What to do with my AR build?

[Fallout]

So this build was a lil complicated; mostly because of artificial means. I promised my significant other that I would only a few parts a month, along with this damnable SAFE Act, so you know, complex. I've TECHNICALLY finished the rifle, (In her eyes anyway) so now I gotta wait til next month to put on the finishing touches.

This rifle falls under the parameters for being a home defense weapon, and for target shooting out to 200yds. In other word, simplicity, durability and reliability are my main concerns with secondary concerns being aesthetics and "MOA" accuracy. (Personally as long as it's around 2 to 3 MOA I could care less)

My Build (So Far):

Lower:
Anderson Lower (Integrated Trigger Guard)
Spur Grip
Anderson Lower Parts Kit (Stainless Steel Trigger Group)
Carbine Buffer Tube
Carbine Buffer
Magpul Fixed Carbine Stock

Upper:
Stag A3 Upper
Carry Handle Rear Sight
Crowned 16'' 5.56 M4 Barrel
F Marked Front Sight
M16 BCG
Standard Charging Handle
Standard M4 Handguards

My Thoughts: I'm keeping the carry handle sight because to be honest, i'm not using optics, and yes it's my choice. I prefer it anyway since it's a bit more solid than BUIS and there is a substantial amount of metal protecting the sight. Second, I am going to get a new buffer, just dont know if I should get anything above an H1. And yes, I want the simplicity of drop in handguards, so i'm keeping the delta ring.



My Questions: Should I change or add anything? Does this seem like a decent build? I saw Magpul has some slim handguards, which would cut a little bit of weight and probably would be ergonomic. I dont like a lot of rails anyway, but i'm not sure what handguards to get. Also what weight of buffer SHOULD I get? I have an idea of the wait, but extra minds on this inquiry would be nice.

 

[stuck in ny]

I wouldn't have used the intehral trigger guard, the hooked one makes the spur much less terrible.

 

[dsdmmat]

standard carbine buffer weight and add a single point sling to the buttstock

 

[UltraT]

standard carbine buffer weight and add a single point sling to the buttstock

I personally like the heavier buffers.
I agree a sling is a good idea.

 

[Marine Cpl]

If it's for home defense, how will you hold it one handed when opening doors?

I had the spur and replaced it with the Thordsen after running into that problem.

 

[Podmonkey]

If it's for home defense, how will you hold it one handed when opening doors?

I had the spur and replaced it with the Thordsen after running into that problem.

I agree, the Thordsen stock will alow you to keep positive hold on the rifle with one hand which is important for SD. My only other suggestion is to give a very thorough shakedown period before you put it into a defensive role. I wouldn't call it gtg till you have 1k problem free rounds through it.

 

[dsdmmat]

If it's for home defense, how will you hold it one handed when opening doors?

I had the spur and replaced it with the Thordsen after running into that problem.

loop a strap through the pistol grip mount screw when used in conjunction with the single point sling would not be an issue holding on to the weapon

 

[Podmonkey]

loop a strap through the pistol grip mount screw when used in conjunction with the single point sling would not be an issue holding on to the weapon

That's not positive control though. And it's not good to be strapped all different kind of was to your rifle either. The extended trigger guards @Bullet Guy is selling may work though. Still think the Thordsen is the best option though. Short of moving anyway.

 

[Fallout]

The only door I have to worry about is the front door... trust me on that. When I found out about the extended triggerguard, it was to late. Found out about that about a week ago, kicking my own ass over this. The thordsen stock? I had that on my JRC Takedown. I liked that stock, only problem I had was my cheek felt extremely uncomfortable, even with the cheek riser. Still, a nice solid grip.


Actually I feel I must explain the door thing. So, I have OCPD, diagnosed early age, and for the most part, it barely affects me. BUT I CANT STAND SNORING!!!!!!!!!!! My point, I sleep in the living room. (Before anyone starts say'n my relationship must be shit, nope we are actually happier sleeping in different rooms.) So the front door is close by, and its double locked, quadruple is you count the 2nd full metal door that double locks. OH!!! and the third door....... my point is if some guy gets through all 3 doors, and I haven't readied my weapon in position in that time.... i'm already fucked.

