The AR of AR's My Go-To Rifle [Archive]

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RobertTheTexan

09-13-17, 23:06

So I've built more than a few AR's since "My First Build" in 2014. Link to My First Build (https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?178756-My-first-build)) I made here on this forum in January 2016. Since then I've built several AR’s, mostly for me, but also for a few friends. My most recent build is my LR308 DMR that will have a post here soon. But this SBR is without question, my most favorite build. It is an excellent shooting rifle and a lot of FUN to shoot on top of it all.jh
So, adhering to the guidance when posting in this thread, I'll run through the purpose of my custom build, and some of the why's on part selection. This is really one of my favorite threads, especially when guys write about the "Why". That's where I can learn.
This build was different for me in a few ways. The most obvious difference to me was the KAC URX 4 handguard and the choice of optic. On my battle rifles, I like to use LaRue quad rails, or Centurion C4's (when I can find them). I prefer EOTech as a CQ optic, but decided to have an alternative to the EOTechs on my battle rifles and try a red dot. The choice for red dot for me was obvious – Aimpoint, but these days, it seems everyone is running the T-1’s due to the weight savings and probably aesthetics. (Guessing on that.) But this AR, function (as always) takes precedence, so I wanted to go with an optic that had a larger objective, and is almost as tough as a tank and I wanted the battery compartment out of my field of view. I never really cared for the the battery compartment up high, so that left the M4S. Oh yes, and the infamous battery life. I found this CompM4S with a Bobro mount on Armslist for a great buy so I snagged it. Another significant departure from normal was the URX 4 and had this not been gifted to me, I probably would not own one today. And I would say that if that had been the case I would have missed out on a really outstanding handguard. Still the quad rail guy. LaRue and Centurion C4’s are the end-all, be all in my book, but this URX, is a fine piece of craftsmanship.

Small things that were different for me – the hand stop. Don’t normally use them, again, wanted to try alternatives to what I normally install or mount onto my AR’s. (BCM angled shorty of Magpul AFG/AFG-2)

So that was the intent behind the design and build. Now onto the parts I used.
Rifle and Purpose: 11.5" SBR, built for suppressed CQC.
Parts List
Lower:
- Aero Precision SBR’d lower receiver
- DSG Arms Enhanced LPK (-) bolt catch
- Battle Arms BAD-CASS short throw selector switch
- Battle Arms Enhanced Pivot & Takedown pins
- Boonie Packer’s CNC Aluminum Redi-Mag
- Hiperfire EDT2
- A5 Buffer System w/ H2 buffer, and mil spec rifle spring - - Magpul SL-S.
- Hogue Oversized Pistol Grip with Cargo Mgt. System

Upper:
- Vltor MUR-1A upper receiver
- LMT Enhanced Carrier (L7Q3A) w/ LMT bolt from my L7D3 FA standard BCG
- Raptor charging handle
- 11.5 Daniel Defense CHF barrel
- SLR Sentry 7 Adjustable Gas Block
- Ballistic Advantage nitride gas tube - A little more durability on the gas tube
- Precision Armament AFAB Hybrid brake with Accushot washers
- KAC URX 4 10.75" MLOK rail
- Naroh MLOK Hand Stop
- LaRue rear fixed BUIS and Precision Reflex (PRI) Fixed front sight
- Arisaka offset mount
- Surefire M300 w/SR07 – No comment needed
- Aimpoint CompM4S
- Bobro QD mount
- Arms 74 spacer milled for true 1/3 co-witness

Accessories:
- BFG Vickers VCAS sling – Why go anywhere else.
- AAC 762-SDN-6 - when it gets released from the Dark Side.

Range report: I could not be more pleased with the accuracy, reliability and general “shoot-ability” of this rifle. Once I zero’d the weapon, most of the time when I’m shooting, it’s in drills. From 25-100 yards. Here’s a pic of my 8” steel plate during one of those drills. This was 50 yards to 25, moving. Not every shot recorded a hit, but I was not stationary.
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B3_szFRHlzPWRDBfUVFOaWZpNWM

Rifle Pics
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B3_szFRHlzPWZU9pVnRTdHVCclE
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B3_szFRHlzPWQzNKOUxTT2wwWDA

Looking down at the SR07 and LaRue index clips for wire management
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B3_szFRHlzPWUzU3UTlFNXRFTHM

Precision Armament AFAB, I have to keep watch my WML, it will get carbonized if not careful.
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B3_szFRHlzPWNlFyRFQtT2FDMkE

Aimpoint Comp M4S, ARMS 74 spacer and Bobro QD mount
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B3_szFRHlzPWNkdIbW1HNmhWelU

Boonie Packer's CNC'd Redi-Mag is definitely lighter due to the the use of aluminum and cutouts on the e-port side of the AR (See cutout of other side in lower left)
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B3_szFRHlzPWamlaYV9hdHNueGs

DSG Arm’s billet mag button and trigger guard in their Enhanced LPK
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B3_szFRHlzPWQWk4dWxORkZJRlE

Final thoughts. I have a lot of pride in all of my builds. I was taught to a) Have a purpose for your build, a tactical purpose, and b) Build it as though you are going to use it to defend your life in battle. So I believe my builds are well thought out and built for a defined purpose, this AR is no different. If the answer is ever doubtful as to a part or purpose out of alignment with A and B, then whatever the circumstance is - be it a part or whatever gets rejected. I find that I enjoy shooting with the Aimpoint much more than I thought I would. After training on it, my speed and accuracy are improving. Although there is still a huge difference in using the Aimpoint vs. my EOTech, so I make sure I try to improve on both optics. I love my quad rails, but this URX 4 - it works. If you're an MLOK kind of guy. :lol:

Thanks for looking and let me know if you have questions or comments on why I chose this or chose that.

