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View Full Version : Last minute suggestions before I buy?



a0cake
09-11-11, 13:37
Hey guys, I'm about to pull the trigger on a precision AR. I miss my issued MK12, so I want a personally owned rifle that is similar in performance. I'm not concerned with it being an exact clone. I just have a new found love for SPR style AR's.


I'll give you a quick run down of major components. If you disagree with a decision or have a better alternative, please make it known, but please have a reason for doing so, other than being a fan of a certain brand etc.

Lower Receiver:

Being in a ban state, I'm stuck with a pre ban lower, but it is a quality piece. It's a Coal Valley IL. made Eagle Arms lower with an A2 stock and Colt rifle buffer / spring.

I will be purchasing a Giessele SD-E trigger for this lower

Upper Receiver:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-SPR-Mk-12-Mod-Bravo3X-p/bcm-urg-mk12-3x%20dd14.htm

I went with an 18'' rather than a 20'' because it only gives up 100 FPS, but is less whippy and more rigid. Plus it's more maneuverable. I don't see a reason to go for the 20'', especially because the 18'' also uses a rifle length gas system.

I was torn between Noveske's SPR, Larue's Stealth, and BCM's SS410 uppers, initially.

Not knocking the Larue at all, but the BCM just brings more to the table in my opinion. The BCM has M4 feed ramps, the Larue does not. Probably doesn't matter, but why not have them? The Larue uses set screws for the gas block, while the BCM is pinned. Is this a huge issue? Probably not, but given the choice I'll pick pinned. The BCM BCG is HPT/MPI. The Larue is not, although it is given a "hillbilly" inspection. Mar's words, not mine. The 18'' BCM is a rifle length gas system, the Larue is mid. Lothar Walther is obviously a high quality barrel maker, and their prowess in the airgun benchrest world (arguably the most demanding of BR competition) speaks for itself. But, knowing the pedigree behind BCM's barrels, you simply cannot argue with it.

The Noveske compares more favorably than the Larue, but the price difference is large with no added incentive. The BCM gives nothing to the Noveske as far as I can tell.

Optic:

I'll be going with a SWFA SS 3-9X on a LT-104. I'm expecting some "save up for a NF" replies here, but I have never been disappointed with SWFA's SS line. They are rock solid, track perfectly, and have spectacular glass. IMO they perform at a level that's well above their price point. They have also received a US MIL contract, so obviously they are good enough for government work, at least.

I don't care about an illuminated reticle. I've carried scopes with illuminated reticles on numerous deployments, and have never felt the need to turn one on. IMO, if there's enough ambient light to resolve a target through an optic, there's enough to see the reticle. I've never had an issue. Your mileage may vary.

I'll also get some Magpul BUIS. I don't like them all that much, but I'm not spending $200 on F'ing back up iron sights. If the SWFA SS and MBUS both stop working I've got bigger problems.


Anyway, if you have any suggestions, criticisms, critiques, whatever...please present them.

For you rifle / picture porn type guys, here's a picture of me having some full auto fun with an older MK12 that no longer held an acceptable level of accuracy. Figured I might as well have some fun since it needed a new barrel anyway.

Thanks.

jdgiii
09-11-11, 14:44
Please give us a full review with pics after you make your purchase.

tresmonos
09-15-11, 08:10
I like it. I have not pertinent experience or advice, but I can share what I'm currently building...

I'm about half way through this list and damn willl my wallet be glad when this build is over. I'm building it myself. I've done numerous AKM's and just got done with a FAL so I think this will be a fun challenge. If you want links to the sites where I'm procuring the parts from, let me know and I'll PM you. I'm trying to clone a MK12 as best as I can, in spite of how inferior the handguard/rail is, etc. If you have some advice (cost is no object), please throw it my way. I'm still researching which trigger group I need to procure. When I build up firearms, I try to keep them as historically accurate as possible.

'douglas' barrel:416R Stainless, M4 feed ramps, 1/7, 18 in and threaded 1/2x28
colt upper
rifle length gas tube
badger ord. low prof gas block
colt BCG/lower from my 6721 I'm donating to the cause, very jealous of your preban (BCG probably isn't true to form to a MK12 as it's not the auto carrier so I'll probably pick another up)
PRI gas buster CH
PRI gen 3 handguard forearm
PRI flip up front sight
ARMS #40 flip up rear sight
ARMS #22 30mm flip scope mounts
ARMS #32 bipod throw-lever adapter
Colt A2 Stock with forged extension
Glass: undecided... maybe a Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 3.5-10x40mm (30mm) M3 Illum. Mil Dot

At The Ready
10-02-11, 14:24
I would suggest a White Oak Armament barrel in the SPR profile (18"). I have one on my Mk12 clone and it is a 1/2 MOA gun. Put the right glass and an experienced shooter behind it and the sky is the limit.