New Semi-Custom AR-15

[primalmu]

Well, I used part of my quarterly bonus to build a new AR-15. I started with a RRA 20" HBAR upper from Joe Bob Outfitters. I removed the FSB and hand guards and took a chance on the 15" UTG Pro Super Slim Keymod rail. I gotta say, this rail is GREAT so far, VERY impressed with both the quality and fit and finish, and the no alignment barrel nut.

The lower is an Anderson Mfg stripped lower with a DPMS parts kit and a RRA NM trigger (which feels amazing). The stock is an ACE Skeleton stock.

Finally, I've got a Leatherwood CMR scope and SWFA SSALT mount on the way for optics.

If I had to do it over again, I'd try to get a pencil barrel instead of the HBAR just for weight savings. Naked it is running around 7 lbs 7 oz, which isn't bad, but its a tad front heavy. The balance may improve once I mount the scope. Hopefully I'll get the scope this week and will be able to test it out this weekend.



I got a second $39 lower from AIM Surplus, so I'll probably be looking at building another rifle around the end of the year. (Maybe a 6.8 SPC?)

 

[MachIVshooter]

Looks good!

If I had to do it over again, I'd try to get a pencil barrel instead of the HBAR just for weight savings.

In between HBAR and pencil is govt profile and LW. Personally, I like LW profile for 20" guns. I just finished an A3 upper build with a DTI 20" 1/9 LW.

took a chance on the 15" UTG Pro Super Slim Keymod rail

No chance taken. The US-made UTG stuff-especially the SS and SSK-are becoming well known for very high quality at a very reasonable price point. I have the UTG Pro 15" SS, and I have a MI SSK15G2, and honestly like the UTG a little better. Part of that is that I'm not a fan of keymod, though.

 

[Jackal]

Looks nice. Similar POU to my new 18" rifle build. Faxon 18" rifle length gas (Govt profile), 13" ALG V2 FF rail, Anderson lightweight upper, Colt lower, MFT stock and DD sights. Weighs in at 6lb 5oz empty. Balances at the chamber.

 

[primalmu]

Without optic right now mine balances at the barrel nut. I'm hoping after I add the optic it will be closer to the chamber.

 

[suncoastarmory]

Good to hear positive remarks on the UTG Pro rails. I am considering their 15" offering for am 18" build. This just may be the encouragement I need.

 

[chicharrones]

Looks good, primalu. I like it.

 

[primalmu]

Thanks. If got a Magpul grip on the way to reduce the grip angle. I didn't realize grip angle was an issue with modern shooting techniques until I watched a video mentioning it, now I can't pick up the rifle without it annoying me!

I'm already planning my next build. I'm planning on a lightweight SPR-style rifle. I've got a list of components (with weights) on my home computer, so I'll post my plan when I get home tonight.

 

[primalmu]

Here are the components I'm looking at:

Anderson Arms Upper (dust cover and forward assist installed)
RRA NM Trigger
ALG EMR V1 M-LOK hand guard
Rainier Arms SPR 18" barrel
Magpul PRS stock (looking at alternatives since this one is so expensive)
Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 TAC on a SWFA SSALT mount

My calculations put the rifle at about 8.3 pounds, so figure 9 pounds to account for any errors and additional parts that I don't have weights for (muzzle device, if any, etc).

 

[Jackal]

Primalmu, look at this barrel first, best deal going on a 18" quality tube. I doubt the Rainier Arms barrel would shoot much better. Faxon is top notch AND it includes the lo-pro gas block that comes uninstalled. It is drilled for a cross pin and includes the pin. All the accuracy of a heavy barrel, without the weight.

http://aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?...+Caliber+4150+CMV+Steel+AR+Barrel&search=xfxb

 

[primalmu]

Thanks for the link Jackal. I'm pretty dead set on getting a .223 Wylde chamber, but I'll keep that barrel in mind.

 

[primalmu]

Just discovered JSE Surplus and found a nice 18" Wilson barrel for $210, or around $256 when you add a gas block and gas tube. That's the way I'm going to go for this build instead of the Rainier Arms barrel since I'm a huge fan of the Wilson barrels on my RRA AR-15.

 

[Jackal]

Cool. JSE are good people. Let us know how it shoots!