2nd AR - complete upper recommendation (or just get the mcx?)

[fat1]

So a couple months ago the wife picked out our first ar (she casted the deciding vote), she selected the sig spartan pm400 with 11 inch barrel and sig sb15 brace. Now I want another one AR/Rifle. The LGS has a pretty decent price on a Sig MCX 5.56 carbine 16". I don't know about the importance of having commonality between the rifles or spare parts should legislation keep the mcx from truly getting off the ground as a new platform. These guns are mainly HD, practice, katrine, what have you. As versatile as possible at least until we collect a few more and start building some true spr.

Either way, once we have the second carbine length rifle procured and outfitted we will be looking to acquire at least one supressor (maybe 2).

So the first question I guess would be mcx or a 2nd AR-15?

So, if going AR15: A local company builds AR/AK rifles (Blackheart inc.) and I can pick up a complete lower with geissele super dynamic or ssa trigger for a reasonable price. I have been looking at complete uppers and of course the sky is the limit. Budget is not really an issue but I am big proponent of staying close to the point of diminishing returns. Knowing I don't plan to shoot match grade ammo or load my own, it seems like a lot of the high end uppers may be somewhat pointless. We would like something "accurate" (as in we can shoot it accurately) and lightweight. From a pure performance standpoint, considering the trigger to be included with the lower, which complete uppers would you recommend? I assume I need to get a 16" barrel to keep from having the flash supressor pinned so I can add a can later and I am kind of partial to the keymod handguards since that is what is on the spartan. Here are the few that I have looked at, I included some piston driven model as I have read some people state they are preferred for supression (that may only apply to sbr or pistol length and not so much with carbine): I have noticed the product list at BCM is extensive but they all seem to be the same. Anyway other than free floating the barrel and upgrading triggers do any of the other features have an impact on performance with using bulk ammo?:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-BFH-16-Mid-Length-ENHANCED-Light-Weight-Upp-p/bcm-urg-mid-16-bfh-elw-kmr-a13.htm

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-BFH-16-Mid-Length-ENHANCED-Light-Weight-Upp-p/bcm-urg-mid-16-bfh-elw-kmr-a15.htm

https://www.rainierarms.com/bcm-upper-receiver-bfh-16-mid-kmr-13

https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-combat-series-upper-cf1415-kx3

https://www.rainierarms.com/adams-arms-5-56mm-mid-tactical-evo-upper-xlp-16

https://www.rainierarms.com/bcm-upper-receiver-bfh-14-5-mid-kmr-13

Sorry for the book. Thank you for any thoughts you may have on the subject

[MajorLonghorn]

I've seen more than a handful of posts over on Sig Talk regarding issues with the MCX. Perhaps they have been sorted out, but it's probably worth checking out.

[WatchTheWorldBern]

I've seen more than a handful of posts over on Sig Talk regarding issues with the MCX. Perhaps they have been sorted out, but it's probably worth checking out.

What issues? I've been thinking about the MCX too, but I thought most people have had pretty positive experiences?

[Benito]

I'd get a BCM with a KMR or KMR Alpha handguard any day over the MCX.
It's a known quantity, the handguard is a lot slimmer, it costs less (from the prices I've seen) and works very damn well.

[MajorLonghorn]

Stocks breaking, cycling problems with some loads, and a really terrible trigger, off the top of my head. Nothing as bad as the Sig 556xi issues, but still something to consider. As I said earlier, they may have already been worked out, for all I know.

[fat1]

I'd get a BCM with a KMR or KMR Alpha handguard any day over the MCX.
It's a known quantity, the handguard is a lot slimmer, it costs less (from the prices I've seen) and works very damn well.

that is what I'm leaning towards really. I think we would like to have quite a few more and thats difficult to do at $1500 base price. Looking to buy one per month for the foreseeable future. Just wasnt sure if this one paticularly had any "known weaknesses":

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-BFH-16-Mid-Length-ENHANCED-Light-Weight-Upp-p/bcm-urg-mid-16-bfh-elw-kmr-a13.htm

I know psa had some barrelled receivers which would make sense if I wanted an upgraded BCG and CH but I don't see those enhancing performance and I have heard those are more the shadetree gunsmiths brand. No offense to PSA fans, the ones at the LSG seemed solid. I don't really have the space or tools to truly build my own just yet and honestly it is not a cost effective use of my time.

about my 14.5" pinned vs 16" am I correct in assuming I'd need a gunsmith to remove the flash hider to add a can later? and free floating and a trigger will put me in the game?

