Thoughts on upcoming build

[benzy2]

I've played with a few ARs in the past but for one reason or another they have all gone down the river.

At this point I've already got the lower built. I'm using an A2 stock, standard A2 grip, and a Geissele Hi Speed trigger. I've used these on the last rifle and enjoyed them.

Now for the purpose of the rifle. I plan to never use this for any sort of defensive situation. It will be locked in the safe well away from me. If something happens I'm out the window well before I'll have the chance to get to the rifle. I have no plans to bug out or to take this with me when the SHTF. No zombie rifle. This will be shot roughly 70% of the time off the bench, 25% of the time plinking/blasting lightly, and 5% hunting. The hunting will be more walking than shooting. I don't see more than a 5 shot string in the field before having plenty of time to cool.

Saying that, I'd like something accurate first, then moderately lightweight. I don't plan to mount anything on the handguards so I don't need a rail. I also don't plan to use irons at all which means I'm looking at a low profile gas block.

Price is a moderate concern. I don't want to go with the cheapest rifle possible but I also don't want to waste money on something that does little to nothing for the rifle. I'd like to stay .223/5.56 on this upper and knowing I'm realistically going to be shooting 50-300 yards I don't need more than a 1:9" twist but I wouldn't be against a 1:8" twist. I don't plan to single load so a 1:7" doesn't hold priority.

I'm looking at a generic upper, one of the "tier 1" bcg, some sort of inexpensive tubular float tube, and an accuracy focused midweight 16-18" barrel. Not sure I really gain much but weight with an 18" but something about an 18" with rifle gas system has been appealing since I first heard of it.

Now for the questions. What is the best bang for the buck tubular float tube? I'd like to get one with a locking nut as a few I've seen seem like they can easily twist off. Not sure what that leaves me and I'd rather not spend a ton on what's basically an aluminum tube with threads on one end. For barrels I've liked WOA barrels in the past. Their Wilson barrels seem to shoot very well for the cost but may not last as long as some others. Superior Barrels options, while expensive, seem like they shoot fantastic as well as last quite a long time. While I'm not an extremely high round shooter, getting double or more life out of a Superior Barrels barrel compared to a WOA Wilson barrel is certainly worth considering. Who else makes an accuracy focused barrel in the $200-$400 range? Lilja has an option or two and I think Shilen may but it may be a bit more than I'm looking to spend. Realistically my best bet is probably to shoot out a WOA barrel and then buy something better at that time. ADCO is local, I could have them reprofile and shorten one of the NM barrels and still be under $300 or go with one of their SPR barrels.

Any thoughts from here? I'd like to stay under $750 if possible for the complete upper. I've got everything here to put it together and if that's an issue a trip to ADCO will fix everything.

[MistWolf]

I built something similar, but I spent more than $750 because I used an VLTOR upper, PRI carbon fiber handguard and a coated carrier. You don't need to buy these premium prices to get what you want. (Quick note on barrels- If you don't shoot much, as you say, it will be your great grandkids who replace your shot out barrel.) Mine was built for varmint hunting, not the bench.

I used a Lothar-Walther 20" barrel. It has the HBar profile and it's light enough for a walk about. You can get them from Little Crow Gunworks and they sell them on Gunbroker all the time. I got great customer service from them. The barrel comes with a bolt. $350- http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=265137091

Buy a carrier from BCM for $70- http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-B...0gas%20key.htm

An upper receiver for $100- http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Upper...%20-m4%202.htm

a GF Mod 4 charging handle for $45- http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-G...%204%20556.htm

a gas block for $56- http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...roduct_id=2957 (You could get a gas block at BCM, but their website went down on me)

For $721 plus shipping, you have a good upper that just needs handguards, optics and mounts. Those you'll have to research for yourself. I chose a PRI carbon fiber handguard because it's light, I don't need rails and it doesn't get hot. But it cost over $300. I used a Leupold scope because I like them and had one handy.

The Lothar-Walther I linked to is threaded for a muzzle device and the A2 birdcage is very inexpensive and will protect the muzzle. LCG also sells an L-W barrel without muzzle threads for a dollar or two less