Usually when I do an AR build, I'm either duplicating a design, like a Mark 12 Mod 0, or doing the opposite and building up something custom and unique. This time, I used a different approach. I took my experience with things that have worked well for me in previous builds and combined it with ideas I got from studying AR carbines from top manufacturers and builders… and then ended up with something custom and unique.
After collecting most of the parts, it's time for assembly:
Here's the list of major components as of now:
(Things could change as I continue to put it through final testing)
- Daniel Defense 14.5" 1:7 twist CHF 4150 chrome vanadium steel, chrome lined w/ mid length gas system.
- Yankee Hill Machine 28-5C1 flash hider, blind pinned to barrel
- Yankee Hill Machine gas block w/ flip up front diopter sight
- MagPul MBUS rear sight
- EoTech XPS2-2 - 65MOA ring and 2 1MOA aiming dots
- Samson STAR-MEX-EBR free floating light weight aluminum forearm
- ERGO RIBLOCK locking rail covers
- Yankee Hill Machine A3 upper receiver w/M4 ramp extensions
- Spikes Tactical "Made in USA" dust cover (Very Important)
- JP Tactical Operating System QPQ hard coat 416 stainless advanced carrier
- JP EnhancedBolt™ SAE 9310 steel bolt
- DSA ZM4 7075 T6 MILA-8625 anodized lower (manufactured by LMT)
- Armalite lower small parts kit (LPK)
- MagPul MOE trigger guard
- Geissele SSA tactical two stage trigger (Not in pictures)
- CMMG ambidextrous fire control selector
- Norgon left side mag release
- Badger Ordinance charging handle lever
- First Samco G-27 pistol grip
- MagPul CTR collapsable stock
- Noveske QD sling carbine adapter plate
- MI QD sling to rail adapter
- Blackhawk two point sling
This has turned out to be a flexible, light weight and well balanced rifle. The curved hood version of the YHM sight is a favorite of mine from previous builds as it helps with precise aiming. The sights can be folded down or left up to co-witness with the EoTech. The EoTech XPS2-2, with a circle and two dots, gives a much better frame of reference for holdover. The Samson STAR-MEX-EBR free floating hand guard has a removable bottom for ease of cleaning and is the only forearm I can find that is an extended rail with an opening for a mid-length front sight. With the folding sight down, it protects and shrouds it, making it less likely to get snagged or damaged. The JP carrier and bolt add reliability. The ambidextrous fire control selector, Badger Ordinance charging handle lever and Norgon left side mag release give the carbine ambidextrous capabilities for flexibility. The Noveske QD sling carbine adapter plate and MI QD sling to rail adapter combined with the QD connector on the CTR provide a multitude of options when connecting slings.
I'm probably going to get a better sling, add a vertical grip, weapon light and a magnifier for the EoTech. If anybody has any other ideas, chime in.
One of the best advantages of getting set up to build your own AR's is the ability to take designs you like and make subtle improvements to your own specifications. Everybody does things differently but, that is the benefit of doing it yourself and making your own choices. There is no right or wrong except staying away from cheap junk. You get to choose what you want and what works best for you. It also means in a world flooded with similar ARs, yours will be one of a kind and it is almost certain that no one else on the firing line will have one exactly like it.
I also have to give a kudos to Samson who accidentally sent me the wrong model forearm and after a phone call they took care of the problem in a prompt and efficient manner.
Bookmarks