[intense]

I have no answers for you but if your wife is out buying ARs' she's a keeper.

[Slippers]

Re: MCX: The stock that broke at the hinge looked like user error, bubba gunsmith style.

The stock trigger is heavy, but not bad. Easily fixed with a Geissele.

I got my MCX for a song, but I'd have trouble paying $1500 for one over a complete BCM rifle. It's up to Sig to prove they can support the platform. Otherwise I really enjoy it. Shoots flat, is very light, suppressed/normal gas settings, folding stock, mostly ambi controls. I probably shoot it more than anything else right now, including my Noveske and BCMs. :)

[Slvr Surfr]

I would think buying another gun on the same platform that your wife is using makes more sense. Same manual of arms and parts compatibility. In a pinch, both of you can use the others gun without increased learning curve. A good quality gun from a known manufacturer is preferred.

To answer your question about barrel length, the 16" barrel does not require being pinned and welded like the 14.5". Nothing prevents you from swapping muzzle devices as you see fit with the 16".

[fat1]

thank you for all the advice so far. Given my "POU" would something as "low end" as this make more sense?

http://www.primaryarms.com/rfuppermidradrail16socom15/p/rfuppermidradrail.16socom15/

or

http://www.primaryarms.com/seekins-precision-made-priamry-arms-upper-receiver-group-with-16-cm-barrel-15-pa-keymod-handguard/p/sppaurg16-15/

not being cheap just not being wasteful, I am thinking all the money is spent on the upper and accessories

[henschman]

There is absolutely no reason to go with an MCX over a quality mil-spec or better AR-15 unless MAYBE you use it with a suppressor a lot.

[Spring-Diver]

2nd upper....2A Armament. They manufacture some of the finest AR's on the planet.

http://www.2a-arms.com

Cheers
Shannon

[Blstr88]

that is what I'm leaning towards really. I think we would like to have quite a few more and thats difficult to do at $1500 base price. Looking to buy one per month for the foreseeable future. Just wasnt sure if this one paticularly had any "known weaknesses":

Not sure exactly what your plans are or why you are looking to buy 1/month...but honestly you'd probably be better served buying eight (8) $1500 BCMs per year than twelve (12) cheaper $1000 ARs per year.

Again not sure what your plans are, but I think most guys on here would agree QUALITY over quantity. Cant beat BCM quality...or DD. Although basic Colt 6920's can be had for sub-$1000. If you're looking to keep the price down that might be the way to go.

[fat1]

We have a few people to arm should the need arise (probably grab a few factory rifles for that task).

However, I do believe in quality but I am aware there is always a point of diminishing returns. I'm not sure where that line is with AR platform so that is why I am asking. Right now, I want a quality platform to try different configurations on till we figure out what we like and what we don't. We shoot a few times per month but I am the guy that wants my equipment to be better than I am. Who knows, maybe I am a precision bench shooter at heart...

I just want to be sure if I am out there shooting 2-4 moa that it's me and not my piece. At the same time, I want to know that as I improve, the equipment is up to the task. I will probably put a Geissele SD-C in whatever lower I get so I have been shopping mostly completed uppers. I have been leaning to BCM but keep finding items that appear similar:

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-chf-mid-a2-sqr-13-5-w-bcg-ch.html

Thank you for the replies/information!

[Blstr88]

Sounds like a Colt 6920 would serve you well...

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=LE6920MPS-B

[JusticeM4]

We have a few people to arm should the need arise (probably grab a few factory rifles for that task).

However, I do believe in quality but I am aware there is always a point of diminishing returns. I'm not sure where that line is with AR platform so that is why I am asking. Right now, I want a quality platform to try different configurations on till we figure out what we like and what we don't. We shoot a few times per month but I am the guy that wants my equipment to be better than I am. Who knows, maybe I am a precision bench shooter at heart...

I just want to be sure if I am out there shooting 2-4 moa that it's me and not my piece. At the same time, I want to know that as I improve, the equipment is up to the task. I will probably put a Geissele SD-C in whatever lower I get so I have been shopping mostly completed uppers. I have been leaning to BCM but keep finding items that appear similar:

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-chf-mid-a2-sqr-13-5-w-bcg-ch.html

Thank you for the replies/information!

If your budget is flexible, I'd stick with a good complete rifle from BCM and DD. Forget PSA; spend your hard-earned money on a good brand that will last a lifetime, and even have better CS/Warranty. I agree on the line about diminishing returns. For me spending more money on a rifle than the cost of a BCM/DD does not return any advantages.

[Eurodriver]

Why do people like the Sig MCX?