Well, I’ve been a one AR guy for well over 15 years, and after buying a new upper and lower last year, I found myself with a Bushmaster Upper/lower. So the question was… what did I want to do with it.
Here is what I wanted.
Freefloat raii
-16-18" barrel
-Magnafied optics
The Upper had a 16"HBAR that has 14K thru it. So I decided to continue to use it and check the accuracy once the build is complete. It had been very accurate prior to retiring it for my new AR.
All parts were purchased of the EE here and elsewhere.
Stage3
Awaiting Magpul CTR stock with Rubber butt pad
(Pics to Follow)
Stage 4 will be either a different trigger (Leaning towards RR NM trigger as you all rave about them) and/or BUIS’s
I am leaning towards the Samson Rail mounted Front and either a TROY rear or ARMS40 (Still a good BUIS and what I run on my Carbine. I may also look at the Newer PRI rear BUIS as well. Depends on the deal I get off the EE.
Stage 5
Optics
I am still debating this. I am leaning towards a TA-31F. I want Magnification for better tgt ID and accuracy. I like the dependability. and most Importantly I like the Chevron and rangefinding reticle and the fact that I can use the BAC close in. I’m not a big fan of specializing a rifle/carbine to only be good at one thing. That’s why I’m leaning away from all the Variable scopes like the Leupold MRT’s etc.
Stage 6(Final stage)
may get a bipod,
looking at a Harris with rail attachment
TD bipod
Vltor rail mounted Bipod
Need to do more research and see if I like them or ditch the added weight and stick to my Magazine/Mono-pod technique that has served me well for many years.
I would go with the BUIS before looking into upgrading the trigger. Once you have them inplace it is a functional rifle. As it is sitting now it is a nice looking 10 yard bang stick.
You might want to look at some of the low powered variable scopes, as they seem to offer the ability to work a carbine to its fullest. Low 1.1 or 1.25 power for short range, cranked up to 4 ish power for the longer ranged work. YMMV
I really like it. Looking forward to the finished product.
Just a word on optics, if you are considering the ACOG, take a [b]hard look[/b] at the TA11. Same features as the TA31 (I've owned several of both, bought my first TA11 back in 1998), but the TA11 is a little larger and 3.5x instead of 4x (I can't tell much of a difference between the magnification the two different models).
The advantages I've found with the TA11 is that the longer / more generous eye relief is a BIG advantage when running and gunning and shooting from different positions. I am noticeably more faster with the TA11 than I am with the TA31. Eye relief is much more critical on the TA31 / TA01 series which costs you time when trying to get on a target fast. I have also owned the chevron and donut reticles. I thought I would be more accurate with the chevron, but didn't notice much difference in accuracy between the two different reticles, but I did notice that I am (as are most shooters) faster with the donut reticle. Just my personal experience.
I’d follow up what usmc03 said and also say that you might want to look into the new 3x compact acog. I haven’t gotten to really wring mine out yet, but it was good enough to shoot a hog at 20 yards.
ETA:
I keep thinking I need to build something similar with one of the 3 stripped lowers sitting in my safe, but since none of the ranges hereabouts are over 100 yards I haven’t been able to justify it. I’m looking forward to getting that 3x mini acog wrung out beyond 100 yards one of these days, but it’s probably a 2 hour + drive for me to get to such a range.
The Info about the TA11 is awesome. I am an eyeglass wearer and having the extra Eye-relief is a big deal. I had been toying with the idea of a TA11 vs a TA31.
You just tipped the scales for me on the TA-11
I still am a chevron guy so I will have to go with the TA-11 F, but I don’t seem to have a problem with the BAC closeup using the solid Triangle.
Harv I run a TA01-NSN on my duty weapon and I love it. I prefer the reticle over the chevron for a little more precision. The TA01-NSN also has a backup iron sight system mounted on top which with some range time and training is fast and accurate up close.
To illistrate the point of the eye relief on the TA11 check out some of the pics from the match where I was shooting a TA11. If you look closely you’ll notice that head position and eye relief are NOT critical with the TA11. Both head position and eye relief are VERY critical with the TA01 and TA31 series of ACOGs:
Harv, good blaster! Couple thoughts for you. The RRA NM triggers are garbage IMHO (can shoot out the second stage). Stick with a better trigger (LMT or Geisessel).
The new Trijicon TA33R-8 is the hands down best ACOG I have ever seen. It has the most eye relief and excellent FOV (for its size). It is also going to be cheaper and lighter than the other full size ACOG’s.
