New 16" Midlength franken-AR

SpookyPistolero · May 8, 2010

Howdy folks!

I ended up picking up a graduation for myself! I've recently decided to switch to an AR as my house/uh-oh/range gun, and set off to change my 18" Double star to something better. I wanted something shorter with a few more appropriate specs, so I went with a Spike's Tactical 16" mid-length LE upper, with their bolt carrier group. Whole bunch of magpul stuff all over, because I like the feel and practicality of what they put out. I like things simple, so all I wanted above the basic rifle was a good red dot and a light.

There are a few components I need to change. I've got a commercial buffer tube (helluva time to find out, after I received my milspec Magpul MOE stock) so I'll have to get a new milspec one. I also need a magpul MOE trigger guard. The gap on this standard one kills me! After that, the only thing I will change is the handguards to midlength magpul MOE handguards once they come out. After I get some training, I may eventually get the BCM Gunfighter CH.

Now I just need to get a few rifle classes under my belt and a few thousand rounds of practice! This thing needs to get dirty.

Specs/etc:
- Spikes midlength LE upper
- Spikes BCG and CH
- Double Star lower and LPK
- Magpul ASAP sling mount/plate
- Magpul MOE grip (I really like this grip! Especially vs the original)
- BoBro Aimpoint mount (very nice)
- Aimpoint ML2 (got a killer deal on it)
- Magpul rear BUIS
- Viking Tactical mount with Surefire G2 LED
- Magpul MS2 sling

I didn't get pics of the bolt/BC but I will later. The staking on the BC looks good, I'm no expert of course.

Thanks for peeking! Thought you guys would dig a few tacti-cool pics.

zenheretic · May 9, 2010

Nice rig Spooky. I have the same buttstock. I've decided a regular full stock is best for a longer barrel for civies. Doesn't make sense to have a collapsing stock unless you wear body armour, imo. Of course that outlook is just like the debate between folders and fixed blades. There is a use for both, just up to personal preference.

SpookyPistolero · May 9, 2010

Thanks man, I'm digging it so far. I agree that a fixed makes good sense. I use the adjustable because for storage during travel, and for when family/friends are shooting with it so it will fit them. I'm about 6'4" though and use the shortest setting, just to keep things 'tight'. Oh, updated pics now that I've got new new furniture and BAD lever...

kamagong · May 9, 2010

I prefer collapsible stocks because my wife will occassionally shoot my AR.

Nice rig, I also have a Frankenmiddy in the works. Like yours it has a lot of Magpul furniture. I like the advantages of the midlength, but to be honest I haven't shot enough to tell the difference between it and the carbine.

wintermute · May 10, 2010

Well done sir, well done! On the graduation and that sexy beast you put together!

orrey45 · May 10, 2010

That's a good looking setup. I am building a similiar setup and it shoots great.

How do you like the Viking light mount?

Gov't Mule · May 10, 2010

The MOE midlength handguards should be out within a month or so. They would be a great platform for a Magpul illumination kit to house your light.

SIFU1A · May 10, 2010

orrey45 said:
That's a good looking setup. I am building a similiar setup and it shoots great.

How do you like the Viking light mount?

i had a GG&G front site mount and did not like it, ended up with a scout lite on a 4 rail HG and like it fine, the lite, on the front site, way out front, seemed to mess up the balance, to me, i also didnt like how it looked,

SpookyPistolero · May 10, 2010

I'm actually waiting on a new indoor range to open up next month so I can wring out this setup, so until then I can't say much about the mount! Assuming it holds up ok (I think it will), I like it pretty well. It's simple and offers a secure fit. The G2LED is the bee's knees.

Quirt · May 10, 2010

Nice Rig Spooky...now take that beaut and give it a good workout in a two-day or three-day Defensive Carbine course to give it a true shake-down cruise!

You'll be amazed to find out what works and doesn't work in a hurry.

I don't have a rifle like that anymore, as I lost mine in a boating accident a few years ago. But when I did, it got a three-day shake down cruise in a carbine course - I found out immedately what was coming off and what was staying on!