First Build Suggestions / Recommendations

[bc993]

Hi everyone:

This is my first post, first build, first AR, and need some help on completing my rifle. Tried this on the more generic AR forum but got no response.

I went with 6.5 Grendel as this will be mainly used for Whitetail & the occasional nuisance coyote. I've completed my lower with the following:

Spikes Forged Lower Receiver
CMMG Builders LPK
BCM PNT Trigger
Brownell's Generic Carbine Buffer Tube Assembly
Magpul CTR Stock

For the Upper, I recently purchased an AR15 Performance Predator 20 inch SS barrel and ARP 910 Super Bolt and anxiously awaiting their arrival. http://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38016/36799

I wanted to get the Spikes Slick side upper but they've been out of stock for months and now there is an 8-10 week backorder. So I heard that the BCM Upper usually fit well with my lower and they worked well for getting a nice snug fit with the barrel. Also out of stock. After searching for Uppers in stock I've found the Bootleg upper in stock from a couple retailers. Anyone here have any experience with this upper? Like fitment to lower, color match, overall quality etc.

So I'm looking for suggestions on an upper receiver and BCG for the barrel and bolt mentioned above (that is in stock somewhere). I want to get this unit completed before the Michigan early antlerless season which is mid September so I can fill the freezer with venison.

Any input or experience good or bad regarding my choice in barrel is welcomed. It was the only 20 inch 6.5 G barrel I could find in stock and I've heard a lot of good things regarding ARP's 6.8 barrels.

Thanks in advance.

[keystone183]

ARP is a dirty word around here.... I don't believe those are true SAMMI chambers. Might be a good shooter anyhow.....

I have been looking at getting one of those bootleg uppers myself. I like the looks, just don't have a need right now. Another option i would suggest is a DPMS slick side. Have two and would buy again. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/138...-profile-matte

If you want to spend the coin, can't go wrong with JP BCGs. I have recently purchased two AIM surplus BCG's (regular and LW) and although i haven't used them, the fit and finish is great, and i expect they were well worth the price.

[rabiddawg]

Welcome to the horde.

Ok, just remember you asked for it. There is absolutely no way that nut job beene would ever get a single penny of my money. Let's just say I will always support vendors who support what I am buying. I know what he has put out here on the net in the past and a quick glance at his site it appears he has removed the negative content about the 6.5 Grendel and the personal attack on a very respected and helpful member here.

[A5BLASTER]

First off I would like to welcome you to the horde sir.

I dont have any first hand knowledge of the barrel you bought but have read all the past post and seen for my own eyes the mess that took place between that barrel supplyer and other grendel owners and it was not good to say the least. I do hope you got a fine shooting barrel but if you dont pleses dont blame the problems on the round.

Ok rant over.

As for the upper you are looking at I dont know anything bout it, but if your looking for a first rate upper and bcg you should look at the offerings from PF, their craftmesnship,fit and finish is top shelf and they have good prices and they should have those items in stock as well.

If you should choose to find a diffrent barrel or at a later date want to change it out or build anouther upper I would lool at Jp,PF,AA or get a shilen from midway, those barrels get the best reviews from what I have seen.

I personal like my JP barrel very much but it cost a good penny, some of the other companys offer barrels that very accurate and cost a lil less.

Most of this is just my .02 cents worth and it aint worth much, but its the best I got sir, I hope it helps and again welcome to the horde sir.

[bc993]

Had no idea

WTH I had no idea. I guess I'm stuck with what I have. And thanks for the info regarding uppers bcg etc. Can you guys pass the links over regarding arp and the firestorm. I was stuck as I searched hi n lo for a 20 inch barrel and this was my only option to get something completed b4 the early season. When complete I'll post my findings and how well it shoots. I'm new to the AR but not to rifles,shotguns, and pistols. The nut job reference does leave me feeling a little buyer's remorse though. We'll see and thanks again for the input.Hope someone has experience with the Bootleg upper and their thoughts.

[Klem]

Hi, and welcome.

I wouldn't buy most of those parts, including the slick side upper. No offense but you did ask us to be critical. Looking on the upper website I have never heard of a 'mid spec throat' and doubt very much if it will 'increase accuracy' over a standard SAAMI chamber. You get what you pay for in this game with few exceptions. Although the incremental improvements you get at the expensive end is like the Law of Diminishing Returns.

[bc993]

Hi, and welcome.

