AR Builds -- What Parts Did You Choose and Why??

Currently working on an SPR build using Aero M4E1 stripped upper and lower. Already have a spare Vortex PST Gen1 4-16X50 in an ADM Recon mount, so at least one of the optics is taken care off, 2nd will be a 1-8 or 1-10 for yote hunting. Major components will be SLR FF forearm and titanium AGB, Geiseele SSA-E trigger (4th one, so I'm familiar). I've got a spare Toolcraft nitrided bolt, so that's also covered, but I'm probably going to order a bolt/BCG with the barrel to ensure headspace.

Kind of hung up on the barrel. Originally ordered a Faxon 18" Fluted Match 5R with Wylde chamber, but when it arrived from Optics planet, it had a blem on the barrel adjacent the extension. Honestly should have been sold as a blem VS. new, so back it went. Would like to keep the barrel budget to around $400.

Now I'm looking at 2 barrels, both with Wylde chambers, fluting and 1:8 twists:

White Oak 18" SPR SS Fluted
Criterion 18" Fluted

Any experience or thoughts on barrels?
 
Not much feedback/opinion here on the barrel selection, luckily the guys on AR15.com are pretty opinionated!

The beginnings of an SPR Build:

yYMyqzCh.jpg

WOA 18" Fluted SPR barrel, Wylde chamber 1:8 twist. They were back-ordered, but they took a standard SPR barrel, fluted and bead blasted it for me. Turn around was a week to my door. Weight is right at 2lbs, 5 ounces. Seriously great guys to work with, fast correspondence.

Nitrided BCG, shot-peened & MPI'd, from WOA that was matched to the barrel

Vortex GEN 1 4-16x50 PST
ADM Recon Mount.

The rest will be bought over time as the sales crop up. As long as I've got it together and a load developed by late coyote season, there's no hurry.
 
Chuck R. said:
Not much feedback/opinion here on the barrel selection, luckily the guys on AR15.com are pretty opinionated!

The beginnings of an SPR Build:

View attachment 930149

WOA 18" Fluted SPR barrel, Wylde chamber 1:8 twist. They were back-ordered, but they took a standard SPR barrel, fluted and bead blasted it for me. Turn around was a week to my door. Weight is right at 2lbs, 5 ounces. Seriously great guys to work with, fast correspondence.

Nitrided BCG, shot-peened & MPI'd, from WOA that was matched to the barrel

Vortex GEN 1 4-16x50 PST
ADM Recon Mount.

The rest will be bought over time as the sales crop up. As long as I've got it together and a load developed by late coyote season, there's no hurry.
Click to expand...
Most likely the reason you didn’t get any replies is because of where you posted.
The name of this topic is, What parts did you choose and why??
It always best to start a new topic when looking for information such as yours.
You do realize that common abbreviations are good, WAO is not a common abbreviation. I don’t think many members would know that it’s Whit Oak Armament.
If you had started a topic on looking for a barrel for your upcoming SPR build, I would have recommended Aero Precision’s 18” Fluted 223 Wylde barrel.
https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/223-wylde-fluted-18-rifle-barrel
741C389C-9EE1-4079-8C92-90726452B801.jpeg
 
Thanks for the input. Sorry I thought that WOA was a pretty common acronym in the AR15 barrel world. I was under the impression that Aero barrels are made by Ballistic Advantage...correct? I like Aero uppers & lowers, but I rarely hear/read anything about their barrels.
 
Chuck R. said:
Thanks for the input. Sorry I thought that WOA was a pretty common acronym in the AR15 barrel world. I was under the impression that Aero barrels are made by Ballistic Advantage...correct? I like Aero uppers & lowers, but I rarely hear/read anything about their barrels.
Click to expand...
WAO is just as well known as BHW. That would be Black Hole Weaponry Barrels.
You are correct, Aero barrels are made by Ballistic Advantage. I have the Areo 16 fluted barrel, I liked the fluting profile better on the Areo barrel, then the Ballistic Advantage barrel.
I bought the barrel for my M4E1 build. I have all the parts, just need to get off my butt and build it and list it here.
 
Hi, regarding 223 Wyde barrels, aside from being slightly more expensive, is there any cons comparing to 5.56 chamber?
 
