First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

[Will_Power]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Upper, Bolt, & Carrier:</span> LAR Grizzly Ops-4 Ambidextrous Side Charger
<span style="font-weight: bold">Barrel:</span> BCM 18" SPR medium/heavy profile in 410 stainless
<span style="font-weight: bold">Muzzle Device:</span> Rainer Arms XD Flash Hider
<span style="font-weight: bold">Scope Mount:</span> Burris P.E.P.R.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Scope:</span> Tasco 3-9x40mm*
<span style="font-weight: bold">Trigger:</span> Geissele SSA
<span style="font-weight: bold">Grip:</span> LaRue A-PEG
<span style="font-weight: bold">A2 Stock Kit:</span> Rock River*
<span style="font-weight: bold">Rails: </span>Midwest Industries T-15 free float

I only got in firearms and the outdoors a few years ago and have been fairly haphazard about my marksmanship training.

My first Evil Black Rifle plan was to build an FAL, and I even got so far as to get most of my parts purchased. At the end of the day, however, I decided that I personally would benefit the most from a firearm that had a high degree of accuracy potential to learn with. As much as I'm enamored by it, the FAL isn't such a gun.

So, I built this AR with marksmanship and precision shooting in mind (ergo the lack of BUIS and a QD scope mount).

I hit the wall on my budget and so am forced to put a cheapo Tasco 3-9 I had laying around on top. I'm pretty embarrassed by that, but it will have to do for the time being. At my skill level and at just a hundred yards, I don't think it will prove to be too big of a hindrance.

While a Harris bipod and rear bag are my very next purchases (when payday hits this week), I'll be looking into 4-12x40 optics to upgrade with sometime in the next three months.

My next step is taking it to an Appleseed. My long-term goal is learning to shoot this out to 600 meters.

I've run 150 rounds through it so far without a hiccup. Sighting it in, I used 75gr Black Hills blue box reloads, and was eventually able to get down to around 2.25 MOA. For a complete amateur like myself, I was <span style="font-weight: bold">very</span> pleased at this. I'm certain it's capable of much more, and we'll find out as I learn.

My only gripe right now is that the RRA stock has between 1/16th and 1/8th of an inch of play up and down the buffer tube (and A2 spacer). The screw is in as far as it will go, but it seems as though it is too long, as the screw stays stationary while you can wiggle the stock back and forth. If any of you guys have some ideas, I'm all ears.

 

[Sierra]

Re: First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

Better late than never to the firearms seen. You are off to a good start!

 

[a1-equipment]

Re: First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

2.25" at 100 yard did I read that right?

If that is right I would check all out mounting screw if they are good I would get another scope asap even a 50 walmart bushnell. Cause that rig should be shooting at least 1" at 100

 

[Will_Power]

Re: First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: a1-equipment</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2.25" at 100 yard did I read that right?

If that is right I would check all out mounting screw if they are good I would get another scope asap even a 50 walmart bushnell. Cause that rig should be shooting at least 1" at 100</div></div>

I've fired only about 100 rounds - at the very most - from the bench, aiming for accuracy before. So, that relatively poor level of accuracy is on me and not the rifle.

 

[Exo]

Re: First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

--deleted--

 

[xNF_9]

Re: First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

I was looking at the build and all of the parts were close to top shelf items. Until I saw the scope and was wondering what happened. I figured someone that was buying good products would know a little about scopes. I then read the rest of your post and it sucks not being able to top it off with a nice piece of glass, but the build will shoot good. Just gotta work on making a few extra bucks to top it off and complete it.

 

[BIPMaster]

Re: First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

That barrel with the Black Hills is capable of sub MOA. Good looking rifle. I have been kicking around the idea of a side charging build but it is not high on the list of priorities right now. Wish I had picked up the upper just in case.
If you are on a budget, consider the SWFA 10X. Look on the sample list to get one under 3 bills.

 

[country888]

Re: First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

Great looking rifle! I really like the left side charger for prone shooting. I have a right side LAR also but i have to reset my right hand when charging it prone. If your right handed you will be pleased with your setup. Congrats of a great setup!

 

[Hogshooter]

Re: First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

Try shortening the screw by a couple of threads to get rid of the fore and aft play.

 

[yz45067]

Re: First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

Keep practicing, great first set up!

 

[B3dlam]

Re: First AR-15: 18" Ops-4 Side Charger

This looks like a great setup to start with! Your on the right track with a bipod and rear bag. As you said a new scope is definitely needed but at least your shooting right now. The SWFA 10X would be a good option the Leupold Mark AR scopes arent to horrible and I know they make a 4-12x40 that isnt horrible as I have one on a .308. See how the rifle does with a bipod and rear bag also see if a friend that you know can shoot an AR well will shoot it for you. If the scope is working for you for now it might be worth waiting a while and saving up for a nicer scope something like a FFP vortex PST would be a great option for a gun like this!