I admit, I wanted an optimum cheek weld to use my sights effectively, so I choose the fixed stock. So long as I have the 3 points of contact, I will feel secure. (might think about getting a sling tho)

Explanations for the buffer tho??? Got answers for it, but why??? (Yeah asking questions leads to enlightenment. Logic dictates my decisions.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Why do you need a new buffer? Are you having cycling issues?

 

[Fallout]

No, just that it'll slow the bcg a bit, increase dwell time and decrease wear on the bcg and receivers. Ar 15 with carbine length gas tubes are often overgassed with a carbine weight buffer. An H1 - H3 can help with some of the issues. My understanding is, is that the US Army switched to H2 buffers, yet I cannot find any definitive research on the change. (I'm aware they use 14.5" barrels, but that's beside the point) Also the heavier buffers can make the recoil just a little more of a push instead of a shaky pulse, even if it's a small amount, it's still a benefit.

 

[Podmonkey]

No, just that it'll slow the bcg a bit, increase dwell time and decrease wear on the bcg and receivers. Ar 15 with carbine length gas tubes are often overgassed with a carbine weight buffer. An H1 - H3 can help with some of the issues. My understanding is, is that the US Army switched to H2 buffers, yet I cannot find any definitive research on the change. (I'm aware they use 14.5" barrels, but that's beside the point) Also the heavier buffers can make the recoil just a little more of a push instead of a shaky pulse, even if it's a small amount, it's still a benefit.

The switch to heavier buffers by the military was to correct timing issues in full auto fire caused by the difference in dwell time of a 14.5 carbine gas vs the 20" rifle gas systems. If your rifle is cycling reliably there is no reason to fiddle with buffers. Does it seem the bcg is cycling with excessive force?

 

[Fallout]

A bit, it's barely noticeable, which is why i'm questioning if i'm just imagining it, or it's real. Also can see the tiniest bit of flash when the cartridge ejects, thinking its ejecting a bit too early.

 

[Podmonkey]

A bit, it's barely noticeable, which is why i'm questioning if i'm just imagining it, or it's real. Also can see the tiniest bit of flash when the cartridge ejects, thinking its ejecting a bit too early.

If you can, mike the gas port. If it's overspec try an H1.

 

[Fallout]

Stopping by Auburn in a minute, got a guy who'll do a quick checkity check.

 

[Fallout]

NEWS UPDATE

Gas port in spec. ( .0658 )

Much confusions

Buffer weight is 2.89 oz

 

[Podmonkey]

NEWS UPDATE

Gas port in spec.

Much confusions

Buffer weight is 2.89 oz

Then it's likely all in your head, don't worry about the buffer. Ask @Bullet Guy what he thinks, or any of our other AR mechanics.

 

[Fallout]

Then it's likely all in your head, don't worry about the buffer. Ask @Bullet Guy what he thinks, or any of our other AR mechanics.

Going to Thurston's gun range tomorrow morning to sight in, i'll have my fiance video it. I can review the footage of the ejection port to see if i've gone nutty. If the issue persists, i'll ask.


Forgot to mention, any ideas for handguards or are the standard carbine length ones plenty?

 

[Podmonkey]

Going to Thurston's gun range tomorrow morning to sight in, i'll have my fiance video it. I can review the footage of the ejection port to see if i've gone nutty. If the issue persists, i'll ask.


Forgot to mention, any ideas for handguards or are the standard carbine length ones plenty?

You don't need anything beyond the standard handguards, but do you want more? That's the question. For a basic defensive carbine what you have is adequate. I would get a light though for sure. Elzetta makes a mount that attaches to the standard front sight base and they make the best and toughest weapon lights out there.
ZFH1500 - Elzetta Tactical Lighting

 

[Eddie Gunks]

You should use the standard (3 oz) buffer.

Heavy buffers are to correct the problem. If your gun is made to specification you will not have a problem. The only time you should use A heavier buffer is if you're using a short barrel, select fire weapon and you're getting bolt bounce. If you do not fall in the above criteria, a 3 ounce buffer is what you need.

For what it's worth, my 14 1/2 inch select fire weapon does not suffer from bolt bounce. The 11.5" are more susceptible to bolt bounce (bolt bounce is experienced during full auto fire)

 

[Podmonkey]

The 3 oz H1 is what came in my rifle. Runs flawlessly.

