SPR-Inspired Build

AR/M4 Custom Build Forum
1

This started off as a receiver that needed a good home, and evolved into a rifle I’m really happy with. I acquired the parts over a period of several months, with the intent of a SPR/DMR inspired rifle to hunt small game with and target shoot for fun at distances of 300-500 yards. I wanted to balance precision with utility, and I ended up amazed by how well everything fit together when I assembled the rifle. I’ve been looking forward to sharing this one, despite the tough crowd I know this place can be.

LOWER:
-Spike’s ST-15 Lower
-CMC 2-stage trigger
-H2 buffer
-Magpul STR stock
-Magpul MOE Pistol Grip
-VTAC Padded 2-point rifle sling

UPPER:
-Spike’s M4 Flattop Upper
-Daniel Defense 18" S2W mid-length gas 1:7 CHF barrel
-BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 Compensator
-BCM Bolt and Carrier
-BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 medium charging handle
-Geissele Mk. 2 13" supermod rail
-Troy HK folding BUIS
-Harris Bipod with GG&G quick-disconnect mount
-Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 FFP MRAD Riflescope on LaRue LT-104 Mount

I also rattle-canned the upper, lower, and hand guard for a different look, and I’m surprisingly happy with how it turned out. I prepped all the surfaces and took my time. It started out as kind of a joke, but I ended up really liking the look, and it’s gotten more compliments than I expected. I don’t have any plans to change it. It’s smooth, malfunction-free, and a better shooter than I am, so I’m very happy with it. I got the scope zeroed for 200 meters, and I’m excited about shooting farther.

LESSONS LEARNED:
-Buy once, cry once. I got a generic LPK, and ended up replacing a few things almost immediately (Pistol grip, takedown pins, and trigger). None of the stuff I listened to recommendations on (Magpul, BCM, DD) has been an issue.
-Rattle Can Rifles. I previously thought of spray paint as a “bubba mod”, but I’m surprisingly happy with how my coatings turned out. I let the base coat cure completely and used a Krylon Matte overcoat to help protect the paint. It’s obviously not gonna stay perfect, but it might be part of this rifle’s charm. Maybe I’m just a bubba now :rolleyes:
-Proper tools. Having all the proper tools is critical, especially a vice, upper and lower blocks, barrel blocks and a reaction rod (!!!), an armorer’s wrench, and a proper set of punches and drivers. My previous build I didn’t have everything I needed, and it was a PITA. This build went together like a dream in comparison. It’s been fun.
-FFP scope. SO GLAD I DID MY RESEARCH. This scope is EXACTLY what I was looking for, and being able to stadiametrically range at any magnification is awesome!

2

Nice build I took my 16" apart when I sbrd my lower and plan on putting a build similar to this together. I have the same scope on my 308 now and love the scope. would love to see some groups on this rifle.

3

Thanks, my best group so far was about 1.5 MOA with 77gr CBC OTM ammo. That’s pretty decent for me, but I think the rifle can do better. I’ll post more results the next time I put some rounds downrange.

4

OP, any reason that you went with a mid length gas on your 18 inch barrel, instead of rifle length gas? Just curious, as I am going to start something similar.

Sent from 80ms in the future
Much peace
Jimmy

5

I went with mid-length for no particularly good reason except that when I ordered the barrel I wanted from DD (18" S2W), I didn’t see it offered in rifle-length. That said, DD did a very nice job with the barrel and it’s a smooth shooter!

If you are looking at the S2W line, I think their 18" is offered with a rifle length gas system now. If I were starting this build today, that’s what I would get.

6

Copy that

Sent from 80ms in the future
Much peace
Jimmy

7

Looks great! whats the total weight of that setup?

8

Thanks. Weights are via my digital bathroom scale, not exact:
As pictured - 11 lbs
Bipod removed - 9.6 lbs
As pictured w/ loaded 30 round mag - 12.1 lbs

So far, I’ve just been shooting from prone with a 10 round PMAG, which puts the loaded operational weight around 11.5 lbs.

9

Nice looking rifle