Project ARMOR 6.8: The 6.8 AR MOuntain Rifle
As a follw-up to Project ARMOR 5.56, this is the second of three “Mountain” ARs. Well, for now at least
Primary Goals and Background
Project ARMOR 6.8 is setup in a similar fashion to the ARMOR 5.56 without the stringent weight or (semi) tactical precision requirement. As it is primarily configured for hunting with potential use in a defensive role, I’m using BUIS, a QD optic mount and a functioning FWD assist.
My goal for this rifle was a sub-8 lb rifle with a flexible hunting optic in 3-9x power. I also wanted a decent reticle for low-light hunting.
The budget for this rifle, with accessories was $4,000.
The parts
Upper Receiver
Barrel before dimpling
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[li]Noveske Rogue Hunter profile 6.8 SPC SS BBL, 1:12 twist & GB (I had Marvin Pitts dimple the front of the BBL to remove about 1.5 ounces).
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Not really evident from this image, but the dimpling is shallower on the 6.8 barrel since the barrel was thinner than the 5.56.
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[li]VLTOR VC-302 FH (Lightweight at 53 g and I’ve used this previously. IT offers decent flash suppression in low light and I didn’t; think I need a comp.)
[/li][li]VLTOR MUR-1A Upper (Wanted the same look as the AMOUR 5.56 and I’m used lots of these with pleasing results. It’s a bit portly at 10 oz, however.).
[/li][li]KAX URX-3 (Again, wanted a similar setup as the 5.56 with a built-in front sight. I did not lighten this one.)
[/li][li]BCM GF CH, medium (selected for similar reason as 5.56)
[/li][li]BCM BC (Reliable and robust)
[/li][li]ARP bolt (Used these before and like them)
[/li][li]BCM FP, cam pin, retaining pin
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Lower Receiver:
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[li]Noveske blem lower (It’s going to get dinged up anyway!)
[/li][li]G&R LPK (top notch quality with Grant’s hand selected components)
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Grant puts together a very nice LPK!
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[li]Magpul trigger guard (It’s light and I may be wearing gloves when it’s cold)
[/li][li]Geissele SSA trigger (Didn’t want the candy cane break of the Enhanced version for this build.)
[/li][li]Magpul MOE basic grip (I use these on all my ARs)
[/li][li]Novekse QD receiver end plate
[/li][li]BCM castle nut
[/li][li]VLTOR EMOD clubfoot stock (Wanted a collapsible stock with good cheek weld that offered a little more flexibility than the IMOD. Even the E-MOD is relatively lightweight compared to other stocks. Need some more range time to confirm this selection.)
[/li][li]VLTOR A5SR receiver extension (I selected the A5 due to ability to run a rifle spring and heavier buffer, if needed.)
[/li][li]VLTOR A5 Mod 2 buffer (This is a standard weight A5 buffer with all of the tungsten weights replaced with steel. It weighs 3.7 oz. I’ve a standard and a “Mod 1” to try as well)
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[li]Brownells chrome silicon rifle spring (Selected per above)
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I made a square tip punch to stake this. Seems to have worked okay.
Optics and Accessories
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[li]Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40 with mildot reticle and green illum. (This is a very lightweight scope at 13.4 oz. that offers everything I need in a mid-size game hunting optic.)
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Not too many pics floating around of the turrets on the Accupoints
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[li]GG&G SPR mount with QD and 1” Delrin inserts (Never used a GG&G mount before but was interested in trying a lighter mount than the LaRue LT-104. The mount is 6.1 oz.).
[/li][li]PRI and Barrett magazines. (I’ve had 100% functionality using these mags with my first 6.8 build.)
[/li][li]BFG/Vickers 2 point slings.
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Observations:
I was able to meet the target weight of < 8 lbs: 7.73 lbs. with the scope and mount and 6.44 lbs. without.
Weight with scope & mount
Weight with BUIS and no scope
The rifle balances well in my hands with a center of mass very close to the magwell. I was pleasantly surprised to spend about $700 under budget for a total of $3,317 including the optic, two mags and a sling.
Since I’ve been traveling so much, I haven’t had the time get to the outdoor range. I was able to take this rifle to an indoor range for function checks and to get a feel for it at short distances without the scope. I shot 20 110 gr SSA Nosler Acubond and 20 115 gr SSA OTM HP ammo without incident at 25 yds. The rifle handles well and the VLTOR comp/flash suppressor does a good job of keeping the muzzle on target. Additionally, the URX III has a QD mounting point on the bottom of the distal portion rail (muzzle end) where I like to mount the BFG sling to in an effort to better control the rifle.
I NEED to get both of these projects to the outdoor ranges!
6.8 is at the bottom in all three photos