I wouldn't buy most of those parts, including the slick side upper. No offense but you did ask us to be critical. Looking on the upper website I have never heard of a 'mid spec throat' and doubt very much if it will 'increase accuracy' over a standard SAAMI chamber. You get what you pay for in this game with few exceptions. Although the incremental improvements you get at the expensive end is like the Law of Diminishing Returns.

No offense taken.
However I see nothing on the upper site mentioning 'mid spec throat'
I think you're referring to my barrel and It's too late for me to return the barrel and as I said earlier I'm stuck and had no idea there was a firestorm here with said barrel maker.
I just want the most accurate hunting AR at reasonable cost. I also don't see a need for a forward assist on a hunting rifle especially in my state where I have to use a 5 shot mag or less. Hopefully I only need one shot. And taking off unneeded weight is important to me.
I have a .300 Mag bolt rifle which is somewhat overkill for whitetail. I have been wanting an AR for a while, and in this political climate don't know their future so I decided to jump on board.

[bc993]

Thanks for the info Keystone, I had no idea regarding the "dirty word". Although a bit pricey I too like the look of the bootleg upper and wish someone on here has used one and what lower they used with it. It's only 20 bucks more than my original choice (Spikes slick side) so I probably will take a chance and report back on how it fits my lower.

[keystone183]

Thanks for the info Keystone, I had no idea regarding the "dirty word". Although a bit pricey I too like the look of the bootleg upper and wish someone on here has used one and what lower they used with it. It's only 20 bucks more than my original choice (Spikes slick side) so I probably will take a chance and report back on how it fits my lower.

JoeBob's had them on sale last week for $120 i believe. Don't know if they still do or still have any.....i really had to hold off on jumping on one.... I suspect they are of a very good quality.

[RicosRevenge]

I recommend a forward assist on a hunting rifle.

Had use of the forward assist just last year to use as an example... some pigs came to the feeder and I had a bad primer on the round I "tried" to touch off. Had to rack another round. I was able to (relatively) quietly chamber the next round and push it home and then shot a pig in the ear hole.

[CrisAnderson27]

Out of curiosity, did you ever finish this rifle? I have the same barrel and am wondering if your results are any different than mine.

[bc993]

Just finished it today as I finally got magazines from ASC. Couldn't find a slick side upper so went with an Aero upper from a gun show which fit the barrel and Spikes Tactical lower nice and tight.
My setup is a bit different from yours with respect to BCG. My BCG was from ar15performance. I bought the Complete M-16 NiB BCG with 9310 enhanced bolt as the 750 xd wasn't yet available. I think I was the first purchaser of the 20 inch Predator 6.5 barrel and was just waiting for bolts to arrive then had them ship my order when it was complete. Their website is not very good with respect to placing an order. I don't plan on shooting the Wolf steel case but in search of PPU and have both Hornady sst and a-max on the way. Look forward to shooting it this week when ammo arrives and will post results later.

[CrisAnderson27]

Awesome! Looking forward to seeing your results. Mine is cycling beautifully now. Just need to get a nice 100yd range setup so I can do some tuning.

[bc993]

Awesome! Looking forward to seeing your results. Mine is cycling beautifully now. Just need to get a nice 100yd range setup so I can do some tuning.

That is great news as I was concerned about my gun being tempramental but now not so much. I'm impressed with the fit and finish of all the components from ARP. So hopefully it shoots like it looks. Watched your video about the gun issues. Then saw your video on knife works. Your knives look awesome. Hope to hit the range soon but now it's Bow season and soon to be duck season. Will post range results.

[CrisAnderson27]

That is great news as I was concerned about my gun being tempramental but now not so much. I'm impressed with the fit and finish of all the components from ARP. So hopefully it shoots like it looks. Watched your video about the gun issues. Then saw your video on knife works. Your knives look awesome. Hope to hit the range soon but now it's Bow season and soon to be duck season. Will post range results.

Yep! Do your part on the build and I don't think you'll have any issues whatsoever. Mine cycled perfectly this weekend, and put the 20 rounds of Wolf through just as cleanly on Friday. I'm going to order a couple lots of 500 rounds of the Wolf stuff this week now that I know it works. I was really concerned about the bolt face being so roughed up...even though I couldn't see how it might have any impact on the gun cycling properly. Now I've pretty much decided it just adds some character, lol.

Thanks a ton for the compliment on the knives! Knifemaking is something I do out of love...and I'm blessed that I'm able to support my family with it . On that note...I make broadheads too btw, lol. Though they're too expensive to be cost effective for anyone but myself to use .

Anyway, I can't wait to hear how your project works out. I'm no match shooter...so I have no doubts that mine is far beyond my current skill set as it stands regardless.