Parts selection assistance for 12" Group Buy pistol, please

[michael1778]

Hello Everyone!

I have been a lurker for a few years, if I recall correctly. Now, I'm moving forward on two 6.5 Grendel builds. One I call a Franken-rifle of a spare receiver set, parts, and a gifted lightly used 18" mid-length gas barrel (Shilen). The other, and topic of this post, is an entirely new pistol build. The overwhelming primary use case will be self-defense (vehicle transported and a concealed backpack with my NC permit, less in home). I would love for this to be an FDE color build since I do not have an AR in FDE. I might shoot suppressed by 2020....maybe.

Expected ammunition diet will be a mix of factory Hornady: American Gunner for practice with Black (123 grain ELD-M) 123 grain SST as needed. I may begin reloading soon, but let's design under these parameters.

I have the Monster 12" barrel on order and a Larue trigger on the way. I have decided on the SBA3 brace. That's it.

I typically use Aero parts when I can and when they are available. But, you fine forum members are the experts in my opinion. I am throwing this open to you.

Muzzle device recommendations?
Buffer weight recommended?
Sights (Trijicon MRO)?
Receiver set?
BCG?
And so on....

You name it, I'm open to your suggestions. Trying to keep costs down when i am able and expect to look for sales in the weeks (or months) ahead
I have built my own competition AR15 lower and hated the process. All the little f***ing parts!! But, I did it. Not afraid of it but I felt no accomplishment for that level of frustration.

I am eager to get your expert advice, guys and gals!!
Thank you in advance,
Mike S.

[VASCAR2]

If you ever expect to use a suppressor with a 12” 6.5 Grendel barrel I would recommend an adjustable gas block. I personally like A-2 Flash Hiders but many prefer linear compensator on short barrels which pushes the blast forward. Kaw Valley sold by Joeboboutfitters get good reviews.

Hand Guards are completely personal but I really like ALG Defense 10” hand guard on a 12” barrel. With a 10” hand guard you should have no clearance issue with about any suppressor. If you don’t need a lot of rail space I really like the ALG in the link.

https://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular...m-lok.html

ALG has been putting items on clearance for good prices but inventory moves fast so if you see something you like you’d better buy it because it might not be there in 15 minutes.

You can get a lot of suggestions on hand guards, stocks and grips but it is basically personal choice. I bought a SBA3 brace for my 12” 6.5 Grendel pistol and I think it is gtg. A Friend bought a Shockwave which I considered but after comparing his to mine I like the SBA3 much better.

Red Dot Sights are personal choice but with the capability of the 6.5 Grendel I really like the variable power scope. The low power compact variable scopes in 1-4, 1-6, 1-8 are popular as well as a RDS with 3X magnifier. Really boils down to personal choice or intended use on which optic meets your needs and desires (no wrong answer unless you buy cheap junk optics).

I’ve used different brands of lower parts kits but your wise to buy a LaRue MBT 2S trigger. I’ve used RRA, CMMG, PSA and Brownell’s lower parts kits. I suggest you buy from reputable retailer in case the parts kit doesn’t have all the parts required. Best suggestion is to buy known brands, no off brand or unheard company. A lot of the cheap parts are cheap and for the difference in price stick to the known brands. Many Vendors sugar coat their reviews and only leave the positive reviews on their web site.

If you go variable optic I’ve been impressed with Warne one piece scope mounts which are good quality but can still be purchased for around $100 in different colors.

I have used Forged uppers and lowers from RRA,PSA, DPMS, Double Star, Anderson to name a few and they have all been ok. Aero Precision make really nice receivers but cost more, same with billet receivers. Buy from reputable vendor with good CS and buy on sale. Watch Primary Arms, Brownell’s, PSA and Midway who frequently run sales.

With an adjustable gas block you can use a carbine spring and supplied buffer which work with SBA3 brace. Again if it doesn’t suit you buy a different buffer later. Silent capture spring from JP are very popular but cost more $$.

You didn’t mention if you bought a Monster group buy bolt. If you did any milspec bolt carrier will work. I’ve got a PSA Nitride 6.5 Grendel BCG and it is GTG as well as Precision Firearms ($$ but nice) JP ($$) and Tool Craft BCG get good reviews. I’ve bought PSA Premium 5.56/223 BCG and saved the 5.56/223 bolt for a spare and used a Monster 6.5 Grendel bolt.

[michael1778]

Great help. Thank you. Looks like the ALG is discounted currently. I run a 1-4x Vortex Viper PST on my 3-gun rifle and cleared a dedicated military training shoot houses with it on 1x. it rocked. Might so a 1x-to- 4 or 6 variable optic. Thanks for all the information and recommendations. Any suggestions on buffer weights or buffer springs?? I haven't done a short barrel like this before.

[VASCAR2]

I kept adding to my thread as I reread it fixing typo, sorry I got long winded. To many detailed reports in my past have caused me to get carried away on forums.

[biodsl]

Looks like the ALG is discounted currently.

The ALG V1 hand guard is my go to. I own 4 of them. Sadly, it has been discontinued. I may have bought the last 10" they had.

[Rangerofthenorth]

I have a Burris rt-6 1-6x24 on a 10.5 and it is super for the money. With the current Optics Planet 10% coupon it can be had for around $315.