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First AR

Quackaddict

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 7, 2009
321
22
39
Minnesota
Hey guys,

I have a couple questions for you all in regards to an AR-15 I would like to put together.

Im looking at an AR setup specifically to drive deer with, im looking for lightweight, compact rifle with a 16-18 inch tube,I want to run either a reflex red dot or some sort of fast acquisition sight. The gun will have a max use range of about 100 yards, but I have killed many more deer at 15 feet than 100yards driving.

Im looking at an upper in 6.8 SPC, the combination of bullets and energy seem perfect for this application, has anyone worked with this caliber? Any shortfalls or problem areas?

I see notes where people talk about mid length gas systems or rifle length gas systems, what is the difference and what are the advantages/disadvantages of both?

Is it also ok to assume that if I bought say a Daniel defense upper I could put that on a DPMS or JP Lower?

Any recommendations on upper/lower/complete rifle manufacturers that would be a good place to look? I have heard Daniel Defense and Bision are good places to start for uppers....

Thank you all!
 
Re: First AR

I really enjoy the 6.8 and think it is perfect for your application---hunting. A wide range of bullets and hunting ammo is available (Silver State, Hornady, Remington, & Wilson Combat). I would go with mid-length gas on a 6.8 <18", and you would be fine with the DD upper (I have one) on either lower you mention. There are several good places to get uppers, I like Noveske, White Oak, Bison, and AR Performance but am sure there are others including DD that make nice uppers. Be sure to get the SPCII (or equivalent) chamber and 1/11 twist barrel, as that will allow you to use the hottest factory ammo and hand loads.

Hope this helps, let us know what you decide.
 
Re: First AR

I used a Daniel Defence upper and I love it. But becareful DD wont sell stripped lower right now so finding a good lower that fits up good and tight is real important. I tried S&W and a CMMG niether one fit tight then I got lucky and found a STAG lower that fit perfect. Good luck
 
Re: First AR

I have always shied away from buying off the shell uppers. For the money you can build an upper to your specs and still save money. I have had really good luck with WOA barrels. Also I have never had any problems matching a lower to an upper. You can always buy an upper/lower match set.
 
Re: First AR

Killshot, driving works like you would complete a phesant drive, standers on one side and pushers that force the deer to push out to the standers, the obvious idea here is safety, and trust me we put a bunch of planning into each drive. When the deer do come out they tend to be moving and they tend to be close, my bolt gun just isnt what I need to get on deer quickly.

As far as building one goes, long term I would like to but I want to have a functioning item right off the get go, for now I will probably just go with a pre built upper.
 
Re: First AR

If you go with Noveske, make your own lower. However, if you look for a deal (Bud's Gun Shop) you can find a complete Daniel Defense rifle for less or the same if you build your own lower and buy a DD upper.