help me spec my AR-15

[mzimmers]

Hi, guys -

Well, I've finally decided to take the plunge and invest in my first AR-15. I've also decided to build it myself, for the learning experience. The only things I've decided on so far is:

- 6.8 SPC caliber
- Stag upper (since I'm left-handed)
- scope (my eyes are just too old for iron sights)

This gun will see most of its use at the range, though there is the chance that I might use it for medium-game hunting on occasion. I'm more interested in building something useful rather than a military replica.

So...I'm soliciting input from the calguns cognoscenti. At present, I could use some direction on a recommended make and length of the barrel, but advice on any other subjects is welcome. Thanks!

[Prc329]

Stag-6.8L Complete Upper Half Model 5HL

http://www.stagarms.com/upperhalves.htm

Slap a RRA 2 stage trigger and you are good to go.

[DJDace]

Price range? It's important. I don't want to be suggestings things you have no intention in hell of investing in for this project. We each have different thresholds for how much we are willing to spend on our toys.

[rksimple]

Stag-6.8L Complete Upper Half Model 5HL

http://www.stagarms.com/upperhalves.htm

Slap a RRA 2 stage trigger and you are good to go.

+1. Being your first, this is a good way to get started. Throw on a Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14 in a Larue SPR mount and you're good to go.

[rod]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=26726

Take a look at this link and see if there's anything that tickles your fancy. You can get a good idea of the different styles people build their lowers. There's just too many options available to list based on your requirements. Once you get an idea of which direction you want to go, you can ask more specific questions.

Based on what you've already mentioned, I'd recommend investing a good chunk of change in a scope. You tend to get what you pay for and it sounds like you'll use a scope often enough to warrant a good quality scope.

For a lower, you can go with Stag since your upper will also be a Stag. They're priced right and the finishes will match. You're not limited to Stag though. There are a number of good quality lowers available that will work just fine. I didn't notice a price range or budget, but consider a two stage trigger when you put your lower together. It's worth the extra money.

If you haven't decided on which style of upper to get, I recommend something with rails. It's a lot easier to mount accessories to without buying special adapters or mounts for everything you want. 16" uppers are nice but might not do so well while hunting. 24" is a little too long to be pratical anywhere other than a bench. 20" uppers are a gool all around length. They're short enough to move around with and long enough to get some velocity.

Again, check out the picture thread to get some ideas and don't bother looking for a cure for your disease...Black Rifle Disease that is.

[mzimmers]

Price range? It's important. I don't want to be suggestings things you have no intention in hell of investing in for this project.

I'd like to keep the total investment under $2K, including a decent scope. I'm willing to splurge on the barrel and trigger. Stuff I don't care so much about is the military-bling like a quad rail, etc. Since I'm putting on a scope, I think I'd just as soon skip the iron sights, for a cleaner look.

Rod: when you say 20" upper, I assume you mean a 20" barrel, right? I like fjold's picture. That is the kind of clean look that I'm going for.

[Flux Capacitor]

Buy a Leupold. Good for hunting as well as some tactical. Unlike some tactical sights, its got magnif power.

[DJDace]

I'd like to keep the total investment under $2K, including a decent scope. I'm willing to splurge on the barrel and trigger. Stuff I don't care so much about is the military-bling like a quad rail, etc. Since I'm putting on a scope, I think I'd just as soon skip the iron sights, for a cleaner look.

Rod: when you say 20" upper, I assume you mean a 20" barrel, right? I like fjold's picture. That is the kind of clean look that I'm going for.

5HL 6.8 Stag Upper
Trijicon TA01 4x32 ACOG
Magpul MIAD Grip
Magpul UBR Stock (once they are available end of June/early July)
RRA 2 Stage Trigger

Either that or you could assemble your own Upper from parts you purchase yourself which would also be fun. Especially if you want a 20" barrel. Either way, the list above is the way I would go for a good all round 6.8 SPC arse whuppin AR-15.

[ar15barrels]

Magpul MIAD Grip
Magpul UBR Stock (once they are available end of June/early July)

Are you assuming he is planning to pin the mag in place?

[shark92651]

Good point, Randall. Since he said he is more interested in something useful than a military replica, a MonsterMan grip and an A2 stock may be the way to go. If really want a standard pistol grip, then you need to include a Bullet Button or Prince50.

Also, at this point I woldn't hold my breat on the UBR - they have delayed that stock several times already. They told me I could pre-order them in early may. So I did. Now end of June? Last I checked they still didn't have a final price on them. I imagine they will get here when they get here...

[Prc329]

Like that one but in 6.8.

[DJDace]

Are you assuming he is planning to pin the mag in place?

I would assume everyone who frequents Calguns and plans to build an AR-15 rifle would either be pinning their mags in place or utilizing either a Prince50, Bullet Button, U-15 Stock or Monsterman Grip.

As such with my recommendation, I would assume he would opt for a mag-lock or bullet button, which is the way I chose to go wtih my AR-15 build.

I certinaly wouldn't advocate the assembling of an assault weapon under any circumstances (barring the collapse of civilization as we know it, then by all means, make some assault weapons and have at it).

[mzimmers]

5HL 6.8 Stag Upper
Trijicon TA01 4x32 ACOG
Magpul MIAD Grip
Magpul UBR Stock (once they are available end of June/early July)
RRA 2 Stage Trigger

Either that or you could assemble your own Upper from parts you purchase yourself which would also be fun. Especially if you want a 20" barrel. Either way, the list above is the way I would go for a good all round 6.8 SPC arse whuppin AR-15.

Yes, I would prefer to assemble my own. I will probably go with Leupold for the optics, as I have good experience with their stuff. Do you have a suggestion for a barrel maker? What about the miscellaneous parts for the upper; is there a brand I should seek out or avoid?

Thanks...

[leelaw]

One thing to consider - I know you stated that you don't want a railed tacticool handguard, however since it sounds like you're setting up your gun for accurate distance shooting, you might want to consider a free-floating handguard setup.

I've had really good luck with Yankee Hill machine stuff (they have simple free-float models that look like Mag-Lite tubes) and they probably have something you approve of.

For the rifle build, I'd recommend a Stag upper and lower combo. The Rock River adjustible trigger has been mentioned, I second that recommendation. How are you planning on building it to California-legal spec? Since it is an accuracy build, it will probably have either a brake or bare crown, which makes a detachable-magazine build easier. Also, since you don't care about the looks, have you looked into the U-15 stock? I was skeptical about it at first, but after buying one I'm very impressed! My friend has one on his varminter setup and it just 'fits' the gun.

ETA:
Upper & Lower: Stag (you might have to go elsewhere if you want a 20" 6.8 - contact Stag and see what they can do for you) http://www.stagarms.com/upperhalves.htm
Stock: U-15 http://californiarifles.com/
Handguards: YHM Free-Float Tubes http://yankeehillmachine.com/store/forearms.html (towards bottom)
Trigger: RRA 2 Stage
Scope: Leupold or trijicon (depends on how much magnification you want, though the Trijicon ACOGs are dialed in for .223 or .308 and I don't know how it will compare to a 6.8 build)

Bad picture of an OLL build with a U-15 http://apt401.com/caar1.jpg

[mzimmers]

Thanks for the input, leelaw.

Anyone at ALL have any recommendations for 6.8 barrels?

Thanks...