Kilroy
Ultimate Member
- Jul 27, 2011
- 3,069
This build was a long time in the making, but I'm happy with the finished product. I relied on forum posts to see how different parts looked on a finished rifle, and for parts ideas, so it's only appropriate that I do one of my finished rifle. A lot of you have more gun experience than I do, how'd I do for my first AR build? What should I do for my next one?
Here's what's on my rifle:
- Arizona Armory billet upper and lower reciever - I chose Arizona Armory because I'm from Arizona, and I believe strongly in supporting local manufacturing. Rumor has it that these are rebranded Sun Devil parts, but that's local too. Jeff at AA gave me a great price on everything, and was fantastic to deal with.
- Magpul MOE stock and pistol grip - Magpul has great value for the money. These parts are solid, and were relatively cheap.
- Troy TRX Extreme VTAC 11" Rail - I wanted this to be a lightweight rifle, and don't plan on hanging too much stuff off it. I picked the VTAC because I think it feels better than the standard TRX.
- Daniel Defense 14.5" Barrel with AAC Brakeout permanently attached - I think I paid too much for both of these parts, at the time I figured there probably was a reason nobody can keep them in stock. There is a suppressor in this rifle's future, probably a AAC Mini4. I'm happy with these two parts, probably going with better value next time.
- Palmetto State Armory Bolt Carrier Group and lower parts kit - Everything was in spec, bolt is MP and HP tested, PSA makes good parts for great prices.
- Troy HK style front and folding rear sights - Nothing special, these were 25% off. I prefer the HK front sight for faster sight alignment, and it looks good. I put a .34 KNS front sight post in for better accuracy.
- I Kick Hippies sling mount plate - Innovative product, and supporting small boutique suppliers is good for our hobby.
- IWC front sling mount - Attaches a sling without having to add a rail section.
- JP yellow trigger springs - Testing these out, trigger feels great after I added these and some moly grease.
- KNS anti-rotation pins - Pointless, but they look cool. Not sure why I bought these...
- VTAC sling - The only thing on this rifle I regret buying. I would much rather have a completely plain $12 sling. There's nothing wrong with the VTAC sling, but it doesn't feel quite right.
- Receiver and rail cerakoted foliage green by Arizona Armory - I wanted a unique rifle, coating it makes it uniquely mine. I went with foliage green because Flat Dark Earth is played out and the sure sign of a tacticool mall ninja.
Foliage green also matches military uniforms and equipment.
Comments? Suggestions? I'm still sorting this gun out, it's a little picky about ammo. Hopefully after I get more rounds through it it'll smooth out.
