20" General Purpose Rifle = almost total perfection

[Stickman]

The primary purpose of this build was to implement a weapon that would launch 55 grain projectiles out to 500 yards in an accurate manner. Why 500? Because that is pretty close to max distance of the steel on my personal range.

Starting with the lower, it is a Colt receiver with a Colt "match" trigger. However, I'll happily point out that this trigger is no where near a Geissele, nor near the newer Centurion Arms 2 stage, it is a clean single stage trigger. However, it is a step above a generic trigger. The buffer and spring are standard components, nothing special. The stock is an A2, and while I do prefer the A1 stock, most of the shooting with this rifle will be prone so it isn't really an issue. The charging handle is the extended BCM (second gen). The safety and magazine catch are standard components, nothing special, no ambi on the platform. The muzzle device is a 4 prong from Centurion Arms, and is only installed hand tight.

The upper receiver group is based around a 20" HBAR 1/7 Colt barrel complete with Front Sight Base (FSB). The BCG is a Centurion Arms, as is the rail. The rail is the Centurion Arms C4 1913 model, which completes an overall military look to the weapon. The receiver is a flat top (A3/A4) made by Centurion Arms, it was chosen because I wanted to stay with a military style receiver and the CA had a very tight barrel extension to receiver fit, which helps to maximize accuracy. The gas tube is standard, there was no need to alter gas flow with this project, I figured if there was, I could swap gas tubes or restrict the port with a plug down the road. The rear sight is KAC, though the scope mount is not QD.

The accessories have a Geissele super precision scope mount holding a Leupold 3-9 VX-R Patrol scope. The optic isn't perfect, but it functions well enough for this project. The "fire dot" is bright enough and is motion activated.

The light is a Surefire handheld model in a Viking Tactics light mount, its on because I like the throw of the light. There is barrel shadowing, but it is held to the 4 o'clock position and not so much as to be objectionable. The VFG is a modified Bobro Engineering model which I cut down. The bipod which is currently on it is changed out from what is shown. There is nothing wrong with the bipod shown, but evidently I'm used to the Bobro Engineering bipod so I swapped back to what I'm comfortable with.

The end result of this project is a vehicle for a wide variety of ammunition, and the platform is going to be limited primarily by the scope and my own shooting ability. I call this project, a total success.

Question, comments? Post away....


https://64.media.tumblr.com/fc752b839df07651cc4a4cb227465406/b368192ca818f602-70/s1280x1920/7cd963b26dcf3cc78dc51cba1d87c01d84014b0c.jpg


https://64.media.tumblr.com/12d09da9b7e2dabbbbb0c5157cb38aff/21e16a27bd963d5f-c8/s1280x1920/882700dd546f53ca819fc957e35247f5c87f7d81.jpg


https://64.media.tumblr.com/4734713338f675b9e7e0a088f19e22ec/7c6a80d486b6cf96-84/s1280x1920/32e4820b8b45792539bfcd38986792b863f9acdc.jpg


https://64.media.tumblr.com/0d362d4a952ff933a7a883fa6a4befcf/833e03247a075709-e6/s1280x1920/e8b9edf89c2b81d80369f516839d633f651f90e7.jpg

[JediGuy]

I like it. Seems like a good setup to add in a DIAS.

[sinister]

I set one up very similar for my son. Think of an HBAR M16A4.

The free-float is a BCM that Primary Arms had on sale at $150. It's got a Geissele SSA. No bipod.

55s will definitely go 500 yards, but it'll perform best shooting something big (a full-size steel E-type). We did this out in the Utah west desert, here in Texas, and with carry handle-irons and a sling at Camp Perry. He uses an A1 buttstock.

The 1-7 Colt HBAR barrel holds its own.

77s are a good bet at 500 for winds, although 69s did OK if the winds were cooperating.

I think the farthest we shot consistently against steel E-types was 750-800 yards with 77s and an ACOG. We have a Leupold TS-30 2.5-8 in a Larue SPR-S for a little more magnification.

[TBAR_94]

Very cool gun. I just got my first 20 inch rifle and eventually I would like to dress it up like this. What’s the weight in this configuration?

[Jeniva]

Since you mentioned martial arts, I am curious to know if you ever took an interest in the types of pistols used by china, japan, and vietman throughout history.

[sw1911]

Pretty sweet setup.

[202]

Very nice!

[Pappabear]

Solid set up that is def up to the task of 500 yard pops with an array of projos. I think Sinister is spot on with the heavies at distance. You can def hit 500 with 55’s and they are typically pretty hot. Are you handloading or slinging factory ammo?

Good luck and enjoy.

PB

[ffhounddog]

Nice,

I am looking at a 20/18 inch pencil barrel, and a B5 stock on the back end or a UBR. Depends.

I am just a guy that hates the A2 profile but I still have a A2 and a MK12 from Cent Arms. The more I workout the more I like lightwegith builds for one reason. Speed to bring it up to shooting position, and long walks on the beach. I like Skinny girls.

[B Cart]

Awesome rifle! I eventually moved to .224 Valkyrie when i wanted to start reaching out further with an AR setup, but i did quite a bit of shooting out to 700 yards with 5.56.

Your rifle should be awesome at those distances, but I found I got much better accuracy with less drift by shooting bullets heavier than 55gr. The Black Hills 77gr SMKs have always performed best for me at distance.

