RugerOldArmy
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AR15 Recce Build - P1 - Upper
- Thread starter Sylvan-Forge
- Start date
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Sylvan-Forge
Member
Carrier and key assembly into the upper. Brownells gauge is inside the carrier key.
Almost .. just needs to be tightened a scotch.
A scotch did it. Cool.
Larue spacer. Don't forget it needs to be on before the gas block is pinned ..
I almost forgot .. luckily, no pins had to be removed.
Gas block was placed on the barrel and eyeballed for pin alignment.
Gas-tube shown pushed in an extra bit, then 'rotated' widdershins to line up with the gas block gas-tube port.
Sold original doorknob to buy gas-tube. Replaced with cheaper "tactical" doorknob
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Sylvan-Forge
Member
Eyeballed.
Temporarily (no loctite) snugged up for tests.
Captured gas tube.
Off the block.
Charging handle clears with no drag.
Carrier and key assembly clears with no drag.
Shown is the whole shebang .. BCG and charging handle, together pass the test.
Yeah!
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Chipperman
Member
Well done, Sir!
Sylvan-Forge
Member
Driving in the gas block retaining pin .. gas block wanted to spin on the barrel axis, so I had to tighten the set screw a bit more. Once the pin got started in far enough, the block centered itself. Not shown, but I tested the BCG and charge handle (again) for gas-tube clearence
After satisfying my paranoia, I dripped o drop of blue loctite and snugged the set screw down.
Bip, bip. bip.
Tap, tap, tap.
Bling, bling, bling
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Sylvan-Forge
Member
Chipperman, thank you, sir.
Sylvan-Forge
Member
Larue free float ready to install. Note the locating pins.
Once this opening is past the gas block, you can press the spacer onto the pins .. if you need to get the spacer off the pins (fairly tight fit), a bent paperclip works great.
Docking.
(Spacer installed inside of handguard, does not show in picture.)
Twisting the handguard toward me while tightening the handguard nut.
Craftsman 1/2" strap wrench (Sears item# 00945533000)
'Tis straight!
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Sylvan-Forge
Member
For the keeper lock-screws, the instructions say 25-30 in-lbs .. since I don't have a in-lb torque wrench, I'd estimate it was like picking up a half-gallon jug of water with tip of the index finger.
(Used blue loctite on screws)
Final lab test .. Colt field gauge.
Into the chamber it goes.
Pushed the rear of the BCG until the extractor popped over the case rim.
This is as far as it would go .. test passed
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Sylvan-Forge
Member
The completed upper and my favorite cleaning rag
Final specs:
The changes from the original specs are the standard F/A BCG rather than the enhanced and I went with the hK style front sight without noveske markings.
I'll get a pic or two up of the complete rig soon..
If there is interest, I'll post a range-report.
Good fun!
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Bartholomew Roberts
Member
Great post Sylvan Forge - thanks for taking the time to share everything with us. Those Starret punches are top notch - you have to work really hard to break them (but it is possible )
I am going to put this in the Reading Library so it doesn't get lost.
)I am going to put this in the Reading Library so it doesn't get lost.
Sylvan-Forge
Member
Thank you for the kind words Mr. Roberts. It's an honor to have this included in the library.
Before the Starretts were added to the toolbox, I had a haphazard collection of rather poor quality punches and half-broken punches .. I just couldn't bring myself to use any of them on this build.
Did I mention the Brownells roll-pin punches are pretty handy? I only needed to use two so far but they worked just fine.
Before the Starretts were added to the toolbox, I had a haphazard collection of rather poor quality punches and half-broken punches .. I just couldn't bring myself to use any of them on this build.
Did I mention the Brownells roll-pin punches are pretty handy? I only needed to use two so far but they worked just fine.
Sylvan-Forge
Member
Sylvan-Forge
Member
FlyinBryan
Member
nice build thread.
i enjoyed it very much.
excellent photography and illustration.
this makes me want to do something technical so im going to go set up a progressive 5 stage loader press with case and bullet feeders, powder drop system, factory seat and crimp dies, and a quick change shell plate.
and its all your fault >
i enjoyed it very much.
excellent photography and illustration.
this makes me want to do something technical so im going to go set up a progressive 5 stage loader press with case and bullet feeders, powder drop system, factory seat and crimp dies, and a quick change shell plate.
and its all your fault >
Sylvan-Forge
Member
Thank you, FlyinBryan.
Well wishes setting up your new system.
Well wishes setting up your new system.
Bartholomew Roberts
Member
Part 2 continues here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=353936
Thanks again for sharing this with us Sylvan-Forge.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=353936
Thanks again for sharing this with us Sylvan-Forge.
Sylvan-Forge
Member
My pleasure, Mr. Roberts
Following is some of the prep performed before the live-fire test..
Various brushes (mostly pistol type) used to clean the insides of the carrier.
Carrier key brushing.
Carrier in ATF to soak for awhile.
Pushing out the extractor pin.
Bolt and bolt parts into ATF to soak.
While the BCG parts were soaking, I did a cursory cleaning on the upper ..
mopped out the receiver, cleaned the locking lugs, mopped the chamber, brushed out the bore, and finished with a couple patches down the bore wet with ATF.
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Following is some of the prep performed before the live-fire test..
Various brushes (mostly pistol type) used to clean the insides of the carrier.
Carrier key brushing.
Carrier in ATF to soak for awhile.
Pushing out the extractor pin.
Bolt and bolt parts into ATF to soak.
