Budget AR for 3 gun project

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Your barrel is a little heavier then I like, but it should help with recoil and follow up shots.
It’s nice to see it all come together.
I have something for your bench once you get it built.
Thanks
I messed up and ordered this one as I forgot about the one we discussed and this was a killer sale
So we’ll see.
Less recoil is the goal
I’m sure it’ll be the “last”AR I build (until I get more parts)
 
A36A0D37-EC3F-404D-B18A-D17CCD63A85D.jpeg Sometimes we think too hard
It seems I had a set of hex keys on my desk. So I’m still not sure which box the ones that belong in the tool chest are in, but I was able to “finish” the build minus optics.
 
I haven't totaled up the parts yet. But I will soon and I'll post.

I do want to thank Gunny for the help, and the donation of parts. Gunny gave me a gas block, a charge handle, and the muzzle brake!
 
Gunny, I went with the ACE Skeleton because the price was good, the weight was light and I don’t see a need to be adjusting the length as it fits perfect. Now that MFT would be something I’d put on my 16” carbine as the cheap Mil Spec one that PSA uses is functional and that’s about it. But right now, the priority is an optic and getting my bench built!
 
Gunny, I went with the ACE Skeleton because the price was good, the weight was light and I don’t see a need to be adjusting the length as it fits perfect. Now that MFT would be something I’d put on my 16” carbine as the cheap Mil Spec one that PSA uses is functional and that’s about it. But right now, the priority is an optic and getting my bench built!
I like the ACE stock and have used it on two builds. It’s about one of the strongest lightweight stocks on the market.
Primary has had some good sales lately on optics.
 
I like the ACE stock and have used it on two builds. It’s about one of the strongest lightweight stocks on the market.
Primary has had some good sales lately on optics.

Yea. I spent a little more than I should have this month. So not sure if an optic will be in the budget this month. If not it’s the top priority next month as I want to get to the range and see how this shoots. I’ll also have a bill paid off next month so that’ll help with the budget!
 
I have one of those MFT stocks, it rules. Mine is even more minimalist, was $50. Solid fit, still adjustable, the rubber recoil pad makes it sticky on the shoulder. Can't say enough good things. I also have a Miculek muzzle brake, it is amazing, and was really cheap - I know you got a freebie, but I thought I'd drop my opinion on future options. The only other thing that I'd recommend is a captive buffer. They take the "toy gun" twang out of the AR system. I think they are a little heavier and they might not have the same amount of options, but man it's slick shooting.

I love build threads!!
 

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I have one of those MFT stocks, it rules. Mine is even more minimalist, was $50. Solid fit, still adjustable, the rubber recoil pad makes it sticky on the shoulder. Can't say enough good things. I also have a Miculek muzzle brake, it is amazing, and was really cheap - I know you got a freebie, but I thought I'd drop my opinion on future options. The only other thing that I'd recommend is a captive buffer. They take the "toy gun" twang out of the AR system. I think they are a little heavier and they might not have the same amount of options, but man it's slick shooting.

I love build threads!!

Thanks
The plan is to get the optic next, practice with it see how it shoots then go from there. Hopefully I won’t need to make any initial changes before I enter a match or three. The cool thing is my brother has land where I can shoot and set up a practice stage so once it gets warmer and I pick an optic I’ll be able to see how it shoots, feels etc.

From there I’m hoping that it won’t need many changes. If so, I’ll make them, but right now the plan is to shoot and see how it feels. I also need to total up the last parts and post.

The Miculek muzzle brake is something I’ve eyed.. But Gunny was so kind to send me the one I wound up using on the gun I couldn’t pass it up. So I’m going to use it and see how it goes. Look8ng at it, I get the feeling it’s probably going to work really well so I don’t think I’ll need to change it.

I looked into the MFT $50 stock setup and decided to go with the Ace Skeleton even though the Ace was a little more expensive. The goal was budget not absolute cheapest build. Yours looks cool, and I may try one down the road on a different build. I guess for this I wasn’t sure how the MFT would work and my research found several 3 gunners using the Ace and liking it. I only found one or two comments on the MFT when I got the stock so there weren’t enough info out there to make me feel like it was the way to go. So who knows after some practice and a match or three if I like it on another build who knows.

