The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: bafsu92 on April 08, 2011, 05:31:37 PM
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Well I finally made enough time to finish a couple projects that have been waiting on the bench for a while now. I called this project Grendel and the Desert Bull. Part 1 is Grendel detailed below. Part 2 will be up next in the handguns section.
I've had this arfcom POF lower for a while now, since they put them on sale for $150 shipped. I couldn't decide for the longest time what I wanted to do with it but had been wanting a 6.5 Grendel for a while. I decided to go with a 2 tone and when I came across a nice FDE np3 coated POF upper the build was on. I went with a 16" Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel Barrel & Bolt. I had a decent Colt Full Auto carrier that was showing a bit of wear so I decided to Duracoat it before building up the Grendel BCG. I've been doing all my bolt carriers in Duracoat SL lately (SL= self lubricating) and liked the performance so I shot the stripped carrier with Duracoat SL #79 Magpul FDE to keep my color scheme going.
I had some parts in the parts box already, the BCM medium latch charging handle, the MBUIS set and all my internals (I keep about 5 complete LPK's and a few extra BCG's, charging handles etc. on hand). I decided I wanted to go with a really long handguard for this build since I eventually have plans to suppress it. I figured the brand new Troy TRX 15" in FDE would be perfect for this. I haven't gotten a muzzle device yet, there are not a lot of choices in 9/16X24RH. I'm on a list for a beta test for a new device that should be ready soon so I'll update when I get it, until then it will wear a thread protector. I originally ordered a Noveske KX3 for it since I love it on my SBR 5.56 but it just added to much weight to the muzzle so I returned it.
I went with Troy for the lo-pro gas block, gas tube, sling & other small stuff just to keep my ordering simple. I already had the Leupold CQ-T from a trade and it was waiting a home. I'll probably end up going with a 1-4 or 1-6 at some point since I want a bit more precision than CQB with this but it will work for now. I've been wanting to try out a Magpul UBR for a while so I figured the extra weight and rigid construction would be welcome on the Grendel. I worked over the stock trigger pretty good, it's breaking at 3.7# on my Timney scale. I'll eventually switch it out, probably for an Alexander Arms trigger. I picked up 5 C-Products mags (4-25rd & 1-5rd) since they are much cheaper than the Alexander mags and just ordered some ammo on Monday. Hopefully it will be in tonight's UPS and I can shoot it this weekend. I got the 5rd mag to be legal to hunt with. I've heard the Grendel does some nasty stuff to pig hogs.
I'll report on the actual shooting as soon as I can but until then here are some pics:
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/nvssurf/Grendel%20and%20the%20Desert%20Bull/IMGP2178.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/nvssurf/Grendel%20and%20the%20Desert%20Bull/IMGP2177.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/nvssurf/Grendel%20and%20the%20Desert%20Bull/IMGP2179.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/nvssurf/Grendel%20and%20the%20Desert%20Bull/IMGP2180.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/nvssurf/Grendel%20and%20the%20Desert%20Bull/IMGP2181.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/nvssurf/Grendel%20and%20the%20Desert%20Bull/IMGP2182.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/nvssurf/Grendel%20and%20the%20Desert%20Bull/IMGP2183.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/nvssurf/Grendel%20and%20the%20Desert%20Bull/IMGP2184.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/nvssurf/Grendel%20and%20the%20Desert%20Bull/IMGP2185.jpg)
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At this rate, I'll be putting my request for an upper just like that for my POF lower....
How is the Alexander Arms stuff. I've heard good things. Is there another upper that you would recommend?
I like Larue, or Bravo Co.
Beautiful pics....
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At this rate, I'll be putting my request for an upper just like that for my POF lower....
How is the Alexander Arms stuff. I've heard good things. Is there another upper that you would recommend?
I like Larue, or Bravo Co.
Beautiful pics....
I really like LaRue and their stealth upper and almost went that route. I'm also a big fan of VLTOR uppers, that's what Bravo Co. uses as well. I wanted to stay with a billet upper and Rainer Arms had the NP3 coated POF for I think $189 so I decided to go all POF. Alexander Arms does nice stuff. They're pretty innovative since they're the ones that came up with the 6.5 Grendel & 50 Beowulf. I really think they make the best trigger for the money. I think it's still under $150 and I can't tell the difference from any of my Geiselle's, even the $300 version. My next build is in the works, I've got a matched Noveske upper & lower and a 7.5" diplomat barrel. I sent my form 1 off about 5 weeks ago so as soon as it's back I'll be adding a LaRue 7" rail and some parts from the parts bin for a new 7.5" Diplomat SBR. I'm planning on ordering the Noveske back pack: http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imcart/display.cgi?item_id=backpack&cat=151&page=1&search=&since=&status= (http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imcart/display.cgi?item_id=backpack&cat=151&page=1&search=&since=&status=) so I can tote it around pretty much wherever I go.
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Very nice!
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basfu92, thank you for your posts. Not only are your builds great porn, but your technical knowledge of products and features overwhelms me.
I also get a feeling that you would make a good teacher.....which brings me to the thought I had when reading this thread...
What I had in mind was a "Group Build Thread" .
Where anyone interested would be able to follow each installment and, if possible, keep everyone at the same point in the build.
We could have a target amount to spend on each month's parts purchase and if we needed something that would go over that amount, it would take more than one month for the acquisition.
Not sure what that amount should be, but it would need to be low enough for most who want to be involved to be able to budget for it.
