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+--- Thread: First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! (/showthread.php?tid=14390)
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Bmiller35 - 10-26-2017
Greetings from PA!
I'm excited to dive into the world of AR building after being without one for a few years, and have already decided that the 6.5 Grendel caliber is what I want. I could go and buy a complete rifle, but I would love to learn more about how the gun works and goes together, and after watching how much fun my cousin had building one himself, decided that's the way I want to go, too! Plus, saving some money and having exactly the way YOU want it is nice.
This is especially true after seeing this rifle, which is the look i'm going after. I was initially going to go 6.5CM, but decided to stick with the AR15 platform, ultimately.
I've already done a fair amount of research on the key components of the build (Upper/Lower Receivers, Bolt/BCG, Barrel) and was leaning towards getting a barrel/bolt from the same maker to avoid any issues. I have emails out to Mike from DTech as well as Precision Firearms, but have yet to hear back from anyone. I don't know what is going on with that. The receivers are still very much up in the air. I don't know what I want to do yet, but I DO know I want them OD like you see in the hyperlink above.
For the barrel I was planning on an 18" Krieger with 1/8 twist from Precision Firearms with or without their matching bolt. I hear great things about the BCG from Young Manufacturing, but understand they're hard to come by.
Everything else, sans the trigger, I haven't really looked into.
Anyways, I wanted to say hello and would LOVE to hear what you guys recommend as far as components. As I'm sure is normally the case, pics make everything better.
Thanks in advance,
BM
ETA: I forgot a few key points:
-I am willing to spend around $2,000 (not including scope and mounts)
-The gun will be used primarily for target/fun up to around 500 yards, but could be used as a hunting rifle in the near future if I relocate.
-I DO NOT reload at this time, but plan to in the next 2 years. On the same token, I don't want to be talked out of the caliber for this reason.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - ty_hooper12 - 10-26-2017
I just finished my first build not long ago, a lot of my components (upper/lower receiver set, buffer kit, hand guard) came from AeroPrecision. Loved the looks and price.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - rabiddawg - 10-26-2017
My advise is to stick with a trusted vendor. Mixing and matching begs for problems.
This industry evidently doesn’t respond to email ina timely manner. That goes for all companies.
IMO, if your budget allows stick with precision firearms or Alexander Arms. Either will take care of you.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - rabiddawg - 10-26-2017
Just re red
your post. What are your plans for a trigger? I don’t skimp on triggers. Two stage - geisselle
Single stage- Timney
Yes I have expensive taste but I cry only once.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Bmiller35 - 10-26-2017
Thanks for the responses!
Ty Hoop, how does she shoot?
Rabiddawg-Thanks for your response. Have a brand preference? Want to throw any others into the mix? Talk me out of spending more on a Noveske :p
Actually, Mark from PF emailed me tonight! He wasn't entirely helpful, but any response is better than no response. I wish I could call, but my work schedule makes it so difficult. Also, I agree with you; I would rather buy once, too. I have no issues spending money if it's worth it.
In regards to the trigger, I left that out because I have been trying to decide whether I would like a one or two stage trigger for my custom. I figured the barrel is going to takes months to get shipped anyways, so I can figure that out later!
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - ty_hooper12 - 10-26-2017
Bmiller, to be honest with you I havent shot it yet. Im a full time student-athlete in college, currently in season, I havent had much of a chance! Im hoping to get plenty of rounds through it and zeroed in time for the end of whitetail season here in Texas.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Bmiller35 - 10-26-2017
ty_hooper12 Wrote:Bmiller, to be honest with you I haven’t shot it yet. I’m a full time student-athlete in college, currently in season, I haven’t had much of a chance! I’m hoping to get plenty of rounds through it and zeroed in time for the end of whitetail season here in Texas.
I'm sure you're chomping at the bit.
Best of luck in school/sports. Go Penn State
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - ty_hooper12 - 10-26-2017
Bmiller35 Wrote:I'm sure you're chomping at the bit.
Best of luck in school/sports. Go Penn State
Definitely ready to get it out to the range. Thank you, I appreciate that! Go HSU Cowboys
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Dcommoncents - 10-26-2017
BMiller, whereabouts in PA are you located? I don't know anyone else in my locale with a 6.5 grendel.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Bigs28 - 10-26-2017
Black Friday is coming up and larue has put their trigger on sale for $99 in the past.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Bmiller35 - 10-26-2017
Dcommoncents Wrote:BMiller, whereabouts in PA are you located? I don't know anyone else in my locale with a 6.5 grendel.
