Noveske/Mega Upper or Bolt Gun?

[txbonds]

First post here, so please bear with me. :)

I have been working towards putting together a new to me AR (upper has about 100rds through it). I have a complete upper, that was built by a local shop using high quality items. I've been moving towards putting it together with a Mega lower that I have yet to assemble (it's still in stripped state).

That all said, I've suddenly gotten the itch and desire to have a .308 bolt gun instead of the AR. Something like a Savage 10fcp, steyr pro hunter, fn PBR, remmy 700 tac, etc. Would I be crazy to part with this upper setup to fund a bolt gun? I planned to try to sell the upper assembly, and keep the lowers for later use.

My lower is sitting and waiting for assembly with a Mega lower, Ergo Grip, Magpul CTR, LMT Milspec tube, Tubb S/C spring, H buffer, Knights Armament single point sling adapter, and armalite LPK(until G&R gets more in). Was also planning to spray the upper, lower and barrel with OD Green Aluma-Hyde II. Have both black and OD pmags for it.

My upper includes the following items that would cost me $1,026.80 not counting shipping/tax/assembly to replace:

Noveske 16.1" Stainless Recon barrel & mid length gas block: $430
http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin...lay.cgi?cat=17

Per the builder, it has a Noveske matched bolt, so I'm guessing the carrier is from Noveske also: Noveske bolt carrier group - $150
http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin...play.cgi?cat=9

Yankee Hill Lightweight Free Float 4 side Rail - 12.5" - $162
http://www.yankeehillmachine.com/store/forearms.html

Yankee Hill 15/16" End Cap: $19.50
http://www.yankeehillmachine.com/store/forearms.html

Yankee Hill Phantom Flash Hider: $30.50
http://www.yhm.net/store/muzzle.html

Mega Gator Flat top Upper - $123.95
http://www.ad-tek.net/Mega.html

Charging Handle: $28
http://www.ad-tek.net/Mega.html

Three Black Ergo Ladder Rail Inserts: $32.85
http://dsgarms.com/index.cfm/product...A1B3ECDA35C279

Basic holographic sight (like center one on link): $50
http://www.sightmark.com/Reflex-Sights.html

[spamsammich]

I guess it depends on what kind of shooting you enjoy doing the most and what you need out of a rifle. My opinion is that Noveskes should never be safe queens, shoot the shit outta them. If you can resist building that into a rifle and a bolt gun calls more to you, it sounds like you already know what you need to do. Nobody can call you crazy for doing whatever suits your wants and needs. Good luck with your decision.

[txbonds]

I guess it depends on what kind of shooting you enjoy doing the most and what you need out of a rifle. My opinion is that Noveskes should never be safe queens, shoot the shit outta them. If you can resist building that into a rifle and a bolt gun calls more to you, it sounds like you already know what you need to do. Nobody can call you crazy for doing whatever suits your wants and needs. Good luck with your decision.


Neither will be safe queens as I plan to exercise either regularly. I'm sort of looking to round out a 3 or 4 gun collection that serves all needs, including protection and defense, as well as hunting and general shooting (targets/range)

While the ar-15 platform is versatile, I ran out of funds before i picked up a nice bolt gun. I'm down to deciding which I'd rather have, and if I could sell/trade the stuff I have now for enough to make it make sense.

Current other pieces I'm pairing up with are a steyr m9-a1 pistol and a remmy 870 shotty. I've honestly been interested in looking at a .308 bolt gun and maybe a beretta cx4 9mm to round out a collection. Maybe a .22lr long or pistol thrown in too at some point.

Not a huge collector here, just like a few basics covered, and prefer cheaper ammo options, so thats the thought process here.

[spamsammich]

I doubt the bolt gun will be difficult to obtain in the future. The AR parts may be difficult and more expensive later. Sad truth of the matter.

Make sure you get the latest extractor for that Steyr pistol, both mine have the old style extractor. So far the 40 eats anything I throw at it but my M9-A1 HATES Georgia Arms canned heat and remmington UMC. I've heard the new extractor fixes that problem. I haven't heard of many other people having problems with the M9 and canned heat.

