Follow Along for my First AR Build

[Brian Pfleuger]

Well gang, I've done did it and have all my parts (I think) either in hand or on order.
When things start getting more interesting (like I can put stuff together) I'll post some pics.
I did a lot of digging and in some cases I paid more than I could have because I wanted a specific part while in others I paid more than I should have because...well, it's all there is available.

Here is my parts break-down and price list.
I'm interested in hearing feedback (not the "you're an idiot for over paying" kind). Also, if I'm missing something or you think I bought something that is incompatible, please let me know.

It's going to be 6mm ARC, btw.

[rickyrick]

You’re way to organized lol, just kidding.
Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

[ghbucky]

I see a scope mount, but no optics. I'm guessing you have it on hand?

[Brian Pfleuger]

Originally Posted by ghbucky

I see a scope mount, but no optics. I'm guessing you have it on hand?

Yes indeed. It's going to be wearing a Sig Sierra3 BDX 4.5-14x

[Metal god]

Generally speaking looking real good .

I don’t see buffer tube , spring or buffer ? Lower parts kits don’t include those , lower “build” kits do . Maybe included with the stock but was not listed as such .

With that quality of barrel/build you may want to lap your upper receiver to square everything up .

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...prod20220.aspx

Looks like you have a collapsible stock ?

I see this Hogue fixed stock but it ends in 41 not 45
https://www.opticsplanet.com/hogue-a...buttstock.html

If not the one above or fixed . I would have went with a fixed stock with that type of build . Point being that barrel is going to be heavy , no need saving weight now and just put on a nice fixed stock for better stability .
https://magpul.com/firearm-accessori...obal_color=118

https://www.primaryarms.com/hera-arm...stock-od-green

or even fully adjustable

https://www.opticsplanet.com/magpul-...-10-stock.html

Tube , spring and buffer for fixed stocks above
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/AR1...80-000-554.htm

[Nathan]

Looks good. Interested. It is kind of a 6mmPPC improved! Have you considered a fixed stock for that cartridge/barrel length? I’m not you, but i prefer fixed when accuracy is top concern.

[101combatvet]

Why bother with stainless and a fluted barrel? Put that money into good optics.

[Ed4032]

Should take about an hour and a half to put together.

[Brian Pfleuger]

Originally Posted by Metal god

I don’t see buffer tube , spring or buffer ?

All part of the package. I assume there a good chance I may try multiple stocks before I find the one that I really like but this one should be reasonably functional for starters.

Originally Posted by 101combatvet

Why bother with stainless and a fluted barrel? Put that money into good optics.

One, because I wanted that look and, two, the optics (which I already had) aren't exactly garbage.

Originally Posted by Nathan

Have you considered a fixed stock for that cartridge/barrel length?

I mostly considered that this stock more or less seemed decent and the price was OK (for what prices are these days) but it had no occurred to me that fixed or not stock would be an accuracy consideration.
Honestly, I have never had any interest in the AR platform and wouldn't be building one now if things weren't so ominous for future availability. So, I'm lacking a good bit of that detailed knowledge that would have come from paying attention all these years.
I guess that's one major advantage of the platform, right? If I don't like this stock it's $40 and 30 seconds to change it.

[101combatvet]

Yeah, okay. Like having spinner rims on your Mustang, LOL!

[Metal god]

All part of the package. I assume there a good chance I may try multiple stocks before I find the one that I really like but this one should be reasonably functional for starters.

Yep

I don't know the actual % but my guess would be 90% of fixed stocks require an A2 buffer tube , rifle buffer and spring . Meaning if you go to a fixed stock it's not just a simple change the stock thing . You'll need to switch out the whole stock and assembly parts . Still not a big deal just a FYI .

Compare these to each other . everything is different .
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/AR1...80-000-554.htm

https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/And...30-a000-0p.htm

[rickyrick]

Can’t please everyone with a stainless barrel.
I ended up with A2 stocks on two rifles that originally had collapsible stocks. It’s just a personal preference for me.

[stagpanther]

I've put several AR's together similarly configured. You'll be happy--ignore the Debbie downers.

[Brian Pfleuger]

Originally Posted by rickyrick

Can’t please everyone with a stainless barrel.

The good news is the only one I'm trying to please is me
I like stainless and I like flutes. Don't carry about function (or lack thereof) in either case, I just like it.

Originally Posted by Metal God

my guess would be 90% of fixed stocks require an A2 buffer tube , rifle buffer and spring

Good to know, thanks for the info.
The other consideration for me is that I usually find the LOP on rifles (~13.5") to be short for my liking. I guess I have monkey arms or something.
We'll see how it feels and shoots and go from there.

Originally Posted by stagpanther

I've put several AR's together similarly configured. You'll be happy--ignore the Debbie downers.

No worries, brother, I've been around a while, I know how it goes with opinions.

Anybody have any experience with McGowan barrels on an AR? I've got one on my customized Savage 11 but I've never had the time to really even develop loads for it so can't say for sure how it shoots.... I mean, it's only been 7 years since I got it. Give me some time.

I'll have everything except the barrel by next Thursday... funny story, the Colorado "insta-check" background check system is currently taking 5+ days to "instantly" process background checks.

