Hello,
I started a thread here a while back about this build but can’t find it now. So here is a recap with a pic of the finished product. Not the best picture but it was the best of the ones I took.
Seekins Precision stripped lower receiver
Stag lower receiver parts kit
Geissele Super Semi Automatic trigger
BCM Gunfighter pistol grip (black)
Rainier Arms milspec buffer tube kit
Magpul ACS (OD green)
4 - PMAGs - 30 rounders (black)
BCM standard 16" mid-length upper receiver group
BCM bolt carrier group
BCM charging handle
Magpul MOE mid-length hand guard (OD green)
Troy Industries rear folding battle sight
I avoided extreme price gouging on the parts for this build, but I paid more than I liked. I wanted to get an AR soon though, just in case all the hub-bub in Washington isn’t a bunch of posturing, and the panderers do pass some inane laws to make their constituents feel warm and fuzzy inside.
I found the upper assembly, bolt carrier group, and charging handle on gunbroker from a local guy and picked it up in person, saving shipping. I might have preferred a 14.5" barrel instead, but the upper group with the bolt carrier group was too tempting to pass up and I can live with the extra inch of length. Plus I am a Wisconsin native, so knowing all of my upper was made right here in my home state is great. And I got a BMC baseball cap with it, which I plan to wear next time I go visit friends in California. I’ll just chuckle as I walk around in it.
The lower receiver was the best I could find for a price that wasn’t completely outrageous. The buffer tube wouldn’t screw into this at first; it was too tight. Once the finish was removed from the threads of the lower receiver and the buffer tube with a wire wheel brush they fit together, albeit snugly.
I got the Geissele because it is a Geissele.
I haven’t ever shot an AR, so I don’t know too much about stance and grip, but the BMC pistol grip sounded interesting, touted as good for a modern forward facing stance. With no experience, I figured the grip is probably as good as anything else and, as I mentioned, I like the fact BCM is here in WI.
I wanted the MOE handguard to keep weight down in the front and wanted the ACS for more positive cheek weld and a little more weight in the back of the rifle for balance. Storage in the stock is bonus. I wanted a two tone rifle, but thought maybe I should go classic all black. Then I read that two tones break up the outline of a rifle if someone is trying to spot you. I forsee little possibility of being in the woods on the run with my AR, but this little bit of practicality, added to my desire for a two tone, was enough to get me to go olive drab on my Magpul furniture.
I will eventually add an Aimpoint PRO red dot a quick detach mount. The Troy folding battle sight will be a BUIS, but I plan to co-witness the irons to the bottom third and practice with them, at least a little, each time I go shooting.
I probably will add a weapon light at some point, and may consider a vertical fore grip. My step brother saw action in Afghanistan and Iraq, and said he found the vertical grip easier any time he had to hold his rifle up for more than five minutes. My wrists are pretty bad and I can already tell this setup might be tough for me to shoot, so I probably will give a vertical fore grip a try.
I got this rifle because I like to shoot, and would like to learn how to shoot the premier modern combat rifle platform. I also want to be part of the amazing number of law abiding people with these weapons in the US, that will make sure that if the government would be leaning toward tyranny, they are going to have to think hard about how much it is worth it to go after their own people. I believe this is the spirit of the second amendment, and I support it.
I think that is about it. If you actually read all my ramblings, thanks. It was lots of fun, and not just too challenging to put this together. Suggestions and comments appreciated.
