Target AR-15 build NJ legal

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devils4ever

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I've been shooting my Rem 700 rifle in 223 for decades, but I finally got the urge to build a target AR-15 rifle. I've resisted the urge for decades, but I've finally succumbed. I want to buy or build a target rifle. My choices are either a S&W version or build one. I've read many websites and everyone seems to recommend a build versus a buy. No problem. I can take my time and do the build over time to minimize $$$ and get exactly want I want.

So, I've only done some research and I think I want the following:

1. 223/5.56 heavy Wylde barrel. Twist rate?
2. 20" min stainless bull barrel. No flash hider, no muzzle brake needed.
3. Flat-top for both iron sights and scope.
4. Floating barrel.
5. M4 ramps. Any reason not to?
6. Fixed stock.

Does this make sense?

Can anyone recommend specific components?

Where to buy the lower receiver?

Do I need a book to do this or is watching Brownells videos enough? Or, more youtube videos?

Of course, I want to keep this NJ legal and US legal. Is this considered being a gun manufacturer?

Sorry for so many questions.

Thanks.
 
Sadly, since you you are a New Jersey resident, I would suggest you forget this project. Between the current laws in your state, and the out-of-control legislature, you will probably find your 'legal' rifle illegal within a year or two.

The most fanatical of the gun-haters in your state have been quoted as saying the only thing that will satisfy them is confiscation, and the AR pattern rifle is their first target.
 
To answer your questions, I built the M4gery I use at work. Its a jtdistributing (star 15) kit on an Aero receiver. I've been very happy with it. Only needed instructions found by googling.

1. The Wylde chamber is a pretty good way to go if you want to use both milsurp 5.56 and .223. My father in law is a varmint shooter, and local .223 guru. I asked him about it. He said it was fine if you were't going for super extreme accuracy. If you are, you want to go with a .223 and 1:7 twist. This is from a man making 500 yard shots on prairie dogs in pretty stiff wind.

2-6 are personal preference, and if you like it, then that's what matters.

You're fine, federally, but NJ laws being what they are, you definitely want to double check that out.

Have you been to Brownell's site? Sometimes I get bored or can't sleep and experiment with different ideas.
I've had good luck with these folks:
star15.com
http://jtdistributing.net/store/index.html

There's just something about building a rifle that gives you an insight into it, same as rebuilding\maintaining a car. Excellent way to go...

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/226782_.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA_Vkb2UB1w
http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/
http://www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/index/how-to-build-ar-15-rifle
http://www.mabookan.com/ar/ar-15-assembly-instructions-pdf.html
http://www.thenewrifleman.com/how-to-build-a-lower-receiver/
http://www.ehow.com/how_6682743_assemble-ar_15-lower.html
http://shadowspear.com/vb/threads/ar15-lower-assembly-instructions.3726/
 
Edarnold said:
Sadly, since you you are a New Jersey resident, I would suggest you forget this project. Between the current laws in your state, and the out-of-control legislature, you will probably find your 'legal' rifle illegal within a year or two.

The most fanatical of the gun-haters in your state have been quoted as saying the only thing that will satisfy them is confiscation, and the AR pattern rifle is their first target.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure if you're serious, but I tend to agree with you. NJ is ranked 49th out of 50 for gun ownership. We already have restrictions on what I can own. From what I've read, no folding or collapsing stock, no flash hider or threaded barrel to accept such, no grenade launcher, no bayonet mount, no more than 15 round mags, etc. Some rifles are banned by name: Colt and Bushmaster.

Given these restrictions, I'm not sure they ban them outright. If this did occur, I could store them out of state until I move out of NJ.
 
devils4ever said:
I've been shooting my Rem 700 rifle in 223 for decades, but I finally got the urge to build a target AR-15 rifle.
Click to expand...

If you are planning to compete, get a set of the rules so that you build a rifle that is compliant to the rules.

For instance, Service rifle competition has some very specific requirements that does not permit "tacticool" stuff on the rifle.


devils4ever said:
Can anyone recommend specific components?
Click to expand...

Barrel twist will depend on what your plans are for the rifle. Service Rifle rifles generally have a 1-8 or 1-7 twist to stabilize the heavy bullets for the 600 yard stages.

1-9 twist is a good all around twist rate if you are not shooting 70-80 grain bullets.

Add a good aftermarket trigger to your list. The standard milspec trigger is abysmal. I prefer two stage triggers but there are good single stage triggers as well.

