My First Basic KISS Carbine Build

[lil'Zeus]

First off I want to thank all of the people who have contributed in ways they many not even know from the research and reviews I have read over the years on this site.

The goal for this build was to build a light weight carbine that is a no frills firearm with good quality parts for reliability and simplicity. My original intent was to keep it in my truck but also use it as a loaner rifle. The more I got into the build I was actually excited about an all irons carbine to motivate me to be better with irons myself as well as teach the basics to new shooters.

Lower:
Spikes Stripped lower
Daniel Defense Lower Parts Kit
KNS Pins
Vltor Milspec Receiver Extension
H2 Buffer
Magpul ASAP Plate
Magpul Miad Grip
Magpul BAD Lever
Magpul CTR Stock

Upper:
14.5 Daniel Defense Lite Profile CHF Barrel
Battle Comp 1.5 Pinned and Welded by Adco
FSB with lug and sling swivel mount removed and taper pinned by Adco
M203 Handguard end cap
Standard Delta Ring assembly
Fulton Armory Slick Side A1 Upper (no forward assist or shell deflector)
PSA BCG

The only thing I had a week moment with was the BCG but I figured since I got the enhanced BCG on sale and it is properly staked and the bolt is stamped MP I'd try it out. I will more than likely upgrade it to a DD or BCM and use the current as a spare but this is what I have for now. The only thing I am un happy with is I was told by Fulton Armory before I ordered that stripped upper was that had M4 feed ramps and it doesn't. I didn't catch that until after I had assembled it and got the sites set at 25 yards.

The gun shoots well and flat. I haven't shot it enough to know if it is reliable yet but it hasn't failed at this point with the first 100 rounds of test fire.

The gun with out a magazine weighed in at 6.09! I was happy with that but my goal was to be under 6. I could have pulled out the grip plug or taken off the BAD lever or something but I wanted a true weight for how I intended to run the gun. I originally planned to run an A2 grip and basic carbine stock but figured the few ounces didn't out weigh the function of this build for me.

I welcome comments and thoughts and thank you for reviewing my build with me. (I tried posting pics from my photobucket account so I hope they work)

Thanks
Shane
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[mvician]

I like it :cool:

[Enoc]

Great build man.

[polymorpheous]

Any troubles getting a zero with the A1 rear sight and the F marked FSB?

[lil'Zeus]

Thanks for the thoughts. I didn't have totough of a time zeroing it in but the front site post is pretty deep in the FSB. I looked all over and couldn't find a new non F marked FSB when I was parts hunting. The flip side of the build is if I ever want to go to a flat top upper I can just swap it out after duracoating a new stripped upper.

Does anyone think I can cut the feed ramps while the upper is in tact or is this something I'll have to take apart and send off to someone? I need to do a little more research on that.

Thanks
Shane

[Merle]

If it works fine I wouldn't even bother cutting in feed ramps. They aren't really needed in most cases. Chamber a round slowly and watch where the bullet tip hits as it is sliding into the chamber and you will see that it is a lot higher than where the feed ramp cuts would be in the upper receiver.

[docsherm]

That is one nice looking rifle. Did you think about the MOE Hand Guards? I ask because I think that they feel so much better then the old style ones.

[Radar363]

Just curious to know if you chose the slick-side receiver over a standard one to save weight and if so how much?
Also, what were your reasons to go with a build as opposed to something like a Colt 6720?

[lil'Zeus]

Again, Thanks for all the comments!

I will have to check on the feed ramps and where the bullet tip hits. I haven't shot it much yet but haven't had any failures as of yet.

I did think about the MOE handguards and may still go that route. I just wanted something pretty basic and never really mind the felt of standard cheap M4 handguards.

Honestly I'm not familiar enough with the Colt 6720 to know the comparisons or differences from my build.

I do really like the slickside upper as it cut some weight but I'm not sure as to how much over a traditional A1/A2 upper with a shell deflector and forward assist.

[dentron]

What did you use paint it? Really liking the color combo!

[akioty10]

nice and simple, I likes it !

[jmnielsen]

good looking rifle! I like the KISS rifle idea

[Delta_co]

Love a good KISS build. Looks great, keep up the good work.

[djmorris]

Looks great. Definitely looking to do a KISS build myself. How much $$$ did it come out to, if you don't mind my asking?

[lil'Zeus]

I used the Daniel Defense FDE Duracoat for the paint and color. It sprayed really well. As far as durability, Im sure it will chip and scratch, but I haven't run this gun really hard yet. Ive been swamped with life. lol

As far as price goes, Id hate to add it up. I have more money in the rifle than its worth for sure. If I had to add it up quick I probably have 1100-1200 in it? Some of the parts I bought for a good price new but not used and that saved me a bit. but that price estimate is the way its pictured with all the magpul stuff and what not.

I hope this answers your questions. Thanks again for the nice thoughts on this truck gun!

[11B101ABN]

What was the reason for the bayonet lug removal? Location? Weight?



Super slick piece, though. Looking at putting together something similar, should lowers become available soon...lol.

[lil'Zeus]

I removed the bayonet and sling mount for a few reasons. Mainly it was the bit of weight I wanted to save, but mostly, I never plan on mounting a bayonet to any rifle I own and just deem it useless for my my needs.

I really tried to eliminate anything on this rifle that I would not need or would never use. I just really wanted to keep it basic...

[Littlelebowski]

Nice build, man.

[markm]

Do you plan to stake that end plate?

[JBecker 72]

I like it!

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[lil'Zeus]

Yes I plan to stake the castle nut, but I have to purchase a suitable punch for it. Im not sure If I need a rounded punch or a flat punch like I use for lower assemblies.

[JBecker 72]

I use a sharp, pointed punch. Just like what you would use when making a dent in steel to start a hole for a drill press.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[lil'Zeus]

I have one like that I'll try it out. I have heard a spring loaded punch is good for this too. Thanks for the tip, I thought a blunt punch was needed.

[usmcvet]

Awesome. When did you get the upper? I don't see it on their site I have two old Colt slick side uppers on guns. glad to see I'm not the only one who likes the slick side uppers. I'd like another to change the .22 flat top (pictured below) to a carry handle too.


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