For Accuracy Sake

[luvjetz]

I'm planning another build. The purpose of the build is to mainly to call coyotes and shoot prairie dogs. Other predators and varmints will not be left out but these are the most prevalent. I'll be using a Nikon M223 for my optic. To remain the most accurate, for small targets like prairie dogs, what is the best barrel length? Gas block length (Does this even affect accuracy?)?

Also, I really like the Mega Arms Modular Monolithic but will that benefit me over a set-up like the Noveske NST? Both the Noveske NST and the attached picture show the general look that I am shooting for.

My final goal is accuracy, so what of the above options will give me the most accuracy?

[OMD]

Like you know, barrel length doesn't determine the accuracy potential. But you will want the length to reach farther. I wouldn't want to be under 20" and would prefer 24" for true varmint work, but you don't need it if you'll be calling in the yotes, so 20" would be fine there. I'd want 24" for coyotes at range (500+) though, just for extra energy. On dogs you don't need the energy, of course. You might be fine with only 20" for both if you aren't competing with other calibers and lengths. Besides 24 sucks for weight. 20" fluted or dimpled would be great. You can do much of the prep work yourself that goes into lapping a barrel without paying for it in case you are looking for more affordable accuracy. WAO is a good budget barrel as are the LW. Go with rifle length to minimize sight disturbance too. And yes the more billet you can go the better for rigidity and harmonics. Don't worry about the fancy stuff for accuracy on the upper - just get either a quality upper or an affordable monolithic. Otherwise, you really are in a diminishing returns situation for accuracy/dollar spent, not worth it to me. Better to make that extra accuracy up on handloading and attention to details and practice. I don't think muzzle devices are necessary on heavy setups and do tend to affect harmonics in not a consistent way. You should still be able to track well from prone without one.

[luvjetz]

What I've heard from multiple sources is barrel length doesn't matter but do go monolithic. That work?

[CoryCop25]

The NST is not monolithic, it is a TROY TRX Extreme. The mega is a nice unit, I have one on my 10.3 SBR. The gas block install is not the best on the Mega but if you do it right, it will work.

[luvjetz]

I realize that those alternates are not monolithic. They portray, somewhat, what I'd like my finished build to look like. What don't you like about the gas block on the monolithic?

[jmart]

Just buy a NM A4 upper with a free float tube installed under the HG. Then mount your optic on the flat top. You might want to consider an optic with greater magnification for dogs. 4-12X would probably be a better fit.

Mate to whatever lower you are contemplating.

Unless you are hunting after dark and are calling yotes in and you need to also mount a light. Then go with a railed forend.

[CoryCop25]

I realize that those alternates are not monolithic. They portray, somewhat, what I'd like my finished build to look like. What don't you like about the gas block on the monolithic?

I am not saying that I don't like the monolithic. I actually like my Mega SBR very much. The issue that I have with that particular upper is that you have to set the gas block AFTER you have installed the barrel to the upper. You really have to pay attention and get everything perfect so the gas block never comes off. There is also no way to pin the block on.

[luvjetz]

I am not saying that I don't like the monolithic. I actually like my Mega SBR very much. The issue that I have with that particular upper is that you have to set the gas block AFTER you have installed the barrel to the upper. You really have to pay attention and get everything perfect so the gas block never comes off. There is also no way to pin the block on.

Thanks for the pictures. As I am an amateur, could you please explain the perfection needed for ensure the gas block never comes off?

[CoryCop25]

Thanks for the pictures. As I am an amateur, could you please explain the perfection needed for ensure the gas block never comes off?

I would dimple the barrel where the gas block screws will sit on the barrel. Use a good drill press.

Rockset the threads on the gas block bolts.
Stake the gas block bolts.