Inching forward on another build while patiently awaiting availability. So far: SOLGW Lone Star lower, Anderson upper (only forged I could find at present), SOLGW 10.5” Carbine Gas 1:7 nitride barrel, JP AGB, LuthAR Paddle bolt release, Phase 5 controls in gray including ambi CH, QD end plate, mag release, selector, trigger guard, MLOK 1913 rail section, and hand stop, Phase 5 13” LPSN MLOK rail, and PSA fluted carbine receiver extension with WMD nitromet castle nut.

Still need to pick up an SBA 3 brace, BCG, and Kaw Valley Magnum linear comp. before deciding on a trigger.


D76AC4EE-8ACB-4241-BD89-894200B11E8F.jpeg
 
I'm finally getting some stuff in for my SPR build, as posted earlier:

White Oak Armament 18" Fluted SPR barrel, 1:8, Wylde Chamber, Rifle gas length and Vortexx PST G1 4-16x50 in a ADM Recon mount, WOA Nitrided BCG:

yYMyqzCh.jpg

Arrived this week:

SLR 13.7 Helix FF, SLR Sentry 7 Titanium AGB, Radian Raptor CH, Magpul Bipod, Magpul rail covers, MI 5 slot rail (for bipod), Seekins Ambi safety, Griffin Armament M4SD Flash-Comp, Magpul MIAD Gen 1 grip, BA coated gas tube:

JOwWgKeh.jpg

AERO M4E1 upper and lower receivers are on BO as well as a lower parts kit. Finding parts right now really kind of sucks as I've got quite a few orders waiting to be filled. I'm hoping to have at least the upper done by the end of AUG,
 
I've been going with Noveske barrels, HYM or Colt hardware up front (depending on style/bbl length). Colt or FN bolt/carrier group. FN stock. Gieselle or Colt trigger group. I usually choose a lower that does not have weird stuff engraved/stamped into it. I'm very careful to choose a buffer and spring that matches what the barrel and gas system are doing. Noveske was a great help with that by the way, with barrel lengths, gas port sizes etc. And usually, a Noveske Flaming Pig on the end - heavy but they work. I do have one dedicated .22LR upper with a CMMG barrel and bolt assembly, which gets used with a drop in little gizmo that allows the great S&W pattern magazines to be used, and has bolt hold open. I can't remember prices... with the market the way it is, up and down, I bought some stuff really right, and took a hosing on other stuff too I'm sure. I seem to remember the lowers for my SBRs were only $49 each from Bud's at a time when they pretty much were a non-item. The 7.5" Noveske barrel was cheap too.
 
I've just completed my build today after having the muzzle brake pinned.

rHVdqhA.jpg

1. Upper, Lower & Handguard combo
I didn't like the "common" lower that look dull and all the same. If you browse through all lowers on Palmetto State Armory, you will understand what I mean.
So I was looking for something a bit different, but not necessarily a billet. Then I saw this BKF Set and I just couldn't resist building my gun around that design.
The hand guard looks feature-full too.

As per "why this color?":
- Black is too common
- FDE looks like a toy, and NJ has no desert
- Jungle-theme is the most suitable to NJ's suburban. Whenever the commies attack we will likely hole up in nearby jungles.

https://imgur.com/7YQoP7p
https://imgur.com/Q2JXYpG
https://imgur.com/IyFJiDS
https://imgur.com/73GCm3G

2. BCG
No special reason, just a light-weight that I can find and has decent reviews.
Faxon 5.56 Gunner Light Weight Bolt Carrier Group – Nitride

https://imgur.com/zcHXQTu

3. Barrel & muzzle brake
Also cosmetic. I like it fluted and this is the only one I can find
Faxon Firearms AR-15 16" Flame Fluted 223 Wylde

The muzzle brake must be as small as possible and I prefer linear for indoor/home defense.Troy Claymore

https://imgur.com/CKTC3JR
https://imgur.com/La2JV36

4. Stock
Instead of pinning the stock, why not just buy a fixed one?
Magpul MOE Fixed Carbine Stock

5. Trigger
I was thinking about a drop-in trigger group initially, but then asking myself why must pay extra only for it to be pre-assembled. So I choose a two-piece kit instead.
This one is among the top-rated review that's doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Hiperfire Hipertouch EDT Designated Marksman

https://imgur.com/xbNHdKN
https://imgur.com/UFhD4RI

6. Buffer & spring
I've never shot an AR so I don't know what really is the "sound" caused by the buffer & the spring, but since this Armaspec AR-15 Sound Mitigation Buffer System isn't too much more expensive than the others, I decided to go for it, just in case...

