First project, taking suggestions.

[philipeggo]

So im starting my first build (more like modification of my existing bushmaster) and had a very few specific questions i wanted to ask. I started a new topic just because every new build is different and what one guy wants/is planning i may not be and that thread my not address my particular need(so please dont kill me for starting a new topic). I have a bushmaster patrolman's carbine with the detachable carry handle. The plan for this build is to make it my "if i only had time to grab one rifle this would be it" rifle. I do plan on a shorty from scratch later but not just yet , id rather walk first run after. the parts list i have so far is the following
1) TA44S-10 - low magnification , no batteries optic.
2) mako recoil reducing stock with the cheek riser ( since im mounting the acog on my carry handle)
3) Free float rails (suggestions welcome )
4) grip pod (though i think i would prefer a folding forward grip)
5) fail zero bolt carrier ( a luxury more than anything since i plan on properly lubing my baby any ways)
6 some sort of flash light.
7)Mako mag well grip
8) Gas buster charging handle.
9) noveske switch block ( again another luxury i dont need it but feel free to chime in)
10) some sort of upgraded sights but i dont know what kind of options ill have since im keeping the carry handle .
11) spikes tactical heavy buffer

the lower/upper are gonna stay the same being as they are brand new and are of good quality , i think my next build will be mega/spikes pieces. Spikes is based here in Fl so i would love to support a local business.

i would like to swap the barrel for a medium contour cmmg 14.5 inch barrel mainly because i want the 1:7 twist just in case i start buying heavier grain ammo and if i add a suppressor ive heard that on a lighter profile barrel the POI can change when i throw the can on there. Any thought on this? advice of any sort would be appreciated and i apologize in advance for my newbiness. thank you !!

[Militant83]

First question.. if you have a detachable carrying handle, why are you mounting the optic on the carrying handle and not the top of the receiver. Mount it on the receuver and have no need for the stock with a riser.

Rails- Troy TRX extreme or DD lite in whatever length fits your needs
Sights- ditch the carrying handle and get a set of Troy folding BUIS

[TehLlama]

Considered the VLTOR A5 Kit? Comes with an EMOD stock, and the A5 buffer will reduce recoil a fair bit.

I concur with the TROY TRX Extreme rails (lightest), or the DD Lite rails (if you want fully railed FF handguard). Both are excellent, and the lightest of their type.

TROY BUIS are great. MagPul MBUS if you want to save money on them, KAC BUIS if you want the nicer ones that cost a lot.

I'd drop the grip-pod requirement. A hand stop or simple VFG will work, and good magazines can be used as a monopod in a pinch. I have a grippod on my work rifle, but it's an odd duck, and not worth the cost to buy imho.


On the overall end - if you'd consider dropping the FailZero BCG, it might be possible to sell off you existing upper, and pick a factory new BCM, DD, or Centurion complete upper receiver and BCG/CH.

A Midlength 16" from any of those that comes with one of the above rails (BCM Has great setups, the DD V5 Middy is a performance bargain, and Centurion is up there, and would be a tack driver as well). The Spike's LE-M4 is a good one too, but the only FF rail you can throw on it without modification is the DD Omega 9.0.
They'd come with an MPI/HPT bolt and staked carrier, and you can throw on the charging handle of your choice (BCM GF4 or GF5 are my favorite - you don't gain anything from the PRI GB unless you're running suppressed).

Run a rail in the 10"-12" range with a low profile gas block - you'll do away with the need for a switchblock, so you'll be money and performance ahead.

TA44 is a good choice. With the color you want, you'll be happy with that choice.

A Battlecomp (1.0 or w/e) will reduce felt recoil a lot more than an ST-2 buffer, though both is still good.


I have CMMG barrels, love them, but right now there are better options - the Govvy and Lightweight profiled options from BCM, DD, Centurion, Noveske, and Colt/Diemaco are better choices.

[Iraqgunz]

I would replace the PRI handle with a Gunfighter. I would also scrap that Mako stuff and get a good stock. Mount the ACOG to the flat top and get a good rear BUIS.

