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First Grendel build! - Printable Version

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First Grendel build! - FarmerDave - 06-10-2020

Decided to start this thread so I can ask questions if they might arise. This will be my first complete build from scratch. The others I've put together, I bought complete uppers, just had to put the lowers together, add buffer tube, etc. This time, it'll be the whole deal from attaching the barrel, to the last screw in the scope mount. Wish me luck!

As I said, I've put together a couple 5.56's, but wanted something different - something to reach out and touch something with a little more punch. For the most part, guns here are tools. We use them on predators, and varmints. Been shooting a Savage 110 chambered in 22-250 for decades, plus a carbine length 5.56 AR that I carry in the truck. Initially thought about going the AR10 route, but stumbled on the 6.5 a while back and it fit the bill. I'll probably always have that M4gery carbine as my cab/truck gun, but want to build this Grendel to go out from 200-500ish yards on coyotes. Big coyotes. We do a little coyote hunting in the winter and they're getting smarter and stand off farther away.

Anyway.....

Still in the phase of gathering pieces, already had an extra complete lower on the shelf, so it's going on... an Aero that already has a trigger and parts installed but planning to swap out the trigger for a Larue 2 stage that I just bought.

Barrels, well that's where things get interesting. Planned to go with an 18" mid weight based on a couple recommendations here, possibly 20". In my research, plans changed. Craddock Precision had a 16" light profile barrel in stock and waiting for a new home! Was this the Grendel Gods smiling on my search? We shall find out. I've read a lot of good things about Craddock, and decided to give them a try. She arrived a couple days ago and I'll start assembly next week, probably. Will use an Aero M4E1 upper. Haven't decided on handguard, but leaning toward the Aero Atlas, who knows?


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I'll update the thread when I get to each step. Feel free to comment, critique, laugh, cry, whatever!

First Grendel build! - Hickory Nut - 06-10-2020

Looking forward to seeing how it comes together and shoots. Enjoy the process it is addictive.

First Grendel build! - VASCAR2 - 06-11-2020

Great looking barrel and should fill your roll nicely.

First Grendel build! - FarmerDave - 06-12-2020

Well fellas, I ran into my first speed-bump. A little help/knowledge is needed? The Craddock barrel is threaded 1/2-28 instead of the typical 5/8-24. I'm looking for a muzzle brake/compensator and am having trouble finding one for a 6.5 with that thread pattern. Any suggestions? If it makes a difference, I do have the ability to bore out an extra 5.56 if that is an option, but would rather use one made for the purpose.

Any out there?

First Grendel build! - Kswhitetails - 06-12-2020

Wha? Lol, go get a 556 version and have it bored to .280? I'm not aware of a 1/2x28 6.5 caliber muzzle device. Maybe research a 30 cal version? You probably wouldn't notice much of a difference... if you can find one. Not the greatest option, but I'm at a loss on this one...

I'm guessing you figured out why this one was in stock...

First Grendel build! - FarmerDave - 06-12-2020

Kswhitetails Wrote:Wha? Lol, go get a 556 version and have it bored to .280? I'm not aware of a 1/2x28 6.5 caliber muzzle device. Maybe research a 30 cal version? You probably wouldn't notice much of a difference... if you can find one. Not the greatest option, but I'm at a loss on this one...

I'm guessing you figured out why this one was in stock...

HA! I love a good challenge.

30 cal with that thread pattern isn't to be found either. I'll keep looking, but will probably try to find out common ID of a 6.5 muzzle device and bore out something I already have and make it fit.

Or

I found this bushing after I made the original post this morning. Cheaper than paying a machine shop...

First Grendel build! - Kswhitetails - 06-13-2020

But, but that's cheating!

First Grendel build! - VASCAR2 - 06-13-2020

I think I’d contact the manufacturing, I think someone goofed and threaded the wrong pitch on that barrel.

First Grendel build! - FarmerDave - 06-16-2020

Very well could be, VASCAR2. The barrel was discounted, so either it was a screw-up and I'm now the happy owner of an orphan from a high quality shop, or it was and over-run and there are other poor bastards out there is dealing with the same thing I am. Smile

First Grendel build! - PVBoom - 06-20-2020

FarmerDave Wrote:Well fellas, I ran into my first speed-bump. A little help/knowledge is needed? The Craddock barrel is threaded 1/2-28 instead of the typical 5/8-24. I'm looking for a muzzle brake/compensator and am having trouble finding one for a 6.5 with that thread pattern. Any suggestions? If it makes a difference, I do have the ability to bore out an extra 5.56 if that is an option, but would rather use one made for the purpose.

