My first AR: BCM mix, with a few questions

[sboers]

Specs:

Upper:
- BCM Blem upper
- BCM 16" 1/7" twist mid-length gov't barrel
- Spikes Tactical BCG
- BCM Gunfighter CH
- Fortis REV 12" rail
- Magpul MBUS Gen 2 sights
- Magpul AFG
- Blackhawk ladder covers
- A2 FH

Lower:
- PSA lower
- PSA LPK
- Magpul MOE pistol grip
- Magpul MOE trigger guard
- Magpul CTR stock
- Overtravel screw

I zeroed the rifle at 50M last week, and was able to run 120 rounds through it today. It didn't choke. Coming over from AKs, I'm very impressed with how light this thing feels. It's roughly 7.7lbs according to my scale.

Now on to what I need to buy/questions:
Light. I think this'll be my first priority so I can go ahead and use it for HD. I was looking at the Inforce HSP WML -- I like the idea of a momentary on/off function, and the price point isn't bad either. Having said that, I'm open to suggestions.

Optic. Here's where I keep bouncing around. Before starting, I view the rifle as a general purpose carbine. I want to be able to shoot out to at least 300M and hit minute-of-man. I want it to be reasonably effective at HD distances. I'd like to be able to run it through a carbine course as funds and time permit. I can probably budget around $1000 over the next few months. The optic should be durable and have good battery life (if applicable). Knowing that, here's what I've looked at:
- Aimpoint T/H 1 2MOA ($5-600ish used w/ mount, $7-something new)
- Aimpoint Comp M4/M4S ($650ish used, $7-something new)
- Aimpoint PRO 2MOA ($400ish new)
- Trijicon TR-24 ($950 w/ mount from Larue, various prices used)
- Any of the Aimpoints w/ a magnifier (budget-wise, this will probably push it unless I find a decent deal)

I have experience with the Micro-style (I used a TRS-25 on my AK for a while). I'm leaning towards going for some magnification this time around. I've looked at a lot of the 1-4 variable options, and most of the battery-powered options seem to suffer from extremely short battery life (>100hrs). I like that the Accupoint is always "on," but everybody seems to complain about the reticule. If I go with, for example, an SWFA 1-4, what am I giving up at 1X if I have to use it without illumination?

Slings. I know next to nothing here. I see a lot of recommendations for the Blue Force Gear slings and the Magpul MS3s. Both my rail and the CTR stock have QD sockets, but I do not have an end plate sling mount (Magpul ASAP, etc.). I was thinking about going with a two-point. Would the Blue Force Gear sling be the way to go here?

Compensator/muzzle brakes. I was looking at the BCM Gunfighter comps. My main question is, how much benefit will I see by going to one? The rifle is already fairly flat-shooting as is.

[PAWs 21]

Nice build. Ill comment on a couple things: you might want to move your front sight all the way forward to get a longer sight radius, unless you want to run the light at 12 o clock in front of the sight. The Inforce is a great light and it held up perfectly through a 3 day HSP course. I would recommend getting it directly from HSP with the Throrntail combo, very ergonomic.

ETA: I personally run the MS3 on an ASAP and it works for me. If you want a 2 point, the VCAS and the VTAC are excellent choices.

[sboers]

Nice build. Ill comment on a couple things: you might want to move your front sight all the way forward to get a longer sight radius, unless you want to run the light at 12 o clock in front of the sight. The Inforce is a great light and it held up perfectly through a 3 day HSP course. I would recommend getting it directly from HSP with the Throrntail combo, very ergonomic.

ETA: I personally run the MS3 on an ASAP and it works for me. If you want a 2 point, the VCAS and the VTAC are excellent choices.

I plan on running the light at 12 O'Clock, hence why it's set back a bit.

Thanks.

[PAWs 21]

I plan on running the light at 12 O'Clock, hence why it's set back a bit.

Thanks.

No problem. The inforce will work great at 12 o clock and you don't need a mount.

[Ledanek]

every time I see a Fortis, my credit card magically appears in my hands.

I have nothing to contribute, but, jealousy.

[narcedglocker]

how do you like the rail?

[sboers]

I'm by no means experienced with ARs, but here are my thoughts:

1. I like that it's fairly minimalistic. My needs are: free floated, ability to mount a BUIS, ability to mount a light, and ability to mount the AFG. It meets those, without any excess.
2. I really like the weight. They advertise it at 9oz, and while I don't have a scale to weigh that, it's believable. As stated, my rifle weighs in at 7.7lbs loaded.
3. I prefer the rectangular shape to the tube shape for grip comfort. Personal preference only.
4. The height of the rail (it's at least 2" tall, probably taller) really fills out my hand.

Where I feel it could be improved:

1. I think the full-length bottom rail is unnecessary. I think they could have made a better rail by simply cutting keymod slots into the 6 o'clock position and shipping it out with a few 1913 sections. For comfort reasons, I had to put the ladder covers on.
2. The lightening cuts are large. I personally haven't jammed my finger through them yet, but I could see where it's possible. When I've got the money for some other stuff to order, I'll probably pick up some of the keymod rail covers as seen on Stickman's rifles with this rail.

As for heat, I've only run about 150 rounds through it. I did some controlled pairs, and one mag dump to see how it handled that. Thus far, no problems, but it hasn't seen a high volume of shooting yet.

Those are my initial impressions. Overall I'm happy with it.

[Ledanek]

Thanks for the rail review.

[bruin]

Nice build, sboers. My 2 cents on your questions...

Light - Check out the Surefire EAG Fury in a Low-Pro or IWC Thorntail mount. I'm firmly in the 500+ lumen only camp, and having a constant-on option is very handy.

Optic - IMHO you can shoot out to 300 yrds minute-of-man with a 1x RDS, if your eyes are good and you practice. Hold out for a 2 MOA H1 and LaRue/DD mount. You can get a cheap Primary Arms or Vortex magnifier for fun, but it's not necessary for serious business.

Slings - Two point adjustable is the way to go; if set up properly they're just as fast to transition to support side as single points. I recently switched from a BFG VCAS padded to a Sheriff of Baghdad SOB sling. The SOB is more intuitive for me and attaches at your front rail and stock QD sockets. It's slim, light, cinches down tight, and extend fast when you need to deploy the gun.

Muzzle device - I'd wait on this until you have a few classes and a few thousand rounds in first. You'll notice the improvement most after you get your fundamentals down with the A2. Griffin Flash Comp is my first choice here - flash really is comparable to an A2 out of a 16" barrel, plus BC-like muzzle control without excessive downward push.

[ggammell]

Grant has and H-1 with a Daniel Defense mount for 586 new. If your like me an have no need for night vision/submersion capability, the H-1 is a very good choice.

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin...ion&key=APH1DD

I just got a vickers sling in the mail today. In love with it in less than 5 minutes. It's so easy I thought it might take some time to get used to it. About one commercial break and i'm good.

As far ar the light goes, you may want to get the HSP thorn tail offset mount as well. The button for the light is at the 6 o'clock and with your BUIS right behind it there could be a grip issue.