AR-15 mid-length carbine build. (VLOG)

[RX-178]

I'm in the process of building up a mid-length AR carbine for myself. This video was actually shot a little over a month ago, but I haven't had the time to encode it and upload it since I've been traveling as part of my job. The progress on the build hasn't changed any since the time it was filmed though, so it's basically still up-to-date.

My intended specs for the carbine are as follows:

S&W M&P-15 lower
BCM SS410 mid-length upper
BCM Gunfighter charging handle (probably the large latch version)
Failzero BCG
Magpul MOE handguard
VLTOR stock
Zero Tolerance ZT-9 bayonet

None of this (other than the lower and upper that I already have of course) is really set in stone yet, and I'm open to suggestions and recommendations.

Video here:

http://blip.tv/altac6/altac-armory-ar-15-carbine-project-vlog-1-6264044

(note: I do go into some detail about things that I imagine most, if not all THR members already know in this video. I just prefer not to assume my audience is all experienced gun nuts already, so don't take it the wrong way that I'm deliberately talking down to my audience or anything)

 

[Quentin]

Interesting build and nice parts selection... and similar to a couple of mine, though I lean toward a more basic carbine. I'll throw in my specs in case anything sounds interesting.

I have a S&W M&P-15 lower I bought stripped then put in a Daniel Defense LPK and a BCM receiver extension/H buffer, Noveske QD end plate and Magpul STR stock. I love the flared magwell of the S&W lowers and the overall quality. This lower has a Daniel Defense upper, 16" LW midlength CHF barrel.

I also have a BCM 16" LW midlength upper on a Valkyrie lower, built up the same way as the S&W except a CTR stock instead of STR. Both rifles have MOE handguards, MOE pistol grips, BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 charging handles, A2 FSBs like yours and respective BCM or DD BCGs. Both have IWC QD sling mounts added to the MOE handguards and VTAC slings. Both have MBUS gen 2 rear sights and Bushnell TRS-25 RDS (cheap Aimpoint Micro knockoffs).

My only recommendations would be going with a standard BCM BCG, the Failzero is a waste of money IMO and a step down in reliability and possibly the Gunfighter Mod 4, not the large latch Mod 3 unless you're going to have a large scope. Oh the IWC QD mount is amazine on the MOE handguard.

Anyway, good luck on your build!

 

[RX-178]

What's the problems with the Failzero BCG, if I might ask?

 

[Quentin]

To me the Nickel-Boron BCGs just offer the promise of easier cleaning at twice the price of a true milspec BCG like Bravo Company's. I'm sure you got the SWAT magazine reprint of Filthy 14 with your upper, which blasts the myth that the BCG must be kept ultra clean when in fact it just needs proper lubrication.

BCM's bolt is known to be tough as nails and they use an M16 style carrier. They meet the M4 TDP just like Colt does and I doubt FailZero can make the same claim. Of course it's your decision but I think that extra $150 would be better spent going toward a light or your optic. Or even ammo.

 

[RX-178]

I might do that then, thanks.

 

[gotboostvr]

I have that same upper, and charging handle. I would say just get the BCM made BCG. I run a A2 stock set and irons now. I freaking love this carbine. Super reliable, and very accurate.

 

[RX-178]

Still leaning towards the Failzero at the moment, but I'm researching other ways to get the kind of capability that I'm after.

The reason right now is that I just double checked that Samson field survivor and it only has this tiny, tiny ampoule for a few drops of oil for the AR. If the carbine's meant for coming along on long road trips and all, getting more lubricant MIGHT be a problem.

I could just pack an extra bottle of CLP in whatever carry case I eventually decide on, but that's not exactly my plan A.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Still leaning towards the Failzero at the moment, but I'm researching other ways to get the kind of capability that I'm after.

The reason right now is that I just double checked that Samson field survivor and it only has this tiny, tiny ampoule for a few drops of oil for the AR. If the carbine's meant for coming along on long road trips and all, getting more lubricant MIGHT be a problem.

I could just pack an extra bottle of CLP in whatever carry case I eventually decide on, but that's not exactly my plan A.

You could use a small Visine bottle, filled with CLP and stored in the grip cavity.

 

[RX-178]

Then I'd have to pack the cleaning kit.

 

[TonyAngel]

If you're worried about lube, you might also want to consider using a lube that doesn't evaporate or cook off like CLP does. There are many out there, but I use Slip 2000 EWL.

Is that bayonet gonna work on a mid length?

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

If the carbine's meant for coming along on long road trips and all, getting more lubricant MIGHT be a problem.

You riding a horse, camel or lllama? Because if you are travelling along the road in any kind of machine, it will likely have enough lube in it to keep an AR running. Heck, you can use just about any lubricant to keep an AR running, some of them won't work very long, but they will let you get some rounds down range - some of the more creative examples I've seen are bacon grease and Vagisil.

 

[RX-178]

I don't know, a nickel boron coating seems to be an improvement over siphoning out motor oil for my rifle. Not to say I might not do both, depending...

 

[Quentin]

A Magpul STR stock is much like the CTR but you could carry pretty large vials of oil, or batteries.

Also you don't need to siphon oil out of an engine, the dip stick will apply a nice coat of oil.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Then I'd have to pack the cleaning kit.

AR's don't need to be clean to run, just lubed.

 

[RX-178]

AR's don't need to be clean to run, just lubed.

Doesn't stop me from cleaning it after I go to the range.

I'm sorry, but I'm going to get this out of the way right now, if any of you are trying to talk me out of keeping a cleaning kit handy, save your breath, because it's not going to happen that way.