Building a featureless AR

[Fightingfish]

Sorry, I forgot to answer that. A good CLP or Ballistal will work well. There are all kinds of fancy lubes that also come with fancy prices. I think the EWL is supposed to be top notch, but also pricey. DON'T use FrogLube with the nickle boron. I say that because I used it with mine and the bolt would stick after I was done shooting or if I let the gun cool too much inbetween mags. I ended up getting a chrome bolt and just used it with the boron carrier. I also stopped using froglube.

I’ve actually seen that once or twice amidst the haze of information online--froglube+NiBo= bad. Thanks for corroborating that!
The EWL is a little pricey, at roughly $16 for a 4oz bottle via amazon. I’d spring for it, if it was worth it.
It’s good to know that I could just stick with CLP and not be doing any grave harm to my rifle.

One thing I’m noticing is that it can be difficult to keep my perspective, at times. The design has functioned everywhere, from sopping, hazy jungles, to arid desert wastelands, to frigid mountain tops. Yes, it needs to be maintained, but am I really going to find some new way to destroy it during my trips to the range that some soldier hasn’t already discovered while taking and returning fire?

 

[BDinPutnam]

I’ve actually seen that once or twice amidst the haze of information online--froglube+NiBo= bad. Thanks for corroborating that!
The EWL is a little pricey, at roughly $16 for a 4oz bottle via amazon. I’d spring for it, if it was worth it.
It’s good to know that I could just stick with CLP and not be doing any grave harm to my rifle.

One thing I’m noticing is that it can be difficult to keep my perspective, at times. The design has functioned everywhere, from sopping, hazy jungles, to arid desert wastelands, to frigid mountain tops. Yes, it needs to be maintained, but am I really going to find some new way to destroy it during my trips to the range that some soldier hasn’t already discovered while taking and returning fire?

The answer to your question is "likely, no."

I do use EWL in the firearms I would use for self defense. Overkill? Maybe.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

but am I really going to find some new way to destroy it during my trips to the range that some soldier hasn’t already discovered while taking and returning fire?

Never doubt yourself, lol.

 

[Fightingfish]

Never doubt yourself, lol.

LOL...I have a laundry list of “bulletproof” fishing reels that I’ve destroyed over the years. Perhaps material destruction is a portable skill?

 

[jw816]

Do I need to lube the buffer with grease? In some of the youtube videos, the authors said yes. In my opinion, it doesn't need it. Grease may slow down the buffer action. Some light oil should be well enough.

 

[Calculon]

I don't believe grease is appropriate - it's too thick IMO and will capture dirt, carbon etc and hold onto it. Will likely thicken up in colder temps and slow down the cycling.

I have used EWL with no problems including at below freezing temps.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Light oil on buffer in my book.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Honestly, I've never oiled any part of the buffer system. I don't really see a reason to (there isn't a lot of friction) and it just seems like it would only end up collecting gunk.

 

[Fightingfish]

The answer to your question is "likely, no."

I do use EWL in the firearms I would use for self defense. Overkill? Maybe.

I don't believe grease it appropriate - it's too thick IMO and will capture dirt, carbon etc and hold onto it. Will likely thicken up in colder temps and slow down the cycling.

I have used EWL with no problems including at below freezing temps.

Ok, pulled the trigger on some EWL. Should arrive tomorrow. Thanks, folks!

 

[Fightingfish]

Updates:
got my EWL, took apart the BCG, gave it a quick clean, inspection, and put it back together lubed up. I then installed it into the upper with the charging handle. Looking good!

Also got my optic. PSA was running a promo for the Strike Eagle 1-6x with a mount. I knew I wanted an LPVO, and this one was in the running, amongst products from Primary Arms and Swamp Fox. The right deal popped up, so here we are. gotta love that warranty, too.

Still waiting on BA to get their enhanced lowers in. Then I’m gtg.

 

[toxophilite]

I wish I read through this whole thread before starting my current build. Could have saved myself a lot of internet time searching...

 

[Fightingfish]

Update: I’m frustrated!

Got some ammo, so I literally have everything I need, except, you know, a lower.

If you’ve been following, you know I’ve really been holding out for a BA enhanced lower. I like the features, and I like that it’ll match my BA upper. They haven’t been in stock. I contacted them, and it turns out that they changed facilities and ran into some sort of issue regarding variance with the feds. I don’t know what any of that means beyond the fact that it’ll probably bea few weeks before they get anymore in. Obviously, lowers are as rare as hens teeth these days, anyway, so I’m frustrated.

Then I stumbled on this little piece.

Seekins Precision SP223 Gen2 Billet AR-15 Lower - Logo

DetailsThe Seekins Precision Gen2 billet lower is machined from a solid block 7075-T6 aluminum with the idea of Mil-Spec being the base starting point. Designed for performance and enhanced user experience, the SP223 features an ambidextrous bolt release, eliminates roll pins with custom dowel...

www.primaryarms.com

Someone please talk me out of spending that much on a lower. Conversely, explain to me why it’s worth that much!

