The AR15 Picture Thread

And because it's a pic thread! 😁

Just installed the Wilson 11.3" match 5.56 barrel the other day. Was running a CMC 10.5" .223 Wylde, but looking for a bit more of a "bughole" barrel. We shall see.

11.3" Micro Recce with too much glass.. :ROFLMAO:

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Yeah it's a pretty good hand stop. Now I need to figure out what I want for my 11.5... it's a little big for that side build.
I knew I had seen it before.. actually quite a while ago. Thanks for sharing. I'm putting them on my 11.3" & 10.5" builds. I really like Magpul M-LOK AFG's, but they hog 2.5 slots. Looks like yours takes about 1.25 slots.. perfect. Rail space on the shorties is tight.
 
No prob! You’re gonna dig that Wilson barrel. Mines a laser with 77TMKs over 25 grains of accurate 2520.
Sadly, I'm not a re-loader and won't be for the foreseeable future. Would be nice to learn the craft, but I've got way too much on my plate with elder care / grand-baby care right now. Plus the fact I want to do a load station right, but not happening in the current house. When we move in a few years (to where I plan on living my life out,) then yup. For now, just looking to get as much performance from factory loads as best I can. When the good stuff finally comes available again.. my stash is mostly 55g .223.. not the best for accuracy. I do have a few hundred 69g Sierra Match King that shoots really well.

Carry on!
 
And because it's a pic thread! 😁

Just installed the Wilson 11.3" match 5.56 barrel the other day. Was running a CMC 10.5" .223 Wylde, but looking for a bit more of a "bughole" barrel. We shall see.

11.3" Micro Recce with too much glass.. :ROFLMAO:

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How do you like that Arken SH4 6-24x50 scope? I have an SH4 6-24x50 VPR MIL that's supposed to be showing up tomorrow... For the money, they're going to be REALLY hard to beat, especially if they're as nice and quality as everyone says... Tiborasaurus Rex compared it to his S&B PM-II and said the glass was clearer, the coatings were better in the sun, the turrets felt better, and that it passed the tracking test at LESS than 0.5%... He said the only thing the PMII felt better on, was the parallax adjustment and magnification rings were a tiny bit smoother. If that's the case, then it's basically a NF NXS for less than $500... Which would be ridiculous.

Rex is known to give 100% honest reviews, and is very well known in the optics community. He's been using german glass for 30+ years, and if he says he thinks something is better than the old standards... Well... I believe him.

What's your thoughts? Is he correct?
 
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How do you like that Arken SH4 6-24x50 scope? I have an SH4 6-24x50 VPR MIL that's supposed to be showing up tomorrow... For the money, they're going to be REALLY hard to beat, especially if they're as nice and quality as everyone says... Tiborasaurus Rex compared it to his S&B PM-II and said the glass was clearer, the coatings were better in the sun, the turrets felt better, and that it passed the tracking test at LESS than 0.5%... He said the only thing the PMII felt better on, was the parallax adjustment and magnification rings were a tiny bit smoother. If that's the case, then it's basically a NF NXS for less than $500... Which would be ridiculous.

Rex is known to give 100% honest reviews, and is very well known in the optics community. He's been using german glass for 30+ years, and if he says he thinks something is better than the old standards... Well... I believe him.

What's your thoughts? Is he correct?
Truth be told, it’s not a bad optic at all for $450 shipped. Take TB’s reviews with a grain of salt, he gets free shit from vendors all the time ( as a LOT of other Tubers do as well.) I’ll have to think about it for a while, but there’s one guy on the Tube who I trust with honest data. Center X maybe? He’s severed service Mil, and has a ton of vids up. His opinion? Not bad, but has its fault.

With all that crap said, MY opinion is it hits above its price point for sure. The one thing that bugs me the most is CA. but I’ve only had it out 4-5 times so I’m still in the eval mode so to speak. Love the turrets, zero stop is fantastic, parallax adjustment dial is smooth as greased ballbearings, mag adjustment is just about right too. Glass is great for me up to ~ 20-22x, reticle is as good (for me at least) as my Razor Gen II EBR-7C 4.5-27. Seriously, I love the Arken reticle. Illumination is about useless in bright daylight, but don’t care.

All in all, I’m very happy with it. One thing, I should have waited a few more days when I ordered, I prefer MIL. But, the MOA works no problem as well.

I think you’ll be impressed.
 
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Truth be told, it’s not a bad optic at all for $450 shipped. Take TB’s reviews with a grain of salt, he gets free shit from vendors all the time ( as a LOT of other Tubers do as well.) I’ll have to think about it for a while, but there’s one guy on the Tube who I trust with honest data. Center X maybe? He’s severed service Mil, and has a ton of vids up. His opinion? Not bad, but has its fault.

