Building my first AR-15, opinions wanted.

[BamaBrad]

I have lurked here and gathered some good information. I would really like some opinions though. I already have 2 Ar15’s and 1 AR308 and I am in the process of building my own. As of now I have a Spikes lower with a BCM enhanced LPK. I am going with a BCMM4 upper.

Here is where I would like some opinions, I am almost decided on the Geissele handguard unless you can recommend something different. I run a MI on my other AR’s. Really like the Geissele. I have done a lot of reading on the barrels on this site as well as others and get some mixed reviews. What I want is an 18” mid length preferably with the barrel dimpled for the gas block already. I was thinking Kreiger for my first choice and maybe WOA or BA or even Faxon.

If I did go with a longer barrel and went rifle length what buffer would be best to run? I will be using this rifle in all aspects in target shooting to hunting coyotes. I may have left some things out that was on my mind if so I will post them up.

One other thing. I was going to go with using the reaction rod on installing the barrel vs a upper vise block????? Yay or Nay??

 

[Snuby642]

Sonds like you did your homework well.
I like the BCM kit the trigger is nice.

The reaction rod is a good choice, especially for disassembly if things get tough.
A vice block is handy for matinence.

 

[Mwalex]

As far the handguard goes, is weight an issue, or maximum attachment points, shape? There are more option out there than you can shake a stick at. I have used SLR, VSeven, Odin Works and a couple others and have never had a problem or been disappointed. It also depends on how much you are willing to spend.

For the barrels I would add Noveske, JP, VSeven and Battle Arms Development to the list for consideration. Again, a lot of good barrels out there, just depends on weight and cost.

I use the DPMS style blocks, separate blocks for the upper and lower, and have never had an issue, regardless of the amount of torque applied.

 

[BamaBrad]

Thanks for the replies, will definitely check out those other barrels. I can’t remember but I thought I read something about using the Geissele handguard and installing it and the alignment or something along those lines was better than others, not so much above the quality because there is really good handguards out there just thought I read something about ease of aligning the gas tube or something, I can’t remember.

 

[everready073]

Geiselle is a great choice for the handguard unless you wanted something lightweight. They are the best out there IMO with really solid lock up. Kreiger or Bartlein barrel from Compass Lake would be my first choice for a barrel. White Oak is also a great option and BA or Faxon are not bad barrels, but if you can spend the money I would go with the other options.

For the buffer you would have to decide if you want to go with carbine length or rifle length(fixed stock). I would go with carbine length or the A5 system personally because I like an adjustable stock. Start with an H buffer if you go carbine and see what ammo will cycle with it. If you use a mix of low/high powered ammo the H should work with both. You can try an h2 to see if it will cycle with the ammo you use

 

[Rerun7]

You’ve got a good start with the BCM parts. I’ve built several ARs at this point and used a number of different components. I keep coming back to the BCM KMR for the handguard. I’ve used both the original and the alpha and they are both top notch. I run them on all my uppers now.

When I put together my target / coyote rig I went with the WOA and have been pleased. It shoots well, just wish it was a little lighter but that’s a trade off. I would try the fluted version if I were to build it again.

I’d highly recommend looking at the geissele triggers too. Makes a world of difference.

 

[TxSteel]

I recently finished my build 18" odin works. Im with everready073 if you can afford it compass lake is the way to go. I have the Geiselle MK4 handguard and love it. I am also running the ArmaSpec Stealth recoil spring, at the H2 weight. It wont cycle PMC.

 

[ssteve]

For 18" barrels I think centurions crane spec mk12 barrels are as good as it gets. I have one with a geissele rail and love it.

 

[BamaBrad]

Great information, exactly what I am looking for, haven’t checked out compass lake but will definitely check into them. Will also have an adjustable stock, a must for me.

 

[MtnCreek]

Thanks for the replies, will definitely check out those other barrels. I can’t remember but I thought I read something about using the Geissele handguard and installing it and the alignment or something along those lines was better than others, not so much above the quality because there is really good handguards out there just thought I read something about ease of aligning the gas tube or something, I can’t remember.

The barrel nut on the Geissele does not require timing for the gas tube. Traditional barrel nuts have notches to fit the wrench. You torque to min, then continue to torque till a notch lines up for gas tube clearance. Final torque is determined by lining up the notch, not your desired torque. Not an issue with Geissele.

 

[BamaBrad]

The barrel nut on the Geissele does not require timing for the gas tube. Traditional barrel nuts have notches to fit the wrench. You torque to min, then continue to torque till a notch lines up for gas tube clearance. Final torque is determined by lining up the notch, not your desired torque. Not an issue with Geissele.

I like the sound of that

 

[Mwalex]

The barrel nut on the Geissele does not require timing for the gas tube. Traditional barrel nuts have notches to fit the wrench. You torque to min, then continue to torque till a notch lines up for gas tube clearance. Final torque is determined by lining up the notch, not your desired torque. Not an issue with Geissele.

Good point. The VSeven does not need to be timed for the gas tube but needs to be timed for lining up the hand guard with the upper.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

One, does your existing pair of Lowers meet with your approval? Two, is there a compelling reason to have a third?

The reason I ask is because I have a belief that since I can only shoot one rifle at a time, and because Upper swaps are so daggone quick and simple; spending the time and money to acquire and build a third might be excessive. For Example, I have two Lowers; but that's because we have two shooters within the household. More Lowers than that may be redundant. I have also found that my pair of Stag Model 6 Lowers (A2 buffer assemblies), with the excellent Stag two-stage trigger, run fine with both 16" Carbine gas system Uppers and 24" Rifle gas system Uppers. Also, I have this handguard (15.5") on an AR Stoner 16" Upper that's inbound.

Just something to think on...

Greg

 

[r.tenorio671]

SLR handguards use a barrel nut that DOES NOT require timing and the mounting method provides for a solid lockup with no movement and rigidity the full length out to the muzzle.

 

[winniedonkey]

Get the reaction rod, well worth the money.

 

[ROCKKREEK]

I too really like the bcm kmr handgaurd,has great feel and is lightweight,
Another trigger to think about is the velocity drop in trigger,i have the 3lb and it breaks like my tikka trigger ..
Have fun with your build

 

[Cavitation]

Probably late for the party but AR Performance makes fantastic barrels with 5r and nitride. They are priced very good also.

 

[Cavitation]

http://ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38007/42476

 

[ExT]

My SPR was built couple months ago with a Criterion 18” rifle length barrel and Sup Arms piston. It shoots pretty good. It has a Geissele Mk13 which barely fits the Sup Arms gas block. It doesn’t have M lok rail on the 11 and 1 o’clock either. I would highly recommend the Mk4 or Mk8 over Mk13 or Mk14. It shouldn’t be a problem if you go with a mil spec upper, otherwise, you might have some fitting issue as I did on my Falkor Receiver set. It took some Dremel work but it’s done eventually. Other than that, Geissele is good to go.

In terms of buffer, I’m going with the JP silent capture with 1 tungsten weight (H1 configuration) and shooting is pretty enjoyable thank to the rifle length. Since you are planning on 18”. I’d recommend to go with the longest length possible which is rifle length to soften the recoil a little bit.

 

[PusherX11]

Take a look at JL Billet for your handguard, they have some of the lightest on the market with very easy installation. And Rainer arms has some very good barrels. For a buffer I would recommend jp silent captured spring. I run them in all my ar’s with no issues at all.

http://www.jlbillet.com/jl-billet-17-ar15-angled-m-lok-free-float-handguard/