Any out there?

Do Not Despair!

I was checking of Precision Armament. They sell a thread converter/adapter

https://precisionarmament.com/product/m4-muzzle-thread-adapter/

M4 Muzzle Thread Adapter Allows Precision Attachment of 5/8-24 Muzzle-Devices to 1/2-28 and 9/16-24 barrels

There is also a shoulderless version:

https://precisionarmament.com/product/m4-shoulderless-thread-adapter/

First Grendel build! - FarmerDave - 06-21-2020

PVBoom Wrote:Do Not Despair!

I was checking of Precision Armament. They sell a thread converter/adapter

https://precisionarmament.com/product/m4-muzzle-thread-adapter/

M4 Muzzle Thread Adapter Allows Precision Attachment of 5/8-24 Muzzle-Devices to 1/2-28 and 9/16-24 barrels

There is also a shoulderless version:

https://precisionarmament.com/product/m4-shoulderless-thread-adapter/

Great find, PVB. I found the shouldered version at Brownells, but hadn't ordered it yet. The shoulderless version would be better aesthetically, so that's the one I'll go with. Thanks!

Dave

First Grendel build! - FLshooter - 06-21-2020

For me, all AR 15’s are the same to build, easy.I go on AR15.com discounts and other places to buy mil spec parts.All Ar parts are pretty much the same to me. The only thing that makes a big difference is the barrel . Of course having a nice trigger is good too. If you’re starting with the Craddock Barrel , you’re already ahead of the game. Paul does good work.

First Grendel build! - FarmerDave - 07-24-2020

Ok, time to update.

Build is done after some starts and stops due to waiting on parts, life, farming, etc....

Here's the component list:
Aero M4E1 stripped Upper
Aero Quantum 12" M-LOK handguard
Craddock Precision 16" barrel, mid-length gas
Superlative Arms adjustable gas block (just in case)
VG6 Gamma muzzle brake (not yet installed-forgot to order thread adapter)
LaRue CAN SPR QD scope mount
Primary Arms GLx 4-16x50 Mil-Dot reticle

Aero M4E1 stripped lower
LaRue MBT-2S trigger
Huckleberry Arms BCG
Radian Raptor SL charging handle
Magpul stock and pistol grip

Since the 'range' is in the back pasture, I'll probably shoot it a little tonight to test then work on getting it dialed in over the weekend between hay baling jobs.

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First Grendel build! - Rangerofthenorth - 07-24-2020

Good looking build, I like the combination of components!

First Grendel build! - KZero - 07-24-2020

Looks great! Congrats!

First Grendel build! - FarmerDave - 07-24-2020

I wanted to try this scope from Primary Arms and this build gave me that excuse. I'll say my first impression is pretty good. I have a Vortex Viper-HS to compare and I'd say the glass is about equal, but want to spend more time behind this one before I make that final call.

First Grendel build! - KZero - 07-25-2020

FarmerDave Wrote:I wanted to try this scope from Primary Arms and this build gave me that excuse. I'll say my first impression is pretty good. I have a Vortex Viper-HS to compare and I'd say the glass is about equal, but want to spend more time behind this one before I make that final call.

I actually just now noticed, that's the exact same scope I have slowly meandering its' way toward my house from Optics Planet; I'm glad to see it's very nice-looking on top of an AR. I'm looking forward to your feedback!

First Grendel build! - FarmerDave - 07-25-2020

KZero Wrote:I actually just now noticed, that's the exact same scope I have slowly meandering its' way toward my house from Optics Planet; I'm glad to see it's very nice-looking on top of an AR. I'm looking forward to your feedback!

Sloooowwww.... is right. I ordered from OP because they are a 3hr drive from here. Other orders from them usually hit my door 2 days after I order. Not this time! Scope was in stock (confirmed with phone call). but took almost 3 weeks to ship and then it came out of Utah, instead of Illinois.

It does look good on the top of this gun. I'm kinda a stickler for things that work well AND look nice and this is the first time I've put a high magnification scope on top of an AR so I spent a lot of time looking and reading reviews. I chose the scope for a lot of reasons, but not the least of which is that is is slightly shorter for the magnification range, and the turrets are a bit more compact than most. The fact that it is consistently rated as an excellent value for the money was the first reason I chose it, but the other things played into it as well.

I bought matching LaRue QD mounts and the plan is to mount the Vortex on the other one so I can quickly swap them to compare. One of them will stay on this Grendel, the other will probably reside on my Savage 110 22-250.