My 3gun/shtf build + tool list

[Shoulderthinggoesup]

So, I am embarking on my first build (and last, if my wife find out how much it will cost). I am attempting to build a 3gun geared Recce that does not sacrifice real world/SHTF functionality. I want a relatively lightweight, accurate, and reliable weapon that I can use at medium/long range and up close.

Here is my current build plan:

* means I already have purchased

Lower:

*Mega billet lower <---- Purely because it looks great

*G and R tactical lpk <---- Good mix of high quality parts

Geissiel sd-e <----A no screw battle trigger that allows for high precision AND quick up close work. Flat trigger bow is pretty cool stuff.

A5 vltor buffer system <----- Decreased perceived recoil, increased reliability

Vltor imod <---- lightweight, good cheek weld, I like how it looks.

Moe+ grip <---- I like it.

Upper:
*Mega forged a4 upper with m4 feed ramps <---Quality forged upper, matches finish/brand on lower.

Vtac trx ff rail <-----Lightweight, FF for accuracy, Looks great.

*Noveske n4 chf 16 inch, shaved fsb gb <--- Maximum accuracy in a Chrome lined, 16 inch middy, lightweight barrel. Considered stainless (Noveske rouge hunter in particular), but for the weapon to be capable of heavy carbine class type fire required that I use a heavier barrel profile than I was willing to deal with. The weapon needs to be accurate enough for 3gun and real use out to 400 yards, while taking a mag dump or 3 in stride. The N4 is quite capable of that from what I have read. It is also not susceptible to rust in adverse/wet conditions like the SS barrels.


*Battlecomp <--- Further recoil reduction/muzzle rise, acceptable flash suppression, don't have to be the asshole at the range with the blasty brake.

spikes NiB bcg <--- Can run without lubricant in a SHTF pinch, +reliablity.

Sights:
Magpul mbus <----lightweight, reasonably priced. Considering other options on this one. Its hard to choke up 150+ for sights I will likely never (or vary rarely) use, but I do get that if I REALLY needed them...well...... I would be glad I had them

Burris mtac 1-4 on larue mount <--- 1-4x allows me to engage from my preferred distance (at range), but won't slow me down for up close work. The burris gets great reviews, has true 1x, easily visible in daylight, and I like the recticle.

This should give me a lightweight (6.7 lbs without scope, about 8 with), accurate (1.3 moa according to molon's tests with the n4, which is plenty accurate for serious use and 3 gun), and very sturdy/reliable (NiB bcg, cl bfh barrel). It should shoot like a pellet gun with the middy+a5+bc. The 1-4x mtac is apparently a almost as fast as an aimpoint in cbq but will allow me to reach out to 400 yards.


Here is my tools list. If I am missing anything or if you have an alternate suggestion let me know.

*4 Inch Vise
*a variety of wrenchs/vise grips etc etc (normal set of everyday tools)

Roll pin Punch set
http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Roll-Pin-.../dp/B003L7HOMG

Block Worx upper vise
http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/...ock-p-557.html

Soft Face mallet
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Snap Pliers
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Rotatory Tool for FSB shave
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Troy Barrel nut Wrench (for TRX barrel nut)

Tapco Castle Nut Wrench
http://www.amazon.com/ENHANCED-AR-15...7270039&sr=8-1

Moly Grease (graphite free)

I will borrow a Torque wrench from O-Reillys Autoparts.


Does this set look OK for everything I need to do?

[Travis B]

Sounds like you've done your research and should be a pretty solid build. However there are a couple things I would do differently.

I would save some weight and go against a billet lower.

I would get a different BUIS. I've shot with A2 sights, the Magpul sight and the Matech BUIS and my favorite is the Matech. It was fast enough for me to finish second in the last tactical match I attended and sturdy enough to get knocked around and hold a zero. The Magpul BUIS seems weak and easily broken IMO.

[Shoulderthinggoesup]

Thanks t4, you are the second person to mention the BUIS, so I think i may look elsewhere for those. I am even considering using a 9 inch rail (as opposed to 11 inch) and keeping the FSB. Have any opinions on that? I know it is mostly a personal preference, but it is hard to tell what is best without holding it in hand. I guess the good thing about going with a 9 inch first is I can easily go up to 11 later if I want, but not if I shave the fsb to start with.

As for the billet lower, it is only 0.1 oz heavier than a mega forged so it is for all intensive purposes a non issue. Once you add an aftermarket winter trigger guard it is even. It is a fluff item... but since I am spending 2k+ on a rifle... it might as well look puuurrty. :P

Thanks for the input!

[soldier-of-the-apocalypse]

that looks good but what about the other 2 guns?