I am no help on what is legal or illegal in NJ when it comes to firearms. I can just offer my condolences.
 
Being 10 minutes from the border in free America (PA).
I (think) know a bit about NJ law.

I could be wrong.

Collapsible stocks are illegal.
They need to be either permanently pinned or fixed.

If it was me I would just go with a fixed...ACE, Magpul FCS or MOE Rifle stock or A2

Certain muzzle devices are illegal too and the ones that are OK must be permanently attached too.

Mag limit I believe is still 15 rounds. I would just buy 10's.
Instead of pinning.
Magpul has them now.

Being what NJ generally is when it comes to firearms...I would build it as visually compliant as possible personally.

A stainless barrel with a target crown. An A2 stock with short 10 round mags.

Sure a pinned & legal muzzle device, pinned CAR stock and pinned 30 round mags are legal...I just wouldn't want to have to prove it in roadside court.

Better yet. Move here to PA. The savings in property taxes alone are worth whatever commute you may get in return.
Plus the ability to do whatever you want in terms of ownership.
All Title I firearms legal. No mag or ammo restrictions. Shall issue carry.
All Title II items legal with stamp of course, sans explosive devices.

Just don't move to Philadelphia. Its kinda like NJ lite.


Check out one of The Heritage Guild locations.

I stop in at their PA one just inside the border. They are well versed in NJ compliant ARs.
They can help steer you in the right direction.

The first part of any build is the lower. I'm not 100% sure of buying one with a NJ FOID.

[emoji222]
 
Check out one of The Heritage Guild locations.

I stop in at their PA one just inside the border. They are well versed in NJ compliant ARs.
They can help steer you in the right direction.

The first part of any build is the lower. I'm not 100% sure of buying one with a NJ FOID.
Click to expand...

That would definitely be a great choice. I have been to their PA one also and they are great but they also have 2 New Jersey locations. They also worked with Barrett to create a New Jersey legal Rec7 so I would think they know the laws well in NJ and would be helpful with that. You could buy the lower from them and they would probably help you out with what you can or cannot do. If you are interested at least their PA location offers AR-15 build classes if you weren't sure about building yourself you can take a class on it there
 
I can get RRA receivers locally. Are they good quality?

Also, I was recommended that I get a SS 20" 223 Wylde 1:8 twist barrel. White Oak Armaments barrels were also recommended. Thoughts on this?
 
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a target AR-15 rifle
Click to expand...

What target, what ranges, what ammo, what rules?

The Wylde chamber is meant to let you shoot 5.56 military ammunition and not lose too much accuracy. I doubt you will find many in true target rifles that never see hardball.

If you will spend your time hunkered over a bench, you will be better off with a bolt action. I have a target AR set up for F-T/R. It is just as accurate as my Savage bolt action, but it has the bad habit of throwing my prepped brass in the weeds.
 
I want to use it for plinking and target. I might want to enter DCM/CMP Hi Power matches. I think the max barrel length is 20".
 
Ks5shooter said:
Stag Arms model 6 Super Varminter meets all your needs except it has a 24 inch bull barrel not 20.The barrel is also stainless.Got mine from Buds gunshop.com for $864 shipping included, NJ legal:)

https://www.stagarms.com/model-6-super-varminter/


http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_800/products_id/411545400


I am impressed with trigger and accuracy,it is a great gun.I topped mine with a Leupold Vx 3 4.5-14 with Varmint reticle 50mm.:cool:
Click to expand...
That looks like a really nice rifle. The only negative I can see is it's not a Wylde chamber, but it has everything thing else at a tempting price.
 
So, I've been looking around and was wondering what everyone thought of:

1. RRA or DPMS lower receiver part kits: single stage or two stage trigger? Are this decent or should I spend more to get something better.
2. Shilen Drop-In Match Barrel with Bolt AR-15 223 Remington (Wylde) Service Rifle HBAR Contour 20" Stainless Steel: 1 in 8 twist vs 1 in 8 ratchet rifling. I like this option because it has a bull barrel so I don't have to deal with NJ legalities (threaded barrel, flash suppressor, etc) and it comes with a matching bolt.
3. Upper receiver?'
4. Upper receiver parts kit?

Thanks.
 
I prefer two stage triggers. Presently, I like Geissele triggers but you may get sticker shock with them. I have several AR-15s with Frank White (Compass Lake Eng) triggers in them. I tried a Bushmaster two stage trigger once and it has come and gone.

