Gunsmithing Advice Wanted: Straight Pull AR10 Precision Build

[Clover_Jack]

First post, so feel free to virtually haze me if I make any mistakes!

Getting straight to it, I'm thinking of starting a build that I'm pretty sure a bunch of you are going to tell me to scratch and just go in a different direction (all research up to this point is really convincing me that I'll have to do that anyway). That being said, the idea is for a straight pull "bolt" gun on an AR10 platform, sans gas system (probably looking into a custom mcgowen barrel and have them not drill out the gas port). Gibbz G10 receiver set. I'll be using it for hunting whitetail and touching steel at 1000yds for some dumb fun on the side. Likely will be chambering 6.5CM but I'm not married to it. Before you ask, I'm not ultimately opposed to a true bolt action with a tactical chassis, but I'm stubborn and would definitely like to keep with the same ar style/ergonomics as what I trained/fought with and what I've been shooting as a civilian for years.

Before I get down to the nitty gritty, I want a blank slate perspective on how you gents would move forward with something fitting these guidelines.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

-CJ

 

[kl3309]

Are your right-handed? Any reason why you don't want to go with a less complicated right-side slotted receiver with the charging handle threaded directly into the bolt carrier? Would seem to a lot less moving aound to cycle the rifle once you're in position.

 

[Clover_Jack]

I definitely get your point, as I am a right-handed shooter. Though I was actually thinking it'd be nice having a left-side charge since 1.) muscle memory and what I'm used to, since I typically "blade hand" my charging handle, and also 2.) it allows me to keep my grip while resetting.

 

[wh309]

I definitely get your point, as I am a right-handed shooter. Though I was actually thinking it'd be nice having a left-side charge since 1.) muscle memory and what I'm used to, since I typically "blade hand" my charging handle, and also 2.) it allows me to keep my grip while resetting.

 

[wh309]

Check out the KaliKey folks. Looks like a slick method to transform a self loader into a bolt gun.

 

[Clover_Jack]

@wh309 , Just perused their site a bit and I think thats what @kl3309 was referring to if I'm not mistaken. I think I'd have to try it out on a current set-up before committing a new build to it. At first glance I prefer the ergonomics of the gibbz if I'm going to be "charging" the rifle after every shot. Same reasoning as I mentioned above.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Arent there several actual bolt guns in chassis with similar ergonomic features as an AR?

And also an actual bolt action uppers that fits a AR lower.

Other than that I would also go with a side charger so you can apply more force on close to be sure the lugs fully engage.

 

[Clover_Jack]

I'm definitely open to suggestion as far as ar-style chassis go, I just haven't shot any or found any online that have scratched my itch.

And I've seen the bolt action uppers but availability seems to be an issue there.

But back to the top, are there specific chassis that you've had good experience with?

 

[kl3309]

@wh309At first glance I prefer the ergonomics of the gibbz if I'm going to be "charging" the rifle after every shot. Same reasoning as I mentioned above.

Do you shoot bolt actions much? I don't know how you do it, but I leave my support hand in the supporting position and use my firing hand to work the action. That's just a lot less moving around than how you say you're going to do it.
You know that a Ruger Precision Rifle is going to do pretty much everything you're wanting to do ergonomics-wise.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Ruger RPR is

I'm definitely open to suggestion as far as ar-style chassis go, I just haven't shot any or found any online that have scratched my itch.

And I've seen the bolt action uppers but availability seems to be an issue there.

But back to the top, are there specific chassis that you've had good experience with?

Off the top o my head Ruger RPR, Q fix come to mind.

 

[Clover_Jack]

Just like I put my pants on, I work a bolt action just like everyone else. Not sure what you're picturing but when you get used to keeping your firing hand on the pistol grip and working everything else with your offhand it becomes second nature for one, and it's really not much movement at all.

EDIT: for clarity (and partially because I think I came off like a dick, so my apologies for that), I only shoot bolt guns for hunting and the occasional range day, I've put my fair share of rounds through quite a few hunting rifle platforms but I've never owned a bolt gun on a chassis, and have only shot them a few times, not including training with the barrett when I served (which admittedly was also only a few times). I have, however, put thousands upon thousands of rounds through my duty m4 and scar as well as my AR equivalents. That's the only reason I'm stubborn about keeping my shooting hand in place if I can help it.

 

[Clover_Jack]

I like the Ruger suggestion though, I may give it a shot. Anyone in SE PA want to let me borrow theirs first? lol

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

If you really want an AR platform consider a gas piston with a selector switch that you can simply turn gas off. Then you can always turn it back to full semi automatic.

 

[Disfunctional_Engineer]

I have a straight pull AR15 pistol I built and although it's a toy it's a blast to shoot. I made it to have the most obnoxious pistol I could deer hunt with in the state of Illinois. Mine is 450 Bushmaster and functions well. It doesn't need a huge amount of force to engage or disengage the bolt lugs. If you have your reasons (e.g. legalities) then going that route isn't terrible. Being a pistol I have a home made handle out the back. I'd still want a gas port drilled, buy a gas block, rotate it so that it's aligned to block off the hole and leave it. That way you're a gas tube and a buffer/spring away from semi should the desire ever arise.

