I built this about 2 years ago and have 2500~ rounds through it. It is lightweight, 100% reliable, extremely accurate, and very durable. It has gone in my Eberlestock pack many times. Been in the rain and never developed any rust. Bounced around in side by sides and has never lost zero. It’s boringly simple to use and a great companion for the woods and training classes.
I’ve listed below the specs and why I chose each part. I’m now looking for a 16” cousin of this rifle. I’d like it to have similar themes (lightweight, simple, accurate) but would like more barrel length and maybe a magnified optic (NX8? Vortex 1-10?) using new and “more better” products. I didn’t want to make 15 different threads in the optics, suppressor, NV, etc forums so I’m consolidating it here.
Should I just make the same rifle again except use a 16” barrel and longer rail? Open to all advice.
Centurion Arms 10.3” CHF Barrel - I wanted as short as possible while still maintaining reliability in a quality barrel that was gassed appropriately. Centurion checked all those boxes.
AAC Mini 4 w/ AAC FH - I know there are better cans out these days but I liked it and it works. I have no “tooth wobble”
Gemtech Suppressed BC with BCM Bolt - The juice isn’t worth the squeeze with the Gemtech Supp Carrier but it does help a bit with felt recoil and gas. If I didn’t already have it, this gun would’ve ran a milspec phosphate carrier.
BCM Mk2 Upper - Generally not a fan of new things, but BCM has been pretty good testing their stuff out before releasing ir. I don’t see the benefit this upper has over a traditional upper (all else being equal) but I like it.
BCM Complete Lower - Reliable. Quality parts. Springs that won’t rust. Decent trigger. Good ergonomics.
BAD Safety Lever & Seekins Bolt Release - I chose these two over the factory pieces because they are less prone to rust due to being aluminum. The bigger paddle makes for more reliable reloads also.
Aimpoint Comp M5 in a Scalarworks mount - By far and away the best red dot combo on the market. Lightweight. Durable. Great battery life. Crystal clear dot. See through lens covers. I would have compromised on any other feature of this rifle before I changed the optic. It’s perfect.
FP DBAL i2 with LEAF sight - I experimented a lot with lasers. MAWL. ATPIAL-C. FP ATPIAL. The Civ MAWL is ok. The illuminator is great but I kept losing the dot in thick brush. The ATPIAL C and other traditional lasers have a joke of an illuminator. The FP ATPIAL is great and got me through OIF but for some reason they command a huge premium over the DBALs even though the DBALs have cleaner illumination in my experience. So I got the DBAL.
Magpul MBUS Pro rear sight - I’ve been a fan of Troys since I got my first AR. But I’ve had problems with rust on the screw head and they decided to hire Dale Monroe. Magpul moved to Wyoming because they have values. That matters to me. The rear sight is great too and doesn’t rust.
Aimpoint Twist Base - For TNVC PVS14 mount
Surefire M300 & Arisaka MLOK Mount - Great light. Lightweight. Simply designed mount.
BCM 9” MLOK Rail & Rail Covers & VFG - Lightweight. Strong. Simple. Great ergonomics. Rail covers do an “ok” job at dissipating heat for their weight and footprint.
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