7. Red dot
I bought this some time ago for my HD shotgun. That shogun is now converted to a hunting gun so I have this lying around. It has clear glass & crisp, circle reticle.
Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight

https://imgur.com/nZ9pRg6
https://imgur.com/Z09lsgR

It co-witness nicely with Magpul iron sights. And after installed, the crosshair is perfectly line up with the sight too. But of course I have to test it at the range.


Full album: https://imgur.com/a/3wkLW3b

The whole thing is 7.7 lbs and wife-approved.
 
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Finally got parts in to finish up my 10.5” build!

SOLGW lower
SOLGW 5.56 10.5” Carbine gas nitride barrel
Anderson upper
JP .750” adjustable gas block
Phase 5 nickel BCG
Phase 5 13” LPSN handguard
Phase 5 HEX 2 pistol receiver extension
SB Tactical SBM-4 brace
Magpul K2+ grip
RRA 2-stage Varmint trigger 3 1/2 lbs
Phase 5 selector, trigger guard, QD end plate, mag release button
Luth-AR The Paddle bolt catch
Battle Arms Development H2 buffer




B46C2D0D-26D6-4057-8DEE-2C6795E228C2.jpeg


04657AE9-BF36-46BD-A8D2-81024269BCDC.jpeg


D564FC7A-4806-4D15-97AB-EE5FCF1ACED4.jpeg


8D8AD9E9-2C64-44D1-ACE0-3FDCD1F43E04.jpeg


D82F094D-1A94-4176-BAF0-AE7B4729AD12.jpeg
 
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So I sat down a little while ago, well a couple of months any way and made a list of things that I liked best in a AR15. First off I like shooting 22lr in a real AR platform especially the 45gr. to 60gr. bullets. A compact and lite weight gun with open sights and longer than carbine sight radius. I shoot a 10.5” length of pull on AR’s with apperture sights. I came up with this configuration and I’m liking it. It’s got a 14.5” mid length government contour barrel with just a thread protector on it and a XS Sights White Stripe front blade. An A1 upper with a Ruger lower receiver. Trigger is a Rock River Arms 2 stage Competition. The handgun brace is a design rip off by Trinity Firearms of the Shockwave Blade and is down sized to about 80% of the Shockwave. The overall length of the gun is 29” with a weight of 5 lbs.4 oz.At a rest using the CMMG 5.56 adapter it holds 1” group using a Aguila 60gr. load at fifty yards which is much better than I’ve ever shot any other 22lr with 1 in 16 twist barrel and the same load. Not bad for over an 1” of free bore in the chamber. This is not a SBR but a pistol I guess about the only difference is a $200.00 tax stamp. I had this originally posted in Handguns: Autoloaders.
 
I built a lower using a stripped custom roll mark, a parts kit from Wilson Combat and one of their trigger modules, and Magpul furniture. I liked the trigger so much I ended up putting one in one of my other rifles. I put a Noveske upper on the gun to finish it (didn't have the ambition to do the upper) and I've been really pleased with the whole package.
 
The LAST piece of the puzzle arrived last night! Geissele SD-E trigger came in and I installed it. Test fired it out back on steel at 407 & 547 a few minutes ago.

"It Lives"!

EEzxkdOh.jpg

YT4Yt5hh.jpg

Parts list: Upper

Aero M4E Stripped Upper
WOA (White Oak Armament) 18" Fluted SPR barrel (So far this barrel is holding 3/4 MOA with thrown charges and PMC "pick-up brass")
SLR Titanium Sentry AGB
SLR Helix 13.7" FF (my 3rd Helix, so I'm sort of sold)
WOA BCG, bolt matched to barrel
Griffin Armament 4SD Flash-Comp
Radian Raptor "light" charging handle
ADM Recon Mount
Vortex 4-16x50 PST (Gen 1)

Lower:

Aero M4E Stripped Lower
Magpul UBR-2 Stock with storage removed. ( a little heavy, but SOLID and balance the 18" tube nicely.
Geissele SD-E trigger
BCM standard weight carbine buffer & spring
Magpul MOE Grip
Seekins Ambi safety
Aero Lower parts kit

So far so good. Still going to put together a LPVO set up in another ADM mount for coyotes, not so much for weight/blk, but for lower magnification when calling them in.
 
