Help me pick an AR configuration

[Parallax]

Been out of the loop on ARs for a while and it looks like there are a ton more options than 5+ years ago. Looking for a rifle for home defense/self defense and to take an Appleseed course but would like to keep it simple, not interested in a ton of rails, lasers, etc.

After doing much research, I know I want the following: chambered in 5.56mm, 16" midlength, 1:7 barrel twist. The only things I want to add to it are a sling, Aimpoint T1, folding rear sight, and maybe a flashlight. Other than that I'm indifferent as to brands. I was kind of leaning toward just buying a Bravo Company complete rifle and calling it a day, but figured I may as well get some feedback first.

 

[briansmithwins]

I just built a 16" mid-length from BCM.

Magpul MIAD, MOE forearm, and CTR stock. Picked up a T1 from LaRue in their tall mount for lower 1/3 cowitness. Since the sights don't obscure the T1's dot, I'm using a LaRue fixed rear BUIS. That's a robust little unit that doesn't have a pivot pin or latch to break, unlike a folder. Since I can't imagine why you'd want to remove a rear sight in the field, I saved some cash by getting the VFZ version instead of the lever release.

Total rifle weight is right at a hair under 7lbs unloaded.

BSW

 

[Parallax]

Did you get the lightweight version or standard? Lightweight sounds interesting but not sure exactly what they do to make it lighter than the standard upper...

 

[tarosean]

"Lightweight" is generally the barrel profile saving weight.

 

[briansmithwins]

Lightweight. The only difference is that the barrel has a thinner contour than standard.

The nice thing is that with that barrel and the CTR stock the balance of the rifle is pretty darn near perfect.

In my opinion, anyway.

BSW

 

[Parallax]

Gotcha. Probably go with lightweight then since I'm not using a FA lower or anything. What about the BCG, just get BCM's and be done with it?

 

[briansmithwins]

Yep, went with the BCM full auto BCG. Why pay extra shipping? All the parts I needed for the full build came from either BCM or LaRue.

The BCG very nicely done and comes with the extra strength extractor spring with black insert and reinforcing o-ring.

By the way, LaRue is now shipping 2MOA T1's with their mount for $640 complete.

BSW.

 

[Parallax]

I actually already have a T1, found one locally LNIB for $450... figured I could always resell it even if I didn't end up using it, so jumped on it. What T1 mount and BUIS setup do you prefer?

 

[briansmithwins]

The one I just bought: Tall LaRue mount for lower 1/3 cowitness with a LaRue fixed BUIS for backup.

Meprolight tritium front sight post for low light/night BUIS.

BSW

 

[kenken]

Go to Wal-Mart and get you a Colt 6920. You will be ready to go.

kenken

 

[wnycollector]

My HD AR is set up very similar to your preferred configuration. I have a BCM 14.5 middy upper mounted on a Cav Arms MKII poly lower. I have a fixed MI rear sight and Aimpoint Pro for optics and sight. Plus a Streamlight poly flashlight mounted on an Elzetta FSB mount. This is as KISS as I can get while still being functional for a numerous HD scenerios.

 

[fromthehills]

I don't know if BM still makes this configuration, but I have a Carbon 15 ( standard AR/M4 type). I decked it out with Magpul MOE furniture. Weighs in at just over 7lbs, loaded. I've put thousands of rounds through it, and only issues have been with Wolf ammo when I gave in to temptation of cheap stuff. Other than that, I've had to replace the extractor a couple times, and once was probably ammo related. My barrel is the 14.5 with the permanent compensator attached to make it legal. I consistently hit anything I point it at. So, for home defense it's all I need in a carbine. The Magpul sling is really nice, as well.

I have a Sig 556, which is a nice weapon, and would probably outlast the BM Carbon 15, but it sits in the safe, mostly. I may look into trading the 556 for Sig's AR platform, for consistency's sake.

 

[Zerodefect]

I'm going to recommend a BCM 14.5" Middy with a PWS556 flash comp pinned on. It may be worthwhile to reconsider a 12" Larue rail system as BCM has a really nice pinned gas block.

If you need to run cheap Wolf-like ammo a 16" middy or 14.5" carbine gas would be better.

 

[taliv]

Bcm is a good choice but they may not be in stock for a while

The t1 is a great optic but I dunno how well it will work for Appleseed.

You might want to use your buis for that

 

[Parallax]

Yeah I plan to use the iron sights for Appleseed.

What charging handle are you guys running? Are the beefed up ones worth the little extra money? What about handguards? Anything better than the usual kind? (I don't want railed handguards, trying to stay as light and simple as possible). What about stocks, what do you recommend?

 

[wnycollector]

What charging handle are you guys running?...What about handguards?

BCM gunfighter mod 4 (medium) and MOE handguards here.

 

[Parallax]

Does anyone know if the BCM lower receivers come with everything I need other than the actual stock? Do they come with the tube, spring, etc.?

 

[aubie515]

If it's BCM you will have to buy it since their uppers do not come with BCG or charging handle. I cannot imagine that their lowers will be complete...look at the item and it will tell you if it's complete or not.

If you are doing Appleseed, you should pick up a 22LR upper. Why shoot full power when you don't need to spend the money?

 

[WinThePennant]

I have an AR build in progress, and BCM is about to lose me as a customer. Not because I don't like their products, but because they are always OUT OF STOCK.

 

[NYH1]

Parallax, I just bought a setup close to what you want to go with. I had my FFL order me a Stag complete A2 lower half (I prefer the fixed buttstock). Then he gave me a great price on a Stag complete 1H upper half with the Plus Package. I had him order that too. I bought the lower and upper on separate invoices at different times so I wouldn't have to pay the 11% excise tax. Together they make a Stag model 1. I do like the mid length setup over the carbine length, but I can live with the carbine length on this one.

It has the removable carry handle. I'm going to put a A2 sight on the upper with either a Aim Point PRO or EOTech 517. I want my iron sights to co-witness in the bottom 1/3 (or so) of the optic all the time. I'm going to put a single point sling on it and maybe a light. Other then that I'm going to buy ammo and pre ban magazines for it and shoot it!

Good luck, NYH1!