[Metal god]

I like stainless and I like flutes. Don't carry about function (or lack thereof) in either case, I just like it.

I LOVE !!! stainless steel , there's days at the range there is nothing but stainless on the bench and rack . I'm likely going on half my firearms are stainless in some way or another . Flutes are cool too , Once you have enough firearms to get done what you need IMO it's all about the cool factor for the rest lol

[101combatvet]

Originally Posted by rickyrick

Can’t please everyone with a stainless barrel.
I ended up with A2 stocks on two rifles that originally had collapsible stocks. It’s just a personal preference for me.

I have a stainless Hart on an M1A; it doesn't shoot any better than chrome moly. Fluting is just unnecessary, but hey, whatever makes you happy.

[Nathan]

Is it fair to assume all of these parts are in hand or.....?

I ask only because of the stock thing and I wonder if there is a way to get a more mainstream barrel like a Shilen or other.

Someone like CLE is getting the best blanks and has the experience to do what you need for truely peak accuracy.

[rickyrick]

I have a stainless Hart on an M1A; it doesn't shoot any better than chrome moly. Fluting is just unnecessary, but hey, whatever makes you happy.

I have an 89$ unlined chrome-moly barrel with the M4 cutout that shoots better than all my others. Maybe he likes ss fluted barrels.
I have a 24” spiral fluted ss barrel that has been black phosphated... most of this is unnecessary.
It’s an AR... the Potato Head(tm) of rifles, you can stick whatever you want on it and change it out a few minutes later.

[101combatvet]

Originally Posted by rickyrick

I have an 89$ unlined chrome-moly barrel with the M4 cutout that shoots better than all my others. Maybe he likes ss fluted barrels.
I have a 24” spiral fluted ss barrel that has been black phosphated... most of this is unnecessary.
It’s an AR... the Potato Head(tm) of rifles, you can stick whatever you want on it and change it out a few minutes later.

I'm just happy to shoot without all the cosmetic bells and whistles.

[Brian Pfleuger]

Originally Posted by Nathan

Is it fair to assume all of these parts are in hand or.....?

I ask only because of the stock thing and I wonder if there is a way to get a more mainstream barrel like a Shilen or other.

Someone like CLE is getting the best blanks and has the experience to do what you need for truely peak accuracy.

Almost all parts are in my hands except the BCG (in route), the lower (waiting the 5 days on CO "instant" BG check) and the barrel (10 weeks from 2 weeks ago).

McGowen is pretty well known and it seems almost universally appreciated as a quality product (and my .243AI from them shoots great in very, very limited use) so that's why I went with them.

Originally Posted by 101combatvet

I'm just happy to shoot without all the cosmetic bells and whistles.

That's totally cool and I take no offense. To each his own.
I like my bling, especially on a gun that actually serves no purpose whatsoever besides looking pretty and making noise.

You'll want to look away when the pictures start... not only is it stainless and fluted... the flutes are helical.

[stagpanther]

Anybody have any experience with McGowan barrels on an AR? I've got one on my customized Savage 11 but I've never had the time to really even develop loads for it so can't say for sure how it shoots.... I mean, it's only been 7 years since I got it. Give me some time.

Yes--my AR barrels from them have been excellent in general, and I think they are about to offer cut rifling and hand-lapping as an option. For a large-production manufacturer one of the higher quality ones IMO, just a very small smidgen under Criterion in my non-objective personal biased opinion. McGowen used to be willing to "go out on a limb" and cut my barrels to my own specs and cartridges not listed--they may still do that, I don't know. One of my pride and joys is a 284 win AR 10 I built using a barrel they made for me.

[101combatvet]

Originally Posted by Brian Pfleuger

Almost all parts are in my hands except the BCG (in route), the lower (waiting the 5 days on CO "instant" BG check) and the barrel (10 weeks from 2 weeks ago).

McGowen is pretty well known and it seems almost universally appreciated as a quality product (and my .243AI from them shoots great in very, very limited use) so that's why I went with them.



That's totally cool and I take no offense. To each his own.
I like my bling, especially on a gun that actually serves no purpose whatsoever besides looking pretty and making noise.

You'll want to look away when the pictures start... not only is it stainless and fluted... the flutes are helical.

All of mine serve a purpose. I sleep with an M4 loaded with ball and tracer ammunition.

[stagpanther]

All of mine serve a purpose. I sleep with an M4 loaded with ball and tracer ammunition.

So what do you go to bed with?

[stagpanther]

By sheer coincidence I'm putting together a 6mm ARC myself, I've built enough of AR's I find if I spend the day scrounging my endless piles of boxes and drawers I usually find all the parts I need to put one together--though no points for color coordination or looks generally. Have you found a source for brass? I built a 6mm predator years ago based on a barrel I bought from ARP--dollars to donuts the ARC is almost the same thing with the shoulder pushed back a bit to allow seating of longer high SD bullets and free up maybe a couple grains of powder space. I already have a Redding type S Grendel bushing die that can convert Grendel brass to the 6mm predator, so I'm guessing it should be an easy size in the ARC die.

[Geezerbiker]

Were you able to get all the parts? I've been looking around for the next part for my build and I can't find a BCG for under 250 bucks that's still in stock.

Tony