SmokyBaer

Admiration time while we wait for some decent weather. All me range boys are getting cabin fever too. Here's Phoebe...

If you want consecutive, I can do that.  I have 98 and 99 still in the box.  You should still be able to Send a Private message to SmokyBaer. In fact, look at your messages...  PM sent this morning.

My tools, so far... Barrel Vise http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/vises-accessories/barrel-vises/barrel-vise-prod17199.aspx Action Wrench http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/wrenches/action-wrenches-components/m14-m1a-m1-garand-rifle-action-wrench-head-prod25116.aspx?psize=96 Clymer Gauges http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/measuring-tools/headspace-gauges/go-no-go-gauge-sets-prod26876.aspx?avs|Manufacturer_1=CLYMER I got out the bright light and found my previously driven LRB bolt's left lug was not even close to touching. Could see a gap with my naked eye. Headspace was already near perfect so lapping was not an answer. Here's what the light test shows... Recently bought a new Fulton Armory bolt and it wont close all the way on the "GO" gauge so there's plenty room to lap on this one. The left lug is still just a tad off the receiver so it needs a good lapping anyways. Some easy boy time... lapping in my new bolt!! Brought out my handi dandy homemade bolt tension tool 800 Grit makes a mirror finish BUT it's slow! Work it, Work it, Work it! Closes on the "Go" gauge but still a bit more to go.

Over the years, I have had somebody else do my barrel, bolt and headspace while I watch and learn. Took quite a while to gather my tools a piece at a time and even longer to peruse the many threads getting my answers. For those whose brain I have picked with PMs and the sharing of their posts full of priceless info, I want to say "Thanks to you all". So here it is, my 1st scratch built M14 project... The commercial barrel vise and receiver wrench came in the other day Pretty snug fit on my new Rock-Ola M14F... excellent tool!!! Chucked up my new JWolfe WMSW barrel. VERY solid clamp. Hand tight put me at about 8 o'clock, the extreme upper limit. Lubing both receiver and threads to prevent any galling. Ready to get it on and see how much grunt it's gonna take. WOOF! 1st snag... That 8 o'clock start is just TOOO much. Had to disassemble everything and think a bit. Got the books back out and after more surfing time, I made friends with turning the shoulder on my brand new barrel just a little to reduce my starting position. A 7 o'clock start seemed to be most preferred so I went with that and slowly, methodically removed a couple thousands off the shoulder. Finally, it arrived at my hand tightened target start point and I re-assembled all the action tools so the build could commence with more confidence behind it. Bowed up and white knuckled with gritted teeth but "Got-her-DONE!" A good 6 o'clock ramp and sight slots line up with rear sight base. Whooped out the "No-Go" gauge to see if all my prior calculations came true. Got all excited when the bolt would not close on it... WHEW, bout 1.632! That's all for now while I gather some more parts but at the least the 1st major hurdle is DONE! :up:

  That's gonna be a tough hunt.... Most SUVs I been in bang around 20 mpg. The old HHR Chevy we had done an honest 28 tho. 

Kinda hard to find but a Winchester SX-AR is the FNAR's little brother and can shoot very accurately.  From what I saw, they are 400-500 dollars cheaper than the FNAR too.  $800-900 range last time I saw one.  Maybe check GunBroker for one.

  +1!   My recommendation is getting on the Palmetto State Armory mailing list and watch for their best daily deal.  You can get complete kits for an awesome deal on quality parts.  Downside is a they are a bit slow BUT that's probly how they keep prices down. 

Their homepage is announcing shipping has commenced.  Anxious to hear what folks say about rapid plinking! 

  Yep...  they're the bread and milk salesmen now.

CONGRATS!!  You did well.  My ARMs18 scope mount is my favorite but the CASM is a close second.  All kinds of scopes and red dots out there but I can say this from experience...   The ARMs18 mount is the lowest rail out there that allows use of your irons.  The Sadlak mount is one of the most highly regarded mounts out there. If you want a red dot go with a higher rail like the CASM or Sadlak.   Bottom line is eye relief, ejecting brass cleanly and ocular clearing the rear sight.   Best of luck with your search.  Make it fun!

  Me too.... by far!

  Didn't swap names.  Just excited about the new toy, I guess.

At the range a couple months ago, an older fella was having a time with his Kriss Vector 45.  Not from misfeeds or such but he'd swapped the red dot out and was having issues with bringing it in to the x-ring.  First time i'd been around the futuristic Lego looking thing and he was quite the gentleman to offer me a round of fire with it.  Well YEA, I jumped on that opportunity and cheeked up for a fairly fun ride.  No where near the recoil I expected.  The fit was a bit off with me being a pretty big fella but it was comfortable enuff.  Downside for me was the groups.  I'm not being the best shot around but can hold above average placement.  Well, my 1911 groups were better than I could manage with that Kriss.  Granted, could have been the ammo, my first time out or any number of things.  Regardless of how bad I really been wanting a 45 carbine, I did not walk away needing to go find a Kriss of my own.  A nice Marlin Camp 45 is still my main objective which is a fraction of what the Vector draws.      :2cents:  :shrug:

  I've got a "shooter grade" 6" Python and would be very hard pressed to accept 1200 for it.  Once you shoot it a bit and it don't miss, you're hooked!!

Working with the dog is a piece of cake.  You have to become one with his instincts...  Bring him in close with food just like the neighbors do.  Ring a pretty loud bell, "BONG!", then pop that puppy right in the tail feathers with a plastic pellet/BB.  After the 2nd or 3rd application, you will be able to amaze your friends with the response you get from just ringing the bell.

    Wow!!  2400 smacks for a side charger, uuh... excuse me while I go change my shorts.    :unsure:

Yep, me too. Just has too many advantages not to go for it. My 1st choice is a 6.5 side charger but I cannot find the web page to see the details. Looking at that first page, you'd think Alexander Arms had that option available but all I could find is the standard flattop slingshot charger. Maybe just me but I think the side charger would look great on top of our TGO lower. The CMT lower I have now doesn't make my Rock 458 look bad. Just a bit of color difference but for the most part the billet cut lines and the forging curves do not conflict with each other. Maybe I just don't see an ugly baby. Check it out...

You guys are just afraid of recovering from the office Halloween party in a strange place. 

  VERY true!   My 458 is awesome and has all the power a fella would want for inside 150 which about where the 300 BO drops below 1000 lbs.   The 6.5 does keep on walking.  RW, thanks for setting me straight.  I am way to guilty of overthinking this fun toy.

Been really bouncing the end of the internet and back deciding the mainstream question... 6.5 Grendel versus the 6.8 SPC.  Can quickly determine the Grendel won't be a cheap date.  The 6.8 cost about the same as .308 for the most part and complete uppers are just about everywhere.  For a 300 yard hunter, both serve well so at this point, when it gets closer to crunch time, it may be a flip of the coin.

  Yep, that's exactly what it is.  Nice upper.  Got my ammo from Wilson.  Only have a couple mags that need the lips curved a bit for the 458 slug.  It may be a keeper as it is a hoot to shoot.  :up:

Here's the chart that hooked me. Have not confirmed the numbers but if they are even close, the 6.5 Grendel is on a 308's coat tail all the way to 600 and passes it up with 150 inches less drop at a thousand! Check it out...

  THANKS!! 

Using the standard spring.  Fella I bought the upper from could not find the heavy one. 

Mind blowing quantity of choices. :panic: Seems like the more I dig for my ultimate build the more options get dug up. The chart below does not show the new Wilson 7.62×40 WT offering either.