This update is long overdue, so to recap the Recce Rifle project, here we go.
First – the lower. I ordered a standard PSA lower. I chose the PSA for a fairly simple reason – it works, was in stock, and didn’t break the bank. It may not be as fancy as an Aero, it’s not billet, but it’s a high-quality 7075 aluminum lower that will function as well as the others. There is no sacrifice here.
Specifications:
Forged Mil-Spec Lower
Made from 7075-T6 Aluminum material
Black Hardcoat Anodized Finish
Multi-Caliber
“Safe” & “Fire” marked Fire Selector
Cost: $99 at time of publishing. Transfer fee was $15. Not bad.
Next up – the trigger group.
I was originally going to get a HIPERFIRE trigger. I’ve had loved their triggers and saw no need to change. A delivery issue had me looking at other models and picked up a CMC Single-Stage. It has a pull weight of 3.5 lbs with a very short, smooth trigger break and an audible, incredibly short reset. A truly great trigger that leads to better accuracy.
Next – an upper has been selected. MidState Firearms manufactures top-of-the-line AR accessories. I’ve built several rifles using their uppers and they have been more than excellent.
Below is their 16″ MSF Specter .223 Wylde AR-15 Upper. It comes with a 12″ Gen3 Slim Rail which free-floats.
Specifications:
16″ Ar15 Upper
1:8 Twist
4150 CM Parkerized M4 barrel
Carbine Gas
.750 Low Profile Gas Block
7075-t6 ‘mil spec’ Alumunim Receiver
M4 Feed Ramps
Gen3 Slim Free Float Rail
1/2-28 Threads
Specter Flash Hider
A bolt carrier group is needed. I grabbed a standard nitride full-auto bolt. Nothing special. Basic – which is fine with me. In my opinion, there are components which price can be an indication of quality AND performance. Bolts? Not one of them.
To go with the bolt an ambidextrous charging handle was ordered. With a scope mounted on the top rail having a charging handle that is both ambidextrous and has “ears” that stick out on the sides is a must.
Now – a magnified optic:
Enter the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8 x 24 Rifle Scope. I chose the Strike Eagle first and foremost because of its true 1X magnification. At its lowest power, the scope can be used very much like a red dot optic – looking through the scope and superimposing the crosshairs onto the target with zero magnification. Many other optics simply do not have this feature.
Next, the Strike Eagle offers an incredible 1X up to 8X magnification – as well as an illuminated reticle with graduations up to 650 yards. It’s an awesome optic and fits well with the versatility I am looking for out of the Recce rifle.
I have no intentions of installing additional backup sights. They would not fit with the scope anyways.
Late to the game – but it’s the final score that counts anyways – is the buffer tube and stock. I picked up a Bushmaster stock and buffer tube kit. Just under $60.
Lastly – I did quite a bit of research and selected a muzzle brake to reduce muzzle rise(not recoil – there’s a difference). I selected a VG6 Gamma 556. Hands-on reports show that for the money it is one of the best performers available reducing muzzle rise allowing much faster accurate follow-up shots. The cost was around $75.
DONE!!! The Minuteman Recce Rifle has been assembled and taken to the range.
Here are a few pictures of the final product:
After assembly, I headed to the range to sight in the Vortex. Starting at 25 yards impacts were 8″ low but centered. Cranking on the elevation and after a few more 3 shot groups I was dead on. I moved out to 50 yards(my favorite zero distance) and made a slight adjustment.
Bullseye!!
Putting rounds dead center in a group the size of a quarter was easy. I didn’t take any pictures, however, next range visit I’ll go out to 100 yards and record my progress. Every firearm I own shoots better than me and this one will be no different.
Keep your powder dry!!
Rourke
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