Hey all, thanks for taking the time to help a n00b.
Got the “okay” from the wife to start a build after Christmas. The goal is $800 (that she knows of, I know I will go over).
My question today is about BCM uppers (this is why I know I am going to go over). I have been looking at their uppers and my question is about “standard” BFH barrels.
Can someone explain the difference to me?
I am also on the fence whether to get a pinned front site or a rifle with extended handguard and flip sights. What’s your opinion?
I think I really like this one, or something similar.
Well, BCM sells nice stuff. The standard barrels are fine. They do have their stainless models and hammer forged models, but it really depends on what you are going to use it for.
Are you going to take it to the range and shoot paper, then the standard barrel is fine. Also, if you were taking it to war, then it would probably be fine as well.
The CHF, or hammer forged barrels are reputed to be more accurate and would be more for a competition gun, like a 3 gun rifle.
The stainless barrels are for people who like stainless I guess. Supposedly, they are more accurate and may be used in a prairie dog gun or some such.
As to the front sight issue… Hmmmm. It really depends on what you want. I prefer folding sights if I am using a red dot, like an Aimpoint, as I dont like the front sight in my picture, unless I go lower 1/3 co-witness. If I am using a higher power scope, the front sight tends to either disappear or its not needed.
If you have the FS, then it is one less thing you have to buy, and you will save $40 to $150 by keeping the standard FS.
I have a couple BCM uppers and they have all been great. If you are buying a BCM upper though… Kiss your $800 limit goodbye
CHF barrels accuracy improvements are debatable. The CHF process was developed to create barrels with longer service lives. If there is an accuracy improvement that’s just a happy side effect of the process.
For “match” or “precision” shooting a Stainless 410 barrel is the way to go.
For HD/SD a chrome lined standard barrel would be more than adequate… especially BCM’s.
The choice to go “A2FSB or not to A2FSB” is entirely subjective. I know folks that “can’t live without” them… and others that can’t wait to get rid of them.
Here’s how I view it.
Combat/SD weapon: FSB or low pro w/ full length FF tube… no bias either way.
Precision weapon: Low pro w/ full length FF tube is IMHO a requirement.
With a precision setup you want to eliminate all possible variables that might affect accuracy and reliability.
Note Bene (note well) Do NOT sacrifice reliability for accuracy.
I know I will not be within $800, that’s a number to make the wife happy . I was originally going to try a budget build but since this will be my only AR I decided I better get what I want rather than wish I did and end up un-happy with my rifle.
This will be a range gun, punching holes in paper or plinking off steel.
The worst it will see is a defensive carbine class at some point.
It could play a HD role at some point, right now my shotgun and pistol play a more purposeful role in that department.
You could probably be damn close to $800 if you keep an eye out on the Equipment Exchange here. I made out with a brand new BCM BFH upper w/ brand new Magpul MOE handguards for like $390 shipped back when I put mine together.
Grant at G&R Tactical also sells complete, stripped down BCM’s for just over $900, I believe.
Or, BudsGunShop sells complete BCM rifles for $1,000 and you can do layaway. Probably starting to sound like a salesman now.
Standard barrel will be fine but if you have the extra $$$ you may want to opt for BFH. In reality, you’ll probably never shoot out either one.
I don’t mind buying used at all, if it’s in good condition and what I am looking for. I have more than a couple gun’s I’ve picked up used with no issues.
I would go with a basic upper group. Run it, learn it, and evolve and change things as you discover needs and requirements. This should also keep your starting cost low.
BFH vs. standard really depends on needs. Most will never shoot out a standard, let alone a BFH. BFH tends to be more accurate but that’s something that requires proficiency to notice IMHO. You’ll do fine either way.
I would go with the standard BCM barrel, as Filthy 14- I believe- ran 40,000 rounds with its barrel. I bought a BFH for myself, for I had the money and wanted the “better barrel with a longer life,”- my thoughts about it- also because I shoot it moderately, about 1,000 rounds a month. I want it to last years with that round count.
The FSB is your preference, I personally would get a low-profile gas block and have a rail barley covering it- my preference. 10" to me, seems ideal for a mid-length. I have 12", BTW, wish I got the 10". If you use a RDS the front sight will be in your view, I sometimes shoot with mine up and it is too “busy,” for me.
My bad. That question was for Zane1844.
Since it’s come up, Id pass on the Primary Arms optic. Shoot it irons first and then get a quality optic. Spend the money on ammo instead.
Before you spend near $200 on a PA micro dot ck out Grant @ G&R tactical. I bought my aimpoint micro h-1 for $559.00 with a Daniel defense lower 1/3 mount in a package deal option. Basically $500 for h-1 and $59.00 for mount and free shipping.
Upper -
BCM has a centurion c4 railed standard barreled upper for $850-870 range I believe and there are Skme others around $750-800 I think. You could also buy a BCM 14.5" mid length BFH upper for $519.00 and get a $30 Moe hand guard set. Then throw a rail on later.
A build for $800, and meet some sort of quality standard? Good luck.
I’d start looking to hide some additional money from the CFO for the project, or sell some things to help fund it. Double that budget dollar and you can get set up pretty good and be able to shoot it, rather than just look at it.
At $800 a very basic rifle is about all you are going to get. Mags, Sling, Ammo…there goes another $500 minimum. The accessories add up quick.
As stated, keep an eye on the Equipment Exchange and retail sales during the next month.
You can assemble a lower from parts cheaper than buying one outright, but it is damn near impossible to assemble an upper cheaper than buying one outright.
If this is your first AR, I would recommend buying a complete from G&R, BCM, or PSA and learn from it. Right now the best bang for the money is the PSA 16’’ Mid Premium Patrol Rifle Package. You get a decent entry level middy, and an Aimpoint PRO ($400 RDS). Keep an eye on it, it may go on sale again for $1k.
Thanks for the info. I planned on getting used to the irons first but read mostly good stuff from the PA crowd. Also, thanks to GUNSLINGER733 for echoing the sentiment.
Sticks & Polymorpheous, I had a dollar amount closer to $1200 in mind. I planned on skimming a little off the top of a few checks.
Going back to read and research some more. Thank you to all for putting this n00b in the right place.
. I was originally going to try a budget build but since this will be my only AR I decided I better get what I want rather than wish I did and end up un-happy with my rifle.