Thanks
RTT

nightchief

09-13-17, 23:24

Pictures don't appear to be coming thru...is it just me? Description is great and parts list looks top notch...I want to see it!

NC

Rogue556

09-13-17, 23:42

Pictures don't appear to be coming thru...is it just me? Description is great and parts list looks top notch...I want to see it!

NC
Same here, all of the pictures have a loading icon (using taptalk). I'd like to see it as well, sounds like a nice build.

RobertTheTexan

09-14-17, 00:41

Hmmm..... I loaded them like I normally do when posting from the website. Oddly enough they show up on my tapatalk.

See?

I'll try to figure it out. Sorry guys.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170914/c1ef6af1cafbd6b87257507f2b81ff2a.jpg

Rogue556

09-14-17, 02:04

It looks like they are coming through on Tapatalk (for me at least) on post five. They did show on the first post in web view though.

I really dig the rifle though. I've been wanting to try one of the SL-S stocks and I've been long over due using a URX 4 on a build. I actually like the Comp M4S in place of the Micro. I own an older Comp M2 and Micros and oddly enough I think I still prefer the larger Aimpoint Comp RDS. I can't explain it, but my eyes seem to like the larger RDS better. That's a nice build you've got there, well done.

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

pyzik

09-14-17, 06:18

Looks like a great looking build!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

TacticalFun

09-14-17, 07:48

Awesome build. Great job!

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

Jwknutson17

09-14-17, 18:02

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170914/9186deb0d0f52b853e753558b39d5179.jpg

This photo just looks like all business! Awesome!

Outstanding Build! What setting do you have the gas block on and what ammo are you using? I bet that thing is a very flat shooter with the comp on there also. The AFAB is one of my all time favorites when not mounting a suppressor and lends very similar results to the MAMS. Quality components all around and great build.

nightchief

09-15-17, 05:07

Really like the build! How difficult was the installation of the gas block with the KAC hand guard in place?

NC

Diamondback

09-15-17, 05:31

bad aim

09-15-17, 06:10

RobertTheTexan

09-15-17, 08:50

Really like the build! How difficult was the installation of the gas block with the KAC hand guard in place?

NC

Thanks for the compliment NC. The gas block install wasn't a whole lot more different than a 'rail-off' install, with one notable exception. I did have to use my Dremel to enlarge one of the MLOK slots a little. I took a pic and you can see where I dremeled it out. Another thing I did, which I do on every build, is take a pencil and mark bottom dead center of my barrel, and dead center of the gas block. In this case I just had to make that line on the barrel a little longer, use my flashlight to make sure the GB line was married up to my barrel line.
Other than the dremel work it was a pretty straight forward gas block install.
Here's the pic for you. I put a MLOK Type 2 cover over it, not even to hide it but for my grip and forgot about it completely.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170915/f2af0db1f8bc27ceaeff717f9a5f461c.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

RobertTheTexan

09-15-17, 09:20

This photo just looks like all business! Awesome!

Outstanding Build! What setting do you have the gas block on and what ammo are you using? I bet that thing is a very flat shooter with the comp on there also. The AFAB is one of my all time favorites when not mounting a suppressor and lends very similar results to the MAMS. Quality components all around and great build.

Thank you sir. Right know the gas block is full open. My thought is that I would start as if I don't have an adjustable gas block and then if I need to adjust it, I will go from there.
I do have an A5 H2 buffer and the LMT Enhanced bolt carrier, both of which should help. However I do have it on some good authority that my base adjustment should be around 7-9 clicks from full closed. I'll see how she does as is and go from there.

I normally shoot 62gr across the board (Priv Partizan), but I've also shot 55gr and even 68gr out from 300 yds.
I always run a full gambit of ammo just to see if it's picky and so far it has literally spit out everything I've fed it. Cheap steel case to 68gr OTM.

I really like the AFAB. It performed so well, I pulled a BattleComp 2.0 off my 10.3 and replaced it with an AFAB.

It does keep you flat, I am amazed when I'm running drills at how tight my shot groups are. That's a true testament to the AFAB.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

vandal5

09-15-17, 09:33

Hello Robert,

Great looking build, any particular reason you went with an offset mount over an in-line mouth for your light?

Better clearance, positioning or just happened to already have it?

VARIABLE9

09-15-17, 10:43

Nice write up, nice rifle.

