First Time Build Upper Assembly Question

[cory]

So no it's not a Grendel, YET. I didn't trust my first time being with our Grendel. I figured I'd get my feet wet on a relatively cheap 556 build, learn on something I can afford to screw up. I did build my lower Grendel ready, though.

When I'm finished I'll post pictures and full list of components, but for now the relevant parts, my upper components are:
Spike's Tactical Upper Receiver - Forged M4 Flat Top
"Spike's Tactical Barrel ST- 16"" M4 LE- 5.56"
Spike's Tactical M16/AR15 BCG 5.56 -HPT/MPI Phosphate Finish
Spike's Tactical Charging Handle - Forged
YHM Phantom 5.56 QD Flash Hider for our Sound Suppressor"
YHM Low Profile Gas Block, Slotted (YHM-9384)"
YHM Black Carbine Length Gas Tube-YHM-BL-04A
YHM-9638 Specter Length Lightweight Forearm

Anyways my question. I've finally got all the components on hand I need to assemble the upper. At least I hope I do.

Do I need that d**m YHM Forearm wrench for the forearm I've got? I've bought a good Armor's wrench and (I can't believe I'm saying this) I don't want to buy anymore tools for this project.

Secondly should I put some type of grease on the threads during assembly?

In advance Thanks for any and all input!

[montana]

I couldn't tell you about YHM forearm since I have never used one, I would call them if no one here has the answer. I assume you are talking about the barrel threads , I use Loctite C5-A copper based anti-seize on my barrel threads. I also coat the outside of the barrel extension that fits into the upper receiver with blue loctite. Be careful not to get any on the threads. There is a good thread on this forum on how to assemble your upper AR if you need the information.

[ricsmall]

cory

you do not need the YHM forearm wrench,just a good barrel wrench will get you there. If you break your armorers tool, order a PRI barrel nut wrench, you wont break it. Either some aniti seize as montana said,or a good synthetic grease will work too.

[Lead Chucker]

I think your talking about the wrench for the locknut that screws back to the tub, not the barrel nut. The answer is no, you can use a strap wrench or a flat head screwdriver & hammer for tighting up the lock nut on the tub. A regular armorers wrench will not work on the lock nut. I did go ahead & buy the YHM forearm wrench & it works very well, but i have 3 rifles with YHM freefloat tubs on them.

[65man]

try this might help from someone in youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXlVf5hu9qQ for similar installation, and like follow lead chucker advise

[cory]

Thanks for all the advise! Lead Chucker that's exactly the nut I'm talking about. 65man that videos awesome. I've got the wrench he's using I'll try that. I don't know how I never found that one.

[Maybe6.5]

Guess the first question has to be, Is the 6.5 Grendel really that much better than a really good 308 hand load, or even a 260 Remington hand load? Both are easy to find, and have several good hand loads out there. I already have several 308 bolt rifles that are sub .5 moa. So why should I bring in another caliber and start over? Someone please sell me on this 6.5 Grendel! I am open, and reasonable and will to listen and learn. Thanks. Go Aggies!!!

[stokesrj]

If you are wanting an AR platform rifle that is an easy sell. I own .308's and .260's and 6.5 Creedmoor and on and on. Those all fit into the larger AR10 sized platforms which are too large for best ergonomics. The AR15 platform is just plain old better, it's lighter, is better balanced and handles better.

Then there is recoil, the first year the AMU shot the AR10 platform in the national matches at camp perry, I had dinner with some of them and they all had busted lips, black eyes, cut cheeks, looking like they just came from a bar fight. I asked them how they did, and they all said they would much prefer their AR15's as their scores were higher at all yard lines, 200, 300, and 600 yards. In subsequent years they have returned to their AR15's, although some still shoot the AR10's at 1,000 yard prone only events with 190 grain Sierra Match Kings.

The 6.5 Grendel fits in the AR15 platform, has very little recoil, only barely noticeable over the .223, yet is much more effective on medium to large game.

Both the .223 and the 6.5 Grendel will shoot inside a .308 in the wind at 600 yards unless you are shooting very heavy and streamlined bullets out of the .308 like the 190 SMK or really hot 155 grain Palma bullets at 3,000 FPS.

