I think it's official

[robertc1024]

Well, I've been lurking on here a while with the occasional "nice shooting" post, but I officially drank the kool-aid.

It all started with me winning a 7075-T6 billet upper in a give-away. Not wanting too much of a Frankengun, bought a matching lower. Standard AR - meh - I've got one of those, but the Grendel sang its siren song. Black Friday occurred with too many ways for me to "save" money and the hook was firmly set. Upper and lower parts kits, BCG, even some damn .264" Amax bullets for which I have neither dies nor a rifle.

Ordered a 20" Criterion Grendel barrel, gas block, brake, bolt etc. from Precision Firearms today. All I've got left to acquire is a handguard, charging handle, buffer assy and a stock. Oh - a bipod, optics, mount, Grendel dies etc. No biggie (snort.)

In 6-8 weeks, when I have a barrel, I'll flesh out this build thread.

I've been searching like a mad man on here and I really appreciate all of the previously posted advice and experiences. I think I'm all smart now because I can recite the history of the Grendel round and look disparagingly down my nose at anyone who doesn't have a SAAMI spec'd chamber (I kid for those of you with wadded undies)

I have a question though. I've read the eleventyhundred posts on here about buffers yet remain confused. I doubt I'll put a can on this in the foreseeable future and got a non-adjustable gas block, rifle sized gas tube and a normal weight BCG. Someone tell me why not to get a standard rifle buffer setup. From what I've read, that's the road I'm headed down.

[Casper77]

All I've got to say is congrats! As to your other questions I will defer to the experts here. We are in opposite spots, I have the barrel, bolt, mags, and complete lower. Saving my $$ for the rest. Take care, I'll be watching to see how yours turns out.

[robertc1024]

Thanks - what really got me started is a damn friend in Abilene TX. I've been to his place for dove hunting a few times and just before the last time I went there, that sorry bastard got his bobcat out and cleared out a 1000 yard range. I've never tried to shoot anything over 200 yards and my other rifles don't have the ballistic oomph to play with the big dogs.

[am4966]

Radical Firearms has a adjustable Gas Block for 40.00 or so. I'm not 100% sure if the rifle gas system needs heavier buffer and a JP flat wire buffer spring. Someone that has a 20" setup will beer along soon.

Welcome to the board and to the Grendel!

[pkee]

its a hard thing to do "waiting on parts " that is . Good luck on your build .

[VASCAR2]

I have a 20" Shilen with rifle length gas system. I bought an adjustable gas block and have a few extra buffers. My opion your rifle will be fine with the rifle length buffer and spring using a standard carrier. I'm using a CAR stock, buffer, spring with M-16 carrier. I had to open my gas block almost all the way out when new and has never needed further adjustment. With the adjustable gas block my 20" 6.5 Grendel is a very smooth shooting rifle with mild recoil. I'm not running any muzzle device.

If I had to do over again I would not have bought an adjustable gas block for my 20" 6.5 Grendel. I really think the rifle gas system is about optimum with the 6.5 Grendel. You could always call Mark at PF and ask his advise but I really don't think'll you'll need an adjustable gas block.

[Drillboss]

Welcome.

I have a 20" barrel with rifle length gas and a fixed gas block that has about 500 rounds through it. It hasn't given me any problems with bolt cycling, except for a couple of failures to extract/eject on one set of reloads. I just looked to confirm that it's a rifle buffer in that lower.

[customcutter]

Yes, it's official, you've got the barrel and bolt. Welcome to the madness....

[robertc1024]

You could always call Mark at PF and ask his advise but I really don't think'll you'll need an adjustable gas block.

I have learned from y'all's wisdom and contacted Mark who blessed it. Parts will be ordered shortly. Many thanks to everyone for their posts. I kinda figured I was on the right track but a little encouragement helps.