I'd like to get some thoughts and opinions on my build. I think it will be pretty good. It's going to be a piece by piece build. Right now I have the lower put together. It has the spikes tactical enhance lowers kit on a spikes lower with a vltor emod stock. Now for the parts I'm looking at getting but haven't bought yet. I'm looking at the YHM upper receiver, YHM 4 rail handguard, WOA SPR barrel with the rifle length gas. I'm planning on getting the bolt and bcg from WOA too. Then I'm not sure what to do when it comes to the gas block. I'm thinking a low profile one and I'll put the magpul mbus sights. The farthest that I will normally be shooting it will be 300 yards.
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Ar-15 build
- Thread starter woodsrunner
- Start date
Re: Ar-15 build
Besides the sights sounds good. You would be better off buying something like the DD fixed sights for that money or upgrade to troy BUIS. The magpul BUIS are ok but if you want something that will always work go with something else. JMHO
Besides the sights sounds good. You would be better off buying something like the DD fixed sights for that money or upgrade to troy BUIS. The magpul BUIS are ok but if you want something that will always work go with something else. JMHO
Re: Ar-15 build
Not sure how much you are spending on the rail, but I prefer Daniel Defense (Lite or OmegaX) and Centurion (C4). Both are lighter and more sturdy. YHM is middle of the road IMO. With a relatively heavy barrel I would be looking to save some weight on the rail.
Great choice on the barrel. You will probably only notice the accuracy potential with an optic though.
For sights, strangedays is right. Troy Flips are great and would be my recommendation. I do have a carbine with MBUS' too, but in that particular rifles case they are truly a back-up to a Aimpoint.
I am assuming this is an 18" barrel. You may want to rethink the rifle length gas system. I am not an expert but it is my understanding that a rifle length in an 18" can be finicky.
LoPro gasblock is perfect. A pinned VLTOR would be my pick.
Sounds like a good build. Good luck.
Not sure how much you are spending on the rail, but I prefer Daniel Defense (Lite or OmegaX) and Centurion (C4). Both are lighter and more sturdy. YHM is middle of the road IMO. With a relatively heavy barrel I would be looking to save some weight on the rail.
Great choice on the barrel. You will probably only notice the accuracy potential with an optic though.
For sights, strangedays is right. Troy Flips are great and would be my recommendation. I do have a carbine with MBUS' too, but in that particular rifles case they are truly a back-up to a Aimpoint.
I am assuming this is an 18" barrel. You may want to rethink the rifle length gas system. I am not an expert but it is my understanding that a rifle length in an 18" can be finicky.
LoPro gasblock is perfect. A pinned VLTOR would be my pick.
Sounds like a good build. Good luck.
Re: Ar-15 build
Thanks BBJones, I didn't realize that the rifle length gas system and the 18" barrel. I know you said you're not an expert, but if someone else reading this knows the answer to this, Why would it be finicky with an 18" and not a 20"? I don't seem to understand how barrel length affects the functioning of the gas system, since all gas rifle systems should be the same length.
I'm trying to do it on somewhat of a budget. So I've been looking at YHM. Anyone have thoughts on the Midwest Industries rail? Is that any better?
I'm planning on somewhat of an optic, I haven't really decided what I'd be looking at but I'm thinking like a nikon, burris or leupold, around 3-9 power. I also like the burris P.E.P.R mount.
I wouldn't have the mbus at the primary sights. My other option would be getting a gas block with a flip up sight, but I heard you have to watch because it will get hot from the gas block. I'll look into other flip up sights.
Thanks for your help
Thanks BBJones, I didn't realize that the rifle length gas system and the 18" barrel. I know you said you're not an expert, but if someone else reading this knows the answer to this, Why would it be finicky with an 18" and not a 20"? I don't seem to understand how barrel length affects the functioning of the gas system, since all gas rifle systems should be the same length.
I'm trying to do it on somewhat of a budget. So I've been looking at YHM. Anyone have thoughts on the Midwest Industries rail? Is that any better?
