Bolt Action AR 15

[Bubba_Leon]

I built a bolt action AR, took it out for a test yesterday 50 rds, and it runs rather smooth. Only issue was 2 FTF from riding the BCG.

lower:
*Spike's ST15/Spikes LPK
*Magpul MOE + Grip
*MFT Battlelink Utility Stock.
*ATI LRE

upper:
*Green Mountain Stainless 21" .223 Wylde Barrel Blank, no gas port, NiB extension.
*Bear Creek Arsenal side charge upper
*Troy MLOK 15" handguard
*Vortex Crossfire 1-4. Will Upgrade later

[SDcollector]

Very cool!

[JackEllis]

I'm not really a fan of badass looking rifles but I have to admit there's something to be said for that particular look in a bolt action.

[Bubba_Leon]

I'm not really a fan of badass looking rifles but I have to admit there's something to be said for that particular look in a bolt action.

Thanks!
Truthfully more than half the reason I built it was to keep it compliant, and it's going to take some getting used to, but it's a lot of fun to shoot, and I'm interested to see how it'll perform long range.

[SoldierLife7]

I would like to build a "bolt action" AR, but I would like to have the charging handle on the left side for faster follow-up shots. I would like to be able to keep my right hand on the grip and maintain my sight picture.

Anyone know where I can get a lefty side-charging upper?

*edit- Nice rifle OP

[Bubba_Leon]

I would like to build a "bolt action" AR, but I would like to have the charging handle on the left side for faster follow-up shots. I would like to be able to keep my right hand on the grip and maintain my sight picture.

Anyone know where I can get a lefty side-charging upper?

*edit- Nice rifle OP

you can get an ambidextrous, but it's not cheap

http://www.dlparms.com/

[edgerly779]

I have the upper just need the drilled boltcarrier

[SoldierLife7]

you can get an ambidextrous, but it's not cheap
http://www.dlparms.com/

Looks like a good option. Thanks

[shaocaholica]

Are you using a buffer and spring? You technically don't need them but they might be nice to have for lazy chambering.

I'm thinking about building the same except with a reciprocating left side charging handle.

[shaocaholica]

2 questions.

Did you have a gunsmith/machinist turn down your green mountain barrel? It doesn't look like you did so that thing must be heavy.

Also, can you try chambering rounds with the buffer and spring removed. How well does it work? Lots of FTFs?

[Bubba_Leon]

2 questions.

Did you have a gunsmith/machinist turn down your green mountain barrel? It doesn't look like you did so that thing must be heavy.

Also, can you try chambering rounds with the buffer and spring removed. How well does it work? Lots of FTFs?

I am using the buffer spring, and I'm considering changing it to the Geissele Super 42 or changing the whole thing to rifle length. I found that "sling shotting" the cartridge into battery proved to be the most reliable feed,

As for the barrel, I left it as is. And yes it's heavy but not un-bearable for bench and prone which is what I'm using it for. I'll eventually go with a carbon fiber handguard and maybe get it fluted. I definitely would like to get it bead blasted though. It's pretty shiny.

[kramynot]

I found chambering better using buffer spring

2 questions.

Also, can you try chambering rounds with the buffer and spring removed. How well does it work? Lots of FTFs?

I built up a bolt action pistol although no where near as nice as the OP's rifle. I tried to get rid of the buffer tube and fabricated a fixed charging handle which bolted directly to the bolt carrier. I was very surprised at just how much force was needed to chamber a round because I never thought the buffer springs were that strong. I ended up going back to the normal configuration with the buffer tube and spring.

To the OP, congrats on a beautiful build!

[shaocaholica]

I am using the buffer spring, and I'm considering changing it to the Geissele Super 42 or changing the whole thing to rifle length. I found that "sling shotting" the cartridge into battery proved to be the most reliable feed.

Why change to rifle length? The distance of travel for the BGC is the same. You'll bottom out on the slot for the charging handle.

For my build, if I have to use a buffer and spring, I'll cut the spring down to the minimum length to just give a slight positive pressure on the BCG. If it doesn't work, no big deal. Buffer springs are cheap. Also probably use a Taccom plastic buffer since the weight and function of a buffer are irrelevant in a manual action AR.

[SDcollector]

I built up a bolt action pistol although no where near as nice as the OP's rifle. I tried to get rid of the buffer tube and fabricated a fixed charging handle which bolted directly to the bolt carrier. I was very surprised at just how much force was needed to chamber a round because I never thought the buffer springs were that strong. I ended up going back to the normal configuration with the buffer tube and spring.

To the OP, congrats on a beautiful build!

I'm converting to a bolt action and was surprised to hear about the amount of force needed for lockup. Could fouling be an issue? Can I ask how long you made you handle?

I understand the need for the spring, but can some weight be saved by removing the buffer? Or am I overlooking something obvious? And btw, go Falcons.

[Bubba_Leon]

Why change to rifle length?

Mainly to have a fixed rifle length buttstock option. However, I was erroneously believing the rifle length would have more force. In which case the Super 42 seems the way to go.