1st AR-15 Build (Larue Tactical Stealth Sniper Rifle)

[jatienza]

I am in the process of building a custom special purpose sniper rifle (.223 cal) for tactical sniper competition.

Rifle Build Requirement:

Fast accurate rifle from 10 yards to 600 yards. Targets are at unknown distances and the shooter must be able to mil distances with out the aid of a range finder. No wind meters allowed. Off-hand, prone, and vetical supported shooting stances are required.

- LaRue Billet Lower
- LT011-18-12 LaRue Tactical Stealth Sniper System LT011 (IonBond, 18", 12" LT15-12)
- LT104-30mm LaRue Tactical SPR / M4 Scope Mount QD LT-104 (30mm)
- 600-001-002 BOTH Front & Rear Troy Sights COMBO (Black)
- LaRue Tactical 17S Upgrade LT-171 with Atlas bipod (BT10-NC)
- 710-001 Geissele Two Stage Trigger-DMR Small Pin
- Ergo Grip
- Magpul Rail Ladders
- Nightforce 3.5x15x50mm NXS Scope
- Magpul UBR Stock
- Troy Sling Mount, OEM M4 600-010
- LaRue Tactical 1.25 Inch Swivel
- Vickers Padded Combat Sling (2-pt)
- Magpul Pmags
- Magpul Ranger Plates
- Colt Lower Parts Kit (LPK)
- Aimpoint Micro T-1 with LT-724 Angled QD mount Combo 500-009-724
- JP Enterprises Short Range Tactical Sight JP-SRTS
- Two (2) JP Rail Offset Adapters, Quick Detach 45 degree on Bore Axis

Here are a few pics of the various parts for the build:

I chose the 4th upper from the top (18" barrel w/ 12" handguard)

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/StealthProfileSheet_Rev-3-16-09.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/P7299880.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/P1011594.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/UBRStock.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/Nightforcew-oshade.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/AimpointMicroT-1AngledMount.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/BufferSpring-Plug-1.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/P3122412.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/60118.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/ColtLowerPartsKit.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/P1012287.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/AtlasBipod.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/LT171.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/VickersSling-1.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/P6189535.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/P1012699.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj31/jsatienza/mp_pmag_ranger_blk.jpg

[Col_Crocs]

Check out the Stag LPK or Grant's. Either one should be GTG.

[jatienza]

Thanks, Col Crocs. I checked both manufacturer's out. It appears they both come with a standard grip and trigger.

Has anybody had any experience with White Oak Armament LPK's? I read somewhere that you can order triggerless LPK's from them.

[SnackCracker]

Thanks, Col Crocs. I checked both manufacturer's out. It appears they both come with a standard grip and trigger.

Has anybody had any experience with White Oak Armament LPK's? I read somewhere that you can order triggerless LPK's from them.

Hmmmm Did you select the options in the drop down for the LPK on GRTactical? You can order JUST the lower parts without a trigger/hammer etc... Order exactly what you want:
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=GRT-LPK&reference=/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dkits%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DPDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html

That seems like the best way to go since you have the trigger.

[jatienza]

Thanks for the heads up. Fortunately, I have not ordered the LPK yet. Your suggestion should save me a few dollars.

[Rated21R]

with as much as you are spending on the rest, what's a few bucks? :D

i kid, i kid. nice build. post pics when it's done.

[crossgun]

Should be a great rifle. Have you run Ergo grips in the past? Reason I ask is that I have seen more than a few break. Consider the Magpul MIAD? It gives you the most options and should allow you to put the trigger exactly where you want it.

[jatienza]

I have an Ergo grip on my ArmaLite and have never had a problem with it. I like the feel of the grip.

[jatienza]

with as much as you are spending on the rest, what's a few bucks? :D

i kid, i kid. nice build. post pics when it's done.

I hear ya on the cost. I am in for $4,600 so far.

[d90king]

Should be a great build. I have a Stealth 18"/13.2 that will be here Wed/Thur, I am doing a similar build on a new 6920 lower. I am torn over the UBR and will probably go 32mm on the NF, KAC on the BUIS and with the MIAD. I am looking hard at the ACS... I am also going to go BoBro on the bi pod instead of the Harris...