I'm planning on somewhat of an optic, I haven't really decided what I'd be looking at but I'm thinking like a nikon, burris or leupold, around 3-9 power. I also like the burris P.E.P.R mount.
I wouldn't have the mbus at the primary sights. My other option would be getting a gas block with a flip up sight, but I heard you have to watch because it will get hot from the gas block. I'll look into other flip up sights.
Thanks for your help
Re: Ar-15 build
For the Gas systems are you stating "rifle length" gas systems are the same length or all gas rifle's are the same. If that is the case. The carbine, shortest, mid-length (mid hard one) and Rifle the longest.
take a look at this, probably easier than typing all the info to you.
Mid West industries makes nice budget rails like YHM, You can pick up DD upper receivers for about 115.00 from midway. The magpul MBUS sights are Great for back up sights. They are light low profile and are inexpensive. They are what they are back up sights for when the shit hits the fan and your optic fails. How often are you going to need to worry about that. People love spending your money for you.
For the Gas systems are you stating "rifle length" gas systems are the same length or all gas rifle's are the same. If that is the case. The carbine, shortest, mid-length (mid hard one) and Rifle the longest.
take a look at this, probably easier than typing all the info to you.
Mid West industries makes nice budget rails like YHM, You can pick up DD upper receivers for about 115.00 from midway. The magpul MBUS sights are Great for back up sights. They are light low profile and are inexpensive. They are what they are back up sights for when the shit hits the fan and your optic fails. How often are you going to need to worry about that. People love spending your money for you.
Re: Ar-15 build
The thing to know about YHM, and I didn't know this before I got mine, is that they are BIG. The weight isn't that noticeable (I have an HBAR so that pretty much negates any weight savings in the rail department) but the rails are large in diameter.
As for rifle length gas on an 18" barrel, it is a common option and I don't think that WOA would offer it if it didn't work. Noveske has what they call an "intermediate" which is probably the ideal solution, but no one else that I know of is doing that.
The thing to know about YHM, and I didn't know this before I got mine, is that they are BIG. The weight isn't that noticeable (I have an HBAR so that pretty much negates any weight savings in the rail department) but the rails are large in diameter.
As for rifle length gas on an 18" barrel, it is a common option and I don't think that WOA would offer it if it didn't work. Noveske has what they call an "intermediate" which is probably the ideal solution, but no one else that I know of is doing that.
Re: Ar-15 build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woodsrunner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks BBJones, I didn't realize that the rifle length gas system and the 18" barrel. I know you said you're not an expert, but if someone else reading this knows the answer to this, Why would it be finicky with an 18" and not a 20"? I don't seem to understand how barrel length affects the functioning of the gas system, since all gas rifle systems should be the same length.
<span style="color: #FF0000">I think it is best to call WOA and ask their opinion. Let them know the kind of ammo you plan to use. I think the 18" rifle length gas system (depending on gas port size) may have trouble with some softer shooting .223 loads. As Odin suggested the intermediate length Noveske offers is probably a great solution, but their barrels are more $$. 18" in midlength is still a very viable option.</span>
I'm trying to do it on somewhat of a budget. So I've been looking at YHM. Anyone have thoughts on the Midwest Industries rail? Is that any better?
<span style="color: #CC0000">How much are you looking to spend? If locked into less than $200 the tube style fore-ends might be worth a look too (Troy TRX Extreme, VTAC Extreme, DD MFR are all excellent and light).</span>
I'm planning on somewhat of an optic, I haven't really decided what I'd be looking at but I'm thinking like a nikon, burris or leupold, around 3-9 power. I also like the burris P.E.P.R mount.
<span style="color: #FF0000">KIT6 (SS 3-9 with bobro mount) would be a great optic mount to get on a budget:</span> http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2520975&nt=2&page=1
I wouldn't have the mbus at the primary sights. My other option would be getting a gas block with a flip up sight, but I heard you have to watch because it will get hot from the gas block. I'll look into other flip up sights.
