AR57 Build and Review Part 1 *PIC HEAVY* [Archive]

SCatalyst

01-19-12, 16:19

After building a 9mm and 5.56, both with Spikes Enhanced LPK (which are awesome triggers by the way) I wanted to build up a 5.7.

Why 5.7? I have yet to hear of a FTF/FTE due to heavy use or being very dirty, I’d like to put it through that test since I don’t take care of my things the way I should…so this will be easy. And reliability is essential to me, so this should be a fun longevity test.

I know the 5.7x28 rounds can be considered a novelty/boutique/exotic round considering the price. But I’ve found that quality 5.56 rounds are roughly the same price. I’m not saying that one round is better than the other (I have a 5.56 and plan on building another), I’m just saying they’re similar. I never understood the caliber fight, there’s so many…

Anyways, not to get off track here.
Parts:
Spikes Stripped Lower Foliage Green Color Fill (STLS012) ...this matches the Magpul OD Green better.
**UPDATE** Another lower with Spikes Enhanced LPK was used for the AR57 build. (As stated eariler, their triggers are awesome) And the lower built with the Daniel Defense will go to another 5.56 build. You will see the nickel-boron trigger with a few photos. And the DD on others.
Spikes Mil-Spec 17-7 Stainless Steel Spring (SLA501S)
Daniel Defense LPK (DD-21007)
KNS Precision Anti-Rotation MOD 2 Trigger Pins .154 Diameter
Phase 5 Tactical Extended Bolt Release v2 (EBRv2)
Troy Professional Grade Rifle Receiver Sling Adapter (SMOU-PGR-00BT-00)
LWRCI Buffer Tube w/drainage holes (L03-0002C01)
LWRCI Castle Nut (L03-0003C01)
PW Arms AR57 Complete assembly with standard 16.04" Barrel, Flash Suppressor, Bolt, and "Carbine" Buffer that I obtained from Blackheart International.
Troy HK Front Flip
Troy Rear Flip
And a bunch of Magpul polymer parts

First thought of the upper upon examination…SOLID. One monolithic piece cut from forged 7075 T6 aluminum. According to the website, it weighs 6 lbs. Feels a little heavier than that…I must be getting weak. Buffer weight is a whole pound.

No play in the magazine detention system or release lever.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1094.jpg

You can find more advertised specs and nitty gritty details online.

The flash hider was an interesting design. With the amount of holes that it has, it looks like a compensator for a .22LR, but it’s not a compensator because it’s definitely out of the barrel once it reaches this point.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1096.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1098.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1097.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/AHE_1469.jpg

Clean area for a blow-back system. The buffer is so heavy that the bolt doesn't just engage the chamber, it slams against the barrel chamber hard when charged dry.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1101.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1100.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1099.jpg

This is how it feeds in the chamber. This is a bottom view. Very clean how the shells are ejected out of the magwell. They're thrown out from a well designed ejector on the bolt.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1108.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1111.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1110.jpg

Dummy proof bolt.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1119.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1115.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1116.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1118.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/_GNR1117.jpg

I thought the pin bent, but I guess it's suppose to be high in the bolt.

Lower parts went in as usual, but I noticed in the hammer that they used a bar instead of a spring to detent the hammer pin in place. I’m sure both spring and bar have their pros and cons but I thought that was interesting to see the substitution.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/AHE_1462.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/AHE_1461.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/AHE_1456.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo251/CairoUmanos/Random%20Pics/AHE_1465.jpg

SCatalyst

01-20-12, 09:56

I plan on using this for competition. Some competitions will consider this a rifle in a 3-gun, and others consider this a pistol caliber carbine because of the FN 5.7 pistol. When that's the case, I'd use it in a 2-gun, pistol carbine and shotgun competition. Either way i get to compete with it.

I also like how abidextrious this is without shells being ejected in your face. And if I let one of my (lefty) friends compete with it.

Mainly, I built it because it's quite unique. There's a part of me that likes the exotic stuff...but get what I can afford.

I pray that I wouldn't have to use this or any firearm for defense. But if someone were to use it, according to the above reports, I guess the shooter would have to be pretty familiar with their rifle and know it well to get it in the right vital areas.

Like a new sport coupe, it takes a little while before you know your capabilities, limitations, and dimentions to make it through traffic well.