[Shoulderthinggoesup]

The other 2 guns are an M&P 9mm and a 870 Express.

The 870 will be going for a Saiga 12 when I can sell it + an old winchester shotgun.

[Travis B]

Thanks t4, you are the second person to mention the BUIS, so I think i may look elsewhere for those. I am even considering using a 9 inch rail (as opposed to 11 inch) and keeping the FSB. Have any opinions on that? I know it is mostly a personal preference, but it is hard to tell what is best without holding it in hand. I guess the good thing about going with a 9 inch first is I can easily go up to 11 later if I want, but not if I shave the fsb to start with.

As for the billet lower, it is only 0.1 oz heavier than a mega forged so it is for all intensive purposes a non issue. Once you add an aftermarket winter trigger guard it is even. It is a fluff item... but since I am spending 2k+ on a rifle... it might as well look puuurrty. :P

Thanks for the input!

My choice for the FSB would be dictated on whether or not I planned on running optics. If I was putting optics on it then I would shave it and run a longer rail (plus I like this look a lot more than a shorter rail). If I was going with irons for a while I would keep the FSB since it'll be sturdier than any rail mounted front sight.


I didn't know that about the small weight difference in billet vs. forged. Thanks for the info!

[Matman87]

I have a VERY similar setup in my Work/3gun/Go to Rifle. I went with a Noveske Factory VTAC upper (so almost the same thing). I bought thier Stripped blemished lowers while they had one, and they gave me a great discount being a Mil/LEO friendly company. I have put upwards of 8K Rounds through it this year, and its been 100% reliable, and still shoots SUPER Accurate. I use a PWS Comp/Suppressor Mount, and a Trijicon Accupoint 1-4X scope, TLR-1 Flashlight, LA-5 laser (at work) and have the 13" forend. I also have a MOE pistol grip GREAT. Run The Troy BUIS that came with the upper and thier awesome. I HIGHLY advise against Magpuls and mine on my KISS Home Defense gun are GONE this fall in favor of anything better! They are very bad (the worst I've shot with), the shifted zero often, and were very UNPRECISE when I've used them. I'd spend the dough on anything else, but Troys are my favorite in the folding flavor so far. Rock a VLTOR Clubfoot FDE Stock, and the standard CAR buffer/tube setup (H2 weight buffer seems to do something better than the standard wieght).

This rifle after all of those rounds has never had serious zero shifts (and thats counting intercontential travels). I've shot several Matches (won them all with it). It has never shot more than Sub MOA (rested) even with Issued Green Tip ammo. I have not really pressed the various ammo selections since thats WHAT I have. I've made shots out to 600 Meters with this setup and had no issues making hits there with a 4X scope. At 1-450M it seems like this rifle is KING! I've made standing shots on steel targets (IPSC sized) at 100 Meters in just above 1 second. Its a Fast handling gun, and very versitile. IF I had to do it over again I'd select the EXACT same setup. Its perfect for my application. More than an M4, and less than an SPR. Still accepts our Suppressors so that helps when you need one. If I were building it and didnt need all of the top rail real estate, I'd look at an 11" forend, but no shorter personally due to my long arms and aggressive support hand techinique I prefer to employ. I'd say your spot on with the specs and was thinking about using the A5 buffer and that Stock on a build at somepoint, just caught mine for 49.99 at BCM and got the buffer setup all together cheap somewhere else when I was building. I'll see if I can post some pics a bit later as well.

[MistWolf]

$281 is a lot of money for a lower. Myself, I'd rather spend $80 on a Aero Precision, PSA or LRB which still look good and are of good quality.

I'd also skip paying for the NiB coating of the BCG. I have a Fail Zero carrier and a standard parked carrier. The coating doesn't do any worth the extra money.

Between the two, that's about $300 being spent strictly on "cool"

[Cold]

Sounds like a pretty solid build. Since its a 3 gun/ SHTF (or as I like to call it, "Saves the Day" rifle) consider using something other than the B.C. for a brake. Example, an AAC brake or SF brake that provides all the features a 3 gunner wants plus the added bonus of being able to toss on your can (if its an AAC or SF can) for those non 3 gun duties.

Just a thought from a guy who does a little 3 gunning here and there.

[Shoulderthinggoesup]

Fortunately the lower was only 184$. Mega's billets are almost reasonable.

So you feel like the NiB bcgs are not worth it over a parkerized/chrome? I really like the idea of the NiB but I will do some more research/thinking on it.


As for the bc, I will likely start out with it as a already own one I got cheap used from ee. When I get a can (a ways down the road atm) Or if I find im not happy with thr performance I will reconsider.


@matman sounds like a killer rifle. I would love to see pics!


Thanks for your thoughts everyone!

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