I have Shilen barrels in 17 Remington and 204 Ruger and they are excellent barrels. Look at the White Oak Armament barrels but they may have a long lead time these days. They will make a match barrel without muzzle threads and include a matching bolt.

I feel checking the head spacing on the bolt is important, either buying a matched bolt with the barrel or checking it yourself. Many folks think it is un-necessary.
 
I can tell you from experience that the DPMS LPK has a terrible trigger! It took all kinds of work to get mine "decent" even still, it's quite mushy and gritty. I put a new frontier armory LPK in another build and for the price ($50) it's got a very nice trigger.
 
Thanks. I'll stay away from DPMS lpk.

So, I bought the Shilen 20" SS wylde barrel with ratchet rifling. Now, I'm looking for a upper and handguard. I'm a little confused here.

I initially thought I would go with a quad rail handguard so I could mount the front sight on it. But, now the thought of holding that doesn't seem appealing.

Can I get handguards with the rail just on top? Or should I get a traditional front sight/gas block?

Also, where is the gas port located on a 20" barrel? Would I need a low profile gas block to fit under the free float handguard?

I want to mount both a scope (only mounts to upper receiver rail, correct? ) and iron sights either on handguard rail or gas block?

As you can read, I'm confused. Handguard style: 4 rail, etc. Front sight on rail or traditional gas block? Brands of handguards and upper receiver?
 
For the hand guard it sounds like you want something like this
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...m16-gen-ii-ss-series-handguard-prod53954.aspx

There are other similar to that you can check out or you can get a smooth rail with attachment points that you can add a tiny piece of rail just for the front sight. If you are using a scope then you should get sights that fold down for when you are using the scope. I would say get a low-profile gas block and put the sight on the hand guard so you can get a longer hand guard.
 
Thanks. That looks like it might work. Would I use a low profile gas block with this? Maybe I should go with an extended rifle 15" handguard? Also, I saw that I can get a gas block with the rail on top. Then I would use a shorter handguard. What's the pros and cons of mounting the front sight on the gas block vs the floating handguard?
 
I don't know if it makes any accuracy difference where you place the sights. I would say if you want a short hand guard then you can get the gas block with rail and if you want a long one than get the low-profile and mount sight on rail. The only advantage I can see for a short hand guard though is weight savings which on a target gun the extra weight would be better. With the longer hand guard you also will have more space out front to grab it where its most comfortable and rest the gun on the bench without resting it on the barrel so I think the longer hand guard would be better for you
 
I think the idea of a free float hand guard is to keep pressure and flex off the barrel so not to effect accuracy. If you put the sight on the hand guard and had a little flex in it wouldn't that change the POI.
 
I've just completed two AR builds, using Spike's Tactical Standard build kits. Their LPK's have significantly better quality then the lower end build kits, and it's well worth it ($80 locally). It's no Timney trigger, but it's definitely an improvement over basic mil spec. Better hammer, better springs, better roll pins, better selector, all individually bagged and covered in linseed-ish oil. Much better than the bag-o-parts everyone else is selling. I'm kind of bummed that I finished my rifle i use in 3-gun with a Windham kit, i'm tempted to take it back out and replace with the Spike's Enhanced kit.
 
Getting close!

Got an Anderson Manufacturing lower receiver yesterday. Jim Flynn was out of Rock River Arms. He had a few others, but they all looked identical to me! He said these are his best sellers.

So, anyways, I'm ready to get the rest of the parts.

I agree that I've always seen front sights on barrels, not handguards. So, I'm thinking of getting the 12" free float tube and using a gas block with the rails on top to add a folding front sight.

Based on other posts in this thread, I think I want to go with the following:
Spikes Tactical LPK
Rock River Arms A2 stock
DPMS stripped upper receiver or Anderson (to match the lower)
??? Upper receiver parts kit (suggestions?)
Yankee Hill Machine 12" (rifle length) Todd Jarrett Competition Free Float Tube Quad Rail Handguard

Comments welcome!

So, check me here. If I use the above 12" handguard, I should still be able to mount a gas block with top rail in front of it, right? If so, do I need the end cap?
 
devils4ever - I love Jim Flynn's, it's a really neat place! Used to be in there fairly often. I've since left NJ (thank goodness!), but still haven't gotten around to the AR I always said I'd get once I was out.

Sounds like you've got a nice build going. Good luck with it!
 
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