While the BCG parts were soaking, I did a cursory cleaning on the upper ..
mopped out the receiver, cleaned the locking lugs, mopped the chamber, brushed out the bore, and finished with a couple patches down the bore wet with ATF.
.
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Sylvan-Forge
Member
Wiped down the carrier and bolt to remove excess ATF.
Reinstalling extractor pin.
Bolt going back into the carrier .. extractor orients to the right.
Pipe cleaner to swab the key followed by one drop of ATF.
Applying ATF to carrier/receiver contact points.
Cam pin shown in its proper orientation.
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Sylvan-Forge
Member
One drop of ATF in each hole.
Just in case there is contact with the buffer retainer.
ATF on rear of carrier where it contacts the buffer.
Lube points focus.
Lube points focus II.
Reinstalled the BCG and worked the bolt several times, did some dry firing, checked all the mags for function..
One pull through with the bore-snake and I'm
ready to go get some ammo and shoot this thing!
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Daniel_Junglist
Member
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2008
- Messages
- 7
so... did you shoot it?
Schleprok62
Member
Range report!!!!!
Sylvan-Forge
Member
Thanks for the kind words and interest ..Shoot? I did!
All went well .. average group size at 50 yards with BUIS was grapefruit-sized .. had to hold low, as shots were hitting 10-13" high and I didn't have a front sight tool (since rectified - thanks Brownells) ..
No failures except for me loading 21 rounds in a 20 rd mag causing a first round feed jam, Doh!
Ammunition tested:
Winchester 5.56mm 55gr. FMJ Q3131 - 20rds
Federal 5.56mm 55gr. MCBT XM193 - 20rds
Remington UMC .223 Rem 45gr. JHP L223R7 - 20rds
American Eagle 5.56mm 64gr. Tracer XM856 - 20rds
Remington UMC .223 Rem 50gr. JHP L223R8B - 40rds
Going to go soon and test some more and make sure the irons are zeroed.
I'll do something a bit more comprehensive once I get some optics and a bipod and/or rest.
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Sylvan-Forge
Member
Some thoughts and notes:
I didn't like the sopmod stock, my skinny self and the generous butt pad width = discomfort .. I could get a nice cheek weld though.
Going to sell it and try something else.
Switched my "modified" BattleGrip out for an unmodified one .. much better.
Bright idea+Dremel tool = $30 lost
Need optics! Nightforce 1-4x looks good .. Maybe a Trijicon Accupoint .. depends on the money available.
Need a sling! Vickers 2 point or something more traditional ..
A 24" rod is too short for use with the rod-guide and solvent port ..
Got a 30" and returned the 24".
Interesting and rather pretty sounding ringing note w/sustain after firing .. emitting from buffer tube area .. or maybe I'm just crazy
Got some Magpul rail covers and ladders .. scratching my head on the covers, wondering how much gorilla I'll need to bring forth to install 'em ..
Ladders went on easy and look cool.
The 1st 1/2" or so of the mini Maglite's head fits perfectly into the back of the upper receiver (with BCG removed) for inspection lighting..
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I didn't like the sopmod stock, my skinny self and the generous butt pad width = discomfort .. I could get a nice cheek weld though.
Going to sell it and try something else.
Switched my "modified" BattleGrip out for an unmodified one .. much better.
Bright idea+Dremel tool = $30 lost
Need optics! Nightforce 1-4x looks good .. Maybe a Trijicon Accupoint .. depends on the money available.
Need a sling! Vickers 2 point or something more traditional ..
A 24" rod is too short for use with the rod-guide and solvent port ..
Got a 30" and returned the 24".
Interesting and rather pretty sounding ringing note w/sustain after firing .. emitting from buffer tube area .. or maybe I'm just crazy
Got some Magpul rail covers and ladders .. scratching my head on the covers, wondering how much gorilla I'll need to bring forth to install 'em ..
Ladders went on easy and look cool.
The 1st 1/2" or so of the mini Maglite's head fits perfectly into the back of the upper receiver (with BCG removed) for inspection lighting..
.
DMK
Member
Dude, you are seriously anal!
I don't even have half the tools you have. Just a receiver block, multi-tool, a few punches and an Army TSM I printed from a PDF file. ARs get cleaned with an old toothbrush, a .22 jag and brass brush on a Dewey rod, just the same as my 22LR rifles. Any fluids that drip into the action, get wiped out with a rag (probably a dirty one).
When I build my new ARs, I put a few drops of CLP on the bolt and carrier then a few weeks later, I go shoot them just like that, mostly with surplus XM193 or Guat. ammo.
Nice thread, though. Although I've never had a single problem with my ARs, I'm sure your way is better than mine.
Edited to add: If this comes across as sarcasm, it's not. I'm just contrasting my nonchalant method with a very meticulous one.
I don't even have half the tools you have. Just a receiver block, multi-tool, a few punches and an Army TSM I printed from a PDF file. ARs get cleaned with an old toothbrush, a .22 jag and brass brush on a Dewey rod, just the same as my 22LR rifles. Any fluids that drip into the action, get wiped out with a rag (probably a dirty one).
When I build my new ARs, I put a few drops of CLP on the bolt and carrier then a few weeks later, I go shoot them just like that, mostly with surplus XM193 or Guat. ammo.
Nice thread, though. Although I've never had a single problem with my ARs, I'm sure your way is better than mine.
Edited to add: If this comes across as sarcasm, it's not. I'm just contrasting my nonchalant method with a very meticulous one.
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