<span style="color: #FF0000">MBUS would be great in that role. Make sure they will fit under whatever optic/mount you choose. MBUS v2 are lower and would be better than MBUS v1</span>
Thanks for your help </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woodsrunner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks BBJones, I didn't realize that the rifle length gas system and the 18" barrel. I know you said you're not an expert, but if someone else reading this knows the answer to this, Why would it be finicky with an 18" and not a 20"? I don't seem to understand how barrel length affects the functioning of the gas system, since all gas rifle systems should be the same length.
<span style="color: #FF0000">I think it is best to call WOA and ask their opinion. Let them know the kind of ammo you plan to use. I think the 18" rifle length gas system (depending on gas port size) may have trouble with some softer shooting .223 loads. As Odin suggested the intermediate length Noveske offers is probably a great solution, but their barrels are more $$. 18" in midlength is still a very viable option.</span>
I'm trying to do it on somewhat of a budget. So I've been looking at YHM. Anyone have thoughts on the Midwest Industries rail? Is that any better?
<span style="color: #CC0000">How much are you looking to spend? If locked into less than $200 the tube style fore-ends might be worth a look too (Troy TRX Extreme, VTAC Extreme, DD MFR are all excellent and light).</span>
I'm planning on somewhat of an optic, I haven't really decided what I'd be looking at but I'm thinking like a nikon, burris or leupold, around 3-9 power. I also like the burris P.E.P.R mount.
<span style="color: #FF0000">KIT6 (SS 3-9 with bobro mount) would be a great optic mount to get on a budget:</span> http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2520975&nt=2&page=1
I wouldn't have the mbus at the primary sights. My other option would be getting a gas block with a flip up sight, but I heard you have to watch because it will get hot from the gas block. I'll look into other flip up sights.
<span style="color: #FF0000">MBUS would be great in that role. Make sure they will fit under whatever optic/mount you choose. MBUS v2 are lower and would be better than MBUS v1</span>
Thanks for your help </div></div>
Re: Ar-15 build
Thanks guys, I'll have to talk to WOA and see what they say about the 18" barrel and rifle length gas system. I was hoping I could shoot some cheap PMC and then hand load some 69 SMK to shoot when I'm looking for accuracy.
I was hoping to stay under $200 on the rail.
I'll have to check out the clearance that I'll have, the plan is for them to be nothing but back up sights or if I'd just like to shoot some without the scope.
I picked up a daniel defense stripped upper instead of the YHM.
Thanks guys, I'll have to talk to WOA and see what they say about the 18" barrel and rifle length gas system. I was hoping I could shoot some cheap PMC and then hand load some 69 SMK to shoot when I'm looking for accuracy.
I was hoping to stay under $200 on the rail.
I'll have to check out the clearance that I'll have, the plan is for them to be nothing but back up sights or if I'd just like to shoot some without the scope.
I picked up a daniel defense stripped upper instead of the YHM.
Re: Ar-15 build
I'm not an AR expert, but I've never heard of an 18" rifle length gas system causing trouble. Spec. Ops guys use the SPR mk12 with an 18" barrel/rifle length gas system. If it is reliable enough for them, it certainly is reliable enough for me. I've only heard good things about WOA and their SPR barrels. I have an 18" Douglass SPR barrel turned/chambered by CLE, with rifle length gas and have never had so much as a stutter from it.
I'm not an AR expert, but I've never heard of an 18" rifle length gas system causing trouble. Spec. Ops guys use the SPR mk12 with an 18" barrel/rifle length gas system. If it is reliable enough for them, it certainly is reliable enough for me. I've only heard good things about WOA and their SPR barrels. I have an 18" Douglass SPR barrel turned/chambered by CLE, with rifle length gas and have never had so much as a stutter from it.
