First AR Build

[KC8UPG]

I just finished my first AR build. I wanted to build a precision type rifle since I already have a carbine. The gun shoots under 1/2" groups at 100 yards, and may even do better than that minus shooter error. Tell me what you think!

BCM 20" SAM-R barrel
BCM Stripped Upper Receiver
Smith and Wesson M&P Stripped Lower Receiver
RRA 2 Stage Match Trigger
YHM Bipod Mount
YHM Lightweight Free-float Handguard
YHM Flip-Up Front Sight and Gas Block
YHM Phantom Flash Suppressor
Harris 1A2 Bipod
Leupold VX-I 4-12x40mm scope
Standard A2 stock


Eventually I plan on replacing the scope with a Leupold Mark 4 2.5-8x36 or something similar, and replacing the A2 stock with a Magpul PRS.

 

[TonyAngel]

That's a nice looking build. Congrats.

What ammo are you using to get those groups and how many shots are you taking per group? I built an upper using the 16" barrel and am getting good results with it too.

 

[Zerodefect]

Look excellent! That's one heck of a fist build.

Glad to hear it shoots well. I've got a BCM Mk12 mod 3x on its way here. Can't wait to see how it shoots. I love the BCM stuff. And I'm a Grape Colt drinker.



I'd skip the PRS stock. It didn't feel right to me, so make sure you try one first, if possible. I prefere the LMT Sopmod, Magpul ACS, Magpul UBR.

Why change scopes? All I'd add to that one is a extended front cover/sun shade tube thingy.

 

[KC8UPG]

I am using 75 grain Hornady TAP with 3 shot groups. When using cheap UMC 50 grain hollow points I can get groups as small as 3/4". With 77 grain Matchkings I've been getting about 1/2".

 

[KC8UPG]

BCM makes great stuff at great prices.

I love the PRS stock. I just don't have $250 at the moment to drop on one. The scope is alright, I'm looking for something that has an illuminated mil dot type reticle, and medium power. I was looking at the Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10 and will probably end up getting it at $599.....half the price of a Mark 4 and apparently very comparable.

 

[taliv]

very nice!

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

Nice looking rifles! Both of them. The only thing I would suggest is instead of using a flash hider on the 20" try a Muzzle Break or compensator.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

Nice looking rifle for sure. 1/7 twist?

 

[KC8UPG]

1 in 8

 

[mikewayde]

I'm a Grape Colt drinker.

LOL

Nice Build, looks great...

 

[TonyAngel]

This is my 16" rig. BCM 16" SS410 1:8 barrel and the scope is a Nightforce 2.5-10X32 in an ADM mount. The stock is a UBR. I went with the UBR because it's rock solid and compact, to keep with the theme of the rifle. The whole rig comes in at less than 10lbs, without the bipod, but with a loaded 20 round mag.



I shot this 20 round group last weekend. It was shot within a minute and a half and all 20 rounds went into 1.2", with 15 of those going into .7". I'd call that pretty consistent. The ammo I used was 77gr SMKs on top of about 24gr RE15. I did't sort brass or bullets and loaded on a progressive.



Most of the rest of what's important is BCM too. I like their stuff. It shoots good.

Congrats again on the new build. BTW, maybe you should give a Smith Vortex flash hider a try. They claim to actually help with accuracy. I don't know about increasing it, but my rifle shoots better with the Vortex than it does without. Not by much, but the difference was still there.

 

[KC8UPG]

Man these things are just too cool. BCM's SS410 barrels are top notch, and affordable. As for the Smith Vortex, I seriously considered it(still am), but the $50 price tag just seemed like a bit much to me. I may have to give it a try.

 

[TonyAngel]

Well, if you have to wait on the flash hider and the utmost in accuracy is important to you, I'd just shoot without one. I tried a few conventional flash hiders and I may be crazy, but I really do think that they have an adverse effect on accuracy.

I also tried some compensators and got tired of all of the mean looks that I got at the range.

 

[KC8UPG]

I did actually shoot it for a while without the flash hider. I put the original Phantom on the muzzle and did not notice any changes to accuracy. It has 4 ports, all in equal directions. Some flash hiders such as the A2 don't have any downward facing ports, which is good for prone shooting, but forces gasses upward behind the bullet instead of symmetrically which I have heard can hurt accuracy.

The biggest reason I don't want to shoot without the muzzle device is that it leaves the crown open for damage. Since it was designed to have something on the muzzle, it wasn't recessed.

 

[TonyAngel]

If what you are using doesn't hurt the accuracy, roll with it.

Have you by any chance tried any of the Hornady 75gr training ammo? I had pretty good results with that too and it's pretty cheap.

 

[KC8UPG]

I didn't know they made anything like that. I'll see if I can get some and give it a try.

 

[TonyAngel]

I've ordered it from ammunitiontogo.com but believe that sgcusa.com has it cheaper.