With all that crap said, MY opinion is it hits above its price point for sure. The one thing that bugs me the most is CA. but I’ve only had it out 4-5 times so I’m still in the eval mode so to speak. Love the turrets, zero stop is fantastic, parallax adjustment dial is smooth as greased ballbearings, mag adjustment is just about right too. Glass is great for me up to ~ 20-22x, reticle is as good (for me at least) as my Razor Gen II EBR-7C 4.5-27. Seriously, I love the Arken reticle. Illumination is about useless in bright daylight, but don’t care.

All in all, I’m very happy with it. One thing, I should have waited a few more days when I ordered, I prefer MIL. But, the MOA works no problem as well.

I think you’ll be impressed.
I've been running the Vortex HS-T 6-24x50 MIL scopes since they came out, and I really love them. But the zero-stop sucks having to fuck with those little brass horseshoes... But it works well, and is a very solid zero stop. Glass is nice for a $700 scope, and is supposedly the same glass as the PST series...I think made in Philippines (Def not china, and not quite ED Jap glass). How does it compare to your Razor?

I really hope the Arken EP4 Gen2 comes out soon. They use ED glass from Japan like the Razor and NF, and several other top end scopes. But for $599... Damn-hard to beat if it holds up to the hype.

Also, I agree, I never use a illuminated reticle during the day, but I'm excited to see that VPR reticle the Arken has. I waited and got a MIL version when they came in this last go-round. Can't wait for it to come in. Thinking about putting it on my R700 5R .260 Rem... And then put the HS-T on something else with an inferior scope, and slowly work-out the cheaper quality stuff.
 
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I've been running the Vortex HS-T 6-24x50 MIL scopes since they came out, and I really love them. But the zero-stop sucks having to fuck with those little brass horseshoes... But it works well, and is a very solid zero stop. Glass is nice for a $700 scope, and is supposedly the same glass as the PST series...I think made in Philippines (Def not china, and not quite ED Jap glass). How does it compare to your Razor?

I really hope the Arken EP4 Gen2 comes out soon. They use ED glass from Japan like the Razor and NF, and several other top end scopes. But for $599... Damn-hard to beat if it holds up to the hype.

Also, I agree, I never use a illuminated reticle during the day, but I'm excited to see that VPR reticle the Arken has. I waited and got a MIL version when they came in this last go-round. Can't wait for it to come in. Thinking about putting it on my R700 5R .260 Rem... And then put the HS-T on something else with an inferior scope, and slowly work-out the cheaper quality stuff.
Like i said, you're going to LOVE the Arken reticle. It's as good as it gets IMHO. As for apples-apples against my Razor Gen II? No contest. The Japan LOW glass is hands down the KING. But it's also 4x+ the price of the Arken. So....

Don't get me wrong. The Arken holds it's own. But owning a Razor Gen II kinda spoils ya, you know? 😁

Edit: Also, really didn't touch base on overall build quality / fit / finish / heft / fondle-ability... All these are TOP NOTCH.
 
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@MudRunner2005
@MackDaddy1962

look at forum member Koshkin’s optic reviews.
he also has a website with great information.
darklordofoptics

He is pretty much top dog imo.
Classy and no bullshit.

Look for reviews by Big Jim Fish and Glassaholic on here too. Both do a great job with no “sponsor” influence.
Yes sir, very familiar with DLO, BJF and Glassaholic. There’s another gent on the Tube that’s no BS or sponsored as well. He does his tracking tests on a brick wall… stated this optic was a good deal as well.

i don’t remember if DLO did a review or not?
 
Here’s a few of the AR’s…

Springfield Saint Victor 7.5” 5.56 NATO w/ Rise Armament RA-434 trigger, ERGO Suregrip, and Holosun HS507C-X2 optic.

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2009 LWRC M6A1 16” 5.56 NATO w/ Rise RA-140 trigger, ERGO Suregrip, and EOTech 512 optic.

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Custom 16” .300 BLK w/ Rise RA-434 trigger, ERGO Suregrip, Vortex Strike Eagle (Gen2) 1-8x24 in CM-202 20MOA mount.

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Custom M4 14.5" 5.56 NATO w/ JMac Customs M4 lower, Rise RA-434 trigger, ERGO Suregrip, and Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism scope.

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Custom 24” 6.5 Grendel w/ Rise RA-140 trigger, ERGO Suregrip, and SWFA SS 3-15x42 MQ-DMR in Vortex CM-202 20MOA mount.

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A few new JMac Customs M4 (M16 cut, low-shelf, 3 markings) lowers waiting on money for upper builds…

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Super nice collection MudRunner2005. No doubt!

