First I want to thank everyone here at M4C for the incredibly high level of information and outstanding advice. All it takes is searching through existing threads or asking new questions - I really appreciate it. By reading what experienced folks have to say and pondering it all in your mind, a new person can make good decisions and leap to a higher level - if they take the time to understand what's being said and apply proper advice to their situations.
Anyway, for my second AR I wanted a reliable 16" midlength carbine with high quality but affordable components. Something plain jane that would work well for the range and home defense and be worth upgrading later. I know buying a quality factory rifle normally is the smart way to go, but already had a lower receiver that would be a good base for a BCM or Daniel Defense upper receiver.
So far it looks like I got the rifle I wanted: it is 100% reliable, no extraction problems or shortstroking issues and the bolt locks back properly on the last shot with PMAGs and good GI magazines, even a few cheap Thermolds. No malfunctions of any kind so far, even firing cheap steel case. And it is almost a pound lighter than the ArmaLite midlength build I did in 2009.
Components are listed below with pictures. I saw a request in a recent AR build thread to add component prices so included them. The basic rifle came in right at $900 with another $100 for the cheap optics and accessories. I'm tempted to name it Dan Wesson for the Daniel Defense and S&W major components.
Criticism/suggestions would be appreciated - scrutiny by more experienced people is always good! I know the optic and sling are problems so can use help there.
Thanks for looking!
Lower Receiver:
Pretty basic and should do the job. I have no problem with the standard trigger guard, A2 pistol grip and M4 stock and honestly like the look.
I do need to stake the castle nut.
Smith&Wesson Model M&P-15 Stripped Lower $130
Stag Lower Parts Kit $65 (pictured with a notched hammer, that has been replaced with unnotched from another Stag LPK)
BCM M4 Milspec Stock Kit/H-buffer $85
Upper Receiver:
I considered a government profile midlength but chose the LW profile to shave off six ounces. And went with 16" over 14.5" to avoid added complexity for changes down the road. The standard FSB, flash hider and MOE handguards should suffice for a basic carbine. BCM had been my first choice but the Smartgunner.com/Daniel Defense deal was too good to ignore.
Daniel Defense 16” Midlength 1:7 CHF LW profile $374
Daniel Defense M16 Bolt Carrier Group $124
Daniel Defense Charging Handle $19
Magpul MOE Midlength Handguards $34
Even though the carbine is a half breed the upper and lower fit/function well.
Sights:
This area will draw negative comments but I wanted to keep costs down for now. At least the cheap RDS is cowitnessed with the irons making it easy to tell if the dot drifts off zero. I'm using the same combo on my ArmaLite build with success so expect it to work here as well. No doubt there are better solutions but they cost. If this proves to be a problem later I'll have to find something else.
I am very embarrassed to have a UTG part on this rifle and need to find a better riser soon! My only defense is that it's exactly the right size and works so far. Any ideas on a quality 1x1.6" rail riser?
Colt A4 Cut Carry Handle (Anchor Harvey) $40 (used, off eBay)
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 1x25mm Red Dot Sight $80
UTG RS10S3 1x1.6” Rail Riser Mount $10
The sight on the left is a Cerro Forge carry handle I just cut down, the sight on right is the Anchor Harvey after touch up and paint.
Miscellaneous:
S&W M&P15 MagPul PMAG 30rd Magazine $10 (sale at Sportsmans Warehouse)
The Wilderness™ Giles Tactical 3-Point sling $35 (not pictured)
The sling is adequate for now but I need to put thought into a replacement.
Complete Rifle:
Daniel Defense/S&W left
Daniel Defense/S&W right
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Originally Posted by ncturkey
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