AR Guys: Your dream build, please

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kfgk14

Joined
Jun 18, 2010
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Out of interest, what would be you AR guys' dream rig (I.e. the "you get one and one only" situation, but it's whatever you want it to be)? Any caliber they make, any parts you want, etc. If you have a photo of it post it. Feel free to elaborate on the why.
I'm looking for inspiration here, as my "the one" build may be on the horizon (of course said build won't contain most of these parts, I'm not a rich man)

My personal dream build:
Lower: POF Gen III, POF parts kit (Ambi features, quality of manufacturing)
Stock: Vltor A5 (rifle length gas system on barrel, optimized for said system)
Upper: LAR Grizzly Ambidextrous OPS 4 (Side charging is just plain cool, IMO)
Barrel: Custom 20" polygonal rifling, hammer-forged LW50, rifle length gas system, .750 Diameter, dimpled (Mainly because I can)
Trigger: Geissele SSA-E (Very high-quality, smooth, good prior experience w/them)
Forend: Troy Alpha Rail, 13.8" (integrated FSB, solid lock-up)
Rear sight: KAC 200-600M Flip-up rear sight
Gas Block: JP Adjustable
Gas Tube: Spikes Tactical
Muzzle Device: AAC M4-SPR Suppressor and mount
Optic: US Optics SN-3S
Optic mount: Larue LT-104

I don't even dare price it out, I feel like the barrel alone would cost me a grand or two :D:eek::thumbup::cool::grumpy:
 
It's funny that you ask this question as I'm in currently in the process of building my dream AR. Here are the specs, and hopefully I'm going to have it all done within the next couple of weeks.

KAC SR-15 upper
LMT complete lower
Magpul CTR stock
Magpul MOE grip
Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard
Magpul AFG
Magpul XTM rail panels
AAC Blackout FH
Aimpoint Comp M4s

That's all for now. I'm going to eventually add a Geissele SSA trigger, Blue Force Gear padded 2-point combat sling, and a SureFire X300. I just want to get this build done so I could shoot it, even in its unfinished form it's still an awesome carbine.

The problem is that SR-15 uses a few proprietary parts. My other AR uses standard components.

Noveske Light Recce 16"
Noveske blem lower
G&R Tactical LPK
Magpul MOE stock
Magpul MOE grip
Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard
Daniel Defense Omega Rail 9"
Magpul AFG

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I'm also going to slap some Magpul XTMs on the rails. I'll top it off with a Nikon M223 1-4X scope. I'll probably change out the carbine buffer for a H buffer to make it softer shooting.

I'm done with ARs for a while. I've set up the KAC and Noveske the way I want and I only need a couple of good rifles. I may pick up a couple more for my wife and daughter if they show an inclination for EBRs.
 
I'm sure I'll be the opposite of most here but mine would be a plain Jane M16A2. I have no desire for optics, fancy stocks, rails, removable carrying handle, etc.
 
Nothing wrong with that, blackhills :thumbup:!
And kamagong, those seem to be two very nice weapons you have there. I'm not one for a 16" barrel, but those seem very tasteful :thumbup:
 
BlackHills said:
I'm sure I'll be the opposite of most here but mine would be a plain Jane M16A2. I have no desire for optics, fancy stocks, rails, removable carrying handle, etc.
Click to expand...

You're not gonna scare any ninjas with a "Plain Jane" rifle!!

I'll take a "Plain Jane" Colt 6920 over a $3000+ mall ninja rifle any day.
 
J P VTac (Kyle Lamb signature) with Trijicon 4x32 TA31F (red chevron) ACOG
or
Knights Armament AR15, same sight
 
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ElConquistador said:
You're not gonna scare any ninjas with a "Plain Jane" rifle!!

I'll take a "Plain Jane" Colt 6920 over a $3000+ mall ninja rifle any day.
Click to expand...