I just finished running the Florida High Power Rifle State Championship Matches this weekend. There were several .308's on the line and at least one of them run by a very accomplished shooter, Distinguished, Presidents 100, and High Master. They were all eaten alive by the little rat guns. No awards went to anyone shooting a .308 and we gave away $1700 in prizes and $1,000 in cash.

The choice is really simple, pleasant, easy to shoot 6.5 Grendel, or bulky jarring .308.

Bob

[cory]

As promised pictures of the finished rifle.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]2761[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]2760[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]2762[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]2763[/ATTACH]

Lower
Spike's Tactical Lower (Multi) Forged Spider Stripped w/ Bullet Markings
Geissele SSA Super Semi-Automatic Combat Trigger- 4.5LB
Laser Engraved Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard - Molon Labe Spartan Helmet
JP Lower Receiver Parts Kit
Magpul MIAD AR Basic Grip Kit
Spikes Tactical 6pos Milspec Carbine Stock Hardware Kit with T2 Buffer
MAGPUL CTR Buttstock Mil-Spec Diameter
Magpul ASAP Sling Plate
Magpul MS3 Sling, Black


Upper
Spike's Tactical Upper Receiver
Spike's Tactical Barrel ST-16 M4 LE-5.56
Spike's Tactical M16/AR15 BCG 5.56
Spike's Tactical Charging Handle
YHM Phantom 5.56 QD Flash Hider for YHM Suppressor
YHM Low Profile Gas Block, Slotted
YHM Black Carbine Length Gas Tube
YHM Specter Length Lightweight Forearm
Magpul MBUS Gen 2 Folding Rear Site
Magpul MBUS Gen 2 Folding Front Site

[kbarnes12]

That is a very fine looking rifle, nice build.

[michaelmew]

As promised pictures of the finished rifle...

So, you assembled the upper and lower yourself? Any tips or words of caution from the perspective of a first time builder? I am particualrily curious about the upper assembly. Thanks.


-mm

[cory]

So, you assembled the upper and lower yourself? Any tips or words of caution from the perspective of a first time builder? I am particualrily curious about the upper assembly. Thanks.


-mm

Michael sorry about never answering this as I never saw it.

First off take your time and double check everything.

If you use anti seize be careful and use less than you think it needs. It can spread beyond the thread very easily.

[cory]

I thought I'd update this thread as I've completely rebuilt the upper on Loki. I swapped out the 5.56 spikes tactical 16" M4 barrel (good barrel) for a 14.5" LW .223 wylde barrel from Mark at PF.

At this point why not upgrade the hand guard, gas block and FH, at least that was my logic. I had to pin the FH, so I wouldn't get the chance to change it later.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4551[/ATTACH]

I also added an ACOG TA31f to her. There are certainly better options out there for the price, but I've got so much time behind one from a few ok several years back that I felt very comfortable with it.

Spike's Tactical Upper Receiver - Forged M4 Flat Top
LW .223 Wylde 14.5" Medium Contour 8" Twist CLGS
Spike's Tactical M16/AR15 BCG 5.56 -HPT/MPI Phosphate Finish
Spike's Tactical Charging Handle - Forged
BLACKOUT® 51T Flash Hider 5.56mm / 51T, 1/2-28
SLR DA7 Adjustable Gas Block
Carbine Length Gas Tube
Seekins Precision BAR Quad Rail 12" Handguard XSPBAR12

TA31F: Trijicon ACOG 4x32 Scope with Red Chevron BAC
ADM AD-B3 QD ACOG Mount
TA91 Tennebrex® killFlash® Anti-Reflection Device
Magpul MBUS Gen 2 Folding Rear Site
Magpul MBUS Gen 2 Folding Front Site

Spike's Tactical Lower (Multi) Forged Spider Stripped w/ Bullet Markings
Alexander Arms® Standard AR Trigger
Laser Engraved Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard - Molon Labe Spartan Helmet
JP Lower Receiver Parts Kit
Magpul MIAD AR Basic Grip Kit
Spikes Tactical 6pos Milspec Carbine Stock Hardware Kit with T2 Buffer
MAGPUL CTR Buttstock Mil-Spec Diameter