AC's "Summer of 6.8" Project

[Army Chief]

With summer about to be in full swing, it occurred to me that it might be interesting to share a bit about what some of us might have underway with respect to new builds, purchase plans, scheduled training or other relevant projects.

For me, the choice was an easy one, as I've been seriously considering a 6.8 SPC project for at least the past two or three years. Proving that good things do come to those who wait, after months of planning, research, coordination and gathering various parts, I am happy to report that the result finally cleared my workbench as of a few days ago. While, as a rule, I tend not to provide too many insights into the contents of my gun cabinet, I will be making an exception for this rifle because I feel compelled to draw attention to some of the more noteworthy components that have gone into building it.

Specifics will doubtless be highlighted in future posts, but by way of introduction, the "Summer of 6.8" project will see me putting a new caliber through its paces (6.8 SPC), evaluating some of the accessories unique to the new round (PRI magazines, etc. (http://www.pri-mounts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PRI&Category_Code=6_8_MM)), pressing a new trigger into service (Wilson Combat TTU (http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Tactical-Trigger-Unit-Single-Stage-Semi-Auto/productinfo/TR-TTU)), wringing out a new mid-gas match upper (Rainier Arms UltraMatch Elite 16 (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1808)) and testing several other components which will be heading to the range with me for the very first time. It's been a long road to this point, but as you have likely surmised by now, I have carefully avoided taking any shortcuts.

http://www.weaponevolution.com/images/ac/AC001.jpg

Consider this post as something of a placeholder, then, until I have the opportunity to add further impressions, range results, and other details throughout the summer. Although the thread will be anchored at WeVo (http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/), I will be adding mirror posts at M4CN (http://m4carbine.net/forum.php) and 68F (http://68forums.com/forums/index.php) for those who also might frequent these two complementary resources.

So ... that's my summer 2010 diversion. Yours might not be quite this overreaching or overtly ambitious, but I would be greatly interested in hearing what other members might have in the offing for this season. You are welcome to add to this thread, or if you prefer, you can always start one of your own.

AC

[randolph]

great timing !
If you dont mind me posting here also :p
Im going out today to sight in my 6.8, I purchased a Rogue Hunter Upper from our friends @ Noveske. This will be a hunting rifle I put together.

Im anxious to see how the PRI mags workout, I got a couple of PRI 10 rounders, my buddy picked up some C-Products, while both are virgins, the C-P's seem smoother, better built than the PRI-waffles I have. I dont even want to get into the price difference between the two.

[Army Chief]

Magazines still seem to be a real "due out" when talking about 6.8.

Folks malign the C-P's for various reasons, but generally observe that if they work at all, they work very well. You certainly can't argue about the price, and that alone makes a strong case -- though not the strongest of all possible cases -- in their favor.

Some find the PRI to be the solution to all of their problems, but then, there are so many different variants and generational differences, that I'm not sure it is all that instructive to make any blanket statements here. Cost remains an issue here as well.

The Barrett seems an obvious choice where quality is a concern, but (a) I'm not sure I want an AK length magazine all of the time, and (b) I'm still having a hard time paying $50 for an AR magazine. Granted, I've paid considerably more for certain HK pistol mags in my life, but that is hardly the point; doubly so, when an AR magazine is essentially something that you want to consider expendable and conducive to a bit of rainy day/AWB stockpiling.

Will be following your report!

AC

[GPalmer]

You shouldn't be paying $50 a pop for Barret's (http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/174.php). Palmetto State Armory has them for $36.00 and low cost shipping. (NOTE: they go down 10% once you add them to your cart. You just missed a sale where they were an additional 10% off)

[Army Chief]

You shouldn't be paying $50 a pop. [snip] You just missed a sale where they were an additional 10% off)

I do tend to be lucky like that. Any idea how often they run these promotions?

AC

[GPalmer]

I do tend to be lucky like that. Any idea how often they run these promotions?

AC

The 10% has been running a while. The additional 10% was a one off sort of thing. I was hemming and hawing because I was buying a bunch of other stuff and apparently I've missed it also.... :D

[Bubba FAL]

Nice build, and welcome to the 6.8 club.

The C-P mags have come a long way over the years. Been a while since I've had to tweak one. Even with the old brown follower C-P mags that were troublesome were made right by replacing the spring and changing to a Magpul follower.

As with 5.56 mags, every now and then you might get a bum mag from any manufacturer. That's why it's important to verify every mag for proper function.

[Army Chief]

Appreciate the input. Obviously, I understand the importance of verifying magazine function on an individual basis (which is also why marking is such an essential practice), but I was more concerned with the mean failure rates of C-P magazines as a whole.

If the current (gray follower) production is proving to be relatively trouble-free, then it really only makes sense to start there. To all appearances, these are USGI equivalent products, with all of the same strengths and weaknesses that we've grown accustomed to dealing with over the years in our service-issued magazines. I can certainly live with that.

Have six 25ers on the way.

AC

[carbinero]

Palmetto is a great source since they also carry SSA ammo.

[RogerinTPA]

AC,

If the weapon in that photo is your actual build, the Gods have defiantly smiled upon you with that lower! Outstanding acquisition!

[Army Chief]

If the weapon in that photo is your actual build ...

I can confirm that much.

As I said, this project had been in the planning stages for a long, long time, and part of the larger strategy included the acquisition of an MPLA. Not that such a thing is easy, but I had time (and timing) on my side.

AC