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4/20/2016 8:57:00 PM EDT
I'm looking to build my first AR.  It will be used for coyote and groundhog hunting.  

Things I want:
Good barrel, not pencil profile but don't want a full bull barrel.  Would like a 18" to 20" fairly heavy fluted barrel.  Med. cost.
Good trigger but not the most expensive.
Upper.  I have no idea, please help
Bcg. Same as upper.
Hand guard. Key mod.  Don't like a lot of rails.
Was planning on spikes punisher lower but open to suggestions.

Any and all other suggestion please chime in as I don't know much about ar's.
4/20/2016 9:32:45 PM EDT
[#1]
Do you want to assemble the upper or buy one already put together?

What is your budget? This will help will help narrow the field...

A cost effective trigger option is a RRA 2 stage match.
RRA

A decent bipod should be on the list if you still hunt, if you stalk hunt eliminate it.  
4/20/2016 10:04:14 PM EDT
[#2]
I don't mind buying the tools to assemble my upper.  I have 2 lowers for my current son and baby on the way so this will not be the last one I build.

Budget, I would like to stay around $1,000 gun before optics and extras.

The rock river trigger is what I had in mind.

Bipods are no problem, I have several.
4/20/2016 10:22:39 PM EDT
[#3]
Barrel - you may want to look into a med contour or SPR profile. There are a lot of vendors Rainier has a pretty good selection. On my precision rigs I have a 20" Saturn with no fluting. The other is being built with a 22" Rainier Ultramatch fluted (bull profile), and an the last rifle has 18" SPR profile.

Trigger  - RRA/LMT/CMMG/Armalite 2 stage would probably work. I have the Armalite in my 18", the 20" has an AR Gold (nice, but pricey) and the 22" has a Geissele SD-E (costs a bit too).

Upper - if you are going to go with a Spike's lower, get the upper from them as well for convenience.

BCG - Standard phosphate carrier will work, but there are other options. How much do you want to spend? I have tried or run most. Currently have NiB, Chrome and Nitride. All have functioned well but not any better than the phosphate I have. The NiB, Chrome and Nitride are easier to clean.

Handguard - again depends, what do you want to spend? I have an SLR going on my AR10 MLOK. The have models without rails on the bottom in both Keymod and MLOK. Not too pricey. My 20" is a Seekins SP3R V3
MLOK. They have Keymod as well and the price is not bad. The 18" has a 13" Troy Extreme Battle Rail. It is not bad, but I prefer others.

The bipod is a good suggestion. You will need a adapter/mount and possibly a rail section depending on which bipod and rail you choose. QD mounts are nice, but some are pricey. Harris are good, never had an issue with mine. It had a GG&G mount. I just got an Atlas, but it was a little costly. It has the ADM QD mount.

What distances are you likely going to be shooting at?

Scope and mount are other things that come to mind.

A stock is another item you will need. Would you prefer rifle, carbine adjustable, etc...?

Grip?

Everything can be reasonable cost or get pricey quick. The 20" I mentioned with the components on it quickly ended up costing a good bit and the 22" is not far behind. The 18" was actually less than the other 2 but not much. If anything just remember to do some research and get quality components.
4/20/2016 10:40:04 PM EDT
[#4]
On the varmint rig I built I used a NOS 20” Colt H-Bar 1/7 that a buddy sold me for $50. It had a dinged crown so I had a smith put a target crown on it. Used a DPMS Lo Pro stripped upper because I wanted the extra weight and a M16 BCG from BCM. Don’t cheap out on the BCG and the auto group slows the impulse a little.

Stock is an A2 with a lead wedge and the trigger’s a Giessla SSA because I had one laying around. They may be more than you want to spend. Stripped lower brand doesn’t matter but I used a S&W. Scope is a Leupold VX1 4-12X40. Cheap scope but good enough.

The rifle’s about 13# without a bipod. Shoots around ¾” with Sierra 77s and Varget.

Good luck
4/21/2016 7:12:36 AM EDT
[#5]
Best bang for the buck in target triggers is the Larue MBT for $125.

