My build list...

[nawagner]

So I've been lurking and for some reason have this urge to build an upper. I have an AR 556 that I plan on using as my lower. I'm not a fanatic and it's really just something to do. So... I don't need to (read as can't) spend thousands of dollars on the top of the line upper assembly that shoots sub MOA at 1000 yds.

Will be used for mostly for range shooting.

I'm going to put it all together myself as part of the enjoyment of it all.

Here is my current built list:
AP assembled upper receiver - ordered
18" barrel - Faxon or Classic Firearms. Also looking at the group buy 16" - purchased, thanks ToeheadAR!
Nordic Components NC-1 Free Float Hand Guard
Low profile gas block with roll pin - ordered
PF BCG or the group buy bolt with my 556 carrier
Gas tube - ordered


What am I missing besides optics?
Any other thoughts?

[StoneHendge]

Welcome! My first Grendel was something to do. Now I'm in the market for a bigger safe.

I always forget about a charging handle and gas tube. You did too! And something to adorn the end of the muzzle.....

I would get it it's own BCG. Last thing your going to want to do at the range while rotating uppers is swapping bolts. A dropped and lost cam pin or firing pin retaining pin could put a damper on the day.

[1Shot]

Go with the Faxon barrel. The Classic from what I have been reading is made by Bear Creek Arsenal and they are a crap shoot as to getting one that will just shoot much less group decent. Been there done that and have the Tshirt. They are not worth the frustration. I saw on this site someplace where someone had a 18" Faxon for sale that was one of the group buy deals that was new still in the box for a great price, might want to do a search for it. The barrel is the heart of accuracy so spend your money there and it is easier to just cry once. LOL

[sundog]

You'll need a roll pin for the gas block.

[nawagner]

Thanks for the feedback, I knew I was missing items and thanks for the advice on the barrel. Left him a PM.

[nawagner]

What do you all do if all you need is the bolt carrier and no bolt? Buy the whole thing and just have an extra bolt? It doesn't seem like I can find a carrier only and if I do find one it's more expensive than the whole BCG.

[Lastrites]

What do you all do if all you need is the bolt carrier and no bolt? Buy the whole thing and just have an extra bolt? It doesn't seem like I can find a carrier only and if I do find one it's more expensive than the whole BCG.

Short answer yes, never a bad thing to have a spare bolt. Just make sure that each bolt is the same length so as to be able to use the same firing pin as it seems that there are two differently used lengths amongst manufactures.

[Kswhitetails]

Haha. I have 4 extra 5.56 bolts, and one rifle. I also have one extra 6.5 Grendel bolt and two weapons. I should sell a couple 5.56 bolts.

[nawagner]

Thanks to ToeheadAR I now have an 18" Faxon barrel. I also ordered the upper receiver, gas block and tube thanks to Brownell's $10 off sale on Sunday!

[tango29]

So I've been lurking and for some reason have this urge to build an upper. I have an AR 556 that I plan on using as my lower. I'm not a fanatic and it's really just something to do. So... I don't need to (read as can't) spend thousands of dollars on the top of the line upper assembly that shoots sub MOA at 1000 yds.

Will be used for mostly for range shooting.

I'm going to put it all together myself as part of the enjoyment of it all.

Here is my current built list:
AP assembled upper receiver - ordered
18" barrel - Faxon or Classic Firearms. Also looking at the group buy 16" - purchased, thanks ToeheadAR!
Nordic Components NC-1 Free Float Hand Guard
Low profile gas block with roll pin - ordered
PF BCG or the group buy bolt with my 556 carrier
Gas tube - ordered


What am I missing besides optics?
Any other thoughts?

This is my basic Build List

6.5 Grendel Build Specs
__________________________________________________ _________________
-1. Billet Lower
-2. Billet Upper
-3. Button or Cut Rifled Barrel Threaded 5/8x24
-4. BCG and Type II Grendel Bolt .136
-5. Adjustable Gas Block
-6. Rail (Quad,M-LOK,KeyMod)
-7. Trigger
-8. Barrel Nut
-9 . Gas Tube
-10. Lower Parts Kit
-11. Upper Parts Kit
-12. Charging Handle
-13. Stock
-14. Buffer Tube Assembly
-15. Magpul MIAD Grip
-16 Bad-Ass Ambi Safety
-17. Rear BUIS Sight
-18. Front BUIS Sight
-19. Bad Lever
-20. Thread Protector 5/8x24

[fixin]

An ambidextrous charging handle is a nice touch. My particular favorite is the radian raptor. I found one made by the company that radian bought out on sale a number of years ago and it is still going strong. It is a small detail that folks overlook at times, however depending on the shooter it does make a difference. I am a natural lefty, but I shoot right hand, right eye, so for me when I buy/look to buy any kind of AR type of rifle I always look at that.