Why is it mall ninja-ish to kit out a rifle to suit the end user? Like most people I am an Everyman. Non-military, non-LEO. My personal weapons are just that, personal. I use them for home defense, and to be honest I like having fun with my boomsticks. Does changing out the A2 grip for one that is more comfortable make me a mall ninja? What about the stock? What about choosing a gas system that is easier on parts and has a softer recoil impulse. Does adding a RDS make one a mall ninja? I'm a firm believer in learning to shoot irons in order to improve shooting skills, but optics do make shooting easier. And although I built my ARs for myself, my wife also uses my guns. I know that she's going to have an easier time shooting the AR with the changes I've made.

A Colt 6920 is a fine weapon, and for a long time I lusted after one. My state doesn't allow ownership of 6920s for non-LEO though. In a way it's a mixed blessing as it forced me to learn about the platform which in turn allowed me to assemble an AR that better suits my needs. That's the thing I love about 1911s and ARs, there's something for everyone.
 
Kamagong, great points (not to get off-topic, but) On the subject of irons vs. optics, in a gunfight I'd rather have the RDS and be fast. Irons are an important shooting skill, they help you transition to optics.
 
kamagong said:
Why is it mall ninja-ish to kit out a rifle to suit the end user? Like most people I am an Everyman. Non-military, non-LEO. My personal weapons are just that, personal. I use them for home defense, and to be honest I like having fun with my boomsticks. Does changing out the A2 grip for one that is more comfortable make me a mall ninja? What about the stock? What about choosing a gas system that is easier on parts and has a softer recoil impulse. Does adding a RDS make one a mall ninja? I'm a firm believer in learning to shoot irons in order to improve shooting skills, but optics do make shooting easier. And although I built my ARs for myself, my wife also uses my guns. I know that she's going to have an easier time shooting the AR with the changes I've made.

A Colt 6920 is a fine weapon, and for a long time I lusted after one. My state doesn't allow ownership of 6920s for non-LEO though. In a way it's a mixed blessing as it forced me to learn about the platform which in turn allowed me to assemble an AR that better suits my needs. That's the thing I love about 1911s and ARs, there's something for everyone.
Click to expand...

I guess I shouldn't say "Mall Ninja".... ....let's just say I prefer to keep things simple and, I guess, practical.

An AR for a home defense gun is great. Does a $1000-2000 "dimpled polygonal uber cool" barrel make it better for this purpose? How about a $400 forend or a $200 stock, or a $200 trigger, or a who knows how much USO scope?

If you want a tricked out AR for a range gun then go ahead and spend as much as you can on one. For practical purposes though, I think a good "stock" rifle that hasn't been "fixed" by a novice "gunsmith" is the way to go. I think the Colt is one of the better choices for a stock rifle with MPI parts, M4 feed ramps, and as close to Mil-Spec as you can get without being full auto.

If you think you can put together a better recoil system than Colt then go for it. I'm going to trust in a system is tuned for reliability rather than reducing felt recoil.

I agree that they are fun to customize and really I don't have a problem with somone bolting a bunch of expensive crap on thier rifle, it's just not for me.
 
Conquistador, it's a DREAM build. Is it truly a practical weapon? I'd argue yes, if you had an unlimited budget for the gun, given that it's a very accurate and durable barrel if made right.

Is it fun to dream about these things? Yes. Those features are, in my humble opinion, improvements. It's expensive because it would have to be custom. Will I ever have one? Likely, no. If I win the lottery, will I buy one? Yes. If I win $50 million in Powerball, Im buying one. Probably two or three so I have spares and maybe one for a friend.

Do my current guns look anything like this? HELL NO. I don't have nearly that much cash around. a US Optics scope at a little over two grand the way I want it? Not in my cards right now. I'll settle for a $550 Vortex.
I also designed my weapon not as a home defense gun, as a dream rifle. Range toy, SPR, sharpshooter's rifle. In that role, it would excel.