Take a look at Faxons' barrels in 18" and 20"
4/21/2016 8:05:25 AM EDT
[#6]
Why not buy a Larue Stealth 18" complete upper and their trigger? A little over 1K but not by much and you won't find a more accurate upper
4/21/2016 8:42:45 AM EDT
[#7]
+1 @ Rainier Arms -

Make sure you budget for a good optic.
4/21/2016 9:26:17 AM EDT
[#8]
Wow very good info.  This is why I came here.

so far im thinking:
Faxon 20" fluted ss barrel.  $269
larue trigger $125 or rra trigger $85
spikes upper. $115
spikes lower. $85

what is the difference between the different gas system lengths?  That barrel is riffle length, is that what I want?
4/21/2016 9:36:10 AM EDT
[#9]
how about this for a bolt carrier group?

http://palmettostatearmory.com/palmetto-state-armory-5-56-full-auto-nickel-boron-bcg.html



4/21/2016 10:33:26 AM EDT
[#10]
Rock River Arms sells a version called the Predator Pursuit that sounds pretty much like you want. They also sell just the upper as well. Fine if you want to build one, but this is a good option too.
4/21/2016 1:46:26 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
Rock River Arms sells a version called the Predator Pursuit that sounds pretty much like you want. They also sell just the upper as well. Fine if you want to build one, but this is a good option too.
View Quote


They do but I just want to build one.  Also I have a receiver for each of my kids which I will build with them with a .22lr upper and eventually move them up to a .223 upper.
4/21/2016 11:26:12 PM EDT
[#12]
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Any comments on this bcg?

Also, the barrel I have picked out is "rifle length gas port".  What is the difference between riffle length and mid?
4/21/2016 11:32:47 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:


Any comments on this bcg?

Also, the barrel I have picked out is "rifle length gas port".  What is the difference between riffle length and mid?
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Quoted:


Any comments on this bcg?

Also, the barrel I have picked out is "rifle length gas port".  What is the difference between riffle length and mid?


Rifle length vs midlength vs carbine length gas system is the distance that the gas port is from the throat of the barrel going towards the end of the barrel.

Carbine length is shorter than midlength, which is shorter than rifle length. A rifle length gas system will allow the pressure of the gasses coming back to cycle the rifle to be less. Thus there will theoretically be less wear on the BCG/upper components, as well as softer recoil.
4/22/2016 6:47:02 AM EDT
[#14]

Quote History
Quoted:
Any comments on this bcg?



Also, the barrel I have picked out is "rifle length gas port".  What is the difference between riffle length and mid?
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Quoted:







Any comments on this bcg?



Also, the barrel I have picked out is "rifle length gas port".  What is the difference between riffle length and mid?
18-20" barrel stick with a rifle gas length.

18 can use a mid but a rifle is better shooting.

20" is always a rifle.



 
4/22/2016 8:15:19 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:
Wow very good info.  This is why I came here.

so far im thinking:
Faxon 20" fluted ss barrel.  $269
larue trigger $125 or rra trigger $85
spikes upper. $115
spikes lower. $85

what is the difference between the different gas system lengths?  That barrel is riffle length, is that what I want?
View Quote


We're honored. Let us know if we can assist with any questions!
4/22/2016 9:21:30 AM EDT
[#16]
Check out Odin Works handguards. I have a Bushmaster Varminter and swapped the tube handguard with the Odin 15.5". It's very nice, reasonably priced, light and sleek.





4/22/2016 11:10:34 AM EDT
[#17]
you guys are so much help, I couldn't do this without you.

Im going to go with the odin keymod forend.  not sure to go with the 12.5" or the 15.5".  Since I have a 20" fluted barrel I would like for the fluting to show after the gas block.
4/22/2016 1:36:11 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Quoted:
you guys are so much help, I couldn't do this without you.

Im going to go with the odin keymod forend.  not sure to go with the 12.5" or the 15.5".  Since I have a 20" fluted barrel I would like for the fluting to show after the gas block.
View Quote


I would go with a 15" handguard on a 20" barrel. Allows you to mount your bipod out further for good stability and can act as a protector for the barrel to keep from banging it on rocks or trees.
4/22/2016 1:43:03 PM EDT
[#19]
larue trigger $125 or rra trigger $85
View Quote


Go with the LaRue.  It compares with triggers above the $200 range.  ML is selling them cheap to get people addicted.  They're the gateway drug for other LaRue gear.
4/22/2016 7:15:41 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Quoted:


Go with the LaRue.  It compares with triggers above the $200 range.  ML is selling them cheap to get people addicted.  They're the gateway drug for other LaRue gear.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
larue trigger $125 or rra trigger $85


Go with the LaRue.  It compares with triggers above the $200 range.  ML is selling them cheap to get people addicted.  They're the gateway drug for other LaRue gear.