[txbonds]

I doubt the bolt gun will be difficult to obtain in the future. The AR parts may be difficult and more expensive later. Sad truth of the matter.

Make sure you get the latest extractor for that Steyr pistol, both mine have the old style extractor. So far the 40 eats anything I throw at it but my M9-A1 HATES Georgia Arms canned heat and remmington UMC. I've heard the new extractor fixes that problem. I haven't heard of many other people having problems with the M9 and canned heat.


Thanks for the tip. How would I know if I have the old one or the new one? And, where would I get a new one?

Thanks again.

[spamsammich]

Thanks for the tip. How would I know if I have the old one or the new one? And, where would I get a new one?

Thanks again.

There's a date code on the slide of the gun, three letters. Go to steyrclub.com and look at their faqs to decipher your date code. Mine was "COM" meaning October 2005. Both mine are from that date and Jeff, the armorer at Steyr Arms, says they should have come with the older style extractor claw. In fact I believe none of the new style extractor claws were imported on the guns currently in the States. You have to go through Steyr Arms to get them. Luckily they're free and Jeff provides prompt customer service. Call or email them. They are out of new extractors until December though. If it shoots reliably, don't sweat it, just feed it ammo you know it likes.

[txbonds]

There's a date code on the slide of the gun, three letters. Go to steyrclub.com and look at their faqs to decipher your date code. Mine was "COM" meaning October 2005. Both mine are from that date and Jeff, the armorer at Steyr Arms, says they should have come with the older style extractor claw. In fact I believe none of the new style extractor claws were imported on the guns currently in the States. You have to go through Steyr Arms to get them. Luckily they're free and Jeff provides prompt customer service. Call or email them. They are out of new extractors until December though. If it shoots reliably, don't sweat it, just feed it ammo you know it likes.

Finally found it, and mine is EOF, which means January 2004. That said, I'm going to contact them tomorrow about a replacement. Is it as simple as a phone call and they mail me one and I put it in? Do I contact Steyr USA, or somewhere else?

Sorry for all the questions, but a big thanks for the help. So far I've run about 150 rds through it with zero problem using AE 115gr FMJ, but don't want to have problems down the road either.

[spamsammich]

Steyr USA or Steyr Arms, whatever they're calling themselves. They have a website.

[txbonds]

Steyr USA or Steyr Arms, whatever they're calling themselves. They have a website.

Thanks. Just making sure you were not talking about the steyr club.

What other upgrades or improvements have you done on yours? Any suggestions on holsters, concealed and otherwise? They are not the easiest guns to find accessories for, but I love the way mine shoots.

Surprised the date code is so old though, as it was a relatively new purchase through a Davidsons dealer.

[txbonds]

Went ahead and put it together tonight. Still not sure I hadn't rather have had the bolt gun, but here is where I stand so far. I know the $50 sight is a piece of crap, but got it free and making do until I can afford to replace it with BUIS and something more quality for optical:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3025688407_6162f7ecb0_b.jpg

[bkb0000]

i think you dun good, neighbor. that gun might be hard to get a hold of later, but you can always get a bolt gun. you can get a bolt gun in germany, for kissakes.

you do realize noveske is really cool shit, right?

[txbonds]

i think you dun good, neighbor. that gun might be hard to get a hold of later, but you can always get a bolt gun. you can get a bolt gun in germany, for kissakes.

you do realize noveske is really cool shit, right?

Yes, I do. :) And Thanks.

I still need some BUIS to go on it, and eventually a better scope. I'm planning to put a better LPK in it once Grant get's some more in. Right now I made do with an Armalite kit, but haven't been able to find much about their quality. And, I might switch to a two point sling setup, but otherwise, I think it's pretty set.

Was thinking about painting the barrel and receivers with OD green aluma-hyde II, just for looks, but not sure I'm going to do it or not.

Anyway........ Will try to give it a test round or two this weekend.