Re: Grendel build or buy
I know a lot of people don't speak highly, but I have an ER Shaw barrel that I got through Model 1 Sales on my grendel and it shoots great. It's medium weight. Actually (not to open a can of worms) but a bull barrel doesn't increase accuracy. What it does do is decrease the effect of heat (i.e shooting multiple rounds) has in respect to warping. But I can shoot a five shot string with about a 1-3 second break between shots and put all five rounds in under 3/4" at 100 yards. I can also say from experience that the Grendel is at it's limit at 1K yards. Even with it's most capable long range bullet (Lapua 123 gr Scenar) it drops below 1,100 fps at around 1,030 yards with reasonable muzzle velocities. 1k yard shots can definitely be made, and I have done it several times. But it's pushing the envelope of the grendel. Also, if you're planning on elk hunting with it, you're going likely want to be shooting the Barnes TTSX bullet which with most Grendel velocities is only good out to about 400-500 max, and that's assuming excellent shot placement.
Just as another posted on here, you definitely need to be a reloader to make the grendel shine, the ammo that's out there isn't the best and is very expensive and difficult to get. But I get my brass from Bruno shooting supply for pretty reasonable and I get atleast 5-10 loads out of my cases.
I highly encourage you to get in to the grendel, but it's not a "plug and play" round. I would be more than happy to talk about grendel specifics if you want, I'm really in to the round myself and personally I think it's the epitome of what the AR-15 platform is capable of.