AR BUILD SHEET....what am I missing?

[Magiccarpetrides]

Alright so for some odd reason I decided I needed to build another AR(my first one I traded without ever shooting it), but I wanted it to be lightweight since my "go-to" 5.56 is an MSAR with 20" barrel...and I wanted it to be DI since my MSAR is a piston gun. Heres what I got so far...what other recommendations do you guys have...and overkill is ok...im not gonna be shouting "WOLVERINES", but its always fun to pretend right?

So far I bought (and is in the mail or backordered):

Spikes Tactical Zombie Lower (on backorder)

Spikes Tactical 14.5" Lightweight Upper with Vortex flash hider (MOE handguard)

Spikes Tactical "failzero" Trigger/hammer

Spikes Tactical "failzero-nickel/boron" BCG

Magpul MBUS

Magpul MOE Lower kit with MOE stock and handgrip from PSA groupbuy

Knights Armament foregrip (using MOE attachment rail...found this layin around)

D&H Teflon mags with magpul followers (went with this over Pmag cause they're lighter)

Sig Dot (aimpoint knockoff)

UTG Medium riser(larue knockoff)

"Custom" gasbuster modified Spikes Charging Handle (thanks Dolomite for the link)

I plan on using just the flip up sights at first and if need to... the el cheapo SIG dot. The spikes upper comes with a charging handle and it also has their excellent M16 BCG (which i will be selling(SOLD) to offset the nickel/boron one)....any other recommendations...anything I missed? Im trying to keep this lightweight so no flashlights, bipods, or other mall ninja equipment...i think its pretty tacti-fool already...but i do want it to be extremely durable. Thanks!

Edited April 27, 2011 by Magiccarpetrides
added items

[bubbadavis]

Ammo, ammo, and more ammo would be my suggestion.

I'm sure you already know this but the 14.5" upper makes it an SBR unless the flash hider is permanently attached (and makes the effective barrel length 16").

Once you get this in, please give some feedback on the failzero BCG. I've always wondered if they back up the marketing hype.

[Jasongar8]

If I was going to change out the charging handle I would get the BCM Gunfighter Mod 4. Throw a Aimpoint T1 on there and you will be set.

[Magiccarpetrides]

Ammo, ammo, and more ammo would be my suggestion.

I'm sure you already know this but the 14.5" upper makes it an SBR unless the flash hider is permanently attached (and makes the effective barrel length 16").

Once you get this in, please give some feedback on the failzero BCG. I've always wondered if they back up the marketing hype.

Yeah its perma pinned so nfa ok...I will let you know about the failzero...it looked like a bunch of marketing hype when it first came out, but most reports are very favorable.....jason I believe the mod 4 medium was the one I was leaning toward. If I actually enjoy shooting this one I will spend the extra coin for the aimpoint for sure(when/if the Sig dot fails).

Edited April 27, 2011 by Magiccarpetrides

[Jasongar8]

Yea the mod 3 catches on everything. I thought it was just too big.

[mikegideon]

You might wanna swap that Vortex for a Battlecomp. I figure the lighter the gun, the more difference it will make.

[R1100R]

I'm thinking Grenade Launcher??? Get some kind of decent sling. maybe a single point attachment. in front of the castle nut.

Edited April 12, 2011 by R1100R

[Magiccarpetrides]

You might wanna swap that Vortex for a Battlecomp. I figure the lighter the gun, the more difference it will make.

I tried a battle-comp before and didn't like it at all...but ymmv

[gunrunner32]

Forget the single point, I have them on my guns and I've actually went back to a VTAC 2 point sling. Great friction strap on it and gets it out of the way easily when you transition and it will keep it nice and secure then you are making a mad dash for some cover. If you go with the 2 point, get a QD attachment on the front rail so you can get out of it easily if need be, and pending the buttstock you can get a QD for that as well.

If you don't like the Magpul BUIS PM me I have some MATech 200-600m adjustible rear sights laying around from previous builds that I can send you. I may also have a Tangodown foregrip in the parts bin, I'll have to look. It's a little fatter and longer than the KA with internal battery storage and a plate that slides out for a pressure switch.

[Magiccarpetrides]

Yeah I actually have a Vtac 2pt I havent even opened yet. thats a good idea on the qd on the front rail. I had looked at the MATech's before...some ppl complained about them getting loose...what are your thoughts on that?

R1100....a Spikes launcher can't be stabilized by the MOE handguard ;-D

Thanks for the ideas/suggestions guys.

[gunrunner32]

I've had a MATech on mine now for 3 years and never taken it off. I've had no problems, of course everything with a thread gets put on with a torque driver.

The VTAC is where it's at. I've been to the Mid-South Self Defense Shooting combat rifle and pistol course twice now and the first time was with a single point and the second was with the 2 point and the 2 point VTAC worked out a hell of a lot better. And the QD attachment is nice if you need to get out of the sling in a hurry.

[mikegideon]

I tried a battle-comp before and didn't like it at all...but ymmv

Already did vary. I love mine. The Vortex is the best flash hider out there, so carry on.

[Magiccarpetrides]

Already did vary. I love mine. The Vortex is the best flash hider out there, so carry on.

I need to try one on a 5.56 the one I tried was on a 308 and it was deafening....gunrunner any suggestions on where I can find some basic info on the proper sling setup?