What are your thoughts behind the your choice of sling on a SPR?

Sounds like you have the LPK handled, I will be looking forward to some pics and a range report....

[jatienza]

Well, I am planning on using this rifle for 3-gun competition, tactical sniper competition and general range time. I chose quick detach components for everything so it will give me a lot of versatility with the rifle and others that I play around with. I will definitely need a sling for competition.

I am open for suggestions on the sling, if you have any.

[Belmont31R]

That is going to be too heavy to use with the Magpul sling. The MS2 is meant to be a single point CQB type of setup. Id definately go with a 2PT sling with a pad. The MS2 would not be a comfortable sling to use with this gun as its just flat mountain climbing rope, and is relatively skinny.




The rear take-down pin that comes with the Stag LPK does not work reliably with the Stealth lower. I'm not sure which LPK's do but I know the Colt rear take down pin from Brownells does work. The issue with the Stag pin is that the detent slot in the pin is slightly off, and it will not lock the pin in place. So you shoot a couple mags, and realize the pin is sticking half out of the lower. I took my 1st lower to LaRue, and they installed a different pin which stuck out futher, and locked in place. On my 2nd lower I just bought a Colt pin, and it worked the same as the one LaRue put in.


With all that you are putting on this gun its going to be around 10lbs or more which is heavy. Ive had two 16" stealths now, and they are heavy by themselves. The UBR is an extremely heavy stock system.

GA trigger is very nice. I love the ssa, and have them in several lowers now. No experience with the DMR or other GA triggers.


Overall I think the Stealth is an awesome gun, and Ive never had a single malfunction with either one. They both shoot sub-MOA with quality match ammo.



Here is my 1st LaRue stealth:


http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/DSC_0655.jpg


2nd:


http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/Stealth2.jpg


Recent group with #2 and SSA 77GR OTM 5.56MM

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/StealthGroup21FEB10.jpg

[d90king]

Well, I am planning on using this rifle for 3-gun competition, tactical sniper competition and general range time. I chose quick detach components for everything so it will give me a lot of versatility with the rifle and others that I play around with. I will definitely need a sling for competition.

I am open for suggestions on the sling, if you have any.

Belmont pretty much summed it up IMHO. That will be a beast of a rifle and I would recommend a padded two point (I prefer Vickers) w/ QD...

That will be a great build when you are done. Looking forward to your pics and range report.

[d90king]

That is going to be too heavy to use with the Magpul sling. The MS2 is meant to be a single point CQB type of setup. Id definately go with a 2PT sling with a pad. The MS2 would not be a comfortable sling to use with this gun as its just flat mountain climbing rope, and is relatively skinny.




The rear take-down pin that comes with the Stag LPK does not work reliably with the Stealth lower. I'm not sure which LPK's do but I know the Colt rear take down pin from Brownells does work. The issue with the Stag pin is that the detent slot in the pin is slightly off, and it will not lock the pin in place. So you shoot a couple mags, and realize the pin is sticking half out of the lower. I took my 1st lower to LaRue, and they installed a different pin which stuck out futher, and locked in place. On my 2nd lower I just bought a Colt pin, and it worked the same as the one LaRue put in.


With all that you are putting on this gun its going to be around 10lbs or more which is heavy. Ive had two 16" stealths now, and they are heavy by themselves. The UBR is an extremely heavy stock system.

GA trigger is very nice. I love the ssa, and have them in several lowers now. No experience with the DMR or other GA triggers.


Overall I think the Stealth is an awesome gun, and Ive never had a single malfunction with either one. They both shoot sub-MOA with quality match ammo.



Here is my 1st LaRue stealth:


http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/DSC_0655.jpg


2nd:


http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/Stealth2.jpg


Recent group with #2 and SSA 77GR OTM 5.56MM

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/StealthGroup21FEB10.jpg



Great pair of rifles. Very nicely executed...:D

[jatienza]

Thanks for everyone's input. You guys are too nice. I am very fortunate to have your input and pool of knowledge prior to completing the build.

