You Build It.

[BigDee]

Actually I built it. Well sort of...

I posted a thread a while back about build it for me. I had a few people volunteer to do it and almost took them up on it. After reading a few blogs and watching a few videos I came to the realization that I could assemble a lower myself and I am pleased to report that I did. The best part was i did not mar the receiver or lose any parts in the process. I assembled the lower but I did purchase an assembled upper from a member here, I may pickup some specialty tools to assemble the next one myself but this go round I decided to by one that was already assembled.

So here are the current specs:

Lower:
Double Star Stripped Lower
Palmetto State LPK
Magpul MOE Pistol Grip
Magpul MOE Trigger Guard
Magpul MOE Stock

Upper:
AIM surplus Forged M4 Upper
Daniel Defense 16" Barrel 1:7 Twist
Troy 13" Alpha Battle Rail
HTP/MPI BCG
Magpul MBUS Sites

Optics:
Primary Arms Red Dot Site

First Impressions: There's a bit of play between the upper and lower. It's minimal and from what I have read this seems to be fairly common for franken builds. I am probably going to go order an accuwedge since they seem to have fairly positive feedback and reduce the play. I started a build thread a while back with a lower I had Rob @ Bowers assemble, I used a Magpul CTR stock with that build and there is definitely a noticeable difference between the CTR and the MOE, once locked into place the CTR was much tighter.

I am taking the gun out Saturday and seeing how she shoots. I need to get the MBUS sites and the red dot dialed in.

So now we get to the part where you build it. I plan to make a lot of changes to this rifle over the next year. Rather than walking into a store and getting a sales pitch or logging onto Brownell's and viewing the their most recommended item's I'm going to allow the members here to decide on what my next upgrade will be and what products I will purchase for the upgrade.

Right now the upgrades are a 2 stage trigger or upgraded butt stock. I can tell you that I have no intentions of shooting in competitions. This is a rifle I'm going to take to the range and the grasslands, maybe take a few shooting lessons with it but that's it. So based on that which of the above do you recommend?

[BigDee]

[20X11]

Geiselle sd3 trigger

[BigDee]

I forgot to mention I also have a PWS Muzzle Brake that I am on the fence about installing. I've read that it does exactly what it should and makes muzzle rise non existent but it also makes life miserable for anyone shooting next to you.

[Adawg38]

Nice man! Real nice!

[dwalker460]

I have used Vltor and Magpul stocks and so far I prefer the Vltor, but the MOE stock is not bad at all. Mine is tight, so that is likely production tolerance sort of thing. The MOE+ and ERGO are my two go to grips, but that is truly a personal thing.
IMHO the MBUS sights are meant to be kept in your pack or pocket for the dark day when your optic fails. I dont think they are as "good" as Troy or YHM, but are better than nothing when your battery goes dark or you drop your optic and let the magic out. I keep two sets on hand, tucked away in my rangebag, pack, or pocket as a just in case sort of thing.
I really like the Burris AR332 optic for the simple fact that if the battery dies, the reticle is still there, just not lit up green or red, but everyone will have thier favorite optic, so try several and see what you like.
The play between the upper and lower has nothing to do with "franken" rifle, its just production tolerances. An Accuwedge will fix it fairly easily.
I have no input on triggers. I have tried several and they are all fine. However I still use an OEM trigger, nothing special at all. I am very likely going to try a JP trigger in the near future.

Other than that shoot the crap out of it and enjoy it.

EDIT- I just changed to an Arredondo Comp, and it DOES make anyone shooting next to you miserable, and if your shooting inside or next to anything, your miserable too. However it does what it is supposed to and makes the rifle very easy to keep on target.

[kwando]

sweet build... love the troy alpha rails, i have them on all three of my rifles now. 2x 15"er and 1x13". where do you plan on sighting it in? i might join you if its close.

[dwalker460]

sweet build... love the troy alpha rails, i have them on all three of my rifles now. 2x 15"er and 1x13". where do you plan on sighting it in? i might join you if its close.

COPYCAT!!!! hahahaaha

[kwando]

Is it so your wife doesn't know you have more than one rifle!!!! hahahaaha

Fixed!

[dwalker460]

Ha! Yeah I pioneered that technique.