Newbie on his 1st Build - Suggestions needed

[trueOverrev]

Hi Guys,

Its been 2 months of reading and researching. I think this will be my final stage of my research.

I shot M4's and AR15 in the past. I know the very basics of the rifle. Unfortunately non of them are mine. Now that i have the opportunity i want to build my own rifle. With you guys assistance i can narrow down my options in parts.

Main Use: Outdoor Range Shooting 250yards
Focus: Accuracy, Realibility
Color Scheme: Matte Black

Here are my current wishlist

LMT Defender Lower w/ 2 stage trigger
VLTOR IMOD Buttstock
VLTOR MUR Upper w/ bolt assist
VLTOR low profile gas block
Lothar Walther Barrel - suggested by the gunstore
Les Baer National Match Bolt Carrier - suggested by the gunstore
JP Enterprises bolt assembly
Troy Vtac Extreme or Troy TRX Extreme 12" or 13"
Stark SE Grip
Flash Hider - ???
Front and Rear Sights -


1.With those parts listed, what type of accuracy and performance should i be expecting from the rifle provided that i do my part as a shooter?

2. Does the les baer national match championship bolt carrier needed? that part cost alot, comparing to BCM bcg.



Suggestions or concerns are all welcome. I would appreciate every inputs.

[Hmac]

Tough to beat the BCM BCG and I'd sure go that way instead. As to barrels for the shooting you spec, I'd be looking at the Noveske SPR barrels. In that regard, given what you're looking for, I'd be looking hard at a Noveske complete 18" SPR upper with VIS. That's going to be more rigid than the MUR and it's always tough to beat Noveske barrels.

Front and rear sights...I like the Troys.

[jklaughrey]

Like Hmac stated you need to really choose carefully if in fact you are using this as a SPR/DMR configuration. Otherwise for 500m or more shooting I would opt for a bolt action or perhaps an AR chambered in .308/7.62, say one made by...KAC!

[trueOverrev]

Tough to beat the BCM BCG and I'd sure go that way instead. As to barrels for the shooting you spec, I'd be looking at the Noveske SPR barrels. In that regard, given what you're looking for, I'd be looking hard at a Noveske complete 18" SPR upper with VIS. That's going to be more rigid than the MUR and it's always tough to beat Noveske barrels.

Front and rear sights...I like the Troys.

I will be doing some reading with noveske. Thank You for your inputs.

Like Hmac stated you need to really choose carefully if in fact you are using this as a SPR/DMR configuration. Otherwise for 500m or more shooting I would opt for a bolt action or perhaps an AR chambered in .308/7.62, say one made by...KAC!

I do appreciate your quick input. 500m will be the longest that i will be shooting then. since i just want to keep it 5.56mm


This gives me better idea on the right path. Thank You guys.

[jklaughrey]

That makes more sense. Before it looked like you stated 500 yards was your starting point and beyond. So if 500 yards max is what your looking at then do your research and find the optimal parts to do so. But in fairness asking 500m out of 5.56 is alot to do. You have so many variables that come into play when LR shooting. Lighter rounds typically don't fair nearly as well ballistically speaking. Longest distance that I ask of any of my 5.56 chambered AR's is out to 300m and even then I would prefer my 700. But various shots have been made with 5.56 at further than combat fighting distance with success. I dare say though those were probably using MK262 Mod1 ammunition.

[bkb0000]

Hi Guys,

Its been 2 months of reading and researching. I think this will be my final stage of my research.

I shot M4's and AR15 in the past. I know the very basics of the rifle. Unfortunately non of them are mine. Now that i have the opportunity i want to build my own rifle. With you guys assistance i can narrow down my options in parts.

