Critique My AR Build

[seedubs1]

Building this up for a general plinker and fun shooter. Goal was to keep it under $1k with scope. Let me know what you think.

What do you like? What do you not like? What would you have done differently?

PSA premium full auto BCG
PSA forward assist kit
PSA dust cover kit
$112.43

Aero Precision matched forged upper/lower receiver set
$135

Voodoo 16” 1:7 melonite barrel
$160

BCM gas tube
BCM flash hider/crush washer
BCM H2 buffer
$61.15

BCM grip mod 3
Magpul CTR stock
Diamondhead VRS-T 10.25 freefloat handguard
Yankee Hill low profile clamp on gas block
$224.77

BCM charging handle mod 4
Magpul polymer trigger guard
BCM buffer tube kit
Spikes LPK
$161.44

Vortex strikefire
$99.99

Total
$954.78

I think if I had to do it again, I would have got an AIM Melonite BCG.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

First off, where's the pics? I love a spec sheet, (you do seem to have parts from good companies) but I'm a visual kinda guy.

Second, it's hard to "critique" an AR build without being an ***hole. I could say if I like it or not, but that's me. There are so many parts out there to choose from you could build ten thousand combinations... I can't remember what each part looks like or how it functions best. Long as it makes you happy.

But yeah, post a photo, and I'll tell you if it's cool or stupid.

 

[Fordtough25]

I'd get a set of BUIS but other than that burn it up! Sounds like a fine plinker.

 

[T.Lex]

I'd get a set of BUIS but other than that burn it up! Sounds like a fine plinker.

+1

At least for me, a rifle without some kind of iron sight just felt incomplete. Otherwise, you got some good deals.

 

[seedubs1]

First off, where's the pics? I love a spec sheet, (you do seem to have parts from good companies) but I'm a visual kinda guy.

Second, it's hard to "critique" an AR build without being an ***hole. I could say if I like it or not, but that's me.

Pics as soon as it's built. It's a box of parts as of now.

Please, go ahead and post what you like or dislike. I'm still learning about different manufacturers, finishes (NiB, Melonite, etc...), materials, and I'm always looking for things I should have done differently. That way, next build, I'll have other things to look for.

 

[rvb]

I don't know anything about that barrel maker.... good reputation? The barrel is the heart of the AR. Everything from accuracy to correctly cut chambers for reliable extraction, gas port sizing, etc happens in that part. Another $80 you could have had a BCM barrel, or another $100 for something like a Rainier. Maybe it'll be great, I dunno, just never heard of voodoo...

-rvb

 

[seedubs1]

I don't know anything about that barrel maker.... good reputation? The barrel is the heart of the AR. Everything from accuracy to correctly cut chambers for reliable extraction, gas port sizing, etc happens in that part. Another $80 you could have had a BCM barrel, or another $100 for something like a Rainier. Maybe it'll be great, I dunno, just never heard of voodoo...

-rvb

They're somehow affiliated with Adams Arms. All I could find were good reviews. I have a feeling they'll be more expensive in the near future.

For the price I paid, I'll be able to get my money back if I don't like it, so I figured I'd give it a go.

 

[Sling10mm]

I think that sounds like a good list of parts, although like rvb, I'm not familiar with Voodoo. I know you said this is a plinker, but as others have said I like to have BUIS on my AR's, as well as quick disconnect mounts for the optics, but if it is strictly a range toy, then not necessary I guess.

Post pics when you get a chance.

 

[stephen87]

OP, if you're near Indy, I have most of the tools to build, if you'd like.

 

[dhamby]

OP, if you're near Indy, I have most of the tools to build, if you'd like.

I live in the Crawfordsville erea and too have the tools to build it if you need help or tools.

Personally I am not a fan of PSA parts, but most here are fans of them. Other than that I would have sent with an AIM NiB BCG over the PSA piece.

Also got mag(s)?

 

[Yeah]

What chamber does your Voodoo have and what is its profile/weight? I would build with a light weight melonite barrel with a right chamber, for R&D purposes.

Couldn't want a powered optic with a battery life not measured in years, but that is me.

 

[seedubs1]

I like to have BUIS on my AR's, as well as quick disconnect mounts for the optics, but if it is strictly a range toy, then not necessary I guess.

Burned through my play money for now. That's on the list in the near future, though.

OP, if you're near Indy, I have most of the tools to build, if you'd like.

I live in the Crawfordsville erea and too have the tools to build it if you need help or tools.

Also got mag(s)?

Thank you guys for the offers. I may be in contact depending on what I can find around here
And I'm all set on pmags for now.

 

[seedubs1]

What chamber does your Voodoo have and what is its profile/weight? I would build with a light weight melonite barrel with a right chamber, for R&D purposes.

5.56 NATO chamber, 1:7 twist, 4150 melonited, m4 profile, carbine gas system

Would have preferred a Wylde chamber/ 1:8 twist / mid length gas system, but for the price, I can't complain.

Link to the one I ordered:
16" Carbine Length M4 Profile

They do make a nice looking ultra light profile barrel that I've seen some good reviews on:
16" Carbine Length Evo Ultra Lite

 

[stephen87]

Just saw you're from Columbus. I work in Columbus. As a matter of fact, over the next month, I'll be down there 8days.

 

[seedubs1]

Just saw you're from Columbus. I work in Columbus. As a matter of fact, over the next month, I'll be down there 8days.

It's a good place to be.

 

[stephen87]

Meh, that's up for debate. Lol

I live in Indy, work in Indy, but I work part time in Columbus at the hospital.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

Born and raised there. Used to be a nice place, not so sure now with the way it has grown in the last 30 years...

 

[pgfrmr]

Don't know much about that barrel but haven't heard anything bad about Voodoo either. PSA sells good stuff, don't worry about that. You might consider the new Magpul SL stock. They look very promising. You've done a great job here and a lot of homework, have fun, it doesn't have to be your last build!

 

[pshinn]

Been in columbus 9.5 years and am working on my sub 500 buck ar build... No scope just iron sights

would love to compare notes

 

[seedubs1]

Been in columbus 9.5 years and am working on my sub 500 buck ar build... No scope just iron sights

would love to compare notes

Right on. Good luck with your build, and let me know if you need anything.

I'm working on getting tools together to assemble mine now. Hopefully it'll be together in a few weeks.