Posted: 12/19/2009 9:21:24 PM EDT
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Hey guys,
Since I know us Wisconsinites are mostly friendly, I decided to ask your opinions first before posting in the "Build It Yourself" section. My goal is to have a reliable SHTF weapon. I don't need something super accurate, I won't be taking it to the range very often, and I'll mainly have it around for home defense/economy-really-goes-in-the-dumps weapon. Here are a few things I really would like though... Light-weight (relatively) Free-float rail, hopefully Spike's if they release it in the next few months Low-pro gas block - going with Magpul MBUS (already have rear MBUS) Already have mil-spec buffer/tube/Magpul MOE stock Of course there will be more parts to add later, such as a sling plate, QD sling mount, entirely new gun, etc. ;) I have a spreadsheet going, but it obviously doesn't paste very well. I would be much appreciated if you could let me know if there is something I am completely overlooking - I'm sure there is. And let me know there are any parts that I should not skimp on. Thanks in advance! - Jon Lower Lower - Aero Precision + DPMS LPK $110.00 Surplus Ammo https://surplusammo.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=502 Transfer + Tax $20.00 Buffer/Stock $- Got it Upper Receiver Upper - Aero Precision $60.00 https://surplusammo.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=489 UPK $24.00 http://www.shop.dezarms.com/product.sc?productId=76 BCG ~$110.00 Any suggestions? Barrel Barrel $128.00 DEZ Arms http://www.shop.dezarms.com/product.sc?productId=15 Barrel Nut $8.00 http://www.shop.dezarms.com/product.sc?productId=73 Gas Block $22.00 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/YHM-Low-Profile-Gas-Block-p/yhm-9383%20gas%20block%20short.htm Gas Tube $12.00 http://www.shop.dezarms.com/product.sc?productId=32 Flash Hider - Phantom $25.00 http://www.del-ton.com/Phantom_Flash_Hider_p/bp1023.htm FF Rail $150.00 Spikes ? $669.00 |
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+1 for Bravo company`s BCG They are well made.
You will also need a charging handle. If you are getting a FF rail they usally come with there own barrel nut. You will also need the tools to assembly the upper. An action block to hold the upper and a wrench for the barrel nut. Some barrel nuts aren`t mil spec and use there own design. A torq wrench is helpful also but not totally nessesary. You may be able to find someone in your area that has the tools you could use to save some money. |
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I agree with the rest. Don't skimp on the BCG If you want it for SHTF/Home defense, If something is going to fail it is usually in the BCG assembly. Another thing to consider is that if you don't have access to the tools required for the upper by the time you buy the tools your total spend will be nearly the same as buying a completed rifle. Just my $.02.
Good Luck |
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i would suggest a different barrel for a SHTF rifle.
chrome lining makes a big differance on a potentially hard use rifle. (if the poop flies, are you gonna have time to keep that unlined barrel clean and free of corrosion?) AIM surplus has daniel defense cold hammer forged barrels for $229 shipped after coupon code. you would be saving like $140 over retail and you would have a very hard use barrel. also, the bravo company BCG is of the best in the market right now. each is high pressure and magnetic particle tested and test fired. cutting costs on the heart and soul, (bolt and barrel), of a fighting rifle is not an option IMHO. IM me if you are interested in that coupon code or if you have any questions on your build. i love this stuff and have a lot of fun talking shop! 
ETA: good luck on that build! 
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Charging Handle
You might want to check out the BCM Gunfighter charging handle with the large latch. Ends up being about the same price as buying a regular charging handle and a badger tactical latch. Accuwedge You don't see too many guys that haven't tossed one of these in their gun. Grip The stock grip kind of sucks. I just got this one from BCM: Stark SE-1 AR-15 Pistol Grip - Flat Dark Earth - AA 3rd on BCM BCG. I just got mine on Friday. |
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Thanks guys!
Whoops, I did forget a charging handle. I also have an action block already, along with an armorers wrench (already swapped buffer tubes on my Doublestar AR). I have ft/lb and in/lb Craftsman torque wrenches already (from working on my cars). Thanks for the suggestion on the BCM BCG. I'll also try to order smaller parts from them, including the forward assist and ejection port cover to try to keep people employed ;) I know that I could have bought a complete rifle for less than it would cost for parts and tools, but I like tinkering and customizing things. What about this barrel instead? Of course I don't know what I'm losing with it not being hammer forged. And should I get 1/7 twist vs. 1/9? http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=56155/sku/M4_Carbine_16__Cut_Rifled_Barrel Damn it, this is going to end up costing me more than I had hoped ;) Isn't that always how it goes? |
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I'll be sure to keep that a secret next time I'm with her. Kidding!
