Options for 6.5 Grendel uppers

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CraigC

CraigC

Sixgun Nut
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I've got an Aero lower that's burning a hole in my pocket. I have a 5.56 and a .300BLK pistol and really want to put it together with a 6.5Grendel upper. I was thinking a relatively light 18" mounted with a 1-6x for hunting and would prefer to buy a complete upper rather than building one but I can build if I need to. I'm not seeing a whole lot of options for this chambering. BCM doesn't seem to offer it at all. I don't want to go cheap but I don't want to spend Wilson Combat money either and would like something that will shoot MOA or better. Been eyeballing Grendel Hunter. They offer cerakoting and lots of options but they're out of BCG's until May. I reckon I could get the BCG elsewhere. Worst case I'll just roll the dice and order a complete upper from PSA for $400.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...-15-lightweight-m-lok-upper-with-bcg-ch3.html

https://www.grendelhunter.com/product/18″-fluted-6-5-grendel-black-cerakote
 
Delta team tactical has quite a few options, and there is always psa. I built one instead for a lot cheaper mostly because I found the barrel I wanted on sale.
 
I looked around for you, and in the 18" range, all I can find are HBAR barrels.

I built mine. it's not hard. I used a 16" barrel and I'm getting about 2500 fps with 123grn sst's. It has absolutely dropped 2 antelope and 2 pigs.
here's a BA 18" for 233 shipped after code https://www.graniteridgeoutfitters....endel-SPR-Rifle-Length-Barrel-BABL65G003P.htm
I used a 16" version of this for mine https://www.armorally.com/shop/ballistic-advantage-223-wylde-hanson-profile-18-stainless/ it has the gas block already pinned into place, which is the only tricky part of building an upper anyway.
If I was building again, I might try this faxon https://www.opticsplanet.com/faxon-...-6-5-grendel-mid-length-416-r-qpq-barrel.html for $200 after code

pop on this rail for $42 https://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular-rail-v0-e.html if you're feeling cash strapped or this one if you're blowing your trump bucks https://www.primaryarms.com/leapers-utg-pro-m-lok-ar-15-super-slim-free-float-handguard-17in
add an upper for 30-50 bucks, bolt, gas tube, muzzle device, and charging handle and you're in business.
 
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I just got the PSA Grendel with a 20 inch barrel and have had 1.5 inch groups with Wolf ammo. I have only shot reloads with real ammo, but have been pleasantly surprised with right at one inch accuracy with no work ups. All the ammo was prepared for bolt actions. The upper came dirty and dry! Cleaning was needed before taking out.
IMG-20200402-195811506.jpg
 
Varminterror said:
I’d find a barrel and handguard I loved, and build it.
Click to expand...
Thats where im at on ARs, tho i havent built an upper in a while.

Reason i havent built one, is because they only uppers im interested in now are right side reciprocating.
BCA seems to make the only non custom variant, and honestly ive had good luck with their stuff.
My current grendel I bought complete, and only swapped out the flashhider for a linear comp.

IMG_20200218_232129.jpg
 
I’d opt for the Larue Ultimate Upper Kit if you don’t mind the wait. I was quoted 4-6 weeks and moved on because I’m not patient.
 
I just got a chance to shoot my 20" PSA 6.5G upper I bought, I like it. Didn't try for accuracy yet, just for function and sighting in. Not disappointed at all with it, and even a buddy of mine liked it.
 
CraigC said:
Who makes a good barrel?
Click to expand...

My bottom end is Black Hole Weaponry (Columbia River Arms, retailed through True Sporting Arms). Proof, Shilen, and Krieger are where my money gets spent. Not everyone likes the price tags.

True Sporting Arms seems to always have a sale on Black Hole 16” 6.5 Grendel (264 LBC) barrels. I’ve bought around 30 barrels from them, including two of these exact barrels for my BIL and myself, all of which have been sub-moa barrels when I’ve built them. $125 ain’t bad.

TSA Black Hole 16” 6.5 Grendel/264LBC barrel on sale
 
Varminterror said:
I’d find a barrel and handguard I loved, and build it.
Click to expand...
That's what I did, too. I didn't go Wilson Combat expensive, but I suppose I'm closer to that end than the el cheapo end. Bought a matched 20" barrel and BCG, CMMG upper that matched the lower I had for another rifle, and a good handguard plus the incidentals. Ended up with a 1-1/2 MOA rifle....at 1100 yards.
 
I ordered the upper from Grendel Hunter. I started to build one but went this route instead. To be honest, it was the cerakote option that sealed it. A few days after placing my order, their BCG's came back in stock so maybe it won't take long. AR parts inventory is so lean, I had to order stuff from four or five different places to get everything. Already got a case of Wolf ammo for blasting, with reloading dies and brass in my cart at Midway. Should get the rest of the crap I ordered by tomorrow. Then I can start putting my lower together. The AR bug is such a trap. Those extra parts you end up with always begging you to use them. I'd probably end up building another rifle if all I had was a buffer tube. I have to give myself credit for holding onto that extra lower for 3yrs.

Methinks I need to go ahead and start paperwork on that Hybrid that's been sitting in NFA jail for two years. And add an Omega 36M to the fold as well. I want one suppressor with ASR mounts for AR's and such and then the Hybrid for everything else, including the .450 and .45/70.
 
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CraigC said:
Bad as AR's are about parting folks with dollars, I think 10/22's are worse.
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Nah, I can kick a 10/22 itch pretty easily. There are only 4 cartridges for which you can chamber a 10/22, so once you build a few in different formats, it’s pretty easy to end the journey. I’ve built AR’s chambered for around 2 dozen cartridges - I haven’t found the bottom of this particular well yet!
 
I bought a Bear Creek Arsenal 24" upper and I was impressed for the money, they have increased in price about 25%, my friend and his son have purchased three 6.5 grendels and a couple of 223/556 and now a 7.62x39. Mine shoots good as does his, I have not seen the 16" at the range just at their house.
 
Varminterror said:
Nah, I can kick a 10/22 itch pretty easily. There are only 4 cartridges for which you can chamber a 10/22, so once you build a few in different formats, it’s pretty easy to end the journey. I’ve built AR’s chambered for around 2 dozen cartridges - I haven’t found the bottom of this particular well yet!
Click to expand...
Not for me and all mine are chambered in the same cartridge. I just put them in all sort of different clothes.

From this:
011.jpg

...and this. Built about 12yrs ago but now with yet another optic change and a new light/laser. Also working on a black one very similar.
Green%20Machine%202020.jpg

...to this and everything in between. Just got a new Shilen barrel for this one.
10ex22%20French%20Walnut%20Sporter%2001.jpg
 
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