Main Use: Outdoor Range Shooting ( 500yards or more )
Focus: Accuracy, Realibility
Color Scheme: Matte Black

Here are my current wishlist

LMT Defender Lower w/ 2 stage trigger
VLTOR IMOD Buttstock
VLTOR MUR Upper w/ bolt assist
VLTOR low profile gas block
Lothar Walther Barrel - suggested by the gunstore
Les Baer National Match Bolt Carrier - suggested by the gunstore
JP Enterprises bolt assembly
Troy Vtac Extreme or Troy TRX Extreme 12" or 13"
Stark SE Grip
Flash Hider - ???
Front and Rear Sights -


1.With those parts listed, what type of accuracy and performance should i be expecting from the rifle provided that i do my part as a shooter?

2. Does the les baer national match championship bolt carrier needed? that part cost alot, comparing to BCM bcg.



Suggestions or concerns are all welcome. I would appreciate every inputs.

i'd pass on the les baer BCG... don't know anything about it, but i'm sure it's not HPT/MPI

i do have some experience with YM's BCGs... i love the chromed NM carriers, but don't trust their un-tested bolts. i've recently been digging on putting LMT bolts in YM carriers- it can be a good mix for tuning in a gun's action. little extra weight to smooth things out.. plus cleaning is easier.

lothar barrels have a good rep in the competition world.. therefor i know jack shit about 'em. i know they're spendy, however.. and if you're going to spend a lot on a barrel, might as well get one capable of great accuracy and fire combat-effective loads. centurion, noveske, BCM stainless, WOA's wylde-chamber barrels- all great options for accuracy, reliability, and load diversity.

[trueOverrev]

That makes more sense. Before it looked like you stated 500 yards was your starting point and beyond. So if 500 yards max is what your looking at then do your research and find the optimal parts to do so. But in fairness asking 500m out of 5.56 is alot to do. You have so many variables that come into play when LR shooting. Lighter rounds typically don't fair nearly as well ballistically speaking. Longest distance that I ask of any of my 5.56 chambered AR's is out to 300m and even then I would prefer my 700. But various shots have been made with 5.56 at further than combat fighting distance with success. I dare say though those were probably using MK262 Mod1 ammunition.

WOW. that means im setting myself to failure
If thats the case my new standard is 250meters. I need to be more realistic.

for the range of 250m - do i still need to go 18" barrel? I would only prefer atleast 14 to the max if its possible.

I've been doing some reading and YES indeed BCM is always on the list interms with bolt carrier group. It also has a competetive price.

[bkb0000]

500 is perfectly doable from an AR...

what we need to do here is define what we're trying to accomplish at 500- are we looking for "hits" at 500? are we looking for terminal ballistics at 500? are we looking for tight groups at 500?

all three of these things are doable- but significantly different from each other. once we've established what you're trying to do at 500, we can talk about how realistic that is.

[jklaughrey]

Thanks BKB for quantifying my above post. I should have been more clear in regards to the 500m mark. me personally use my AR's as a fighting gun and tend to build for combat distance and cqb. For the precision role I am more of a bolt gun guy. But if you want precision in an AR platform like BKB said you need to define your purpose and goal fully before you build. I would ask some of the precision AR shooters on the board here, they have far more experience than I in this platform. My views are more general in basic performance.

[trueOverrev]

500 is perfectly doable from an AR...

what we need to do here is define what we're trying to accomplish at 500- are we looking for "hits" at 500? are we looking for terminal ballistics at 500? are we looking for tight groups at 500?

all three of these things are doable- but significantly different from each other. once we've established what you're trying to do at 500, we can talk about how realistic that is.

Just got home from the gunstore. Just did a visual close inspection of the LMT Defender 2000 + 2 Stage Trigger. It comes with the SOPMOD with Magpul Trigger guard for $480. I'm planning to buy it nextweek. Too bad they dont carry BCM bolt carrier group but they said they can order one, if thats the route i want to go.

GOAL: for a begginer like me, hitting targets at 250 with just plain iron TROY front and rear sights will be an accomplishment. As soon as i get the hang on it, I will most likely buy a better scope. I didnt know those things cost alot. $400-600

I'm just glad im receiving alot of help, tips and advices to this forum. I cant thank enough everybody for that.