Originally from Plum, but have been living in Philadelphia area for last 3 years. You?
Bigs-I was thinking about waiting until then to purchase some of the accessory products.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Dcommoncents - 10-26-2017
Bmiller35 Wrote:Originally from Plum, but have been living in Philadelphia area for last 3 years. You?
I grew up in the south hills. Brentwood and Bethel Park in highschool. Aside from one year in Cleveland, I've been in Greentree and Scott Township since. I guess I still don't know any fellow Grendel aficionados in the Pittsburgh locale.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Bmiller35 - 10-26-2017
I've never familiarize myself with the South Hills. I think the closest I got was working in White Oak.
Sorry you had to spend a year in Cleveland. That had to be hard for you! (Philly isn't much better, trust me)
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Bmiller35 - 10-27-2017
Alright fellas, help me out here. This is what I'm trying to decide on now....
1) Buy the JPE CTR-02 Upper/Lower Receiver set (listed as $699.95 on their site) plus their JP Supermatch 18" Barrel ($664 with desired options). I love the idea of buying everything from the same manufacturer, but the price tag on the receiver set is a little hard to swallow.
2) Buy the PF Billet Lower Receiver ($230) and Krieger Barrel/Upper with some desired options ($1,060+). Here, the barrel is just so much more money. I am ok spending money for quality, but I don't really see much negative on JPE's barrels. Which brings us to....
3) Save money, and purchase the JPE Supermatch barrel and the upper/lower receiver from Precision Firearms.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Joseph5 - 10-27-2017
Order a Larue Tactical Ultimate Upper Build Kit and a lower receiver from them. It is the best value going and it will provide you with an ultimately accurate rifle that will fulfill any desire you have weather it is bench shooting or hunting or a combo of both. You will not be disappointed and you will not be able to put one together from random parts for less money and no where near the quality of value.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - StoneHendge - 10-27-2017
I think you would be absolutely fine with the JP-15 forged set for half the price of the billet. I would think their tolerances would be very close and you'd have a real nice barrel into upper fit - maybe even requiring a heat gun!
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Dcommoncents - 10-27-2017
I don't have any first hand experience with the parts candidates you listed but have built a few different ar's. Unless money is literally not a consideration at all, and bragging rights about having a "cool" gun are important to you, I would suggest going with the cheapest of your listed options since they all involve well-reputed manufacturers.
I'm sure some will have a different view, but for the most part I don't see any huge advantage to buying all components together at once. Quality parts from quality manufacturers should play together nicely. Unless you have ready access to go/no gauges I would at least buy headspaced barrel and bolt together though. I don't, so I bought my first and (so far) only grendel as a completed upper.
If you are open to other avenues, like TYHooper said I have found aero precision and sister company ballistic advantage to put together some high quality high value components. I doubt any of that helps you decide between the 3 options you listed, just wanted to point out some things to consider.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Bmiller35 - 10-27-2017
Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate all advice, and am not limiting myself to those options.
Is it common for most AR manufacturers to offer some sort of finish options?
I'm still in love with the Armor-Tuff finish (matte OD) that Wilson combat offers that I'm worried I'll be disappointed with anything else. At the same time, their prices for receivers are on the more expensive end and the return on investment doesn't seem to be there (or the word isn't out yet, if they're newer to the game).
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Dcommoncents - 10-27-2017
I think finish options have become increasingly common because the AR market has become so saturated and manufacturers need a way to draw attention and distinguish their products. Personally, I don't care about finishes, so I just buy forged receivers and apply a spray paint camo pattern. I do see some value in the availability of additional functional features that can be incorporated into billet receivers, but have yet to use one myself.
I haven't looked at the Wilson combat finish you're talking about to compare, but I know Aero precision offers some pretty cool finishes and upper receiver/free float hand guard packages.
First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback! - Bmiller35 - 10-27-2017
I don't need saltwater protection or anything that extreme, but just like the look of the OD/black combo. It's really as simple as that. It's my first DIY, so I want to do it right, you know?