6.5 Grendel Build

AR/M4 Custom Build Forum
1

So, My phenomenally awesome wife got me a Quentin Defense lower for my birthday. I’ve decided to build a 6.5 Grendel with a 20" (or 24"?) barrel for hunting, leaning strongly towards 20" unless someone talks me into the longer barrel. This will be my 3rd rifle build, and my first time to venture outside of the 5.56mm realm. I’ll use this thread to document the journey of this rifle, and to share it with you folks in the community.

So, here is the lower she bought me:

For Christmas I received some cash from family, so I purchased a few things. The money was spent before the wrapping paper was cleaned up!

I ordered a PSA LPK, minus the fire control group:

A MagPul MOE Rifle Stock (the kit from Brownells came with the Buffer tube, spring and buffer):

An Ergo 2 Grip:

Then I ordered an ALG Defence ACT trigger for my 5.56 16" AR, and took the Wilson Combat TTU-3G out to use in this this build. I thought The WC would be more at home in this rifle:

The PSA LPK came in today, the rest of the parts came in last week. I cobbled it all together and this is what came out of it:

Then for my birthday Jan 3rd, I received more cash. Again I took to the interwebs and the money was spent before dinner was over. I already have a Seekins Precision SP3R 15" forend that I took off my other AR in favor of a much lighter MI SSK-KeyMod 15" forend, so I ordered the matching Seekins Precision iRMT-3 Billet Upper. It should arrive tomorrow.

I will keep this build thread up to date, but the rest of the parts will be slow coming since I’ve already spent all my gift money. I am uber excited about this build though! If anyone has any suggestions or constructive input, I’m listening. Nothing is set in stone till it’s paid for.

UPDATE: 01/10/2014

Got my Seekins Precision iRMT-3 upper receiver in today from Stonefire Arms! This thing is beautiful.

And here is the Seekins SP3R 15" hand guard that I already had from a previous build:

Here they are married together temporarily:

And a sneek peek to get an idea of what the finished product will be. So stoked about this beast!

Update 07/19/14
Got a Rainier Arms Raptor
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab149/Tim_M_Midgett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0429_1_zpscb6246ff.jpg

2

I’ve been wanting to do a grendel for some time but have too many projects going on. Your gonna have a sweet rifle. My understanding is to receive grendel greatness (ballistics wise) you will want to use the 24 incher.

3

Where are you getting the barrel?

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Deleted

5

Black Hole Weaponry maybe. They sell a Type 1 for a decent price.

http://www.blackholeweaponry.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=185&osCsid=c8aba96e26bddbaa5e75ed9e95ea68c5

And I was looking at this bolt:
http://www.tacticalammunition.com/264-LBC-Bolt-Head-Complete-Type-1-TA88-0412-TA88-0412.htm

6

I’d suggest an 18" AR Stoner barrel and bolt combo from MidwayUSA. The barrel is made by Liberty Barrels, which is the “value” side of Satern Machining. Very nice barrels. The matched bolts are from Maxim - 9310 steel and the correct 0.136" true 6.5 Grendel bolt face.

The difference between an 18" and 20" barrel in terms of MV isn’t material, but the 18" barrel will be lighter and easier to maneuver/carry.

If you’re looking for max long range performance, go for the 24" barrel to maximize MV and minimize wind drift. I would not want to move that beast around, though… :wink:

7

Got my new upper in today, so I updated the pictures in the original post. Enjoy!

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Been awhile, but a quick update. I ordered a 20" barrel from Satern Custom Machining about a month ago. As soon as I get it, I will measure the OD of the barrel and order a custom brake from Ross Schuler. I plan on having it turned to be the same diameter as the barrel so that it’s all nice and flush fitting and looks like one solid piece.

9

Very nice rig. Did you get the barrel? What is the time frame as I’m grtti g ready to order one as well?

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Still no barrel. They emailed me a few days ago and said all the stock was in the drilling room, but they couldn’t give me a time frame. I would say order the barrel first thing, then start shopping for parts. It’s been 6 months so far for me, I actually ordered the barrel in February.

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11

Dang, that seems a bit excessive of a wait.

12

Yeah, but it seems to be pretty standard for custom barrels. I’ve got a buddy in Tn who builds bolt guns, and the lead time with the company he gets his barrels from is 6-8 months average. If you’re in a hurry, Black Hole Weaponry usually has some in stock. But they don’t come with a matched bolt.

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13

That’s makes sense. I’m from Tn as well and know a couple builders, wonder if he is one.

14

Gerald Lee Hill

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15

Added a new picture to the original post. Got my Rainier Arms Raptor Charging Handle.

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