I have changed the specifications for the combat sling to a Vickers Padded Combat Sling (2-pt) as you guys have suggested.

Belmont31R,

I would especially like to thank you for your input. Having been there and done that with a Larue Tactical build, you have some exceptional skill on this topic. I will go with your recommendations, including the LPK.

Your rifle is a beautiful piece of engineering technology. That Schmidt & Bender scope of yours is as good as it gets. If my rifle turns out half as nice as yours, I will be happy.

Those target results are quite impressive. At what distance?

I went to Brownell's web site to check out the LPK. Is this the LPK you were referring to in your post? I don't mind paying $213.99, if it is worth it. Is it?

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=53167/sku/Colt_Lower_Receiver_Parts_Kit

Is the scope mount height ok without a cheek riser?

D90King,

Nice catch on the sling...

[ColdDeadHands]

I am pretty sure I need to order a receiver extension nut in order to install the unique buffer tube for the Magpul UBR stock on the LaRue Billet lower. Any comments?


I don't think you need one. You do need a Carbine Buffer Spring & Buffer.
http://store.magpul.com/product/30/86

[jatienza]

ColdDeadHands,

OK, that's great. I should be GTG.

[Belmont31R]

Thanks for everyone's input. You guys are too nice. I am very fortunate to have your input and pool of knowledge prior to completing the build.

I have changed the specifications for the combat sling to a Vickers Padded Combat Sling (2-pt) as you guys have suggested.

Belmont31R,

I would especially like to thank you for your input. Having been there and done that with a Larue Tactical build, you have some exceptional skill on this topic. I will go with your recommendations, including the LPK.

Your rifle is a beautiful piece of engineering technology. That Schmidt & Bender scope of yours is as good as it gets. If my rifle turns out half as nice as yours, I will be happy.

Those target results are quite impressive. At what distance?

I went to Brownell's web site to check out the LPK. Is this the LPK you were referring to in your post? I don't mind paying $213.99, if it is worth it. Is it?

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=53167/sku/Colt_Lower_Receiver_Parts_Kit

Is the scope mount height ok without a cheek riser?

D90King,

Nice catch on the sling...



IMO you don't need a whole Colt LPK.


What Colt parts I use is the mag catch, bolt catch, and safety selector. Stag and most other places are ok for the small parts like the springs and detents. On the LaRue lower I also had to use a Colt rear takedown pin.


I use these Colt parts because they are the more critical parts, and its cheaper than buying a whole Colt LPK. Even Colt does not make some of those small parts like the springs so you're not getting anything extra special there with a complete Colt LPK. Stag, DD, and G&R make acceptable kits in my opinion.


The scope works fine without a cheek riser. Its barely higher than a T1 in a tall mount. When I first got a Short Dot it was in an SPR-E mount, and I found I had to dig my cheek into the stock too much. I went with the SPR-1.93, and have been happy with it. Also with where I like to mount the light it provides enough height so the light doesnt block vision out of the scope. The X300 can be used ambidextrously when mounted at 12 o'clock.


That group was shot around 80M but I havent put a range finder on the target to see exactly what it is. Kind of an informal range, and I don't know how accurate exactly their distances are. The Stealth uppers do very well with match ammo in the 75 grain range IME.


One other thing I ought to mention is LaRue BCG's come with a blue extractor insert which I switch to a black insert, and a 5 coil spring like what BCM sells in their extractor upgrade kit. I simply pull the blue insert and spring out, degrease the extractor, and put a dab of super glue in the little divot they go into. Put the black insert into the bottom of the spring, and then insert into the divot. Hold in place until the glue dries (less than 30 seconds), and it will hold the insert and spring in place just fine. Noveske also uses a blue insert. Blue is supposed to be for rifle length uppers, and black is for carbines. I think the stronger spring and black insert provide stronger extraction, and is something worth looking at doing.

[sevin8nin]

sounds like you're using all the right parts! Hard to go wrong with that list.

[jatienza]

Look what you guys made me do... Total cost in parts to date: $5,377.

[ColdDeadHands]

Look what you guys made me do... Total cost in parts to date: $5,377.

Pay once, Cry once.