I’ll start off by saying, I’ve been lurking here awhile with a handful of posts.
My first builds were del-tons, for what I paid and what I learned they were great. But have since sold the kit guns off and have had a fantastic bcm upper that I love and would trust to do what it does.
Now I find myself wanting to do something alittle more tailored to my wants and curiosities, after all trying new things is how we learn. So my goal of this build is as follows: lightweight but balanced,accurate, easy to maintain and modify ie sights and accessories as needed and wanted.
Some feedback would be awesome, I respect everyones opinion to some extent, but lets keep it constructive.
So here is the list of parts I’ve ordered or have on order for my upper.
Spikes flattop upper
Bcm mod3 gunfighter
Spikes nib bcg
Daniel defense 16“ chf lw. Carbine barrel
Midwest industries ss9
spikes micro gas block
Rainier arms extreme compensator
Sights undecided
Lower
Bcm stock kit buffer tube etc.
Saa reaper lower
2stage trigger group. Undecided brand
Ergo ambi I grip.
Now this is just what I have gathered from reading others posts and users opinions, so I may be incorrect.
It seems like people do not recommend Spikes for a serious rifle, except for maybe a stripped lower. A forged lower is a forged lower, and mine seems to work fine. Other than a lower, I am not sure what quality you could expect from them. But that is just what I have heard, I do not have any experience with their products other than a stripped lower.
I can’t say I know much about MI rails, but I don’t see people using them that often, I of course see more of the bigger brands. DD, Larue, Centurion Arms, those ones come to mind.
People seem to prefer a shaved FSB to a low pro gas block, but that also depends on your comfort zone. It’s probably what I will end up doing on my next build.
As for a trigger, Geissele is often recommended, but plenty of people will recommend just a quality two stage milspec trigger. I have used plenty of mil spec triggers, and I wanted a nice Geissele. I picked up an SD-C from them because it resembles my 1911, but it is personal preference again.
It seems like you have the right idea with the build, but it could use some improvements. Again though, most of my knowledge has been gathered from lots of reading.
I’m considering going with spikes more to satisfy curiosity, my bcm is boringly reliable and that’s great. I probably would have gone with them or colt if I coud get what I wanted but back order is the word these days. I have looked for bad things about the bcg or the upper and haven’t had much luck so hey why not.
I also would have preferred the shaved fsb from seeing gas blocks blown off gunshow and kit gun uppers but everything will be looked over with great care.
In respect to my choice of Midwest industries, I have yet heard anything but great about them and there products, the fact bcm carries their products tells me there good to go, the choice was also asthetic and weight based.
I will definitely give gisselle a look, but milspec seems viable.
I’ve seen alot of dislike for spikes and I completely understand why. I’ve also heard good things and will gladly eat crow if I have issues.
There’s always room for improvement and always new things, that’s what I love about this platform, you are only limited by your wallet and imagination.
If anyone has had a problem with anything I have listed I’d be glad to hear.
Thanks for any and all input guys. Sorry for the novel lol.
I like to base a build around the barrel and the bolt. I have never had or used a Spike’s NIB but I have had my share of DD parts. Barrel wise I’ve had one of their earlier non chf barrels and most recently a 16" CHF middy. Love the Middy’s and DD has arguably one of the best! You deff made contact on your barrel. Sounds like you have got a pretty good path paved for your build. Good luck safe shooting.
I use a MI SS-7 on my SBR. It’s helluva nice handguard and shouldn’t give you any problems. Remember, BCM is a parts supplier, not a testing firm. Because they carry it, means only that people are buying it and they can make a profit off that sale…nothing more. If you already have a BCM upper that is, as you stated, “boringly reliable”…Why not take the money alloted for the upper and build up a really nice lower and call it a day? In any case, your probly gonna get some flack for some of your parts choices here. That said, I have yet to have any issue with any of the Spikes products I’ve purchased. Good luck with your build up.
The bcm I have is fine, but I wanted to try a lightweight 16" profile for less front end weight. I sold my loaner ar15 to fund the build so the bcm will be for protecting the home and teaching friends, I’ve had cheap rifles jam up on people who are out for their first time and it takes alot of the fun out of it.
The upper shipped today minus the compensator. Pics will be put up when its received.
I’d love some optics suggestions. I’ll be running buis. Some sort of ier scope or red dot with magnifier are being considered. Budget is 300 or so.
The only spike’s part(s) I’m not crazy about is their LPK. I have their lower, NiB BCG, winter trigger guard on my current rifle with the LMT upper. I had a deffective mag catch that I replaced, and the trigger is super gritty. Other than that I like everything else.