As a certified gun nut and a true believer than “too many guns” is something that should never be uttered – I am putting together another AR-15. Figured I would discuss what I am doing and discuss a few options I am looking at. Feel free to chime in….
LOWER:
I already have the lower. It was originally an 80% lower that I and only I and absolutely no one else machined to 100% completion. The lower came from 80-lower.com. I finished it out with an Anderson lower parts kit and a PSA M4 stock kit with buffer tube.
TRIGGER:
I am looking at several different triggers right now. One is the Hypertouch EDT which I have in my AR pistol. Great trigger breaking at around 5-5.5 pounds and for the money is excellent. Another I am considering is the Rise Armament RA-140. With a trigger pull of 3.5 pounds it is on the light side however as this will be a magnified optic mounted weapon that could prove beneficial.
 UPPER:
I have done business with Mid State Firearms and so far have been extremely happy. Looking at all they have to offer I decided on a 16″ free-float barrel with an 1:8″ twist rate. I chose 1:8″ as it provides a good twist rate for a multitude of loads and as I shoot only 55 and 62 grain rounds it works. The slim rail is fantastic and inclusion of picatinny rails provide attachment points. At $279.99 it’s a bargain.
Note: I am not a fan of attaching a bunch of accessories to a rifle. About the only thing I might attach via picatinny is a weapons light or an angled foregrip.
SIGHTS/OPTICS:
I am planning to install standard Magpul Rear and Front back up sights. These fold down out of the way for use with an optic. In addition to open sights I want to add an optic with magnification.
One possibility is a Vortex Strikefire II paired with a flip mount 3X magnifier. I have used a similar setup and while it works well I am leaning towards a 1-4X scope such as the Vortex Crossfire II.
STOCK/GRIP:
While the standard A2 grip works I would like something that fills my hand a bit better. I’m looking at the Hogue AR grip. The Hogue feels great. As far as the stock the standard adjustable M4 works just fine however I am looking at Magpul CTR or Hogue stock. I played with the notion of investing in an expensive sliding rail stock such as this, or this – but have decided against it.
FLASHLIGHT:
I am going to mount a flashlight on one of the front rails. Currently looking at the InForce 200 Lumen Weapons Mounted Light. There are more powerful lights however I’m concerned with being blinded if my beam hits a wall or object nearby. 200 lumens is plenty bright.
MAGAZINE:
Most likely I will continue to use standard PMAG’s or aluminum mags with this firearm. I am looking at picking up a Magpul D-60 but they are ridiculously expensive.
BOLT CARRIER GROUP:
Will likely order a standard BCG from Mid State or PSA. I am not of the belief that special coatings add anything to the performance of the firearm – just cost. Bolts will last more rounds than I will ever shoot out of the gun.
OTHER:Â
Single point sling adapters, charging handles, etc. – I’ve not really looked into these a whole lot. I like things simple and I have seen some charging handles out there with metal sticking out all over the place. Guess that makes it easier to grab  – or get caught on something.
Feel free to give your opinions and thoughts. I’ll update as the project moves along.
Keep your powder dry –
Rourke
As a LGS owner and living in the same local as Rise Armament I personally would stay away from them. QC is hit and miss and this is from first hand experience. There are plenty other trigger companies out there to choose from that would fit your needs. Take a look at a company Combat shooters they have a charging handle I have been testing, The Gladius, and i have been very impressed so far. Everything else you are spot on if one is doing a budget build.
Looks pretty good. My only suggestion would be: Vortex 3X Spitfire with the BDC etched reticle and then mount your fixed Magpul sites on 45 degree mounts. You will have it covered from 10 yards to 600. You will find that stacking up optic and magnifier a bit much in the long run. This site is more a scope than a dot, but with fast lighted acquisition…and you will love the BDC reticle! Regards
I’d also pass on the Magpul drum and go with the C-Mag double snail drum…lower profile prone.
I’d pass big time on the C-Mag double drum especially the korean knock-off, not a single one out of the dozen I’ve seen in the last few years have been reliable as the Pmag Drum. The MagPul drum is shorter than the Surefire, more compact and has a better feel to it. I’ve seen the 60rd Pmag drums on sale for as low as $106. On my SPR it’s a 16″ 1/8 twist and have a Vortex Viper PST 1-4 and love it! Can easily hit man sized targets at 500 yards at 4x, At 100 yards using 69gr or 77gr Match I can cover 3rds with a quarter all day long. However, my SPR hates steel case ammo – feeds/extracts just fine but prints like a shotgun. With brass ammo its the most accurate it just excels with the heavier bullets. Look at the Vortex Strike Eagle, the 1-6x gives you a better edge over the 1-4x. Lights, I went with the Streamlight TLR-1HP, nothing will escape it’s beam. I was highly impressed being able to find targets out to 300 yards in the pitch dark and it just blasts through smoke/fog conditions.
Then don’t buy the knock offs!
I have 3 legitimate C-mags, never a problem.
I also bought a crap Korean one long ago and updated the cracked feed section with new part from C-mag, also no problems.
as always YMMV.
Too many guns – that is a communist, Muslim statement of propaganda and I fully reject such nonsense. Love the things you are planning for this build. Hope to build one or two myself. Look forward to your updates and pics. Thanks for sharing!
– Keep Looking UP
Being a western kid from Colorado and missing cowboy action shooting here in Louisiana…
I’m going state of the art with this:
http://www.buffaloarms.com/Model_1877_Sharps_it-931580.aspx?CAT=8148
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WOW—those collapsible stocks are expensive!! aside from cost, what are your thoughts on them since you did the research?