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Tag: AR build

  • Patriot II AR-Build. Considering the Possibilities

    Patriot II AR-Build. Considering the Possibilities

    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.

    AR build, project, Patriot, trigger, ECHO trigger, prepper, preparedness

    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). 


     

     

     

     

    The video above seems to have the sound messed up but you get the idea.

     

    AR build, AR-15, upper, budget, Patriot, carbine, prepper, preparedness, SHTF, AR upper, project

    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″

    Radical Arms, AR-15, build, SHTF, prepper, survival, preparedness

    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.

    PSA lower, Patriot rifle, AR build, prepper, AR build

     

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    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

  • Gun’s & Fun: Lightweight AR Build

    Gun’s & Fun: Lightweight AR Build

     

    I’ve slowly built this budget AR-15 over the last few months. It came out pretty much as expected. The first question everyone wants to know is – “How much does it weigh?” I have to give an estimate as I used various methods for weighing it and came out with a few different results. The average of the measurements was 5.8 pounds. This is significantly lighter than many AR’s commercially made – and just a tad lighter than some others. The typical AR with an optic and a couple of rail attachments easily peaks out over 8-9 pounds. So yeah – 5.8 pounds is obviously lighter.

    The picture below shows it in its complete form minus sights. The budget on this gun was under $700 and I barely made it.

     

    The components were as follows:

    Mid State Firearms custom upper – see MidStateFirearms.com

    MFT AR Minimalist Stock

    Anderson Lower Parts Kit

    Odin Works BCG

    Fostech Lightweight Stripped Lower

    Standard Mil-Spec Buffer Tube and Spring

    Magpul MOE Grip

    Standard Ambi Safety Selector

    Rousch AR Charging Handle

    [slideshow_deploy id=’9145′]

    Summary:

    Moving around with a sub-6 pound AR versus my Stag which runs around 8.5 pounds really highlights the weight difference. While there are ultralight AR’s out there costing upwards of $3,000 – a budget lightweight build is very possible. In fact – this particular build could have easily had a few ounces shaved off. A different flash hider could drop a couple ounces. The all-metal handguard could be replaced with a polymer one. Those that partake in the challenge of building ultra lightweight AR’s go to extremes with exotic metals and extremely expensive componentry.

    Why go lightweight? Ounces equal pounds. Pounds equal fatigue. Weight matters.  Pounds removed from the rifle can equal more pounds of ammunition carried. Options.

    A standard AR is not too heavy. Quality of components, barrel type, comfort, etc. is much more important to me than weight. But – weight is on the list.

    A special thanks go out to MidStateFirearms.com for custom building the upper for me.

    Let the fun begin!!!!!

    Rourke

  • The “Patriot” Rifle AR Build

    The “Patriot” Rifle AR Build

     

    My latest AR is the result of the “Katrina” rifle concept. Katrina rifle you ask? The term came about after Hurricane Katrina devasted the Gulf and left many residents in a state of WROL(Without Rule of Law). Widespread looting, lawlessness, and general civil unrest provide a very dangerous environment.  Add to this the absence of law enforcement the need for a Katrina rifle is evident. This single weapon – like in New Orleans – may be used at 25 yards or 250 yards. Yeah – there are a lot of AR’s and other firearms that will fit the bill. A firearm similar to this should be part of every preparedness system. This is merely one example.

    Components List:

    80% AR low from 80-Lower.com ($60)

    Anderson Lower Parts Kit – LINK ($50)

    Magpul AR grip ($20)

    Strike Industries Charging Handle w/Extended Latch ($40)

    PSA Full Auto Bolt Premium Carrier Group – LINK ($70 – SALE)

    Standard M4 Stock/Buffer Tube

    16″ Mid State Firearms Specter .223 Wylde AR Upper w/12″ Gen3 Slim Rail – LINK ($279)

    Vortex Crossfire II 1-4X24mm Rifle Scope w/Mount – LINK ($210)

    TruGlo Micro Laser – LINK ($70)

    2-Point Sling – still yet to purchase

     

    Lower: The 80% lower started this project. No particular reason I used an 80% other than it was sitting on my shelf. The fact that there is zero traceable paperwork connected to it is just the icing on the cake. While many may fear to attempt an 80% build jigs and instructions provide an avenue for the manufacture of the lower with minimal equipment.

