I want an SPR-ish AR. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far, any suggestions would be appreciated.
Lower half:
LMT Defender M4 lower
Magpul CTR stock (I prefer these over the SOPMOD that you can get with the LMT from the factory)
RRA 9mm buffer
Upper half:
Rifle length VLTOR VIS
Noveske 18" midlength SPR barrel
BCM bolt & M16 carrier
Gemtech Bi-lock flash suppressor (I already have a Gemtech G5)
Sights:
Troy front & rear folding sights
Still haven’t decided on the scope yet. I like ACOGs and have a TA31RCO-M4 I could use but from what I understand the BDC is optimized for a 14.5" barrel so I don’t know how much it would be off on an 18" barrel. But there doesn’t seem to be an ACOG designed for an 18" barrel.
I’ve run a 9mm buffer on a midlength, and its a VERY gentle shooting weapon. With him running a can, and getting increased pressure, it may end up being a reliable way to run the weapon, and it might not depending upon what loads he is using.
The nice thing about the 9mm buffer is that its pretty cheap, and isn’t a big deal to replace if its less than perfect.
This will be a competition rifle not a combat rifle so I’m willing to trade a little reliability for a softer shooting gun. But you’re right, a 9mm buffer isn’t necessary and since the LMT lower already comes with a normal carbine buffer I’ll probably just use that at first at least.