If you want a plain jane rifle, more power to you. My current rifle isn't showered in tactical do-dads. Good irons, free floated barrel, sling, flashlight. Ambi controls on account of my southpaw nature. A2 stock, A2 flash hider. Standard government profile barrel. Not too fancy.

But I'm dreaming here. It's fun. This is the gadgets and gear forum, right? He who dies with the most gear wins.
 
just throwing this out for the "real weapon vs. mall ninja" rifle.... I've had the pleasure of shooting the Ft Benning 3 gun match for all six years, starting in 2005...the first year there were quite a number of senior NCOs looking at the rifles .... especially the optics, stocks (I shoot a shorter VietNam era A1 stock, and one young NCO did not know what it was), full float tubes, and triggers on the rifles of "us gamers".....they asked a lot of questions about our particular accessory choices.... they watched the progress of the match...in conversations with them they seemed impressed with the target acquisition speed of the ACOGS ...the "designated marksman rifle" looks suspiciously like my carbine ...
 
Les, valid points. Many of the "mall ninja" parts came from three gun. Red dots, secondary optic/sight system, float tubes, etc. All came out of three-gun, high power, practical rifle, etc. to speed up the game and gain an edge over the competition, and many have been translated into combat roles.
 
I saw some mall ninja stuff in both Iraq and Afghanistan…some were by actual users and some posers (yeah, even REMF’s in uniform can dress up to look cool in a combat zone).

I’ve been building and using AR systems for the past 20+years. Keeping in plain-Jane does have some merit, but I’m a big believer that a few reasonable modifications and additions can really improve time, comfort, accuracy and reliability.

I’m not sure I have a single “dream” AR, as I’ve built most of mine to serve for different reasons and requirements. As much as I like short-dot variable optics, they often weigh quite a bit.

I will always maintain iron sights, even if backup; however, RDS’s have significantly improved my accuracy during movement and time on target. I don’t doubt some iron sight users can be fast, but most will be faster with RDS’s.

My AR’s are predominantly with 16” barrels…my reasoning is that they are carbines for use inside of 300 meters; I don’t expect much beyond that. With the shorter barrel and lighter platform, they are much more maneuverable. I do like some additions:

PRI charging latch…very low profile and something I prefer
Ambi-selector switch
Norgon ambi-magazine release
Ergo grips are what I pack and put on my issued M4 and what I have on most of my personal AR’s…it just fits me best.

I also prefer folding stocks; Magpul’s CTR is typically my choice as it’s light and simple. I’ve used both Aimpoints and EOTechs and just like the EOTech more…I still like Aimpoint, but would most likely put an EOTech on my carbine.

I don’t consider railed hand-guards as critical, but they do give you good option, especially if free-floating. Daniel Defense is my preference; a vertical foregrip is handy if you’re doing any vertical movement and room clearing. To be honest though, I often avoid a vertical foregrip although I do like the short versions…not a necessity, but a railed handguard does give you the option.

The fixed front sight is a must. I do have some AR’s with folding front sights, but would much rather have it fixed. An A3 upper gives you the option of fixed or folding BUIS…can’t really go wrong with that choice.

Slings are always debatable and often a very personal choice due to training, missions and other activities involving how you operate. I really like the single point sling. I know the standard two point sling can be improvised to cover most needs but a single point attachment plate for the folding stock and a custom LRS, quick detach sling is how several of my AR’s are outfitted. I hate having a sling attached when doing serious drills and the QD sling quickly fixes that; again, just my preference and how I’ve trained in the past and something I would consider for my personal carbine.

Lastly, I’ve grown fond of Vortex flash suppressors and most of my carbines rock them. Again, not a necessity, but my personal preference.

ROCK6
 
for you guys looking for a BUS, you might check out Barry Dueck's (Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sight).... allows you to roll the rifle to 1:00 position to engage close targets.... I use something similar for 3 gun as I run an older fixed power 4x32 ACOG without a Bindon Aiming System
 
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