18" Finially where I want it--I think.

**usp_fan** · 12-28-08, 15:36

I should start out thanking the forum for the freely offered advice and knowledge that is found here. Posted are a brief history and pics of my current rifle. I've just finished some changes to it that have been a long time in the works.

This rifle started out as my first build. I built it back in ’96 or ’97 during the ban on a Bushmaster lower. The initial build was your standard post ban A2 build:

Bushmaster Lower
Bushmaster 20” 1:9 Chrome lined HB—no lug and not threaded
J&T A2 Parts Kit

In 2004 when the ban ended I was in the middle of an FAL build and took the FAL barrel and the Bushy barrel to a local machine shop to have both cut to 18”, threaded, and the AR barrel lightened under the HG’s. At the same time, I switched out the A2 upper to a flat top and added an Aimpoint Comp C 4moa.

Here’s what it looked like:

I still had the bug to make some changes—mainly to make it more shootable for my wife and son, and to be able to add a light, etc…
So a few months ago I started researching here and on THR and made a few more changes.
Build as before and added:

Shaved front sight
Viking Tactics VTAC tube
YHM front and rear BUIS
VLTOR Clubfoot and Mil-spec buffer tube
Standard Carbine Buffer

As it is now:

Future additions will be pretty basic. I’m looking for an adjustable 2 point sling. The two in the running are the Boonie Packer and the BFG VCAS. Also, I’m looking at adding a basic light and I’m on the fence about a VFG.

One question I’ve got—This is the first time I’ve installed an adjustable stock. Did I stake the Castle Nut sufficiently?

**bkb0000** · 12-28-08, 15:52

Originally Posted by usp_fan

One question I’ve got—This is the first time I’ve installed an adjustable stock. Did I stake the Castle Nut sufficiently?

damn, dude.. you steak it with an IED? you want to just dimple the metal, so that it swells into the gap, rather than erupts into it. but that will hold..

how's it shoot?

**FromMyColdDeadHand** · 12-28-08, 18:43

Originally Posted by bkb0000

damn, dude.. you steak it with an IED? you want to just dimple the metal, so that it swells into the gap, rather than erupts into it. but that will hold..

how's it shoot?

Aww, don't be hatin'!! So its STAKED, not staked. Hobby builders don't get a chance to practice very much.

Nice lookin build. Way to be not afraid to switch it around.

**usp_fan** · 12-28-08, 19:26

IED? That's for amateurs! Dad and his brothers used to prospect a fair amount with their Dad. My uncle has the real stuff to use out on the old mine claim.

Actually, the end plate had been staked before. I bought the stock as complete assembly. It had been installed and lightly used. When I put it on my rifle and tightened it down the prior staking marks lined up right where I needed new staking. I used a punch and displaced metal as you can see. Due to the old marks, to get the displacement, I had to do what you see. The staking on the side isn't as rough in appearance.

**Robb Jensen** · 12-28-08, 20:06

Looks good to me. The Bushmaster end plates are pretty damn hard. So hard that it makes staking well kinda hard unless you're using a spring loaded punch.

**Mr.Goodtimes** · 12-28-08, 20:10

very nice rifle dude, that thing looks really cool, nice setup

**bkb0000** · 12-28-08, 20:41

Originally Posted by usp_fan

IED? That's for amateurs! Dad and his brothers used to prospect a fair amount with their Dad. My uncle has the real stuff to use out on the old mine claim.

Actually, the end plate had been staked before. I bought the stock as complete assembly. It had been installed and lightly used. When I put it on my rifle and tightened it down the prior staking marks lined up right where I needed new staking. I used a punch and displaced metal as you can see. Due to the old marks, to get the displacement, I had to do what you see. The staking on the side isn't as rough in appearance.

i was basically just flicking you turds. i've actually had to resteak the same spot myself, and it does get messy. how's she shoot?

**usp_fan** · 12-28-08, 21:21

bkb000: Don't worry, I read you right the first time. I appreciate your sense of humor.

Gotm4: VLTOR end plate. Came with the stock kit. Seemed kind of soft--hence the blow out.

Everyone else: Thanks for the complements. I always wondered if I could get away with an adjustable stock on the 18" barrel and keep the proportions attractive. I know looks don't make a lick of difference in the real world, but honestly they do. I think it turned out visually balanced. More importantly, it is relatively light, functional and fairly simple.

How's she shoot? I live in North Dakota. We just set snow fall records for the month of December and it's been zero or below the majority of the last three weeks with winds gusting into the 40mph range some days.

It's warming up this week. I hope to get to the range in the next few days if the roads are plowed.

Prior to changing the stock, buffer system, and handguard, this was a very reliable and decently accurate rifle. I'm excited to see if things have improved at all. If they've stayed the same I'll be happy. Any improvement would be a bonus.

--usp_fan