Just Finished Custom AR Build (Pics) - Need a Little More Advice

[Stangs55]

First time poster here, long time lurker.

What I was setting out to achieve with my AR, was my own all-around rifle. I have an extensive hunting history, but no military or AR experience. What I am looking for is a durable back-seat-of-the-truck for my ranch as well as a tack driver on the range. Accuracy is by far the most important thing I was looking for. In the field, I'll be using it for small game (javelina, small hogs, etc), varmint hunting (cormorants, etc....and yes, I have a permit to shoot them on my land), and stalking downed/wounded animals for quick target acquisition.

Here is what the build consists of so far:
- White Oak 18" Stainless SPR 5.56 barrel
- Daniel Defense Lite 12.0 FSM
- Sabre Defence XR15 lower
- Yankee Hill Machine Front Iron
- A.R.M.S. 40L Rear Iron
- Magpul CTR Stock
- Magpul MIAD Grip
- Magpul PMAG Clip
- Timney Trigger

So the obvious glaring omission here are my optics...and honestly, I'm not entirely sure what I want/need. I know that I do not want a typical scope as I have one on each of my 11 bolt action rifles...I want my AR to be different as it serves a different purpose. I mentioned that I'd like to use it for stalking through the brush on downed/wounded animals––a situation which can sometimes result in an animal getting up a bolting––so fast target acquisition for a relatively close range is important. But I also need it to be accurate out to 200-250 yards for my varmint/small game...a cormorant sitting on a pond can be a small (but VERY fun) target at 200 yards. So I "think" I need something with a little magnification that can handle small targets out to 200ish yards but not be so close that I cannot still stalk close game.
My initial thoughts were that I would pickup an Aimpoint red dot, but I'm having second thoughts due to the lack of magnification. I'm sloooowly settling on a Trijicon 4x ACOG (TA01 or TA31) but I can't find a reticle that I'm crazy about that includes BAC. The doughnut, chevron and horseshoe are so foreign to me as I'm used to a standard scope reticle, that I don't know how I'd like them––and $1000+ is alot to see if I like something.
What thoughts/recommendations do you guys have?

Second, what ammo do you recommend for small game? I've grown accustomed to the Federal Vital Shock on my 300 ultra mag, but when transitioning to my AR which will fire alot more rounds...we're talking over $1/shot . What's a good, accurate round that won't break the bank? Grain recommendations?

Third, thoughts on a good case?

And finally, anything you guys would have done different taking my uses into consideration?

 

[cat_IT_guy]

Good lookin gun! I like that you kept it relatively unique - wont see many lookalikes at the range.

Finding cheap, reliable ammo is a problem we all face (less you reloaders, I should probably just start that). Every once in a while some of the sporting good stores will get some surplus stuff from overseas, but I have been pretty underwhelmed with its quality, unless you are shooting something the size of a car from about 50yards. Its also usually FMJ, so not really good for hunting.

 

[Mags]

Congratulations on a great build, and welcome to THR!

 

[E304life]

Beautiful rifle. I love SPR style builds. I think you are going to need some decent magnification for that accurate barrel and the varmints.

 

[HOLY DIVER]

great looking AR! man you have built a good looking rifle,i have made my mind up to build a rifle allot like the one you have built a "dual purpose rifle" as far as optics goes i'll have a bsa target scope mounted with a larue return to zero mount for shooting coyotes and when its behind my truck seat it with have a vortex red dot.
ammo i use serria 55grbthp's only thing i've shot with them so far was a big field rat and trust me they got the job done hoping to get some time off work to go coyote hunting and see how they perform on dogs

 

[Mags]

For optics on that build I would get one of these. For varmints I reload and use 55 grain BT or V-max, I believe you can buy Hornady loaded V-maxes.

 

[CMP]

LOVE THE GUN! if you don’t mind me asking, how much did that set you back? Oh and ideas for what else to throw on there...have you considered a Eotech with the 3x magnifier?

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

Very nice setup man, I especially like that handguard.

 

[HOLY DIVER]

oh yea did you order your white oak barrel with the matching headspaced bolt?

 

[axiom]

For fast target acquisition, I haven't read of anything better than an EOTech. You could always throw a Flip-To-Side magnifier in front of it for the longer ranges.

 

[Floppy_D]

Sharp looking rifle, and welcome to THR! I have a similar rifle that I intend to equip with the Millet DMS-1 that Mags was talking about; it sounds like it does everything I want it to do at the right price. As to ammo; at the ranges you listed, and for varmints, it won't even matter. Find something affordable that your rifle shoots well, and get after it.

Make sure you post some targets once you hit the range with it!

 

[Rokman]

Nice looking build. I have that barrel and it works great with my handloads using 75gr. Hornady BTHP bullets. I haven't shot commercial ammo through it.

 

[aubie515]

Since you have a WOA barrel...your rifle should be a fine shooter.

 

[The_Hammer_Man]

I know I'm gonna catch some flack for this but here goes...

Centurion...500 rounds loose in a "shopping bag" is how I've heard them described. Not the most consistent but cheap for hardball

PRVI Partisan : Romanian (I think) Relatively cheap, usually 7-9 dollars a box) and come in 69 gr and 75 gr Match for only a little more. (I paid $9.48/box for mine)

 

[Bass Ackwardz]

I have used the Centurion ammo. Its cheap, but it actually shoots pretty well.

Bass

 

[Wesson Smith]

Looks great. My only preference would be to sling it with a Specter 3-point.

 

[Wesson Smith]

The PRVI 75gr. match is a fine round, but performs best with a 1:7 twist.

 

[praharin]

http://www.usoptics.com/product.php?partnumber=SN4-150

1.5-6X

Or you could jump up the the SN3 for 1.8-10X at the same price

It's probably (IMHO) the perfect optic for an SPR style rifle. Lots to choose from in terms of reticles

It's a little more than an ACOG ($1405 w/ illumination), and you will need to add a (Larue) mount, so that's a little more on top.

 

[DougW]

Nice rifle. What will the NEXT one look like?

 

[Rokman]

Stangs55, is the furniture on your AR in foilage green or is that Larue't tactical FDE? I like it because it is different, but kinda bright. Are you pleased with the color? Also, have you thought about a Trijicon 1x4, or 1.25x4 scope?

 

[Autopistola]

I really like that, and I'm not even into AR's very much, just EBR's in general. Nice work.

 

[carbon9mm]

+1 on the eotech or aimpoint then gettin the 3x to put behind it

 

[Rokman]

I actually meant to say Larue's Tactical urban dark earth instead of FDE.

 

[The_Hammer_Man]

As far as a bag/case for it... you have two choices really, depending on budgetary considerations.

Hard or soft.

Hard cases are the best way to store and transport expensive fire arms. Some states require them.

Soft cases come in what I consider two varieties. Just good enough to get to and from the range,,, and good enough to let your thumb fingered brother carry.

I generally go with the second kind myself... good quality bags/cases are worth their weight in gold where expensive weapons like yours are concerned. Especially if you mount optics.

 

[Labyrinth666]

Just a few things on this one site that might be cool:

http://www.firequest.com/catalog/AB225moreifno.html

http://www.firequest.com/catalog/product1232.html

http://www.firequest.com/catalog/LK417_MoreInfo.html