I know we have many knowledgeable members on this topic (me not being one of them), so each month could start with a discussion of options and sources for that months parts purchases. Also, some folks, especially me, would need some guidance on finding assembly instructions. They might be able to be provided by other members here, or a reference to an online source.
I don't know enough to know how much variation a build can take and still be covered in one thread.
For instance, could the same thread cover a gas impingement build and a piston build in the same thread?
Or could a Grendel build and a 6.8 SPC build be handled?
I can envision where each months activity might be it's own thread do to the large number of comments that might follow everyone progress reports.
Also, I don't know if bafsu92 would want to commit the time it would take to "honcho" this project...or if anyone would..or if there is other interest in a group project other than mine.
Any other one have thoughts on this?
Thanks...
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bafsu92,
Not sure, but i think the Ruger Mini-14 flash hider is 9/16 x 24 RH thread if you like that style. I do know that it is 9/16 x ? but can't remember for sure what it is. It is differant than the Ruger SR 556 and the SR 22.
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Between bafsu, and m25, I took a gulp and built one HELLUVA an AR,... and I was never really a big AR fan..I am now. I know several other members with intimate custom builds, and knowledge to hopefully share with those of us who have gone to the AR Darkside, and enjoy it.
My next build, (after reading how much they want for a LWRC REPR) is to build an AR-10 style rifle, 24" bull barrel, and have a lot more "thump" downrange.
After some prelim. research, the AR-10 is the same, just uses the F350 parts, instead of the F150.... ::)
Once again, the members and this forum, are a true asset to us all.
Thank you.
tw
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Holy crap! - that's "gun porn" at it's finest! = beautiful rifle and a great build report, Thanks Bafsu.
MP
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basfu92, thank you for your posts. Not only are your builds great porn, but your technical knowledge of products and features overwhelms me.
I also get a feeling that you would make a good teacher.....which brings me to the thought I had when reading this thread...
What I had in mind was a "Group Build Thread" .
Where anyone interested would be able to follow each installment and, if possible, keep everyone at the same point in the build.
We could have a target amount to spend on each month's parts purchase and if we needed something that would go over that amount, it would take more than one month for the acquisition.
Not sure what that amount should be, but it would need to be low enough for most who want to be involved to be able to budget for it.
I know we have many knowledgeable members on this topic (me not being one of them), so each month could start with a discussion of options and sources for that months parts purchases. Also, some folks, especially me, would need some guidance on finding assembly instructions. They might be able to be provided by other members here, or a reference to an online source.
I don't know enough to know how much variation a build can take and still be covered in one thread.
For instance, could the same thread cover a gas impingement build and a piston build in the same thread?
Or could a Grendel build and a 6.8 SPC build be handled?
I can envision where each months activity might be it's own thread do to the large number of comments that might follow everyone progress reports.
Also, I don't know if bafsu92 would want to commit the time it would take to "honcho" this project...or if anyone would..or if there is other interest in a group project other than mine.
Any other one have thoughts on this?
Thanks...
I think this sounds like a great idea. There are some good build videos on youtube but also some bad ones. It's a lot like everything else you build, the more tools and better tools you have the easier it is. The thing is it's not that hard to do it without a ton of tools either. On this build I purposely installed the barrel and handguard without using a vice. It was a bit more difficult but not really that hard to manage. I wouldn't mind running video for a build an putting it up on youtube myself. This way if anybody has difficulties along the way they could watch the video of where we were in the project. It wouldn't be hard to be flexible to caliber or other differences so everyone could build exactly what they wanted. There are some definite differences in how say a different brand of handguard is installed but most all of them come with pretty good written and illustrated instructions so it wouldn't be hard to walk through as a group. Even building a piston as opposed to a DI wouldn't be that tough if you were using a kit like the Adams Arms setup since it doesn't install a whole lot different than a DI system.
Maybe we should start a thread to gauge interest on how many builders we would have and then see what type of rifle everyone wants to build and go from there. It's possible if we get enough interest we might be able to get a group buy discount for parts. I'd even be up for doing a group budget build to see how reasonably we can build a decent rifle. This may get more builders involved and I'm all for the more the merrier. Even those of us that have some higher end rifles already can always use a budget gun for the truck or to take a friend to the range and get someone else hooked on AR's. I'd be interested in doing a budget M4 style with the option of running a piston kit. This way we could let people in with the most minimal of budgets but still do something a little nicer if we wanted. I'm open to just about any configuration. If I decide I don't need or like it at the end I could always trade it for something else. I'd like to check with a couple receiver companies, if we have enough interest maybe we could get someone to laser engrave all the receivers with the DRTV logo and a limited serial number. I know Anvil used to offer that for 6 or more lowers before they went under.
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bafsu92,
Not sure, but i think the Ruger Mini-14 flash hider is 9/16 x 24 RH thread if you like that style. I do know that it is 9/16 x ? but can't remember for sure what it is. It is differant than the Ruger SR 556 and the SR 22.
Thanks, I'll look into that if my beta test comp doesn't come soon. I'm supposed to get one of the comps from the first run that King Armory does: http://www.kingarmory.com/My_Homepage_Files/Page2.html (http://www.kingarmory.com/My_Homepage_Files/Page2.html)
They've got them scheduled in their CNC runs so it's just a matter of when they come up. All they can tell me right now is Summer.
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Very nice! 8)
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bafsu,
That gun gives me very serious wood! Bill T.
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Very nice build! I love POF