Looking for a 6.5 Grendel upper

[sta500rdr]

So I have decided that the 6.5 Grendel is the way to go for my latest AR build. I considered the 6.8 but the long range capabilities of the grendel seemed superior to me. Here is what I am looking for.

What companies should I look at, who should I steer clear of?

What twist rate should I be looking for?

Who has the best deals?

I would like to be able to do some long range target shooting, possibly some hunting. A heavier bullet weight is appealing for that. Just curious what your guys thoughts were. Thanks!

 

[longdayjake]

What price range are you looking at? Do you hand load? How long of a barrel do you want/how far will you be shooting?

I bought the cheapest I could find and that just happened to be a rifle kit from j&t distributing. Mine is a 20" and it has served me well. I have gotten 2800 fps from the 100 grain Barnes TTSX. I took a cow elk with that load this past fall. I am well pleased with the Grendel as a good AR cartridge. If I were to build another I would probably buy a barrel from Black Hole Weaponry and then assemble the rest from Aero Precision parts.

http://surplusammo.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=33&products_id=900

http://surplusammo.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=33&products_id=504

 

[sta500rdr]

I am leaning toward a 24" barrel. I do hand load so that is what is appealing for me about the grendel. Ammunition availability is not so much of an issue.

I have looked at everything from 500$ from model 1 all the way to the alexanders which are around 1100.

I just want to make sure that I get something that will be reliable, safe, accurate, etc...

I don't mind paying for quality as long as its worth it.

 

[juk]

Sabre Defense has Grendel uppers and barrels. That is most likely the route I will go for my build. They make good stuff. They make barrels from 16" up to 24" and I think all come with a matched bolt. Some have their "gill brake" and most have a gas block. If you are interested in assembling your own upper, I know Satern, Sabre, and BHW barrels are often mentioned favorably.

 

[870fan]

I just put together an upper with an Alexander arms 16" barrel and bolt kit. I haven't shot it yet so I can't speak to its accuracy but you may want to check out their website. I think Alexander Arms had pretty good pricing on button rifled barrels versus satern and sabre.

 

[Tirod]

Add Les Baer, and that pretty much wraps up the top contenders.

 

[68wj]

Sabre Defense has Grendel uppers and barrels. That is most likely the route I will go for my build. .

Their site is still up, but are they still a viable option since the legal troubles?

 

[madcratebuilder]

sta500rdr, if you decide to build from parts I have a A. Arms 6.5 upper I would sell cheap. It has the face lapped and shows little to zero wear. I ended up going with a billet uppers so no need for this one.