Does my build look okay?

**Spartan040** · 10-06-18, 22:19

The most important components of my recent (and first) AR build:

WMD Guns NiBx full auto weight BCG
Brownells BTAC 16" Mid-length SOCOM barrel (0.075" gas port)
POF Dictator 9-position Adjustable Gas Block
Geissele Super 42 Braided Buffer Spring w/ H1 (3.8oz) buffer

I haven't gotten to do much testing with it beyond firing a few rounds to get the gas block adjusted to the proper setting to make it cycle correctly (had to take it 7 clicks out). So far I like how it shoots and I seem to have worked through the reliability issues (it wasn't picking up new rounds for a little while, even when I manually cycled it?). I have fairly limited experience with AR-15's, did I mismatch anything here? Any glaring issue? What about anything that isn't an issue but might be suboptimal?

Goal for this build was a jack-of-all trades plinking/defense gun, and I may use it in a 3 gun match at some point down the road. I wanted a softer recoil impulse/less muzzle rise with minimal gas in my face, hence the mid-length gas system and upgraded buffer spring. I want it to be able to cycle very quickly and reliably. But, I also want to be sure that it can handle all types of different ammo (adjustable gas block helps). The thing I'm most unsure about is what weight buffer I should have, given the gas port size, BCG weight, and the spring.

**Iraqgunz** · 10-06-18, 23:02

Get rid of the BCG and lose the adjustable gas block. You don't need it.

**Spartan040** · 10-06-18, 23:31

Originally Posted by Iraqgunz

Get rid of the BCG and lose the adjustable gas block. You don't need it.

Hard to have a functioning gun without the BCG or the gas block, given that they're already installed...it's already a finished build.

**Tx_Aggie** · 10-06-18, 23:41

Originally Posted by Spartan040

I have fairly limited experience with AR-15's, did I mismatch anything here? Any glaring issue? What about anything that isn't an issue but might be suboptimal?

Originally Posted by Spartan040

Hard to have a functioning gun without the BCG or the gas block, given that they're already installed...it's already a finished build.

Surely you're not actually that dense...

You asked for honest feedback, and one of the most knowledgeable members here gave you some, pointing out two components that he sees as issues.

A better response would've been to ask why he thinks those two components are bad choices, and what might be an improvement.

**Spartan040** · 10-07-18, 00:04

Originally Posted by Tx_Aggie

Surely you're not actually that dense...

You asked for honest feedback, and one of the most knowledgeable members here gave you some, pointing out two components that he sees as issues.

A better response would've been to ask why he thinks those two components are bad choices, and what might be an improvement.

Okay, I don't see why the BCG would be an issue though, the M16 weight is common to use from what I've read.

Why might the gas block be an issue?

**wigbones** · 10-07-18, 01:09

The weight of the full auto carrier isn't the issue, it's the NIB coating. Somewhere there's a thread discussing it.

As for the gas block, you are more prone to run into issues with an adjustable one. Again, several threads here addressing it.

**Iraqgunz** · 10-07-18, 02:03

NiB is a terrible choice for a BCG. I know of multiple issues with WMD and Fail Always carrier groups.

You didn't need an adjustable gas block and for some reason selected one. If it's working great, but completely unnecessary.

Originally Posted by Spartan040

Okay, I don't see why the BCG would be an issue though, the M16 weight is common to use from what I've read.

Why might the gas block be an issue?

**Wake27** · 10-07-18, 03:19

Yeah if it is a .075 gas port, the only benefit you may have is if you run it suppressed. Otherwise, that's already on the lower end and likely wouldn't need taming. The POF isn't one of the more popular adjustable gas backs (though maybe just due to size), and even those are typically not recommended unless you really need it.

**Spartan040** · 10-07-18, 08:51

Originally Posted by Iraqgunz

NiB is a terrible choice for a BCG. I know of multiple issues with WMD and Fail Always carrier groups.

You didn't need an adjustable gas block and for some reason selected one. If it's working great, but completely unnecessary.

Really? Why? That's the opposite of what I've heard up until now, reasoning being that it has less friction, cleans easier, and requires less lube and cleaning before failure. I've also been told that WMD was one of the only reputable companies making a good NiB BCG, which is why I went with them. I'm not saying I don't want to hear what you know, I'm just confused now. If you think it's that big of an issue, I'll pick up a spare BCG from Toolcraft in case I ever have problems, or just keep the WMD as a spare.

I thought the tunability sounded like a good feature especially when firing different types of ammo. In hindsight, probably not necessary, but I haven't had an issue yet. If I do when I run it through its paces on Monday, I'll swap on a regular gas block.