Looking for a different AR build.

Hey guys, I've been thinking about doing another AR build for something different. I probably don't need another AR, but with prices this cheap I figure I may as well at least look into it. Problem is, I want something somewhat less popular. I don't care about brand names and would like to do this on the cheap side if possible.

What I currently have is a 16" 5.56 "recce type" build with a full length handguard, a 1-4x optic, and a burnt bronze cerakote job I had done. Next I have a 10.5" SBR 5.56 with a full length handguard, a 1-4x optic and a red dot both on QD mounts that I can swap between. Then I also have a 7.5" 300 Blackout pistol that I've got a Sig Romeo on, Inforce WML, Magpul handstop, and SB3 brace.

So what's what I'm working with so far. As far as adding another caliber to the list, I'd really only be interested in adding a 7.62x39. Right now I'm considering one of the PSA Gen 2 AR-47 models, probably in a pistol variant. So that's one option just because I'm not an AK guy, but I do like shooting the caliber. A second option that I'm considering is a mock-dissipator build with a carry handle. I've just always thought they looked cool. So probably a mid-length faux dissipator. But really those are the only two ideas that I have right now. Anyone else have any other suggestions?

Ironhand54 said:

How about a M4 in 5.7x28 that takes the PS90 50 round mags?
Different enough for you?

IronHand

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Definitely different, but not my cup of tea. They look funky and from what I remember the ammo wasn’t cheap.

Skylerbone said:

I too am looking at a dissipator build in the near future but there are more things to work out in my head on that one. Looking over what you have does leave the longer range a bit lean if you happen to have the yardage to shoot and a hankering to do so. While I own several longer range rifles none are ARs so I’ve contemplated the idea of x39 or more likely 6.5 Grendel, but the food bill has me gun-shy so to speak.

@GunnyUSMC has at least 1 dissipator I’ve spotted in pictures which is what prompted me to research just what the heck that was. They look awesome imo and I had a candidate middy upper until recently but chickened out. In the age of cheap RDSs fewer and fewer seem interested in shooting irons but I think the real estate minus a bit of forward weight would make an ideal offhand practice rifle.

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The longest I can shoot at any gun range within reasonable driving distance is 300 yards. So a long range setup just isn’t really high on my priority list right now.

Varminterror said:

Agreed - you started a thread asking for a different type of animal. Shared that you have a bunch of ducks - and you’re considering a different colored duck...

If your only firearms application is short range plinking, or storage in the safe, then I’d skip buying anything else and rather, make use of what you have.

But if you have access to longer ranges, a 20-24” prone gun in 6.5 Grendel would give you a new flavor, instead of just eating the same meal on a different plate.

ETA: we were typing our last messages at the same time. Seeing you only have access to 300yrds, skip the Grendel and go 20” straight up 5.56 prone rifle. Geissele Mk18 handguard & Hi-Speed NM two stage trigger, 20” 5.56 Krieger Varmatch or DCM profile, Magpul PRS on the tailpipe, Bushnell DMRII on top, and itty bitty 300 yard groups at the other end.

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I’ll look into that 20” 5.56 idea.

GunnyUSMC said:

Everyone should have a Dissipator.
Here's a link to the topic on the build.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/my-dissipator-build.800592/#post-10218066
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I think that’s awesome! That’s probably my first choice just for cool factor.

After looking through the 20” options, I’m also really digging just a classic 20” A2 rifle setup with a removable carry handle. That classic look is also really cool to me. Especially since I already have 3 flat tops with optics.

GunnyUSMC said:

Use this lower to build you an AR in 7.62x39.
It takes standard AK mags.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-gen2-ks47-complete-classic-lower-receiver.html
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Yeah, that PSA lower is really what I was looking at initially. I was just going to get the PSA lower and a complete PSA upper in 7.62x39. They have them priced so good that it's really hard to justify building one, especially when you factor in all the shipping from sourcing all the various parts. They've got a 7.62x39 pistol upper that I really like, but it's out of stock right now. I have it on my notification list though.

GunnyUSMC said:

I have one. Here it is with Magpul furniture.
View attachment 864107

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That's a good looking rifle! I've been eye those PSA 20" A2 complete uppers today. I figured up the price to buy the complete upper and then build my own lower with just a regular fixed A2 stock and I came up with $435 for the complete rifle. I know it's not a "real" A2 clone, but you still get the overall theme with the gun.