I’m in the process of planning a new AR build – The Patriot II Rifle Build Project. This will be a sequel to the original Patriot Rifle build. With the AR platform, the possibilities are endless. This build will be different in that the entire firearm will be built around the trigger system – the ECHO AR-II Drop-in Binary Trigger.
Here’s a bit of info in case you are unfamiliar with the Echo trigger.
- Echo trigger system – an ATF-approved rifle trigger built specifically for AR 15 platform weapons. These rifle triggers feature an innovative drop-in design for easy installation and deliver crisp, light pulls while in semi-auto mode. Overall, the Fostech Echo Trigger has 3 different modes: safe (firearm will not fire), semi-auto (gun fires when the trigger is pulled), and echo (weapon fires when the trigger is pulled and released).
For the upper, I’ll likely use the Radical Firearms upper I picked up on a Black Friday sale. I have it already so why not? Radical has had some questionable quality in the past. Recent reviews are good so we’ll see.
Radical Firearms 5.56 SOCOM AR-15 Barreled Upper with BMD – 16″
Summary: This AR-15 upper assembly features the Radical Firearms generation 3 handguard has a new mounting system that ensures the handguard stays tight against the barrel nut and receiver. It is a free-float design, meaning it does not contact the barrel which could result in inconsistent accuracy like standard M4 delta ring handguards. It has M-LOK slots along the sides and bottom for mounting any tactical accessories that you want. The full-length picatinny top rail offers a solid mounting point for scopes, red dots, or iron sights to increase the effectiveness of your rifle.
Features:
- 16” 4140 Chromoly barrel with melonite coating
- 5.56 SOCOM profile
- M4 feed ramps
- 1:7 twist rate
- BMD muzzle brake that reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise
- 1/2×28 thread pitch
- Low profile gas block
- Mid-length gas system
- Radical Firearms forged MIL-STD upper receiver
- MIL-STD upper parts kit
- Radical Firearms forward assist
- Radical Firearms 15″ M-LOK rail with Gen 3 mounting system
- Integrated M-LOK attachment points on the sides and bottom
I have a few Anderson and PSA standard lowers. I’ll likely select one of them for this build. Historically I’ve had absolutely zero issues and seen no difference between using inexpensive lowers and the more expensive billet variants.
That’s what I’ve got so far. Decisions will be made on optics, buffer system, stock, and a few other misc parts. For a lower, I’ll likely use a standard PSA or Anderson. I’ve been using anti-rotation pins in my last few builds. I just like the way they look and after all – when in the midst of battling hoards of zombies how you look is most important, right?
Any suggestions, thoughts?
Rourke