Centurion Arms/LMT 16" Middy Build

[vecdran]

Initial build results.


Refined and ready to go.

Lower
LMT 2-Stage Complete Lower
Magpul ACS Stock
Magpul MIAD Grip
Magpul BAD Lever
BAD A.S.S Safety Lever (Normal left, Hybrid right)

Upper
CMT Upper
LMT F/A BCG (Standard)
BCM Gunfighter Mod4 Charging Handle
Centurion Arms 16" Midlength barrel
Centurion Arms Pinned Lo-Pro Gas Block
Surefire MB556AR Brake
Centurion Arms 12" Rail
Centurion Arms HK Diopter Sights
KAC Handstop
Streamlight TLR-1 w/tapeswitch
Magpul XTM and Ladder rail covers

Well I can conclusively say my first AR (and AR build!) is done for now. I am going to shoot irons for six months/as long as I can stand, whichever comes first. I was initially going to just buy a Colt 6920, and upgrade it from there, but once I compared the prices I could get Centurion Arms parts at, I decided it would better suit my interests to build the rifle exactly how I wanted. Since I plan on shooting this rifle in competition, I decided the midlength gas system would better suit my needs than a carbine length. The long rail also fights nicely into my firehose grip, so while this ended up costing more, it fits the way I shoot exactly.

I have put over 700 rounds of various .223 and 5.56 ammunition through it in the last two weeks, with zero malfunctions. It shoots so softly and flat it's like cheating. I haven't had the opportunity to shoot it beyond 25 yards yet, so I can't properly comment on it's accuracy at longer distances yet.

All of the people who have picked up my rifle have been surprised by how light it is, considering the barrel and rail length. At last weigh in it was ~8.5lb, so it's not exactly a lightweight, but it's more than manageable. At some point I'd like to dimple the barrel and replace the light with a Surefire Mini-scout, so that should help shave off some weight.

Overall I am supremely satisfied with the results of my first build (my wallet isn't though...). I subscribe to the buy once cry once mantra, so hopefully this rifle with serve me well as I thrash it over the next several years.

Big thanks go out to Roy at Weapon Outfitters for hooking me up with the parts, my gunsmith Jim Carollo, and West Coast Armory. This build wouldn't have been possible without them.

[Mark71]

That is an awesome first build! You definitely did your homework. How do you like the Centurion Arms HK Diopter Sights?

[Cincinnatus]

Looks great, and good choice of components. I love rifles with extended/long rails like that. What's the overall weight?

[vecdran]

That is an awesome first build! You definitely did your homework. How do you like the Centurion Arms HK Diopter Sights?

I like them a lot, minus one major caveat: they require the proprietary $80 HK sight tool to adjust. Once you have them adjusted though, they should never shift zero. My gunsmith fortunately had one which he lent me.

Looks great, and good choice of components. I love rifles with extended/long rails like that. What's the overall weight?

~8-8.5lbs. I'll try to get a more accurate number this week.

[m249saw]

Beautiful!

Im going the same direction and was thinking the Centurion 9" rail but that 12" looks good too.

You have a Surefire can to go on that brake? I like the looks of it, makes use of that extra barrel out front.

[HaydenB]

Sick rifle! Now all you have to do is take some krylon to it!

[vecdran]

You have a Surefire can to go on that brake? I like the looks of it, makes use of that extra barrel out front.

I may get a can someday, but it's not in the cards anytime soon for me.

Sick rifle! Now all you have to do is take some krylon to it!

I like the color of my EBR as it is right now, thanks.

[m249saw]

Hows the blast with it? Do you shoot in a covered range or in the open?

[sanman96825]

Very nice, I'm planning on a similar set up (12" rail, troy sights) to go on my A3 duty rig.

[vecdran]

Hows the blast with it? Do you shoot in a covered range or in the open?

The concussion is pretty hefty for anyone to the sides. I've shot it in indoor shooting booths, and in an indoor 40ft wide 25yd training bay. The former, it's quite unpleasant for anyone who isn't the shooter. Far less obnoxious in the unobstructed training bay.

I still double up on ear pro when shooting this thing.