[mikegideon]

I need to try one on a 5.56 the one I tried was on a 308 and it was deafening....gunrunner any suggestions on where I can find some basic info on the proper sling setup?

Can't speak for the .308. On the 5.56, it doesn't seem to mitigate any recoil, but the muzzle stays put. Doesn't seem to be any louder than an A2, or offend people next to me like a standard brake.

BTW... A lot of stuff on sling systems here. Wound up going with a Vickers 2 point with QD attachments.

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/firearm-accessories/50982-m4-sling-systems.html

Edited April 12, 2011 by mikegideon

[Magiccarpetrides]

Can't speak for the .308. On the 5.56, it doesn't seem to mitigate any recoil, but the muzzle stays put. Doesn't seem to be any louder than an A2, or offend people next to me like a standard brake.

BTW... A lot of stuff on sling systems here. Wound up going with a Vickers 2 point with QD attachments.

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/firearm-accessories/50982-m4-sling-systems.html

Part of my problem might have been it was on a Keltec RFB (bullpup 308)....but I also shot my SXAR 308 (no brake or muzzle attachment) afterwards and it was noticeably quieter and had less concussion....of course I hadn't tried other brakes...except for what I have watched on youtube lol.

Thanks for the page link...im gonna study up on it tonite.

[mikegideon]

We covered slings in excruciating detail. In the end. TGO David and others steered me toward the Vickers 2 point. I got no regrets. i DID opt for QD attachments, because I shoot a lot without a sling.

[Dolomite_supafly]

One thing to consider with a pinned flash hider is that the cost to change anything on the upper will increase the costs substantially. If you want to change gas blocks, put on a free foat tube or a quad rail you are going to have to get the flash hider machined off. Most palces charge an additional $50-$100 just to do that. It takes the ability to do the work yourself away.

In the end the addtional 3/4" difference isn't going to make that much of a difference. And then there is the additional velcoty between a 14.5" barrel and a 16" barrel.

When you get everything together PM me and I'll do the trigger on your gun. Nothing is modified or changed and it won't affect reliability but it does make for a nicer trigger.

Dolomite

[Seaslug]

Another +1 on the BCM Gunfighter Mod4 CH. They're designed for left-hand charging, so I also recommend a Magpul BAD lever so you can manipulate the bolt catch with your trigger finger. I run this combo on all my AR's, and I highly recommend it.

[JeffsSig]

Only thing your are missing?

Spike's Tactical Danger Patch | eBay

[gunrunner32]

If were going to talk about charging handles. Doesn't anyone use a PRI GasBuster or a Badger Latch? I love both of those.

[Magiccarpetrides]

One thing to consider with a pinned flash hider is that the cost to change anything on the upper will increase the costs substantially. If you want to change gas blocks, put on a free foat tube or a quad rail you are going to have to get the flash hider machined off. Most palces charge an additional $50-$100 just to do that. It takes the ability to do the work yourself away.

In the end the addtional 3/4" difference isn't going to make that much of a difference. And then there is the additional velcoty between a 14.5" barrel and a 16" barrel.

When you get everything together PM me and I'll do the trigger on your gun. Nothing is modified or changed and it won't affect reliability but it does make for a nicer trigger.

Dolomite

Well it arrived already lol. I guess if I ever wanted to put a real rail on it I could go with the Daniel Defense Omega without modification, but those aren't cheap...thats for sure! I will contact you when I get all the parts together Dolomite...I plan on keeping the trigger (spikes tactical nickel boron) as it is, but its been awhile since I put the last one together and might need some help with the basics if nothing else since your in Knoxville too. I had looked at PRI gasbuster, but I like how the BCM Gunfighter takes stress off the roll pin. I will probably have to do that and the BAD lever upgrade in a week or two...i like being able to use the trigger finger to manipulate the bolt catch since im a righty.

Jeff...that patch is awesome LOL.

[mikegideon]

I have an Omega on my rifle. Great piece of hardware, but as you said, expensive. The BAD lever has been on my list too.

[Dolomite_supafly]

What I do is preload the trigger. It removes ALL of the takeup without changing any of the parts, springs or making any permanent modifications to the gun. It is also as safe as a factory trigger. It is still as reliable as before with no light strikes or any other the other problems with some of the other high end triggers. If anything goes wrong it will only revert back to the factory settings.

Because it is easily reversible I can install it, then if you don't like it I'll remove it.

And the cost is spending a bit of time at my place. You can even shoot it here and test it without the need to go to a range.

As far as a gasbuster charging handle look at this:

Do It Yourself Gas Busting Charging Handle [2009-09-29] - 03DESIGNGROUP

You can use black rather than red so it isn't as obvious.

Dolomite

[mikegideon]

What I do is preload the trigger. It removes ALL of the takeup without changing any of the parts, springs or making any permanent modifications to the gun. It is also as safe as a factory trigger. It is still as reliable as before with no light strikes or any other the other problems with some of the other high end triggers. If anything goes wrong it will only revert back to the factory settings.

Dolomite

That's a good mod. There's at least one lower out there that comes with it installed.

BTW Dolomite... Where do you find your screws? Can't find the right pitch at the Home Depoot

Edited April 13, 2011 by mikegideon

[Dolomite_supafly]

All my AR's as well as all my friends AR's have this done to them. I have a lot of rounds through mine without issue as does most of my friends. It is simple and I even ordered specific items to be able to do this for friends.

Dolomite