AR Sponsor
Posted: 2/28/2005 8:26:19 AM EDT
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Well, I have been thinking this over for a while and I have come to the conclusion that this is the place to go for input on my future needs for a rifle. Long story short, it looks like I'm headed for Iraq (in about 6-8 months) on the civilian side of the house and I would like to take an SPR type upper with me. In talking with some of the guys coming back, they all said that they wished they had additional uppers depending on what they were doing, convoys- SBRs, overwatch from rooftops- SPRs. I am good to go on the SBR, but truthfully, I don't know everything there is to know about building a rifle with some reach to it. So, if you knew that you were taking a rifle to Iraq and it needed to be able to reach out to 500 yards or more (probably not more), but it had to be a 5.56...what would you build? Who would you have build it? How much would you spend? Durability is essential, there will be little armorer support. Money isn't' really an issue since I'm fairly certain this is good life insurance. Barrel? Made by whom and what twist? What contour? Upper Receiver? Colt... Has to be Mil-Spec and capable of full auto fire if need be. M-4 feed ramps. Gas Block? Rail? I'm leaning towards the Knight. Front and rear BUIS? Bolt and Carrier? I'm thinking Colt, M-16 carrier Brake? I doubt that I'll scrounge a suppressor, so the Ops Brake isn't a big loss. Gas Tube? Anything special since this may end up being used on full auto (hopefully not, but it needs to be capable) Lastly, who should build it and why? |
| There are several SPR builders on the board here. MSTN and ADCO being two. I can't speak personally about MSTN but have heard good things about them. ADCO recently did some non-SPR work for me and I was VERY pleased with the quality and turn around time. IIRC ADCO has sent several uppers to the sandbox. I'd contact them with your questions. |
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The first question I think that needs to be answered is: Do you want to build an exact clone, or is there some leeway in your desires. As an example: If building a Mod 1 exact clone, you would be using a KAC rifle length FF RAS, which are very hard to find at the moment and usually command a premium. A very acceptable alternative, and in some people's opinion a better alternative, would be either the DD or LaRue FF RAS. You would stray from the strict clone build, but you get a better product as a result. As stated, you are heading into a combat zone, so I would not skimp in any way on the build. A Colt, LMT or CMT upper receiver would fit your needs. So would Armalite. The WOA SPR barrel in a 1/7 twist is a good starting point, but a Douglas based barrel may be better. M16 Colt bolt carrier is a must. I would go with the Troy BUIS, as they are easier to get, cheaper and every bit as good as any other out there. Gas block - KAC, PRI, SPR or LaRue low profile with a standard gas tube would top it off nicely. Lastly, ADCO, MSTN, JTAC Supply, Bravo Company USA and a few of the active vendors here are all capable of building the upper you want. Good luck with the build. Be safe. |
AR Sponsor