Named her Marie after my then-fiancee's (now wife's) middle name. Been building/evolving her over the last 2 years. The idea is a general purpose fighting carbine.
I first began the project to get more familiar with the platform and to compliment the Armalite rifle I bought as a teenager stepping over into adulthood. Without researching much, I jumped on a deal for a DPMS stripped lower my local FFL had hanging out in his safe. Other than not dropping 2 GI mags (both Center Industries Corp. from Wichita, KA) free, it hasn't given me any issues.
Phase 1:
- DPMS stripped lower
- DPMS lower parts kit
- DPMS flat top upper (without barrel assy.)
- Del-Ton 1/9" chrome moly 16" barrel
- A2 flash hider
- A2 front sight base (not F marked)
- Troy folding rear sight
- Hogue grip
- Choate Tools 5 position stock
- Magpul MOE handguards
- Eotech XPS 2-0
- $5 2 point nylon sling
I decided the stock was too heavy, too wobbly, and pinched my beard too much. Additionally, some reading I did indicated the threads on a mil-spec stock actually filled the threads on the lower all the way. (Is this true? I couldn't find anything solid on it.) Sorry, I forget who made the buffer tube.
Also decided to try out a cheap VFG on special to see what the hype was all about. For five dollars, why not?
Phase 2:
- Magpul CTR stock
- Mil-spec buffer tube
- $5 no-name VFG
I was pretty happy with it, but decided it was time to learn how to do a trigger job. The trigger group came out and made friends with the Spyderco Tri-Angle sharpener and some quality grease. I was pleased with the results, but decided Geissele could do a much better job than I could.
Phase 3:
- Geissele SSA trigger
- Blackhawk 3 point sling
Amazing improvement. Why are my groups still sucking? I shouldn't be getting 3" groups at 25 yards off a rest, even with this poor quality XM193, etc... And shouldn't that stuff be fine in a 1/9" twist barrel? Why is the 62 grain ammo giving poor results too?
I went with chrome moly again because of the purpose for this carbine. 2 MOA is OK, 12 was not. God save us all from protecting the Constitution.
I also decided to throw on a TA11F-A I had purchased with the Armalite long ago as a young man with no better bills to pay from Mom's and Dad's 2nd story.
Phase 4:
- Daniel Defense Chrome Moly 16" barrel, 1/7" twist
- A2 front sight base, F marked
- YHM Phantom 2 flash hider
- LaRue free-float rail
- Trijicon ACOG
After researching much about bolt carrier groups, I have a Daniel Defense M16 BCG backordered. Hopefully I'll see it in this lifetime.
Building and evolving has given me a deep connection to this carbine, and I can't imagine ever selling or trading her. Will be more than happy to post different angles/closeups on request.
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