Probably most people have seen these before, as they evolved through the picture threads. Obviously I learned that buying quality components really does make a difference as LMT replaced Bushmaster, Leupold replaced IOR, Magpul replaced pretty much everything and having good quality barrels and bolt carrier groups from Daniel Defense, LMT, Colt and BCM are a must. From my first Bushmaster and DPMS through to these Daniel Defense, LMT and Colt, these are what my AR15s have been whittled down to with the information and inspiration of the M4Carbine members.
I wanted three carbines that would handle and feel similar but be used for different roles. Effectively my interpretation of a Recon Rifle, a Close Quarters Carbine and a high volume General Purpose Carbine that can do both, and survive high volume use as a trainer.
DANIEL DEFENSE RECON RIFLE
For the Recce I wanted a 16" mid-length that I could use as a 3 gun carbine, and as a precision rifle. For this I decided to go with a Daniel Defense SPR Complete Upper that has a 16" tapered 1in7 twist LW50 Lothar Walther stainless barrel with a Wylde chamber, with the excellent Daniel Defense 12.0 Lite rail that would not only free float the barrel but would give a generous sight radius for the BUIS and allow for attaching a QD bipod farther out as I prefer. The DD SPR upper comes with a hand matched Bolt Carrier Group from DD. I preferred the DD upper to the LaRue equivalent simply because I prefer the DD Lite rail and the reduced weight of the tapered LW50 barrel, which in my hands makes the carbine move and balance better. A Leupold MK4 MR/T 1.5-5x20mm illuminated SPR reticle scope I love the optics clarity but really like the SPR reticle and the M2 Bullet Drop Compensating turret, I ordered two extra turrets from Leupold so I have data and zeros for 5.56 55gr, 62gr and 77gr loads. I mounted this in the LaRue SPR QD mount simply because has a rep for being the best, less to worry about. For a lower receiver I picked a LMT Defender 2000 with the 2 stage match trigger which allows me to make the most out of the Lothar Walther barrel. I covered the exposed rail with Magpul XTM panels. Troy BUIS simply because they are of excellent quality and once loctited in place I can forget about them.
After dabbling with the Ergo grips that came on the LMT lowers I have changed to the Magpul MIAD grip, added the new Magpul Angled Fore Grip and Magpul BAD Lever. Lastly I added a Magpul UBR stock and the Vicker’s Combat Applications sling. I am glad I removed the LMT SOPMOD and went for the UBR it is the best collapsing stock I have tried and it really balances the rifle out.
I am really happy with the way it turned out and the way it performs, it balances well offhand, even with the bipod, and is amazingly accurate, producing sub 0.5 MOA all day with quality ammo. I have shot it with great results at the local 3-gun matches.
LMT CLOSE QUARTERS CARBINE
The second AR is intended to be my take on a MK18 CQBR, so I purchased the LMT CQBR 10.5" 1in7 twist 5.56NATO upper, departing from the actual MK18 design I immediately had the front sight post milled off and installed the Daniel Defense 10.0 Lite rail, I used an LMT Bolt Carrier Group and an H2 buffer to slow the bolt down in this beast, and a Noveske KX3 to aid with back pressure and direct the noise. A single stage mil spec trigger is in this SBR registered LMT Defender 2000 lower receiver, I added the Magpul Battery Assist Device. Since this is for close range carbine I find the EOTech to be my fastest CQB optic and went with the EOTech XPS mounted on the LaRue QD EOTech riser with the Troy front and rear BUIS for a lower 1/3 co-witness. I really like the Blue Force Gear UDC padded bungee single point sling. The Magpul UBR feels great on this shortie, I thought it might not balance a really short barrel like this but is lively and feels great, especially with the Magpul MIAD and Magpul Angled Fore Grip and a Surefire to make this SBR a great home defense carbine! I will be running this one in a Magpul Dynamics class in a couple of months.
COLT GENERAL PURPOSE CARBINE
The third carbine was to be a “beater” high round count, general purpose rifle that I wouldn’t mind using for “hard use” shooting with a more flexible twist rate to take advantage of the cheapest ammo that may be available, so I went with a complete upper from a Colt AR6721 with the chrome lined HBAR 16" 1in9 twist 5.56NATO chambered barrel and again used the excellent Daniel Defense 12.0 Lite rail, I added an Bravo Company Full Auto Bolt Carrier Group for reliability with a carbine buffer. Lower receiver is an LMT Defender 2000 with a 2 stage match trigger and Magpul UBR stock, with the welcome addition of the Magpul Battery Assist Device. With the optic I mounted an EOTech 552, the Troy BUIS gives me a good co-witness. I am also able to switch out to the Leupold MR/T 1.5-5 if necessary, and with the trigger and stock it feels just like the DD Recce above. Magpul MOE Grip and Magpul Angled Fore Grip out front to get a good handle on the 16" HBAR and long rail with the Vicker’s Combat Applications sling.
Even with the HBAR this carbine balances much like the DD upper above… the funny thing is this Colt barrel has been very accurate, and may give the LW50 a run for it’s money. This layout feels great and moves and points very naturally for me.
One of my co-workers who doesn’t have an AR15 to call his own yet, will be running this in the upcoming Magpul Dynamics class.
The end result is three carbines that have a common look and feel, but more importantly perform really well for their niche. Now I am on the hunt for a Class III full auto lower that will work with these three…
Cameron