The plan now stands as

1 get optic
2 get time on range with this build and get used to it
3 get more practice time with my pistol and shotgun while I’m save up for a 930 JM
Possibly even finding a match or two in the mean time.

I also need to get working on my reloading bench. I have the design done. I just need to find the time to build it and unpack all of my gear and get it setup.

For the other gear as someone asked way back.
For the shotgun, I currently have a Remington 870. I have a love/hate relationship with it. I love the simplicity of it, but I hate that I suck with it and it pounds my shoulder which I hurt way back when. So I haven’t shot it in ages.

I’ve thought of a limb saver and modifying it but by the time I do so, I could be a decent way into a 930 JM. So we’ll see.

I also have a M&P so I’m ok there.

I’ll pick up a belt and completion holster, and since I like making things, I’ll see about making some shotgun shell caddies for now. I found a few how tos on it so it looks like a fun project.

I’m also easing my way back into the gym to get back into shape. So this is also serving as motivation in a few areas as I have no expectations of being competitive. But I do want to go out and do ok. My goal is not to come in last in my first match.

So the plan is similar to when I trained for the 5k I ran, I trained hard, I got into decent shape, I set a goal, and trained until I felt I could hit the goal. Then I blew the goal away.

Here it may be harder.but not coming in last, having fun, getting in better shape, and being a better shot on the three guns seem like reasonable goals.

Oh and getting some decent gear without spending a fortune at one time has also been one of the goals. Another goal was learning the AR inside and out and feeling comfortable tearing one down if needed. While I’m far from an expert now, I’m now comfortable with putting one together and I feel like I can now modify one which is pretty cool. Plus I now have an AR to mess with that isn’t my home defense gun so who knows what I’ll do to it in the long run. I suspect not much, but rather start a few more builds as this was fun.
 
Just read the whole thread this morning. Very nice. Makes me want to do a build :) which is something I've toyed with.
Maybe I'll do a lower build and just buy a complete upper. Looking forward to the range reports.

-Jeff
 
Jeff
Glad you liked it.

I’d say do a lower then do an upper. They’re both real easy and you’ll enjoy it. You’ll also learn a lot about your ARs. I’m now convinced anyone with even moderate mechanical ability should do a build!

My only warning is that it’s highly addictive. I haven’t even shot this one and wish I had the time and money for another build!
 
Jeff
Glad you liked it.

I’d say do a lower then do an upper. They’re both real easy and you’ll enjoy it. You’ll also learn a lot about your ARs. I’m now convinced anyone with even moderate mechanical ability should do a build!

My only warning is that it’s highly addictive. I haven’t even shot this one and wish I had the time and money for another build!

I've gone back and forth between building a bolt rifle or an AR. Building a lower to get my feet wet seems reasonable. Only thing that worries me a little about the upper is if I have headspace issues. I really like your approach and the fact it looks like it too a year-ish to build ? I don't know how you held yourself back. :) That is my only issue is when I start something every extra minute goes towards completing it.

Re: mechanical ability, I guess If I can handle a lift on a YJ I should be able to handle building an AR ?

-Jeff
 
Bartojc,
Believe me I wish I could have completed it sooner but a move really hit the wallet hard.

So I guess I just did what I could when I could.

As far as headspace, I'm pretty sure that it's not a big deal on an AR. Just get the go/no go guages and follow all of the directions. ARs really are like Legos and if you lifted a YJ the only thing you'll have to get used to is that you won't be dealing with rust, or high torques. Well that and some of the pins are a PIA to hold steady while starting them. So just take your time and you'll be fine. Oh and use lots of tape to keep the surfaces from being marred.
 
Bartojc,
Believe me I wish I could have completed it sooner but a move really hit the wallet hard.

So I guess I just did what I could when I could.

As far as headspace, I'm pretty sure that it's not a big deal on an AR. Just get the go/no go guages and follow all of the directions. ARs really are like Legos and if you lifted a YJ the only thing you'll have to get used to is that you won't be dealing with rust, or high torques. Well that and some of the pins are a PIA to hold steady while starting them. So just take your time and you'll be fine. Oh and use lots of tape to keep the surfaces from being marred.
Yes, tape is your friend. :)
When are you going to get that bench done? I have something to send you.:evil:
 
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