[Stickman]

I set one up very similar for my son. Think of an HBAR M16A4.

The free-float is a BCM that Primary Arms had on sale at $150. It's got a Geissele SSA. No bipod.

55s will definitely go 500 yards, but it'll perform best shooting something big (a full-size steel E-type). We did this out in the Utah west desert, here in Texas, and with carry handle-irons and a sling at Camp Perry. He uses an A1 buttstock.

The 1-7 Colt HBAR barrel holds its own.

77s are a good bet at 500 for winds, although 69s did OK if the winds were cooperating.

I think the farthest we shot consistently against steel E-types was 750-800 yards with 77s and an ACOG. We have a Leupold TS-30 2.5-8 in a Larue SPR-S for a little more magnification.

I try to keep 77 and 69 grain ammo on hand, but most of what I shoot is still in the lighter range. The heavier stuff certainly tracks nicer.

You ever get out to Lewis and shoot on 1st Groups 1k range? Fun times, good memories, and very humbling.

[Stickman]

I like it. Seems like a good setup to add in a DIAS.

I’ve done enough full auto stuff that it has mainly lost it appeal to me. I know that seems odd to say on a gun board, but unless it’s belt fed most FA fire is wasted. Just my take for what I’ve done in life.

[Stickman]

Very cool gun. I just got my first 20 inch rifle and eventually I would like to dress it up like this. What’s the weight in this configuration?

I’m not sure off hand, I’ll weigh it when I remember and post it. I should have thought of that when I typed this up.

[Stickman]

Since you mentioned martial arts, I am curious to know if you ever took an interest in the types of pistols used by china, japan, and vietman throughout history.

I’ve used an AR15 as an impact tool multiple times, and it’s much like using the Bo, or Jo. Stab/ thrust, slashing, and blocking all directly translate to the use of the modern day rifle and carbine. I believe this enough that I set up assault courses for my nephews, and part of their martial arts training was use the of the weapons in modern day direct impact fighting.

It’s my belief that teaching combatives / martial arts includes a requirement to increase and harness aggression.

Regarding your question of Asian weapons, I believe that men should be able to operate any weapon with a degree of efficiency, with that in mind those weapons really haven’t mattered to me. The American weapons have been superior, and no samurai except Musahi would intentionally take an inferior weapon into battle.

[Stickman]

Solid set up that is def up to the task of 500 yard pops with an array of projos. I think Sinister is spot on with the heavies at distance. You can def hit 500 with 55’s and they are typically pretty hot. Are you handloading or slinging factory ammo?

Good luck and enjoy.

PB

I’m stuck with factory ammo still, I really need to get into reloading, but now isn’t the time. Since 55s are what I have most of on hand, that’s why I chose them. I do shoot heavier ammo at times, but when I’m in my front yard banging steel and doing drills, it doesn’t seem like I need to shoot good stuff.

[Stickman]

Nice,

I am looking at a 20/18 inch pencil barrel, and a B5 stock on the back end or a UBR. Depends.

I am just a guy that hates the A2 profile but I still have a A2 and a MK12 from Cent Arms. The more I workout the more I like lightwegith builds for one reason. Speed to bring it up to shooting position, and long walks on the beach. I like Skinny girls.

You will like one of the next guns I post, it’s a dedicated light weight gun. Not light as in desperate to stay under a certain weight, just a well laid out light weight AR.

[ffhounddog]

Outstanding. Will buy an upper when I am down range for a lower that is well upper less...

[Circle_10]

Nice. I like 20” ARs from a shooting standpoint, mine are Retro styled guns though but I’ve been meaning to build a more practically oriented 20” for a long time. I’ve debated just getting a flattop upper with no M4 ramps and converting one of my existing 20” rifles. I never quite get around to it though.

[sinister]

It's not hard to do.

Another rifle I built is light and handy. Think a flat-top 1-7 twist M16A1 with a no-gunsmithing Daniel Defense Omega 12.0 free-float.

I put an A2 handle on it as a place-holder for glass some time down the road. I've gotta slow down giving all my scopes to my son.

[Circle_10]

It's not hard to do.

Another rifle I built is light and handy. Think a flat-top 1-7 twist M16A1 with a no-gunsmithing Daniel Defense Omega 12.0 free-float.

I put an A2 handle on it as a place-holder for glass some time down the road. I've gotta slow down giving all my scopes to my son.

Yeah two of my 20” guns are A1 profile barrels. I’m just torn between converting one of those to a flattop (My third 20” is kind of a rare-ish Colt parts kit that I won’t be dismantling) or just buying a whole new barrel. Honestly I’ve got kind of a pile of ARs already too so it’s hard for me to justify building another one when the ammo situation has me barely shooting the ones I have.
But I do like the idea of a practical 20”.

[Hammer_Man]

Nice build! I bet it’s a smooth shooter.

[lowprone]

I have essentially the same set up but a A2 receiver with old unobtainum Swarovski AUG scope w/1/2 MOA dot and Stanag to ARMS carry handle mount.
It is a laser to 500.

[Stickman]

Nice build! I bet it’s a smooth shooter.

Crazy smooth shooter indeed.

[Adrenaline19]

WOW ! !
Hubba Hubba
Like the photos....staging
Great presentation