Budget upper build

[matkal]

I have a DPMS M4 clone in 5.56 and wanted something more powerful and more accurate for hunting and target shooting. The perfect solution, an AR-10, was way out of my budget. So my solution was to build an upper using as many parts as possible from my existing rifle. After researching 300BLK, 6,8spc and 6.5 Grendel the choice was obvious.

I set myself a budget of $600 (I know that some spend that much on a barrel) planning on using(temporarily)my bolt carrier and charging handle and, obviously, my lower. As i can afford it I will get a dedicated bolt carrier and build a lower with an A2 stock.

So here's what I did:
From J&T Distributing* I picked up the Barrel (20" SS bull), bolt, Floating handguard, gas block and gas tube for about $430($455 with shipping)
From Palmetto State Armory I got the (blemished)upper receiver, dust cover and forward assist for about $60. I also got a vise block from PSA for $25.
From Dicks Sporting Goods I spent $50 on a set of Nikon rings.

You may have noticed I'm missing one very important piece of the puzzle. A magazine. That is supposed to be a birthday present

Total so far(not including ammo, shipping and tools): $505
So I consider this build a success, with a couple disclaimers, i.e.,scope and trigger.

I saved a few bucks by making my own barrel wrench




* a note about J&T, their website(by their own admission) could use some improvement. You're better off calling or e-mailing them.
I was very pleased with the service I received from them and would recommend them.

[matkal]

I managed to run a few rounds through it the other day. It shot pretty well considering that I have a pretty crappy trigger and the scope I was using is a POS.
Despite the lousy trigger and the 20yr old Tasco scope that was BLURRY(?!) at 50yds I shot a 3/4 inch group. I know with a better(read, one with a clear view :/ ) scope and trigger I could cut that in half or better!

I am pleased with the results and am saving for a scope and trigger.

BTW, there are some marks on the brass;
Should I be concerned?
Any idea what is causing these marks?

[LRRPF52]

Congrats on an economy build. The dents are from the case hitting the rear of the ejection port, or the brass deflector. Nothing to worry about...normal.

I know what you mean by those old scopes. I looked through a friend's old model Tasco Super Sniper once, and it was like looking through transparent yellow scope caps.

[matkal]

Congrats on an economy build. The dents are from the case hitting the rear of the ejection port, or the brass deflector. Nothing to worry about...normal.

Thanks

I know what you mean by those old scopes. I looked through a friend's old model Tasco Super Sniper once, and it was like looking through transparent yellow scope caps.

LOL, I've done that before...... it was worse than that.

[matkal]

Not bad for a budget build, eh?

[pinzgauer]

I had similar results with a J&T 20" Bull SS. I think they sourced them from Wilson. It loved (loves, a friend has it now) factory Hornady and would easily yield 1/2 moa 100-200 yard groups even with cheap glass and service stock trigger. It did almost as well with my 120 SMK & 123 Amax reloads.

[LRRPF52]

That 100yd group is great. Looks like you have a shooter. J&T probably offers one of the best bangs for the buck when it comes to Grendel's. Bwild97 has shot 10rd groups with his handloads that have been 1/4 MOA at 100yds, which is superbly accurate for a bolt gun, let alone a gasser.

[matkal]

Some updated stats:
The ammo was hornady sst
Scope, busnell banner 4-12x40

A JD trigger
And a 5round and 10 round C products mags, which functioned flawlessly.

So my total so far is $718. $213 for the scope and trigger with free shipping from midway (and a 10% discount cupon).
The mags where a gift.

[VASCAR2]

Thanks for posting matkal, satisfying when you try to spend your money wisely and it all comes together. My J&T leaves the same marks on the brass but they sure shoot good.

[matkal]

As it sits now

[jim_bob]

Nice paint job!

[Troutguide]

Looks great. What paint did you use?

[bj139]

Great paint job. How did you do it and is it removable?

[matkal]

Thank you all for the compliments. I just used Krylon camo paint which will come off with paint remover. This is the second camo job on this rifle, the first was a southwest-snakeskin color scheme but I live in Michigan so I changed it to green.

[Chrazy-Chris]

Wow that is an insane group! Great build and perfect execution! Clearly she likes the SST's so if I were you I'd stock up on them! Especially if Hornady ends up discontinuing them like they did the A-Max.