I purchased this stripped Upper, Lower, and forward Tube from RWSgunsmith and I have nothing but good things to say about Robert. Stand up guy to deal with.
Now for the build. This is a full on custom build. Very heavy duty. It was machined by Progressive Arms and the model name is Firebird. The upper and lower appear to be 7075 alum and the tube is stamped 6061 alum. Both are of course still in raw form, but I'll be duracoating or anodizing it here in the near future. Not sure yet what colors I'm going to do.
The only thing I'm totally undecisive on is which caliber to go with. For now I just throwed a 20" RRA heavy barrel .223 in it for looks. I don't want the same old .223/556. I fill this is a unique platform so I should go with someting different. I've narrowed it down, I believe, to either the 6.5 Grendal or 300 Blackout with suppressor. The AAC suppressor I have fits perfect in the tube with about 1/4" play, all around, to spare. I will be machining cooling holes in the tube for looks and keeping the suppressor/barrel cool. I'm curious to here opinions.
<span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-size: 20pt">BEFORE:</span></span>
<span style="color: #000099"> <span style="font-size: 23pt">UPDATE</span></span>
<span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-size: 20pt">After:</span></span>
Ok folks it is now all done. Every piece on this weapon was bought off here, The Hide. I'm talking everything down to the swivel stud for the Harris.
Here's the list:
-Progressive Arms Upper and Lower. Model: Firebird
-Custom machined 20" front tube
-JP SS 25 1/2" 6.5 Grendal Barrel
-Cedar Enterprise 2 stage trigger
-Nickel Boron BCG w/RRA 6.5G bolt face
-BCM charging handle with Badger extended latch
-PRS Stock
-Ergo Grip
-Harris Bi-Pod
-Vortex Razor 5-20x50 EBR-3
-V-TAC rings
-Atlas Mono-Pod
-Gun metal grey Hard Anodize
I bead blasted the upper, lower, and front tube before having it anodized to try and resemble the raw alu look. I think its close to the look I wanted. I did blast the front tube 1st with some alu media, followed by the glass bead. This gave it just enough texture for gripping. The shade is a little off from the upper/lower, but it's close enough.
I machined the holes in the forward tube for heat purposes, and weight reduction. Trust me, every ounce off this tank is a plus. Basically just started at the 12 o'clock position with 3/4" holes and worked my way around swapping over to 1/2" holes on every other position. It off sets it to me. Makes it look like a shroud off an old WW2 gun. I then Painted the leading edges on both ends of the tube with matte black duracoat. This brakes up the long 20" tube, and believe it or not, gives the effect of a shorter tube.
I haven't shot it yet, so that will be on the weekend agenda. I did just get my dies and and reloading components, so i'll now load the ammo and have it ready for the weekend.
Thanks to all for all the input, feelings, concerns, and etc. I beleive I made the right choose.
Now for the build. This is a full on custom build. Very heavy duty. It was machined by Progressive Arms and the model name is Firebird. The upper and lower appear to be 7075 alum and the tube is stamped 6061 alum. Both are of course still in raw form, but I'll be duracoating or anodizing it here in the near future. Not sure yet what colors I'm going to do.
The only thing I'm totally undecisive on is which caliber to go with. For now I just throwed a 20" RRA heavy barrel .223 in it for looks. I don't want the same old .223/556. I fill this is a unique platform so I should go with someting different. I've narrowed it down, I believe, to either the 6.5 Grendal or 300 Blackout with suppressor. The AAC suppressor I have fits perfect in the tube with about 1/4" play, all around, to spare. I will be machining cooling holes in the tube for looks and keeping the suppressor/barrel cool. I'm curious to here opinions.
<span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-size: 20pt">BEFORE:</span></span>
<span style="color: #000099"> <span style="font-size: 23pt">UPDATE</span></span>
<span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-size: 20pt">After:</span></span>
Ok folks it is now all done. Every piece on this weapon was bought off here, The Hide. I'm talking everything down to the swivel stud for the Harris.
Here's the list:
-Progressive Arms Upper and Lower. Model: Firebird
-Custom machined 20" front tube
-JP SS 25 1/2" 6.5 Grendal Barrel
-Cedar Enterprise 2 stage trigger
-Nickel Boron BCG w/RRA 6.5G bolt face
-BCM charging handle with Badger extended latch
-PRS Stock
-Ergo Grip
-Harris Bi-Pod
-Vortex Razor 5-20x50 EBR-3
-V-TAC rings
-Atlas Mono-Pod
-Gun metal grey Hard Anodize
I bead blasted the upper, lower, and front tube before having it anodized to try and resemble the raw alu look. I think its close to the look I wanted. I did blast the front tube 1st with some alu media, followed by the glass bead. This gave it just enough texture for gripping. The shade is a little off from the upper/lower, but it's close enough.
I machined the holes in the forward tube for heat purposes, and weight reduction. Trust me, every ounce off this tank is a plus. Basically just started at the 12 o'clock position with 3/4" holes and worked my way around swapping over to 1/2" holes on every other position. It off sets it to me. Makes it look like a shroud off an old WW2 gun. I then Painted the leading edges on both ends of the tube with matte black duracoat. This brakes up the long 20" tube, and believe it or not, gives the effect of a shorter tube.
I haven't shot it yet, so that will be on the weekend agenda. I did just get my dies and and reloading components, so i'll now load the ammo and have it ready for the weekend.
Thanks to all for all the input, feelings, concerns, and etc. I beleive I made the right choose.