Do you guys know where I can get some etched/engraved ejection port covers? I saw some on this site before, but I can't find them now. Also, it looks as though I will be ordering the majority of my parts from Bravo Company, even though some parts are a few bucks more. Beats ordering from tons of places though. |
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Quoted:
Charging Handle You might want to check out the BCM Gunfighter charging handle with the large latch. Ends up being about the same price as buying a regular charging handle and a badger tactical latch. Stop temping me with all of these upgrades! ;) Accuwedge You don't see too many guys that haven't tossed one of these in their gun. Nice! I didn't even know about these. I can't stand even a slight wiggle between the upper and lower. Grip The stock grip kind of sucks. I just got this one from BCM: Stark SE-1 AR-15 Pistol Grip - Flat Dark Earth - AA I bought a Magpul MOE kit for my Doublestar and I'll be swapping over the grip and stock, and I think the MOE grip is an improvement over the A2 grip. |
| Alright, I'm thinking of going with the A1 Pencil barrel from DEZ. I figure if I'm going with a FF rail, I might as well take advantage of it. However, I'm having a hard time finding a clamp-on gas block in .625". Do any of you guys know if they make one? I've heard they are better than the set-screw design. |
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Quoted:
Thanks guys! Whoops, I did forget a charging handle. I also have an action block already, along with an armorers wrench (already swapped buffer tubes on my Doublestar AR). I have ft/lb and in/lb Craftsman torque wrenches already (from working on my cars). Thanks for the suggestion on the BCM BCG. I'll also try to order smaller parts from them, including the forward assist and ejection port cover to try to keep people employed ;) I know that I could have bought a complete rifle for less than it would cost for parts and tools, but I like tinkering and customizing things. What about this barrel instead? Of course I don't know what I'm losing with it not being hammer forged. And should I get 1/7 twist vs. 1/9? http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=56155/sku/M4_Carbine_16__Cut_Rifled_Barrel Damn it, this is going to end up costing me more than I had hoped ;) Isn't that always how it goes? this barrel is the best bang for the buck IMHO |
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Alright, I ended up ordering the DEZ pencil barrel today and it will be shipping out Wednesday.
http://www.shop.dezarms.com/product.sc?productId=47&categoryId=10 This "budget" build isn't so budget anymore. I also ordered a VLTOR .625 gas block (model GB-1S) and opted for the set screw type, so I'll have to find a way to drill some dimples in the barrel. I wanted the clamp-on style, but I wanted to make sure it would fit under a midlength rail (hopefully the Spike's rail). I also received some parts from BCM - it's amazing how little you get for $260 or so ;) BCG looks great though, along with the mod 4 BCM Gunfighter charging handle :) Only problem with ordering most of my parts from WI is the sales tax, bah. |
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Quoted:
Alright, I ended up ordering the DEZ pencil barrel today and it will be shipping out Wednesday. This "budget" build isn't so budget anymore. I also ordered a VLTOR .625 gas block (model GB-1S) and opted for the set screw type, so I'll have to find a way to drill some dimples in the barrel. I wanted the clamp-on style, but I wanted to make sure it would fit under a midlength rail (hopefully the Spike's rail). I also received some parts from BCM - it's amazing how little you get for $260 or so ;) BCG looks great though, along with the mod 4 BCM Gunfighter charging handle :) Only problem with ordering most of my parts from WI is the sales tax, bah. Ha ha ha ha.... thus the curse of BRD. We all got it brother, happens to us everyone. |
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Alright, so I received my pencil barrel from DEZ and it looks great! Very light. Best of all, I ordered Monday before noon and had it the next day!
Only thing I'm slightly concerned about is the gas port diameter, which is probably around .08", but it should be fine. All of the middy people on this forum have me freaked about a carbine gas system with non-F/A BCG being too hard on the rifle. But really, I highly doubt I'll put over 500 rounds through this thing, so I really shouldn't be worried, right? The only things I have left to get then is a FF rail system (c'mon Spikes!) and a flash hider. Since I'm already spending more money than I had planned, should I just buy the A2 style for cheap? Otherwise I was going to go with the original 4 port Phantom. I'm excited to get working on this thing
- Jon |