A few other thoughts:
-Folding stocks are awesome on these because you don't need a buffer and spring.
-The bolt carriers are hard as fuck. Keep this in mind if you need to do a machining operation on one.

 

[Clover_Jack]

@2aBaCa Not sure how that legal argument would go if the firearm is still technically semi, and just temporarily disabled. But that definitely does sound like the easiest solution for maintaining versatility. That being said, I'm not too hung up on being able to go back to semi anyway, since I have quite a few toys that fill that role already.

...and also, I may have already custom ordered a barrel this morning without a gas port or gas block journal... so the build is on!

@Disfunctional_Engineer That's one crazy build you've got going on. Can't see the pics super well but definitely curious as to what modifications were required for it. (Also, props for being an 80% build, I've only done polymer so far but thinking about doing a billet one down the road)

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

@2aBaCa Not sure how that legal argument would go if the firearm is still technically semi, and just temporarily disabled. But that definitely does sound like the easiest solution for maintaining versatility. That being said, I'm not too hung up on being able to go back to semi anyway, since I have quite a few toys that fill that role already.

...and also, I may have already custom ordered a barrel this morning without a gas port or gas block journal... so the build is on!

@Disfunctional_Engineer That's one crazy build you've got going on. Can't see the pics super well but definitely curious as to what modifications were required for it. (Also, props for being an 80% build, I've only done polymer so far but thinking about doing a billet one down the road)

Didnt realize there was a legal requirement. Would you be registering the lower as some sort of single shot rifle? If there is such a thing. . Im sure Johnny Law will see a semiauto weapon regardless if it actually function like one or not.

 

[Constructor]

One thing to consider, there is no cam on an AR to help pull the case from the chamber. If you shoot even warm loads pulling the case will be a pain in the ass.

 

[Disfunctional_Engineer]

@Disfunctional_Engineer That's one crazy build you've got going on. Can't see the pics super well but definitely curious as to what modifications were required for it. (Also, props for being an 80% build, I've only done polymer so far but thinking about doing a billet one down the road)

I prefer 80s to anything else truthfully. If they made 80% revolvers I'd probably buy one.

In terms of modifications almost none. The pull handle and bushing were made on my Atlas Lathe, I punched a hole through the bolt (as said they are hardened AF) and that was really about it. I could add a buffer tube/spring/buffer, a gas block and a gas tube and it'd shoot as a semi auto.

The barrel was likewise turned on my Atlas. I lost ~6oz of weight turning it down. Just a basic bitch Bear Creek Arsenal barrel. No comments on accuracy one way or another. I haven't gotten sights where I want them yet and as said it's really just a toy so I don't care a ton. I bought dies and scored some .458 bullets for .10 each I'm going to size to .452 to reload it. With $1/round minimum for factory and locally more like $1.75 I have not had a hell of a lot of inclination to shoot it. I guess now that I have a 308 shell plate I can probably set a tool head up on the Dillon to do it.

In terms of the cartridges not coming out easily they basically fall out of mine. The inertia of the recoil impulse is enough to open the bolt up and it ejects readily with that alone. 450 isn't a low pressure cartridge either at 40K PSI but it's not super high pressure like a 308 either. I need to add a brake to my gun but I haven't seen signs of deformation on the brass so I haven't really worried about it.

If it's a legalities based need it may be best to figure out what other people are doing, make an inquiry to the state DOJ/whoever or even consult a lawyer. I will say I sure as hell wouldn't do something like this then have a spare gas tube laying around which could be construed as constructive intent.

 

[Clover_Jack]

If it's a legalities based need it may be best to figure out what other people are doing, make an inquiry to the state DOJ/whoever or even consult a lawyer. I will say I sure as hell wouldn't do something like this then have a spare gas tube laying around which could be construed as constructive intent.

Nothing that dramatic lol, I just live in PA and we can't hunt with semi-auto's here, the only real legal trouble I'd get in is with the game commission. So it's nothing I'm super concerned about, just want to be above board. (It's also mostly an excuse to try a new odd build, lol).

 

[Disfunctional_Engineer]

Yeah just don't bring a gas tube hunting then.

I am going to put a sled in my straight pull since the laws here say single shot or revolver should I ever take it out.

 

[Clover_Jack]

If I do bring it with me, I'll just put it in my beer and pretend its a straw, lol.

And let me know how you end up liking the sled, or if it turns out to just be a handicap that you have to deal with. I don't have any experience with 'em.

 

[BikePilot]

It's definitely an interesting idea. I suspect that a left hand AR-styled bolt gun would be the easy way to get what you are after. That way shooting right handed you can leave your shooting hand on the grip.