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Thread: Help me spec my first SBR

  1. #1
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    Question Help me spec my first SBR

    To those of you with actual first-hand experience owning and operating SBRs: In the next year, I will purchase my first SBR upper. I am not in a hurry to "just buy something short," and am going to take my time and make the most educated purchase that I can. My hope in starting this thread is that I can go to school on your experience. It may help to think of this as a "If I had it to do over again, I would have done X instead of Y" thread.

    Initial parameters guiding my purchase:
    - Assume that money is not a limiting factor (however, I am a firm believer that "more expensive" is not necessarily a proxy for "better")
    - Intended for use well-inside 100m
    - I will use a Battle Comp 2.0
    - I will, from time to time, run the gun suppressed
    - I need 10" of rail to run a rifle comfortably/effectively

    Looking for perspective on:
    - Choice of barrel length (I'm leaning toward 11.5" vs. 10.5" to get just a little more barrel out past the gas port)
    - Choice of gas-block (Very interested in a Switchblock. Good idea?)
    - Choice of rail (with the understanding that whatever barrel length and rail I select will need to be compatible with a suppressor)
    - Any complete uppers that are worth an especially hard look given the parameters listed above?
    - Anything else that YOU think is significant in a solid SBR build (tell me what I don't know to ask...)

    Thanks in advance,
    zk
    Last edited by zk556x45; 04-05-11 at 11:00.

  2. #2
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    Hey I Can't really help spec Out your SBR .
    I have a Colt 6921 14.5 Upper i plan on SBR'ing in the near future .
    but if you do a Search On Rob_s,Templar ,ScottRyan ,Or In the NFA Section there a ton of threads with Pictures and Specs On the SBR's They and Others Are running.
    Good Luck On your Purchase .
    I would also Check the Sticky thread on doing a Trust for your SBR to me this seems the best way to go.
    Last edited by warpigM-4; 04-05-11 at 11:15.


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  3. #3
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    Only you can decide what is best for you.

    I went with an 11.5 inch BCM CHF barrel and a VLTOR VIS upper with a 10 inch rail. It works well for me and I was able to build it at a good price. I also plan on running a can on this gun and it will have a M4-1K on it 99% of the time.

  4. #4
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    Since you plan to use a BC2.0 and suppressor I'm assuming your planning on using a Halo?

    If so, with 10" of rail, I don't think you will have the clearance for a 10.5" barrel. You will likely need the 11.5". FWIW, I choose an 11.5" BCM standard barrel with 9" DD Lite rails. Also with a BC2.0 and Halo and enjoy the gun very much. It has been extremely hassle free and seems to eat anything I throw at it.

    Since I don't use the rail for much in the way of attachments, if I was to do it all over again I would get a 11.5" BCM upper w/MOE handguards. Everything else on the gun, rails, stock, grips, etc are all personal preference. Try a buddies, or stick with standard stuff to start with.

  5. #5
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    It would be helpful to know what parts you're most married to. IMHO the BC 2.0 and Halo would be a solution for infrquent suppression. If a rifle is meant for about 50/50 us then I think the Switchblock is a great thing.

    something to consider.

  6. #6
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    I've got a Switchblock on my 10.5" LMT and if doing it again, would only consider going that route if the suppressor is a half-of-the-time event. If the can is either always/never on it, skip the Switchblock, it's not really needed, just adjust which buffer you use and play without the Switchblock.

    My 10.5" SBR will run just fine, can or no can, regardless of Switchblock setting. In looking back on it, I'd rather have my $200 back.

  7. #7
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    I'll reiterate what others have said. Only you can spec it out. When I built my SBR I wanted an 11.5" with a good solid rail and wanted to eliminate the FSB. I also wanted a rail that would almost touch the suppressor mount so it had a "streamlined" look.

    That led me to getting the parts from BCM. I then sent the barrel to Robb at VA Arms and had him cut and grind the FSB.

    I see that you want a Battlecomp. Good choice. But, you should determine what suppressor you want to use first so that you don't needlessly spend money and then have to swap stuff out.

    I run mine suppressed 90% of time. I recently swapped over from Magpul UBR to Vltor A5 system and I like it alot. Something you may want to consider. Your number one priority should be the reliability. As you know SBR's can't just be slapped together.

    There are things that need to be considered to ensure proper function. Buffer weights, ammo being used, suppressor or no suppressor, etc...



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  8. #8
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    The A5 is the only way to go in an SBR if you're starting from scratch. It closed to approximately the first position on a carbine stock. And unless you're 4 feet tall like Pat Rogers, that's plenty compact enough.

    It's a shame that so many people don't understand the rifle buffer system concept.
    "You people have too much time on your hands." - scottryan

  9. #9
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    Thanks, guys. I know that no one can tell me how to build the best SBR for me - nor would I want them to - but this is exactly the sort of information that I need to consider. This is going to be a process, and I really appreciate you guys taking the time to help me out.

    What is the real-world benefit of the Switchblock? Once I have the cash for a suppressor, I anticipate running this particular gun suppressed 90% of the time. If that is the case, is there a better option than a Switchblock? Maybe a normal gas block with an appropriate buffer weight? I need to read up some more on how to get setup for suppressor use. Any guidance on that? Rob?

    If I'm running the gun suppressed, are there better options than the BC2.0 and a Gemtech? I was leaning toward the 2.0 because I've been extremely pleased with the 1.0 that I run on my 16" gun. For example, I've read good things about AAC cans and have given some thought to running a Blackout FH.

    Iraqgunz and markm - Thanks for the heads up on the Vltor A5. The material that I've read on the A5 indicates that they're good for piston guns because those systems are typically over-gassed, much like a rifle with a can attached.

    Again, thanks for the help guys.

    zk

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by zk556x45 View Post
    I anticipate running this particular gun suppressed 90% of the time. If that is the case, is there a better option than a Switchblock? Maybe a normal gas block with an appropriate buffer weight?
    The appropriate buffer, in my wee little opinion, does away with any Switchblock need.

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