New Build:

[thecatch8]

So after completing my first middy length AR (see below), I am in the process of doing research and putting together a 20" precision/hunting/varmint tac driver. I am still working on my 300 black build, but that is further down the road.

So far here's what I'm thinking:

Spikes Tactical Lower:

BCM 20" upper with MI 15" rail

Fortis Hammer charging handle:

Rainier Arms NiB BCG:

BAD stainless ambi safety:

Fortis Rapid Engagement muzzle brake:

Ergo Tactical grip:

MFT battlelink stock with cheek riser:

Leupold VX-2 3-9x33mm Ultralight Rifle Scope
ALG ACT trigger with JP 3.5 lbs. springs

Total cost will be right around $1,800 including everything.

I will keep you guys posted with pics along the way!

 

[JaPes]

One piece of advice regarding the NiBx bolt carrier group, just the bolt benefits from the NiBx coating. I have a Fail Zero semi-auto BCG. The carrier, just as a regular carrier, really doesn't get that fouled and remains easy to clean. The big difference is in a NiBx bolt. That sucker is 100X easier to clean than a standard bolt.

If you wanted to save a few bucks just get a NiBx bolt and drop it into a standard bolt carrier.

 

[JaPes]

BTW congrats on the rapid progression of your black rifle disease. It seems like only yesterday, I was reading your first post regarding an M&P 15T(?). Now you're building a dedicated long range rifle and intend to build a 300 AAC BLK upper.

 

[thecatch8]

BTW congrats on the rapid progression of your black rifle disease. It seems like only yesterday, I was reading your first post regarding an M&P 15T(?). Now you're building a dedicated long range rifle and intend to build a 300 AAC BLK upper.

Thanks JP....it really is a disease! But like I tell my wife, I don't smoke, drink or gamble. If I played golf, new clubs run $1500 plus green fees are $50 a pop if I played every week. Shooting is a hobby, and something that my friends and I enjoy. Once you get over the initial start up costs i.e. buying new weapons, it really isn't that bad.

 

[JaPes]

Tell your wife that you're only in the early stages. Tell her to only start worrying if you get one of these:

Start saving your once fired brass cases for when you decide to start loading your own.

The next stage after AR-15 disease ... you bought a factory one, then you build one, then you build one chambered in something other than 5.56 NATO... you'll get bored and end up buying one of these:

^ I'm very, very close to entering terminal Modern Sporting Rifle disease.

 

[thecatch8]

So true....my buddy reloads all my .223 brass for his 300 ammo, and If I go to the range and don't save my brass he gets angry....!

 

[Argonnakid]

Reloading is about the only way to get ahold of .300BLK ammo for plinking nowadays. Nice looking build you have there. Where you thinking of getting your Spike's lower at?

 

[thecatch8]

Reloading is about the only way to get ahold of .300BLK ammo for plinking nowadays. Nice looking build you have there. Where you thinking of getting your Spike's lower at?

Local Coast Guard exchange has one saved for me $300 out the door fully built (which is same as on line pricing, but I don't have to pay tax, shipping, or FFL fees). Just going to swap out stock, pistol grip and trigger. Going to build up lower first, then slap on the 20 inch BCM......should be a pretty accurate rifle

 

[Argonnakid]

The exchange in Portsmouth? I didn't know they sold firearms.

 

[thecatch8]

The exchange in Portsmouth? I didn't know they sold firearms.

Not in Portsmouth.....Chesapeake off Greenbrier

 

[Argonnakid]

I was just over there, off of Eden Way. So, anyways. The BAD levers are really good. I have a set on my 15-22. The Spikes Tactical lower I have is of pretty good quality. The roll pin hole on the bolt catch was a bit tight. I had to open it up just a tad. And as far as the .300BLK goes, good luck with it. Factory ammo around here is either pricey or not available.

 

[thecatch8]

Just got Spikes lower in....

 

[Argonnakid]

Looks pretty good. You still going with the BCM upper?

 

[thecatch8]

Looks pretty good. You still going with the BCM upper?

Hopefully if I can find the one I want......DPMS makes a good full size as well, and so does PSA but they are always out of stock.

 

[rongarrett]

Just a few things to think about. As reference I built a Colt ar 15 back years ago. I don't remember all the name brand stuff I put in it but one thing I do remember: bull barrel custom reamed and chambers for 223 improved. You can form your own brass just by shooting factory rounds in it. Gives an increase of 2-300 fps and some added accuracy to go along. All the parts upper and lowers will work with no modification since all your are doing is changing shoulder angle and moving the shoulder a little forward. #X9 scope is not enough for long range prarie dog shooting. I started there with the rifle I built and it outshot the scope. Went to a 4X12 , same result. I would up with a 6X25, all Leuplod, and was going to go higher, but a friend decided he just had to have it. Ditch the forward handle for a good stout bipod, or minimum good set of shooting sticks. Shooting P dogs off hand will not be fun if you don't like to miss. Average P dog range is between 2-300 yards for those that have not been previously shot at. The shy ones begin at 400 yds on out to 6-800 yds. A p dog is a mighty small target even at 200. Trigger needs to be lighter than 3.5 lbs if you can manage it. Serious p dog hunters run bolt guns down to 3-4 ounces as a regular thing. I am not an expert in black guns or p dog hunting, but have burned considerable powder in the last 40 years of competition and p dog hunting.

 

[cyphertext]

Ron, I doubt he is planning to use this for prairie dogs... 300 blackout is for much larger game, and for shooting with a suppressor. Think .30 caliber power out of a 5.56 size package.

 

[thecatch8]

Thanks for the input, but 3.5 lbs. trigger pull with the ALG ACT/JP springs will serve me well, as I am already running the same set up in my mid length AR. This rifle will not specifically be for P dogs, but coyotes, pigs, and 200+ yards range sessions. This is not a 300 AAC build (mentioned that in OP), but more than likely a .223 Wylde precision build, which I like because of the overall accuracy and the fact that it is a happy medium between .223 and 5.56!

 

[78Staff]

Trying to get on board with the Spikes lower, since they are semi-local, though it would be nice to support local co. - but man they seem to have a bad rap across most of the AR enthusiast forums. Let us know what you think of the lower...

 

[cyphertext]

This is not a 300 AAC build (mentioned that in OP), but more than likely a .223 Wylde precision build, which I like because of the overall accuracy and the fact that it is a happy medium between .223 and 5.56!

My bad... saw 300 black in the first post and it just stuck there...

 

[Desert Five-0]

Most of what I have seen for review on Spikes products are very good. I build a mid length and am happy with it. Any specific gripes about them?