Who is ml?  Do they have them in stock?  I'll go with larue.
4/22/2016 7:22:37 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Quoted:


Who is ml?  Do they have them in stock?  I'll go with larue.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
larue trigger $125 or rra trigger $85


Go with the LaRue.  It compares with triggers above the $200 range.  ML is selling them cheap to get people addicted.  They're the gateway drug for other LaRue gear.


Who is ml?  Do they have them in stock?  I'll go with larue.


ml = Mark LaRue.

As for what you've seen so far, good advice.  One thing to think about is how much you're going to be moving around with your rig.  If you think you'll be moving a lot, walking through woods, or hiding in brush and bushes, don't discount a good 16" barrel.

You will lose a little velocity, but might pick up a little bit in terms of "handiness" of the rifle.   Sure, lots of guys shoot vermin with 24" + bolt guns just fine all day long, but a light field carbine that is still accurate is just as handy when you pack it around.

That is where a lot of guys are going to 18" SPR barrels.  Great accuracy and velocity, but lighter weight than a 20" (or longer) full bull barreled varmint gun.

Just  my $0.02, and you certainly won't be disappointed if  you do build a 20" gun.
4/22/2016 7:40:14 PM EDT
[#22]
oops
4/22/2016 7:46:18 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
Quoted:


ml = Mark LaRue.

As for what you've seen so far, good advice.  One thing to think about is how much you're going to be moving around with your rig.  If you think you'll be moving a lot, walking through woods, or hiding in brush and bushes, don't discount a good 16" barrel.

You will lose a little velocity, but might pick up a little bit in terms of "handiness" of the rifle.   Sure, lots of guys shoot vermin with 24" + bolt guns just fine all day long, but a light field carbine that is still accurate is just as handy when you pack it around.

That is where a lot of guys are going to 18" SPR barrels.  Great accuracy and velocity, but lighter weight than a 20" (or longer) full bull barreled varmint gun.

Just  my $0.02, and you certainly won't be disappointed if  you do build a 20" gun.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
larue trigger $125 or rra trigger $85


Go with the LaRue.  It compares with triggers above the $200 range.  ML is selling them cheap to get people addicted.  They're the gateway drug for other LaRue gear.


Who is ml?  Do they have them in stock?  I'll go with larue.


ml = Mark LaRue.

As for what you've seen so far, good advice.  One thing to think about is how much you're going to be moving around with your rig.  If you think you'll be moving a lot, walking through woods, or hiding in brush and bushes, don't discount a good 16" barrel.

You will lose a little velocity, but might pick up a little bit in terms of "handiness" of the rifle.   Sure, lots of guys shoot vermin with 24" + bolt guns just fine all day long, but a light field carbine that is still accurate is just as handy when you pack it around.

That is where a lot of guys are going to 18" SPR barrels.  Great accuracy and velocity, but lighter weight than a 20" (or longer) full bull barreled varmint gun.

Just  my $0.02, and you certainly won't be disappointed if  you do build a 20" gun.


I agree completely from what I have read .  I now have 4 receivers .  One for me, one for the wife, and one for each of the kids.  The wife's (which I will use) will be shorter for her.  I just want a long barrel varmint on this build.
4/22/2016 7:51:45 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Quoted:


Go with the LaRue.  It compares with triggers above the $200 range.  ML is selling them cheap to get people addicted.  They're the gateway drug for other LaRue gear.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
larue trigger $125 or rra trigger $85


Go with the LaRue.  It compares with triggers above the $200 range.  ML is selling them cheap to get people addicted.  They're the gateway drug for other LaRue gear.


Does anyone know the turn around time on the larue trigger?  They don't really say on the website.
4/24/2016 6:52:08 AM EDT
[#25]
^^^

I estimate the "I Can Wait" MBT orders that came in this week will ship in 7-8 weeks.
4/24/2016 11:20:44 PM EDT
[#26]
Green mountain has 18' and 20' fluted barrels 1 in 8 twist under 200.00. Rock river has their 2 stage match trigger, bcg , operator car stock on sale right now  all three are under 100.00 each.
4/25/2016 5:24:24 PM EDT
[#27]
what are the differences between these two Spike's receivers?

st-22

M4

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