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View Full Version : LaRue Stealth upper build



cohiba
11-12-06, 12:21
In trying to find the ultimate combo of handiness and ballistic efficiency, there are a lot of ways one can go. And most of them would be a good choice. That's what makes ARs so adoptable (and maddening :eek: ).

I gave this one a lot of thought or as much thought as one can put into a few pieces of steel and aluminum. Not exactly spliting the atom I know and I even made a mistake that someone might catch.

This is one handy rifle, quite a bit lighter than my usual fare. From what I have read, I will lose little in terms of velocity with the Crusader barrel in comparison with some 14.5" barrel. I'll have to break out the chronograph to be sure some day. I also wanted to avoid some of the function problems that shorter barrel tend to have (again, from what I have read).

The LT Stealth upper is VERY well made. I'm not a caliper guy, so I'll leave it to the them to argue/discuss tolerances and all that. I have a Vltor VIS as well and as a lay person my observations (ignoring the VIS monolithic rail and just looking at the upper receiver portion) are that both are superbly done.

Are they worth the significantly more $$ compared to a quality forged upper? That's up to you. For a carbine, probably not. For SPRs, DMRs ,etc. where everything counts toward ultimate accuracy as distance increases, they probably are. I have NEVER had a problem with a Colt or CMT upper and I've had plenty of them but again, whatever floats your boat.

The Noveske Crusader barrel has the new, pinned 17-4 gas block and is in 1/8 twist, medium contour. These must be all the rage because they are tough to get. I am curious to see how it will handle various bullet weights although maybe a longer barrel would be a better test of that.

The LT 11.0 is a new model and this one has the gooseneck. If you have the free LT screensaver, there is a pic of one and that is what gave me the idea. It is, of course, one beautiful rail.

USMC03 has me all wound up changing my iron sights to non-folders. Now that I've done two that way, I can see that there is less to do/go wrong when you need them. These are the Centurian Arms HK sights and they are perfect for this type of weapon. Very easy to acquire and very solid.

I'm going to try different optics with the Aimpoint for now. I prefer EoTechs but this is GTG as well. The bolt is provided by Noveske and is MP tested and sitting in a Colt M16 carrier. A TD vert grip rounds out the upper.

The PWA lower has a Magpul triggerguard, TD Battlegrip and Magpul CTR. There is an H-buffer as well. Throw in the RDIAS and this should all work together nicely. Of course, with my luck, ya never know.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR016.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR015.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR014.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR013.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR012.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR010.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR008.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR007.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR006.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR005.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR004.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/SBR002.jpg

molsen
11-12-06, 12:48
That's a damn good looking rifle!

Why'd you choose the gooseneck 11.0 vs. the non-gooseneck model?

cohiba
11-12-06, 12:54
That's a damn good looking rifle!

Why'd you choose the gooseneck 11.0 vs. the non-gooseneck model?

Thanks brother.

This is where I goofed. I wanted the Krink to sit right under the gooseneck. I thought the 11.0 was 11" PLUS the gooseneck. It's 11" WITH the gooseneck. This was the first build where I was trying to keep it light. Its the first medium contour Noveske I have. With the rail, I figured I would save a little weight and have the maximum sight plane that I could for the weapon length. Oh well, still looks cool. :D

MudBug
11-12-06, 20:11
:( ...