Re: Ar-15 build
I just got off the phone with John from WOA. He said he's never heard of anything with function issue for the 18" barrel with a rifle length gas chamber. I'm still going to plan for the rifle length gas system with the WOA SPR. Thanks for the warning, maybe its just other brands and the gas whole isn't the right size.. but that I don't know.
I just got off the phone with John from WOA. He said he's never heard of anything with function issue for the 18" barrel with a rifle length gas chamber. I'm still going to plan for the rifle length gas system with the WOA SPR. Thanks for the warning, maybe its just other brands and the gas whole isn't the right size.. but that I don't know.
Re: Ar-15 build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woodsrunner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got off the phone with John from WOA. He said he's never heard of anything with function issue for the 18" barrel with a rifle length gas chamber. I'm still going to plan for the rifle length gas system with the WOA SPR. Thanks for the warning, maybe its just other brands and the gas whole isn't the right size.. but that I don't know. </div></div>
I have a 18" WOA barrel with a rifle length gas tube used for my SPR build, from ADCO. So far I have 500 rounds of m193 and about another 500 rounds of reloads and so far not one hiccup. You're going to like your WOA.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woodsrunner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got off the phone with John from WOA. He said he's never heard of anything with function issue for the 18" barrel with a rifle length gas chamber. I'm still going to plan for the rifle length gas system with the WOA SPR. Thanks for the warning, maybe its just other brands and the gas whole isn't the right size.. but that I don't know. </div></div>
I have a 18" WOA barrel with a rifle length gas tube used for my SPR build, from ADCO. So far I have 500 rounds of m193 and about another 500 rounds of reloads and so far not one hiccup. You're going to like your WOA.
Re: Ar-15 build
I have another question. What flash hider should I look at getting? Should I get the standard birdcage or should I spend some more money?
I have another question. What flash hider should I look at getting? Should I get the standard birdcage or should I spend some more money?
Re: Ar-15 build
A2's are cheap and a good option if you really uncertain as to what you want to put on there.
If you desire a pure FH, Smith Vortex are great.
If you want a brake with some flash hiding abilities, but not a full on competition brake, Battle Comp, Griffon Armament, and Spikes all have a version. I prefer battle comps because they tend to have less flash and lighter.
I have no experience with brakes used for 3gun and the like.
A2's are cheap and a good option if you really uncertain as to what you want to put on there.
If you desire a pure FH, Smith Vortex are great.
If you want a brake with some flash hiding abilities, but not a full on competition brake, Battle Comp, Griffon Armament, and Spikes all have a version. I prefer battle comps because they tend to have less flash and lighter.
I have no experience with brakes used for 3gun and the like.
Re: Ar-15 build
I had a rifle length 18 WOA and it shot what ever I put in it without any problems. I shot wolf, American Eagle 55fmj, Winchester white box, black hills match, fed match, and handloads. It functioned perfectly on everything I used. I would not put to much concern into that as it is probably just another internet myth.
I use a Smith Vortex on one of my ARs. It is a great flash hider and does not seem to affect accuracy at all. (as some people say some FHs can) I easily shoot 1/2 MOA with it. It does have a very distink pinging sound when you shoot with it though. I also use YHM Phanton 5c2s and really like them as well.
I had a rifle length 18 WOA and it shot what ever I put in it without any problems. I shot wolf, American Eagle 55fmj, Winchester white box, black hills match, fed match, and handloads. It functioned perfectly on everything I used. I would not put to much concern into that as it is probably just another internet myth.
I use a Smith Vortex on one of my ARs. It is a great flash hider and does not seem to affect accuracy at all. (as some people say some FHs can) I easily shoot 1/2 MOA with it. It does have a very distink pinging sound when you shoot with it though. I also use YHM Phanton 5c2s and really like them as well.
Re: Ar-15 build
Yeah, I'm really not sure what to put on there. The only gun I have with a FH is a stock M&P Ar-15. When looking at them, I really have to wonder if the more expensive ones are worth the price. How much does a FH or brake affect accuracy?
