I am currently in the process of putting together my first build. As I’m slightly apprehensive about the whole project (not about getting it all together correctly, more about marring everything up in the process) I bought a complete, used BCM upper which came with the Midwest Industries SS-15 hand guards.
After getting it home I realized that the anti-rotation screw head was completely stripped. Well, I need to get the hand guards off to install a couple rail pieces which wouldn’t be hard, but it’s a rather unique screw that I can’t just go to a hardware store and buy. Long story short, I called MI and asked them how much for one and they are sending me a replacement screw and manual for the SS-15 at no charge! While this part probably didn’t cost them much, it’s nice to know there are companies out there who still care about their customers.
I completed the lower assembly last night, excepting the grip I am waiting on. It was much easier than I imagined. I only had a little bit of trouble with the roll pins, and getting the one trigger pin through the sear was a bit finicky, but it still only took about 3 hours. I think I’d be able to do it in about half an hour now, though.
I only need my grip, bipod, and a couple rail sections to get here (along with my anti-rotation screw). Then I need to decide on an optic–I’m looking at 1-4x or 1.1-8x. The Leupold CQBSS is interesting but I haven’t seen it for sale, though I haven’t looked very hard.
I’m currently waiting on the proper tools to remove my MI free float tube. The only things that I’ll be adding are a bipod, sling attachment point, and an AFG at the very front.
Today I installed my Geissele Super Semi trigger. The trigger pull is just plain amazing compared to the stock trigger! I’m happy with my decision to go with this trigger, given the longer range shooting for which I intend to use this gun. My only complaint with the gun at this point is that the mag well is a little small for Magpul magazines, since I do have a number of them; USGI and other aluminum magazines fit well and drop freely. I also like how these 20 round Brownell’s magazines look in it…
Built:
Aero Precision lower
BCM upper
Midwest Industries SS-15 handguards
BCM BCG
DPMS lower parts kit
Geissele Super Semi trigger
Magpul BAD lever, sling, stock
CMMG ambidextrous safety
Waiting to put on:
Harris BRM-S bipod
Magpul AFG
Now I just need to decide on an optic…
Any thoughts, criticisms, etc.? I’m liking how this gun is turning out quite a bit, especially for my first (partial) build.
You’ll like that handguard. I put one on my work rifle and stripped the threads out of the forearm where the anti-rotational screw goes right off the bat. I called MI and told them what I’d done and that it was my fault and the first thing the lady asked me for was my address so they could send a replacement…at no charge after I told them I’d ham fisted it!! Go ahead and get the end cap trim piece too. It cleans up the front end a lot.
I thought I had a better picture of the end cap. I’ll have to take one with the flash. I COULD NOT get the QD swivel mount on where I wanted it up close to the reciever. The nuts wouldn’t clear the gas tube if you put the swivel base on first, then installed the forearm.
Yeah, I ended up having to put a couple rail pieces closer to the front of the gun than I had wanted. I’ve also been considering that end cap piece to clean things up, but the gun is already getting a little heavy…
I did finish the build though, and am now just trying to decide on an optic. I’m thinking a Burris XTR 1-4x with a LaRue QD mount is the most likely candidate at this point.
Yes, I take terrible pictures. It’s been raining every time I want to go take them though.
I might end up taking the sling swivel off and just using it as a single point sling. We’ll see how it works out.
I took a better picture of the trim ring. I also included
my “field expedient” sling swivel. That’s the only way I
could get it where I wanted it. That trim ring won’t add
any weight the way your rifle is set up.
How do you like the BAD lever? I fooled with one today
and I really like the concept, I just wonder how long it
would take me to get used to it.
I like the BAD lever a lot. I’ve had one on my carbine since last fall. It simplifies a few operations and is much more natural, so it was easy to train. It also doesn’t impair the “traditional” operation of the bolt catch, so you don’t have to get trained up on it right away once you put it on your rifle. The only problem is after you have it on one black rifle for a while, you need to get one for all of them.
I did read a couple reports of them causing the bolt to lock open when it shouldn’t, but I haven’t had any problems with about 2000 rounds on my carbine. I also haven’t seen any posts like that in a while, but I also haven’t been looking.
:fie:Not fat, it’s just easy to see that we have different end uses in mind for our rifles. How’s that for a politically correct answer?
You’ll never notice the trim ring!:no:
your MBUS is not in the last notch on the upper rec rail… (OCD).
I am skeptical whether the bipod is in the most advantageous location as well. Is this a professional use weapon or a hobby-type weapon? (Three gun and the like).
Actually I did plan on using the UWL. Had a training day today and wound up moving the front sling “mount” out further towards the end of the barrel. If I leave it there, I could use the MI qd mount.
I want to train some more with it there. Transitions seem to be easier because I have a little more room.
This is as far as I’ve gotten money wise.
Might have been rude if you just said my build is dumb but I appreciate constructive criticism.
I have moved a few things around, actually. I put the rear MBUS further back and put the bipod at the very front of the rail with the AFG behind it. It looks a little cramped as the front of the AFG is above the bipod lock lever I have, but my hand doesn’t touch it when I’m holding the weapon. The bipod’s also nice and easy to take off. I’m not sure if it is the “best” location for the bipod as the only other gun I have shot with a bipod is my Remington 700 which doesn’t offer a lot in the way of placement options.
Here it is. I think it’s all done! I may get a longer attachment for my bipod so that it can be slightly more stable. I may also just take the MBUS off, as to use them the optic has to come clear off and I don’t see myself using this rifle without it.
I’m in love with the Burris XTR! The reticle is nice and the illumination doesn’t bloom into the edge of the glass until it’s too bright anyways; the lower settings seem to be plenty bright. It’s also nice that the illumination just lights up the horseshoe and dot of the reticle instead of adding them, so if the batteries run out you can just run without. I’m also thinking about a Switchview lever for the magnification ring on the XTR–the magnification ring is pretty stiff.
I haven’t been able to run it through its paces as I’ve been grounded with a nasty bug that can’t decide how to screw with me. Started as a sore throat, then turned into a chest cold, and now I have a nice high fever. Can’t wait for this to end!
Thanks on both counts, Hatchie! I am actually feeling a bit better today. Hopefully it’s on the down slope finally; I really do want to get this gun out and see what I can coax out of it.
I’m not sure if it is the “best” location for the bipod as the only other gun I have shot with a bipod is my Remington 700 which doesn’t offer a lot in the way of placement options.