I wanted a simple carbine /KISS rifle for my first AR and came up with this for a low budget build.
PSA Premium Upper 5.56 blem, PSA Premium Mil Spec BCG chrome lined, MPI, Carpenter 158, shot peened bolt
16" M4 1/7 Chrome lined barrel with Carbine gas system
Midwest Industries SSG2 12 rail
DD Irons (like these a lot)
RRA stripped lower and std LPK (surprisingly very good trigger feel for the standard parts!)
Hogue grip
A2 stock,buffer
MOE trigger guard
Vickers VCAS sling
Can of Paint. Might do more with the paint later.
Light and well balanced. She runs great on all kinds of cheap to heavy ammo. With decent groups for a cheap gun and old eyes. I think the Carbine gas system with the A2 rifle buffer system works really good. Total investment under $810.00 excluding mags and case. PSA makes some good budget stuff.
After some brief range time, I decided I would prefer a different grip. Something more vertical. The Hogue grip has too much rake and it is more difficult to keep my elbow down.
Your build looks good. You’ll really like your BCM grip and charging handle. Could you share with us why you chose the A2 rifle buffer tube vs a carbine buffer tube?
I’m a firm believer in keeping it simple with fewer moving parts that could fail. My intent is not to have a full on battle carbine but I wanted a very simple and reliable SHTF rifle I can count on to quickly hit what I am aiming at.
It may not look as badass as an adjustable stock but I prefer the solid feel of a fixed stock. Also, the balance of the rifle is very good while maintaining a reasonable overall length and weight.
I feel the A2 rifle buffer works well with the carbine gas system compared to a friend’s carbine buffer. I also think the spring length is an overlooked detail when comparing buffer system smoothness. I’m not an expert as this is my first AR, but I know what I feel and like.
I’m not sure I will stick with this stock as the length of pull is about 1" longer than optimal for my body frame. I may go with an A1 or VLTOR A5 unit to solve this while maintaining the A2 buffer feel.
MI makes a quality product. I haven’t knocked it around much but it seems pretty secure in the mount. I really like the diameter and profile. It will get warm if you start dumping mags so I will add the MI rail grips soon. The rail is very light and that is good for the gun’s balance.
Nice rifle, I personally like the a2 stock especially for a working rifle. Also keep it as simple as you like, but without a light its wortheless at night. Kiss but atleast put a g2 on it.
If you are referring to an AD sure would give your pos away. But I would rather ID my tgt than shoot my kid. Lights have their place, on a carbine is one of them. pratice good light discipline, ID your tgt, youll be ok. Lights are one of the first accessories I get.