 

[Fallout]

@Bullet Guy thanks buddy, I'll stick with it then

@Podmonkey I'm not sure if I like the standard handguards. I admit; with my tiny ass fingers, they feel a BIT bulbous. I like that light mount, looks like a good streamlined solution, as I was thinking of getting a light soon.

 

[Podmonkey]

I wonder if the Magpul MOE handguards are much thinner? Simple and direct upgrade. And you could mount a light direct to that.

 

[Marine Cpl]

@Bullet Guy thanks buddy, I'll stick with it then

@Podmonkey I'm not sure if I like the standard handguards. I admit; with my tiny ass fingers, they feel a BIT bulbous. I like that light mount, looks like a good streamlined solution, as I was thinking of getting a light soon.

And now it starts. You'll be changing everything in due time. Get a slim, lightweight rail.

 

[Snappo]

My Questions: Should I change or add anything? Does this seem like a decent build? I saw Magpul has some slim handguards, which would cut a little bit of weight and probably would be ergonomic. I dont like a lot of rails anyway, but i'm not sure what handguards to get. Also what weight of buffer SHOULD I get? I have an idea of the wait, but extra minds on this inquiry would be nice. View attachment 15795

Just looking at that butt uggly thing hurts my soul. Shame on Cuomo. He's doing that shit just to fuck with us personally. This SAFE Act truly needs to go in the toilet.

 

[Fallout]

@Willjr75 I usually break the stereotypes bout lot of things (Fires RPG 7 at Stereotype Wall) I'm keeping my irons, I like optics, but for my budget, the $100 A3 Carry Handle gives me the feelgoods. @Podmonkey I was thinking bout the slim version, I'm not a "High Speed - Low Drag" kind of person, but damn.... they look sexy, and comfortable. I thought about rails, but at the end of the day, they're cheesegraters to hands, and if you get the rail covers, its back to being bulbous.

In short, i'm in a bit of a pickle (Gutter Thoughts)

 

[Podmonkey]

@Willjr75 I usually break the stereotypes bout lot of things (Fires RPG 7 at Stereotype Wall) I'm keeping my irons, I like optics, but for my budget, the $100 A3 Carry Handle gives me the feelgoods. @Podmonkey I was thinking bout the slim version, I'm not a "High Speed - Low Drag" kind of person, but damn.... they look sexy, and comfortable. I thought about rails, but at the end of the day, they're cheesegraters to hands, and if you get the rail covers, its back to being bulbous.

In short, i'm in a bit of a pickle (Gutter Thoughts)

Well you got the M Lok or Keymod rails to ameliorate the cheese grater effect but I think they run a little counter to your build goals of keeping costs down and maintaining simplicity. If you want to free float and don't need a lot of gadget space a smile tube guard may suit you. But usually free float guards require a proprietary barrel nut. Hogue makes a simple tube that looks nice, I don't think it's especially light though. In the carbine length I don't see that as a huge issue though.

 

[Fallout]

Well you got the M Lok or Keymod rails to ameliorate the cheese grater effect but I think they run a little counter to your build goals of keeping costs down and mating simplicity. If you want to free float and don't need a lot of gadget space a smile tube guard may suit you. But usually free float guards require a proprietary barrel nut. Hogue makes a simple tube that looks nice, I don't think it's especially light though. In the carbine length I don't see that as a huge issue though.
View attachment 15820

A bit out of my price range at around $90 (I got ~ $45ish left before Carrie starts another reaming on my fine fat ass) so if ya know any other handguards that would help, as my google-fu is not strong today. I might just stick with the standard ones if I cant find something in budget (Carrie doesnt need to know bout the flashlight, I might just "Scoot" a little money around the holidays to get the mount and light)

 

[Podmonkey]

A bit out of my price range at around $90 (I got ~ $45ish left before Carrie starts another reaming on my fine fat ass) so if ya know any other handguards that would help, as my google-fu is not strong today. I might just stick with the standard ones if I cant find something in budget (Carrie doesnt need to know bout the flashlight, I might just "Scoot" a little money around the holidays to get the mount and light)

Well, given your budget and your goals, and if you were really wanting to replace the stock handguards, I'd go with the MOE ones. MSRP on those are around $18

 

[Fallout]

REALLY??? Im smoking some purple cush then cuz I haven't seen them for that price, on midwayusa cheapest price is $28 plus shipping