Edit: And to add to your previous comment, I too would love to see the Arken EP4 Gen2 scopes get released. Using LOW Japan glass at that price point? Yeah, they should be a steal no doubt. Hide member rimfire22lr has one of the 1st gen EP4's and loves it. Lucky man...
 
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Super nice collection MudRunner2005. No doubt!

Edit: And to add to your previous comment, I too would love to see the Arken EP4 Gen2 scopes get released. Using LOW Japan glass at that price point? Yeah, they should be a steal no doubt. Hide member rimfire22lr has one of the 1st gen EP4's and loves it. Lucky man...
Thanks man. Yeah, it shows that it just arrived at the house, but I’m still at work. Will post up an initial review about it when I get home.
 
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Sweet! Hope it's everything you expect / want. Like I said, for $450.. yup. That'll work! :cool:
Just unboxed it, and WOW! First impressions are that is one solid optic for the money. It's got the heft, the thickness in the right spots, the turrets are REALLY nice (nicer than my HS-T's (don't tell Vortex I said that. 😂), and the reticle is really nice. The one thing I did notice, was what you mentioned, the illuminated reticle is pretty weak. They need to step up their game on that one. Other than that, I can't wait to get it leveled up and mounted and take it to the range.
 
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Accurate things CAN come in small packages, especially when they are built around a custom Craddock Precision Bartlein 11" SS barrel with 1x7 twist and a +1" gas system! This tiny but mighty package has a SanTan STT-15 billet receiver set as a foundation. Anticipating suppressed use, I've included an SLR adjustable gas block. The gun wears a Surefire 5.56 WarComp presently, but this can be swapped out to suit the needs of the end user. Note the rare and seldom encountered Geissele MK 16 rail. I chose an ambi Geissele ACH charging handle and JP FMOS bolt carrier group to round out the upper receiver. The lower comes well equipped from SanTan with ambi mag and bolt release. Continuing with the ambi theme, I added a DHD ambi short throw safety selector. The trigger is a TriggerTech Competition Model, breaking at a super crisp 3.5 LB, supported by V Seven 0.155" DLC coated titanium fire control pins. Also DLC coated are the DHD SS push pins and ambi safety selector. The often overlooked recoil system is the Vltor A5 with A5-H1 buffer. Holding the recoil system in place is the Fortis Lightweight Enhanced End Plate with Tapered Castle Nut. Installed in back is the SBA3 pistol brace from SB Tactical.


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Accurate things CAN come in small packages, especially when they are built around a custom Craddock Precision Bartlein 11" SS barrel with 1x7 twist and a +1" gas system! This tiny but mighty package has a SanTan STT-15 billet receiver set as a foundation. Anticipating suppressed use, I've included an SLR adjustable gas block. The gun wears a Surefire 5.56 WarComp presently, but this can be swapped out to suit the needs of the end user. Note the rare and seldom encountered Geissele MK 16 rail. I chose an ambi Geissele ACH charging handle and JP FMOS bolt carrier group to round out the upper receiver. The lower comes well equipped from SanTan with ambi mag and bolt release. Continuing with the ambi theme, I added a DHD ambi short throw safety selector. The trigger is a TriggerTech Competition Model, breaking at a super crisp 3.5 LB, supported by V Seven 0.155" DLC coated titanium fire control pins. Also DLC coated are the DHD SS push pins and ambi safety selector. The often overlooked recoil system is the Vltor A5 with A5-H1 buffer. Holding the recoil system in place is the Fortis Lightweight Enhanced End Plate with Tapered Castle Nut. Installed in back is the SBA3 pistol brace from SB Tactical.


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I prefer the 20 round magazine for aesthetic purposes.

Parts beginning to flow for you again? I've seen you post a few more builds as of late.
 