Yeah, I'm really not sure what to put on there. The only gun I have with a FH is a stock M&P Ar-15. When looking at them, I really have to wonder if the more expensive ones are worth the price. How much does a FH or brake affect accuracy?
Re: Ar-15 build
Here are a few places to check out.
Rails under $200
http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/category/AR-15_Rifle_Length_Rails.html
http://www.apexcncmachine.com/store.php?seller=ApexMachiningCompany&navt1=19974&pd=112348
http://www.vikingtactics.com/rifleacc_troyhandguard.html
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2563
http://www.lokiweaponsystems.com/products/m4-handguards/
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...y+Ind.+TRX+Extreme+11"+Battle+Rail&groupid=52
This one comes with a built in flip up front sight.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...y+Ind.+11"+Alpha+Battle+Rail+Black&groupid=52
This ones out of budget but not by much if you consider it also comes with it's own front flip up sight.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...y+Ind.+13"+Alpha+Battle+Rail+Black&groupid=52
Heres a chart that can help if your concerned about weight.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ajl2UPK0UHPscHdzd2hlZ2hOUXNGblVaTWtaTkYyRFE#gid=0
Gas block check out JP they have some nice ones that are adjustable incase you would like to tune your gas system.
http://www.jprifles.com/1.4.6_gs.php
They offer a nice compensator and handguard also.
Speaking of compensators read here and do searchs. http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=104042&hl=brakes&st=0
The 3-gun guys pick compensators apart on a regular basis and have lots of experience with them and reviews. One thing to remember is that compensators tend make things ALOT louder but they work great for accuracy/stability and reduce muzzle rise for quicker follow up shots if you choose wisely. Side note most straight compensators offer very little to any flash suppressing and can increase flash. Keep that in mind when your looking. Also flash properties in reference to optics and also wether they kick up alot of dust when your laying prone.
Most flash hiders do just that. There are a variety of compensator/flash hider combos out there that offer a little bit of both worlds.
Hopefully this will help some. Good luck with your build! I just finished my second one. Already planning my third an 18-20" SPR build...
Here are a few places to check out.
Rails under $200
http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/category/AR-15_Rifle_Length_Rails.html
http://www.apexcncmachine.com/store.php?seller=ApexMachiningCompany&navt1=19974&pd=112348
http://www.vikingtactics.com/rifleacc_troyhandguard.html
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2563
http://www.lokiweaponsystems.com/products/m4-handguards/
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...y+Ind.+TRX+Extreme+11"+Battle+Rail&groupid=52
This one comes with a built in flip up front sight.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...y+Ind.+11"+Alpha+Battle+Rail+Black&groupid=52
This ones out of budget but not by much if you consider it also comes with it's own front flip up sight.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...y+Ind.+13"+Alpha+Battle+Rail+Black&groupid=52
Heres a chart that can help if your concerned about weight.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ajl2UPK0UHPscHdzd2hlZ2hOUXNGblVaTWtaTkYyRFE#gid=0
Gas block check out JP they have some nice ones that are adjustable incase you would like to tune your gas system.
http://www.jprifles.com/1.4.6_gs.php
They offer a nice compensator and handguard also.
Speaking of compensators read here and do searchs. http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=104042&hl=brakes&st=0
The 3-gun guys pick compensators apart on a regular basis and have lots of experience with them and reviews. One thing to remember is that compensators tend make things ALOT louder but they work great for accuracy/stability and reduce muzzle rise for quicker follow up shots if you choose wisely. Side note most straight compensators offer very little to any flash suppressing and can increase flash. Keep that in mind when your looking. Also flash properties in reference to optics and also wether they kick up alot of dust when your laying prone.
Most flash hiders do just that. There are a variety of compensator/flash hider combos out there that offer a little bit of both worlds.
Hopefully this will help some. Good luck with your build! I just finished my second one. Already planning my third an 18-20" SPR build...