 

[BDinPutnam]

Dont waste the money on billet.

Get a lower you can actually get your hands on and finish your rifle!

 

[scooter86]

Ugh, Seekins is nice, but I have never bought into the billet is better crowd. The only benefit I see is the 2 problematic areas assembling a lower are already addressed (trigger guard and bolt catch). Still, you could buy and complete a couple forged lowers for that price. Anderson for the win, grab a ba when back in stock. Soon you will have two rifles

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I agree with above. Grab an Anderson or whatever you can get your hands on for a reasonable price and finish your build. When the BA lower comes back into stock, you can get that and swap it with the other lower to complete your build as you had originally wanted....oooor, just start a second build.

 

[jw816]

It seems to me that Ballistic Advantage lower is identical to Aero Precision M4E1 lower. The only difference I can see is the logo.

 

[toxophilite]

bought a lower from a store a few weeks ago, immediate regret on the drive home, should have bought 2

 

[Fightingfish]

It seems to me that Ballistic Advantage lower is identical to Aero Precision M4E1 lower. The only difference I can see is the logo.

Yup, same thing! Problem is finding one, now.

 

[jw816]

Get in touch with

Home - Rescuestuff

rescuestuff.net

I saw he had two. black

 

[BDinPutnam]

Get in touch with

Home - Rescuestuff

rescuestuff.net

I saw he had two. black

Is he doing transfers and firearm sales now, though?

 

[jw816]

Yes. He does now but by appointment only.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Yes. He does now but by appointment only.

Thanks, sorry for off topic post; my FiL has pistols he wants to send us. Will call over there tomorrow.

 

[Fightingfish]

Ok, have a lower on the way!

I found three places online that had Aero M4E1 lowers (identical to BA Enhanced lowers, with the exception of the logo). One didn’t ship to NY, the other had a real sketchy website. I ended up calling the third, a place called Carolina Sporting and Security. I talked to Brandon, there, and he was a nice dude, so I placed the order. They shipped it the following day, and it‘s scheduled to show up at my FFL on weds, July 8.

Once I get it all together, I’ll post some pics. Thanks again for all of everyone's help on here! It’s been a long process, but I’m seeing the end.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

Enhanced Extended NY Trigger Guard

Visit the post for more.

nytriggerguards.com

 

[CarpNY]

Enhanced Extended NY Trigger Guard

Visit the post for more.

nytriggerguards.com

Hmmmm ...

This is not a pistol grip. A pistol grip is made out of plastic, for the most part. A pistol grip attaches using one 1/4x 28 TPI screw
...
We are not lawyers. None of this description should be construed as legal advice.

Clearly. While I doubt anyone will ever have issues running one of these, the argument in the first line is the worst/weakest justification for "not a pistol grip" that I've ever seen. (1) They make metal pistol grips for ARs, as they even acknowledge with "for the most part," and (2) the law isn't AR-specific, so it doesn't matter how an AR pistol grip is normally attached. You could duct (duck) tape a metal grip to an AR, but you're still going to jail.

 

[BDinPutnam]

I can't think of a more appropriate holiday to build an AR on...

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Ok, have a lower on the way!

I found three places online that had Aero M4E1 lowers (identical to BA Enhanced lowers, with the exception of the logo). One didn’t ship to NY, the other had a real sketchy website. I ended up calling the third, a place called Carolina Sporting and Security. I talked to Brandon, there, and he was a nice dude, so I placed the order. They shipped it the following day, and it‘s scheduled to show up at my FFL on weds, July 8.

Once I get it all together, I’ll post some pics. Thanks again for all of everyone's help on here! It’s been a long process, but I’m seeing the end.

Just get ready to buy another lower because this shit is like heroin. You'll finish this build and within a day or two, your skin will start itching and you'll get the shakes. The sweating is the worst though, and all you'll be able to think about is your next build.

 

[Fightingfish]

Just get ready to buy another lower because this shit is like heroin. You'll finish this build and within a day or two, your skin will start itching and you'll get the shakes. The sweating is the worst though, and all you'll be able to think about is your next build.

Is it bad that I’m already looking into/tossing around the idea of a large framed fixed mag AR in 308 or 6.5CM?

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Is it bad that I’m already looking into/tossing around the idea of a large framed fixed mag AR in 308 or 6.5CM?

No no. Welcome and let the build flow through you.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Just get ready to buy another lower because this shit is like heroin. You'll finish this build and within a day or two, your skin will start itching and you'll get the shakes. The sweating is the worst though, and all you'll be able to think about is your next build.

To say nothing of the dead baby crawling across the ceiling.