6 years ago, when I read up on the 6.5G vs the .308W, it just made so much sense ESPECIALLY in an AR-15 platform partnered with a bolt gun...bulk ammo aside. Then ammo availability got so much better...until lately. (I think this will eventually subside.) I am not hung up on the 6.5G vs 6.5 CM debates nor the 6.5G vs 6 mm ARC debates. All three are fantastic cartridges that overlap and share many pros but then again, IMHO, have apples & orange pros & cons.

Anyway, gratefully, CZ (my rifles of choice for ALL my bolts for the last +30 years) came out with their awesome 527 in it, I was convinced to move forward. I bought my CZ 6.5G, sold ALL my 7.62x51/.308W semi-auto rifles and gear...including several South African battle packs. (Kinda regret that last part with current ammo prices.) For one reason or another, I never got around to finishing the 6.5G AR acquisition portion until this deal fell in my lap.

still wanted as long as possible but wanted it light weight too. this seemed to be a reasonable compromise between weight and length. so for predator calling, light weight upper. Range time - 24" upper. if i recall correctly, about 3 lbs difference between the two uppers. so if you decide that the 24 Overwatch is great at the range and a bit heavy for hunting, the neat thing about the AR is you can build up another upper and go light and handy to hunt or maximize velocity and minimize recoil for range time. win-win.
-tdbru

Interestingly, since I have my preferred 6.5G bolt, and now a longer-range accurate capable AR version (I hope), I'm too am now seriously considering a lightweight short(er) barreled version. I'm always interested in accuracy but don't feel the need to chase it as heavily on this one. Just something accurate enough, lightweight, reliable, and maneuverable in the right situations. Just deciding on what...14.5 pinned or 16" rifle. (not interested in too short or a pistol/braced version.)