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This is a hard use capable AR-15 carbine, yet in SuperLite format. What his means is the parts that do the hard work are optimally durable and long lasting, yet still light in weight whereever possible without adversely affecting durability. The rifle weighs just 5 pounds 4 ounces. The heart of any AR' is the barrel. In this case, we have a 20.5 ounce Noveske LCLP 14.5" chrome lined cold hammered forged "Skinny" barrel made with the material callouts and manufacturing process for the M249 Machine Gun barrel, produced exclusively for Noveske Rifleworks by FN USA. These barrels are capable of sub-MOA accuracy with match grade ammo. The feed ramps are contoured and polished. The pinned steel gas block will never, ever fail. The gas tube has been Ionbond DLC coated for an extra layer of durability. The V Seven titanium Extended A2 Style Compensator has been expertly pinned and welded. The V Seven 7075 LR Enlightened billet receiver set is home to this barrel. A V Seven 2099 Enlightened 13.5" Handguard covers the barrel. Both receiver set and handguard are done in matching Black Cerakote. The upper receiver has a V Seven Ultralite Port Door (Designer format) and Ultralite Port Door Rod. A Geissele ACH charging handle is installed. The bolt is the incomparable JP Enhanced Bolt, Ionbond DLC coated, fitted at 1.4666". The bolt carrier is really unique and now unfortunately made of unobtanium - It's a custom Young MFG (now sold - no longer in business) custom version with no forward assist serrations, appropriate for an upper receiver with no forward assist. The carrier and key have both been hard chromed and next Ionbond DLC coated. I installed the carrier key myself. No more of these superb bolt carriers are available, unfortunately. The lower receiver is outfitted with V Seven titanium push pins, fire control pins, and mag release, all Ionbond DLC coated. There's a V Seven S7 tool steel bolt catch. A V Seven Ultralite receiver end plate and castle nut secure the Vltor A5 recoil system wiith A5-H1 buffer. The trigger is the TriggerTech Competition straight blade version, breaking at a super crisp 3.5 pounds. There's also a V Seven titnaium grip screw and buffer stop, keeping the weight down and looking extremely good doing it. For a pistol grip, I went with the Magpul MOE SL; the stock is by MFT - These both can be changed out according to customer preference. The rifle comes with one Magpul 30-RD Pmag, and more are available. The Aimpoint T-2 in Scalarworks mount is an appropriate optic for this format rifle, I think.


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MSTN full house custom five pound, one ounce .223 Wylde pistol / PDW build utilizing the Battle Arms Development (aka "BAD") 556-LW billet receiver set and BAD Rigidrail as the foundation. The other components: Criterion Chrome lined 10.5" Core barrel, with feed ramps contoured & polished; SLR adjustable gas block; gas tube Ionbond DLC coated; Surefire 5.56 WarComp - closed tine version; Geissele ACH charging handle; JP Enhanced bolt; Young Mfg. slick-sided M16 bolt carrier - forged, then centerless ground, then hard chromed, and finally Ionbond DLC coated (made of unobtanium); hard chrome gas key, also Ionbond DLC coated, torqued and staked by yours truly; BAD push pins, extended mag release button & billet bolt catch; TriggerTech Competition trigger (3.5 LB); V Seven titanium fire control pins, magazine release, short throw safety, receiver end plate and castle nut, buffer stop, & grip screw; Vltor recoil system with A5-H1 buffer; Gearhead Works Mod 1 pistol brace; Magpul MOE SL pistol grip & 30-RD window Pmag; Aimpoint T-2 in Scalarworks LEAP/01 mount.

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Any love for this build?

Bushmaster LE/GOV/Export lower
Cross Machine Tool upper
DPMS Barrel
JP compensator
Magpul PRS stock
Hogue grip
YHM Diamond handguard
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25 scope
Burris P.E.P.R. mount
Docter red dot on Predator offset mount
Raptor charging handle
Harris bipod

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Sure, it's about as homogenic a build as crashing into a gunstore :D
 
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I recently put this guy together. It’s sort of Mk18-ish. Aero receivers, BA 10.3” barrel, DD RIS rail and front sight, EOTech XPS3-0 and G-33 magnifier, SureFire mini scout, DeadAir flash hider.I’ll try it out at the range tomorrow and see if the form1 can is any good. Still waiting on an SBR stamp and a real stock and VFG will be affixed.
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I did this one a while back and still haven’t fired it, but tomorrow is the day for that as well. It’s my take on the Gordon Carbine. SBR’d Rock River lower with A2 upper and 12.5” barrel, traditional carbine hand guards, and a Vortex red dot (no pic) on the A.R.M.S. rail with co-witness tunnel. I Form1’d a clone of the AEM5 for my Mk12 and figured this would be a fun build to share the can.

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Special order build with Proof CFW 16" 6mmARC barrel, housed in a rare V Seven 2055 alloy LR Enlightened billet receiver set with V Seven 2099 alloy Ultra Lite Mlok 13.5" rail. SLR adjustable gas block, Geissele ACH, JP Enhanced bolt, with Young MFG Ionbond DLC coated National Match bolt carrier - now made of Unobtanium. The Area 419 brake is a placeholder for the customer's suppressors equipped with Area 419 adapters. In the lower we have almost every Ionbond DLC coated component made - mag release, safety selector, fire control pins, buffer stop, and grip screw. V Seven bolt catch is S7 tool steel. The trigger is the TriggerTech Adaptable model, adjustable from 2.5 to 5.0 pounds, set close to the bottom. I went with the Fortis K1 receiver end plate and tapered castle nut. Out back you'll find the best recoil system made, the Vltor A5, with A5-H1 buffer and V Seven coated rifle recoil spring. The furniture is from BCM, and the magazine is by Brenton. A 6 pound, 1 ounce rifle capable of shooting 1000 yards.

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