RobertTheTexan

09-15-17, 11:06

RTT, how's the Graboid (AFAB) do on SBR's? I have one slated for my 10.3" Mk 18-derived pistol, but figured I'd see if your experience matches my "theory". Granted, mine's also getting a blast shield around it... your build makes me wish I weren't stuck in Sodom-on-the-Sound, because it'd be interesting to put your SBR and my oversized-pistol through the wringer on the range and compare notes.

DB,

The AFAB works pretty well on my 10.3. On the original 10.3 build, I ran a BattleComp 2.0. However, after a couple of trips out to my little range, I came to the conclusion I wanted to try the AFAB on my 10.3, so I pulled the BattleComp off and replaced it with another AFAB. The benefits of the AFAB are not as obvious as on my 11.5, but one thing that is improved over the BattleComp is flash suppression. I did a side by side comparison video of the BattleComp and AFAB that started about twilight, and continued through to night fire. Granted it wasn't exactly a fair comparison, due to barrel length, but I gathered enough data from the AFAB to convince me of the switch. Also, when I'm training, sometimes I will run the same drills with my 11.5 w/ Aimpoint, and my 10.3 w/EOTech. I'm not as fast on subsequent shots as I am with my 11.5, but i'm very, very close.

One thing you probably already know is that Precision Armament recommends their EFAB on barrel lengths less than 14.5. I've got a good friend, the guy who turned me onto the AFAB reported there was not a noticeable difference between the EFAB and AFAB.

Like I've told a brother who lives out in that neck of the country. "That's why U-Hauls were created. Pack up your family and come to Texas. Economy is good and strong for people who enjoy working and freedom.

Jwknutson17

09-15-17, 13:24

Hello Robert,

Great looking build, any particular reason you went with an offset mount over an in-line mouth for your light?

Better clearance, positioning or just happened to already have it?

Not Robert, but typically inline mounts leave very little / no clearance for the light head or body mount ears on the Surefires with front sights. Inlines work much better with Arisaka light bodies without the extra tabs. I run offsets in all my rifles as it give you just that little extra to clear most BUIS. That's my reasoning but not speaking for Robert on his build.

RobertTheTexan

09-15-17, 13:29

WickedWillis

09-15-17, 18:50

Awesome write-up and a truly complete build Robert. Well done man.

Diamondback

09-16-17, 00:14

One thing you probably already know is that Precision Armament recommends their EFAB on barrel lengths less than 14.5. I've got a good friend, the guy who turned me onto the AFAB reported there was not a noticeable difference between the EFAB and AFAB.
Was not aware of that actually... a large part of my decision was that on one test I saw the AFAB had indicated somewhat better flash-reduction than its more expensive relative, plus it's what was already on hand as a not-yet-installed part on my rifle. Technically I could probably trade MD's and just stick the A2 under my BFD, but I was thinking the more even distribution of blast might put less wear on the blast shield.

Like I've told a brother who lives out in that neck of the country. "That's why U-Hauls were created. Pack up your family and come to Texas. Economy is good and strong for people who enjoy working and freedom.
If I were the one signing the checks I'd have moved us down there long ago. Unfortunately, when career and earnings are hamstrung by having aging and semi-invalid relatives to take care of from an early age (and doubly when you're down to THREE living relatives on your side of The River)... :(

vandal5

09-16-17, 05:48

Hello JW /Robert,

Thanks for the explanation, that makes perfect sense. I had originally associated the off-set mount for rails that didn't have slots at the upper 45 degree. But seems they are also a good choice to ensure you have room.

RobertTheTexan

09-18-17, 20:46

Great build! I have an AFAB on my AR and love it-- everyone who shoots it is surprised on how flat-shooting it is. Does a fantastic job a minimizing rise without being too obnoxious like a full-on brake.

It is definitely a gem of a MD. I am surprised at two things. 1) that it compensates AND is a pretty good FH all in one package. And 2)That I don't see more of them on builds.

Maybe I'll do a comparison between the AFAB and the Smith Vortex, which is maybe the gold standard on flash hiding and compare it to my Lantac Dragon that I am still very very fond of. For flash hiding capability, just to see where they stand.

RobertTheTexan

09-18-17, 20:51

Was not aware of that actually... a large part of my decision was that on one test I saw the AFAB had indicated somewhat better flash-reduction than its more expensive relative, plus it's what was already on hand as a not-yet-installed part on my rifle. Technically I could probably trade MD's and just stick the A2 under my BFD, but I was thinking the more even distribution of blast might put less wear on the blast shield.

If I were the one signing the checks I'd have moved us down there long ago. Unfortunately, when career and earnings are hamstrung by having aging and semi-invalid relatives to take care of from an early age (and doubly when you're down to THREE living relatives on your side of The River)... :(

I hear you. I started out using birdcages, the a friend sold me a spare Lantac Dragon on the cheap and I've not use an A2 FH since. Several of my AR's have suppressor ready mounts, hut once I get my suppressor and nail down where it will see most of its duty, I will likely pick up more AFABs.

Bro I hear you about family. I too have a mighty short Christmas card list on my side of the family. Mighty short. However I don't have the family health needs that keep me tied geographically. God bless you man, you're a good guy doing that.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

irondude

10-17-17, 16:20

Great rifle with purpose. Well done.