    Mine came from 80-Lower.com and the finish is fantastic and I have zero fit/function issues.

     

    Upper: The 16″ Mid State Firearms Specter .223 Wylde upper is amazing. The slim configuration along with available picaninny attachment rails offer tremendous comfort as well as real estate for attachment of accessories. This is my second Mid State Firearms upper and couldn’t be happier. Free float barrel and a 1:8″ twist rate provide a high level of accuracy with a variety of bullet weights. I shoot 55-grain almost always with 62-grain making an appearance periodically. Accuracy? I readily admit that I am not the best shot and every gun I own will shoot better than me. So far 3 shot groups at 100 yards under 2″ is repeatable with XM193 ammunition. I plan to work with some premium rounds and reduce to 1″ or under.

     

    Charging Handle: Historically a standard AR charging handle has always worked fine for me. With this project, I decided to look and see what was available for a little more than the cost of a standard one. Once I saw the Strike Industries I bit. While a normal charging handle still works fine on some of my other guns the Strike Industries definitely provides a secure grip especially in lieu of the Vortex optic. A standard handle would be more difficult to reach. For an extra $10 or so it was so worth it.

     

    Magpul Grip: I have several AR’s with Magpul MOE grip or a slight variant of it. It simply works and provides not only comfort but a more secure grip than an A2 grip.

     

    Stock: I had a standard M4 stock with buffer tube sitting on the shelf so I used it. Nothing special and it works just fine. I have considered moving on to the Magpul but so far just cannot justify the cost.

     

    Flash Hider: The Mid State upper came with the Specter Flash Hider. I had wanted a flash hider that was more “tactical” than a standard A2 cage. Hopefully “poking” someone is not in the future for the Patriot but if the need arises I like the sharper edges of the Specter. Night time shooting? It’s on par with a standard A2 flash hider which by the way is way better than many aftermarket models costing a lot more.

     

    Optic: The Vortex Crossfire II 1-4X24mm Rifle Scope w/Mount is precisely the kind of optic I was looking for. When set at 1X it is very close to true 1X allowing operation with both eyes open similar to a red dot. For CQC this is great. For longer ranges the power can be twisted up to 4X bringing things closer for more precise shooting. The Vortex is very clear.

     

    Summary:

    I’m in the process of selecting a sling. I want something simple and a 2-point rather than my normal single point.  I mounted a TruGlo Micro Laser for use at night as being able to see black crosshairs would be problematic at best. Not a huge fan of throwing a bunch of attachments on a gun but the Micro Laser is tiny and super lightweight. I’ve run into a roadblock as about 10 minutes after mounting and during the sight-in process it stopped working. Strange. I am sending it back for replacement and am confident I’ll have a new one mounted soon.

    A flashlight has yet to be added though I am considering an Inforce 200-lumen model. We’ll see.

    I have the standard trigger in the lower that came with the lower parts kit. It feels very good however an upgrade is likely in the near future. I’ve been using D&H aluminum magazines as well as PMAG’s – no issues.

    Reliability has been 100%. At a little over $800 invested I am loving the “Patriot” AR and glad it is part of my battery.

    Oh – the small American flag perfectly located on the right side of the lower? Amazon.

    Rourke

     

  • VIDEO: How to Build an AR-15

    VIDEO: How to Build an AR-15

    It used to be very cost effective to build your own AR-15. With the aggressive pricing today, complete factory produced AR’s can be had so cheap there is little reason to build your own – other than you want to. Advantages to building your own AR-15 range from putting together something unique which you cannot buy from S&W to designing/building an AR that is specific to its intended mission.

    Many have chosen not to build their own AR’s as assembling all those pieces can be intimidating. The reality is for most builds it is a step by step process – much like baking a cake.

    The two videos below show the process for both the lower and upper parts of the AR.

    Time to have some fun!!!

     

    How To Build an AR-15 Lower

     

    How To Build an AR-15 Upper