I added a vertical grip to my build because I have found that it is easier for my arthritic left hand to grip something that is vertical rather than the horizontal grip. The inexpensive vertical fore-grip also has a spring-loaded bipod as evident in the picture. In sum, the reason for the partictual accuterments is an age and poor physical condition adaptation. The cheap scope was intended to be temporary for the purpose of testing handloads. However, I may just leave it on the gun in case I see something out in my fields/woods that need shooting. My purpose in building this gun was to have something that simulated the Vietnam era M4 Carbine. However, thinking that the standard M16 of that era was unnecessarily heavy, I found that the "carbine" I built was way heavier than I though it was going to be. Oh well, live and learn. enhance.jpg
 
I was looking for my first AR and got a stripped PSA lower, Blackhawk stock and lower build kit. A while later I paired it with a nitrided 16" upper with low profile gas block and free float hand guard. All were on sale or clearance, so I've named it my Discount Marksman Rifle.
 
I saw yesterday that Brownells got the old Cav Arms one-piece plastic lowers back in stock... been wanting one of those forever for a LW build, but they haven't been sold in years. And here's one, in stock during a panic, for a very reasonable price.

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...c-polymer-blk-sku100037287-132661-243462.aspx

I added it to my cart so fast, but held off on ordering it when I remembered I had an oil change and checkup scheduled for my car today. Good thing I did. By the time the shop found all their "suggested" things to fix, the bill was $550 :mad:

So I'm out of gun money for a while, but for any lightweight AR fans more liquid than I, that's definitely worth a look.
 
I’m planning on a build, and have a few things on hand. What I have are

Two PSA stripped lowers
Two Wilson Combat LPK’s

Ultimately, I’ll top one of them off with a 14.5 (pinned/welded) M4 type upper. The other will get an 11.5 or 12.5 upper and pistol brace.

It’s gonna take a little time to complete in this climate but I’ve got plenty already so it’s no sweat
 
I'm bored, so here goes. I set out to build a sub-MOA "bench" AR a few years ago. I wanted to do it on a smaller budget, so I waited for things to come along on sale. Here's my build:

Lower components:
Spike's Tac lower
LaRue MBT-1 trigger
ERGO Tactical Deluxe Sure Grip -w- palm shelf (silly, I know, but I like the look of it)
Magpul Gen 1 PRS

Upper components:
Generic Anderson slick side upper
BCM BCG
ODIN Works 18" 223 Wylde "3-gun" barrel, 1:8 twist
Fortis RED muzzle brake
Seekins SP3RV3 rail, Keymod
Aero precision Ultralight scope mount
Vortex Diamondback HP 14-16x42 scope

The rifle proved to be very accurate with quality ammo, especially with 69 and 77g Sierra Match King projectiles. After proving that it wa s asub MOA rifle with factory ammo, I wanted to test my skills as a reloader so I set out to load my own sub MOA ammo...and did just that. Using LaPua match brass, BR4 primers, Varget and the above mentioned SMK projectiles, the rifle will shoot sub MOA all day, as long as I do my part.

This pic was from the first time I took it out a few years back:

lnZHz7l.jpg
 
Lower-
RRA Lower Receiver
Larue MBT Trigger
CMMG LPK
RRA A2 Stock Kit
Magpul Grip

Upper:
Aero Upper Receiver
Larue Stealth 18inch 1:8 .223 Wylde Barrel
BCM QRF Handguard 13 inch
RRA BCG
BCM Ambi Charging Handle
Harris 6-9 Bipod
Magpul VFG
Larue QD 30mm Mount
Vortex Viper HST 2.5-10x44
YHM Gas block

Other:
Vickers Padded sling
Silencerco Chimera 300 (not mine, but a friends)

Edit: Forgot to include reasoning

I wanted an SPR type build that was capable of sub MOA groups, this rifles goes beyond that and gave me half MOA with my handloads (a close clone to the MK262 round). If I am having a great day I'll get close to half MOA, on average and I can do .75 or just under MOA with ease (with handloads). I wanted something I can be slow with and hunt with as well, I was able to dome a squirrel at 220yds with this and take care of a groundhog issue as well.

I think the LaRue MBT and the LaRue Barrel are the BEST value for the performance you can get with that money.
 

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