My AR SBR Build-in-Progress
by esrice
by esrice
Some background-
I've been wanting to build an SBR since NFA Day 2008. I started my own journey into the world of EBRs back in March 2009. Soon thereafter I created my first Build-in-Progress thread: https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/long_g...-progress.html
With this thread I'm hoping to again document my build, along with a full price breakdown, in an effort to give those interested in doing the same thing an idea of what it takes, along with how much it really costs.
Purpose-
The purpose of this SBR will mostly be one of "fun" and education, with a possible later purpose of self/home defense, depending on its function and reliability. I'm wanting a rifle that is compact, lightweight, and easily maneuverable. It must also be able to later accept a suppressor.
Wants/Needs-
- Barrel length greater than 10", shorter than 12"
- 5.56 caliber
- Flat-top upper receiver
- Quality lower with quality lower parts kit
- Adjustable stock
- Aimpoint optic
- Full-length lightweight 1-piece free-floating rail system
- Flip-up iron sights
The base for any AR is the lower receiver. After recently reviewing the value-priced M4 from Spike's Tactical, I'm drinking the pretty heavy. As of this writing I've decided that the lower, along with many other parts, will be from Spike's Tactical. In fact, I've even considered doing the entire rifle with Spike's parts.
Therefore, my lower will be a Spike's Tactical ST lower with the spider logo and pictogram selector markings. I'll be picking this up from a fellow INGOer in a couple of weeks (pics when it arrives).
Build Order (rough)-
- Lower
- SBR engraving
- Tax stamp
- Lower parts kit
- Stock/buffer parts
- Custom built upper from Spike's, BCM, etc.
- Rail/irons/optic/VFG/sling/etc.
I'm always on the prowl for build ideas. I recently found some inspiration in the Spike's industry forum on ARFCOM.
Configuration ideas-
10" barrel? 10.5"? 11"? 11.5"? Who knows?! I've heard arguments for and against every increment. I want it as short as possible, but I don't want to sacrifice reliability or durability.
Is the 'norm' for SBRs still a 1:7" twist? What's up with the 1:8 that I've seen over at BravoCompany?
I'll have to do my homework on barrels for this build. There are many to choose from. I don't want to pay through the nose, but I also don't want a short inaccurate rifle.
Parts ideas-
I'm not looking to do anything "ground breaking" or "never seen before" with this build. I'll be mostly sticking with known parts with known history. So in that regard, it may be kinda boring.
Another area that Spike's has recently impressed me is in their lower parts kits. After perusing their website, I think I've decided to take advantage of their "enhanced" kit, which includes such upgrades as an Ergo grip, ambi safety, billet trigger guard, single-stage Battle Trigger, and KNS anti-rotation pins.
As for a stock, I'm a huge Magpul CTR fan-- especially since I'm trying to keep this gun light. Part of me wants to try something different, while another part says "stick with what works". If I do go CTR I might add the Enhanced Buttpad. Probably Spike's for the buffer, tube, etc.
Optic will most definitely be an Aimpoint Micro in a LaRue mount. Unless something else more interesting comes along.
The rail system will be one thing that will take some researching. There are a lot of options these days. Spike's has their new BAR rail (as seen above), and is coming out with a slimmer version called the SAR, but I hear its kinda pricey. I just know I want something that runs to the end of the barrel, where the threads start, leaving the flash hider poking out. How much the barrel sticks out will also depend on what type of suppressor I want to eventually run. Decisions, decisions.
I might also take this opportunity to try out an entirely new sling system. Which one? Who knows. . . .
Iron sights will mostly likely be from Troy.
Part of me has always like the look of the Noveske piggy break tucked just inside an extended rail. But another part of me says just go with a flash hider or compensator that can accept a QD suppressor. Hmm...
The Waiting Game-
So as you can see I've got a lot to think on and research. Time is one thing I do have, as the $$ will roll in slowly as this build shapes up. Maybe tax time will help speed things up a bit. Maybe.
Stay tuned, as I'll update this thread periodically as I accumulate more parts, or as I get new and better ideas. I'll be very interested to see what the final build looks like, as opposed to what I've got planned above.
Feel free to give any thoughts, opinions, suggestions that you think could help me along the way!
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