[seabass]

I would also reccomend a Battle Comp.

I have tried the Battle Comp on a mid length and carbine system and while initially skeptical, this product is indeed worth the money. It greatly reduces muzzle rise and perceived felt recoil.

[philipeggo]

Considered the VLTOR A5 Kit? Comes with an EMOD stock, and the A5 buffer will reduce recoil a fair bit.

I concur with the TROY TRX Extreme rails (lightest), or the DD Lite rails (if you want fully railed FF handguard). Both are excellent, and the lightest of their type.

TROY BUIS are great. MagPul MBUS if you want to save money on them, KAC BUIS if you want the nicer ones that cost a lot.

I'd drop the grip-pod requirement. A hand stop or simple VFG will work, and good magazines can be used as a monopod in a pinch. I have a grippod on my work rifle, but it's an odd duck, and not worth the cost to buy imho.


On the overall end - if you'd consider dropping the FailZero BCG, it might be possible to sell off you existing upper, and pick a factory new BCM, DD, or Centurion complete upper receiver and BCG/CH.

A Midlength 16" from any of those that comes with one of the above rails (BCM Has great setups, the DD V5 Middy is a performance bargain, and Centurion is up there, and would be a tack driver as well). The Spike's LE-M4 is a good one too, but the only FF rail you can throw on it without modification is the DD Omega 9.0.
They'd come with an MPI/HPT bolt and staked carrier, and you can throw on the charging handle of your choice (BCM GF4 or GF5 are my favorite - you don't gain anything from the PRI GB unless you're running suppressed).

Run a rail in the 10"-12" range with a low profile gas block - you'll do away with the need for a switchblock, so you'll be money and performance ahead.

TA44 is a good choice. With the color you want, you'll be happy with that choice.

A Battlecomp (1.0 or w/e) will reduce felt recoil a lot more than an ST-2 buffer, though both is still good.


I have CMMG barrels, love them, but right now there are better options - the Govvy and Lightweight profiled options from BCM, DD, Centurion, Noveske, and Colt/Diemaco are better choices.

Thanks Everyone for your input , this is def a work in progress and i love the suggestions. I decided on the troy Trx rails , primarily because weight was a factor and i didnt need/want a fully railed forend. its not like i cant buy the extra sections and keep them on hand. I am seriously thinking grip pod will go bye bye and ill get a simple 3 position folding grip instead. while i like the idea of have the bipod there, truth be told i dont think id ever need it , maybe when i make a DMR style rifle ill reconsider it.
The battle comp is def for sure , but i am planning on getting a suppressor (the joys of having lots of dealers around here) so i think ill stick with the gas buster that also explains why i want the switch block off the bat. The barrel replacement and the FailZero BCG were on the wish list more so than the need list, ive never fired this particular ar , i bought it using my dealer discount from when i worked at gander and its been marinating in my closet ever since. Out of the barrels which one would you go with bang for your buck wise ? initially i wanted the noveske but they are kinda pricey .

[philipeggo]

for the iron sights i think im gonna spend the extra and get the diamondhead sights, i was gonna get the magpul mbus but something about my sights being plastic makes me tingly in a bad way.

[Iraqgunz]

Any particular reason you selected this particular sight?

for the iron sights i think im gonna spend the extra and get the diamondhead sights, i was gonna get the magpul mbus but something about my sights being plastic makes me tingly in a bad way.

[philipeggo]

Any particular reason you selected this particular sight?

Well Troy makes a very similar sight that i was going to get with tritium inserts , The diamond head Front sights have a unique sighting feature , ill link you the page. Ive seen them mounted and the seem pretty beefy.

http://www.store-diamondhead-usa.com...ht_p/10151.htm

[MeanRider]

I would also scrap that Mako stuff and get a good stock. Mount the ACOG to the flat top and get a good rear BUIS
Plus 1


i was gonna get the magpul mbus but something about my sights being plastic makes me tingly in a bad way.
Don't be nervous these are good to go. But if not go with the Troy.

initially i wanted the noveske but they are kinda pricey .

can't g wrong with Noveske well worth the extra coin.