building custom AR style single shot

[smoky38]

my 1st grendel so getting all the parts and reloading equipment together for the build.
using a Shilen 20 in barrel 1/8 twist, Geissele nat. match trigger, Anderson lower, Brownells 458 Socom slick side upper which I will machine a charging handle slot on the left side. Other bits to follow. Fingers crossed on the machining of the upper.

[22_boomer]

my 1st grendel so getting all the parts and reloading equipment together for the build.
using a Shilen 20 in barrel 1/8 twist, Geissele nat. match trigger, Anderson lower, Brownells 458 Socom slick side upper which I will machine a charging handle slot on the left side. Other bits to follow. Fingers crossed on the machining of the upper.

May I ask why you're building a single shot? I build a manually operated AR for testing very reduced loads in the .223 and had a lot of fun with it but I still used the regular magazine. Are you wanting to shoot extra long cartridges -- too long to fit any magazine? My setup uses a right side charging handle but a left side charging handle might work really well for me. Could you do some pictures of your work and post them? I have spare upper receivers looking to be used for something.

[smoky38]

you got it right. I mostly use handloads and most times they are to long for a magazine.
I always do bench rest shooting so the single shot seems to slow me down and usually shoot better groups. Also the semi auto seems a little harder on brass and I don't have to chase after it this way. And I must admit, i like doing things a little different sometimes. I was originally going with a direct charge handle on the bolt but have yet to figure how to drill the very hard metal and attach a handle. What I did was purchase a left side charge handle from http://www.gunfightergear.com that replaces the standard charge handle without mods.
I will take a few pics and upload them later.

[22_boomer]

Thanks for sharing that info. It's kind of the same reason I did the manual AR setup but mine was to shoot rounds that wouldn't operate a gas system due to low loads of Unique. I just got a second Grendel barrel and was thinking of maybe doing a manual AR with the 24" barrel I originally had but decided shooting it with the gas system was just too much fun right now so I'll stick with the manual AR and .223 rounds. Right now I'm trying to see what twist rate shoots the light load stuff the best. I started with a 1:7 twist and it actually shot darn good but I'm going to run a 1:9 twist next or maybe a 1:12.

What range or combination of ranges are you shooting at and what bullets are you using in your setup?

[smoky38]

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Hope this photo attachment works. And it did.
Will be starting with Hornady 123 gr A max and Norma brass using 8208 XBR.
I usually shoot 100 yds but do 200 and 300 when I can.

[22_boomer]

smoky,
Do you have to move your face out of the way when you operate that charger?

[smoky38]

smoky,
Do you have to move your face out of the way when you operate that charger?

Its not really an issue because its a single shot and I would be moving my head between shots anyway. But, I did try it with my head still in the shooting position and had no problem. I do find that the charging handle has a bad habit of pinching my finger if I do not grasp the knob in a certain way. A slight flaw in the design I think. Maybe some work with the Dremel tool will help.

[22_boomer]

thanks for the info. I had thought about using that charging handle also since I wouldn't have to modify a good upper receiver or drill out the carrier. I already did that once and it was a pain but it's fun to shoot specially made up rounds and also be able to use the AR magazines. Best of luck with your project.

[WillD]

That's a serious looking single shot! Have any groups to share yet?

TIA, Will

[JBMauser]

Could you fellas elaborate on the single shot build. Did you cap the gas port on the barrel? Omit tube, spring and buffer as well? This is sounding interesting. I guess a loading ramp could be MacGivered to offer some entertainment at the loading bench.

[am4966]

Very interesting, interested in your group's and additional info on build an you see fit to share.