The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Building America's Rifle => Topic started by: Magoo541 on October 18, 2015, 08:42:56 PM
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I've been away for a while, former employer's filter restricted access and not much screen time at home until recently. To make up for my absence, I know you missed me ;D, here is my current build:
Tegra Arms had a flash sale on their carbon fiber lowers for $35/each. So I asked the wife if I could spend $100 on a lower (or three). Shipped to my FFL and a $18 transfer fee I was pretty happy.
My grandson oogling my lower
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/3a4f29f5-a73b-4a40-b0d4-2308704d7dca_zpsttvnnydj.png) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/3a4f29f5-a73b-4a40-b0d4-2308704d7dca_zpsttvnnydj.png.html)
First round of parts courtesy of Joe Bob Outfitters:
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/8DB0C04D-337B-4CA8-B5D9-9FF0FD6ADB73_zpsljgd8ox9.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/8DB0C04D-337B-4CA8-B5D9-9FF0FD6ADB73_zpsljgd8ox9.jpg.html)
When it came to uppers I really like Aero Precision's approach
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/F1AC67AA-0E00-418F-AF6D-A2FDF28EC696_zpslz99vmqt.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/F1AC67AA-0E00-418F-AF6D-A2FDF28EC696_zpslz99vmqt.jpg.html)
This is what it looked at this point with the A2 grip
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/D08AB287-6A08-4544-9063-EB0013B869BF_zpssdgq0dvb.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/D08AB287-6A08-4544-9063-EB0013B869BF_zpssdgq0dvb.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/18041CC2-16A8-432F-8127-ECCC86379BCA_zpspqvmgfy5.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/18041CC2-16A8-432F-8127-ECCC86379BCA_zpspqvmgfy5.jpg.html)
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The most recent additions are the appropriate Aero Precision M-lok 12" Handguard and B5 systems grip:
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/EE667060-1F3C-442D-8A2D-68AF76817471_zpsjapfmsfc.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/EE667060-1F3C-442D-8A2D-68AF76817471_zpsjapfmsfc.jpg.html)
And of course I couldn't help but make a Ti brake that matched my tatoo
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/E9246A81-4663-4A9D-BF0B-51F7CAAFD4E4_zpsdjsjcni4.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/E9246A81-4663-4A9D-BF0B-51F7CAAFD4E4_zpsdjsjcni4.jpg.html)
Then my division was closed and I am looking for a job. While I would love to take the $$ to finish this build with an Odin Ultra-lite 16" barrel and adjustable gas block, charging handle and a Sons of Liberty BCG the wise wife is helping me out. The MRO from Trijicon would look great on this too, don't you think? ;D
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Lookin' good, Magoo. I'm especially fond of the longer fore-ends.
A lot of sights, most all of them in fact, would look good atop that. In another thread, MB mentioned the three sights he'd recommend that weren't terribly expensive.
Consider a red dot. I really like the products from Lucid (not a sponsor). Their products that I have handled are excellent and very reasonably prices. I have an HD-7 on my Tavor.
<snip>
MTAC from Burris (a sponsor, BTW)…I have 2, and they are some of the finest scopes I've worked with. Their 1-4x is one of my workhorses, and the 1.5-6X will be on my 3-gun JP/Ruger this season.
Not a sponsor, but good friends, Leupold's Mark AR MOD 1.5-4X illuminated is an incredible value scope.
I, too, have a build awaiting a barrel. Nothing as neat as yours. Mine is meant to be used for tactical competition. No serious-gamer stuff, but just a basic tactical.
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Thanks Alf. This is my first build and my version of a Constant Carry Carbine. Light, reliable and accurate are the goals with reliability number one. It will probably wear Magpul MBUS sights before anything else but Vortex's new 1-6 @ $350 may be worth the extra weight.
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After the title the first thing I saw was the baby.
My first thought was "Gee, he's kind of old to be a new Daddy" ;D
Nice looking rifle, good luck with the job hunt.
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The job hunt is rather aggravating. Imagine a Machinist with a Business Degree trying to find a job. I'm either over-qualified (their words), under-qualified or I don't have any experience working in this one-of-a-kind business/process/product. I was even told and I quote "you spoke to much and may have exhibited too much confidence". ::) Standing 6'2" at 260 lbs I may intimidate those of smaller stature and tiny endowments, but that's not my problem :-\
I also find myself interviewing them as much as they interview me. Its like playing stump the chump at times. Ever ask a potential employer where they see their company in 5/10/20 years? ;D
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Most will be at their peak in 5 and gone in 10 :(
Try the gun companies if there are any near you.
Truth, that no one wants to talk about is that if you are over 50 no one wants you.
Before Obamacare it was a known fact, the insurance cost increases from Obamacare just make it worse.
Older people with experience want more money for their knowledge and have less time left in the workforce as well as having, or getting closer to medical issues that will interfere with work schedules.
Experience isn't seen as an advantage either, most employers don't give a damn if you do it the "right" way, they want you to do it THEIR way.
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What Tom just said. Been there. Done that.
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As I said on the other post I accepted an offer for a Project Manager position. When I talked to the COO they are looking for an agent of change as they move from a parts supplier to a product manufacturer in adddition to the normal job duties for this position. Being the new guy I can help guide that change and if it fails I get the blame. I don't have a problem with that, it's a win for everyone if we change and everyone gets the credit or another job change if it doesn't work for me ;D
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Over the Thanksgiving weekend I weighed the as-built rifle and I'm right at 3 lbs. Just lacking a barrel (Odin's Ultralite is 1.6 lbs) a BCG (about 10 ounces for a standard BCG) puts me at 5.2 lbs without an optic. IF I were to go with the MRO from Trijicon I'd be at 5.5 lbs with an optic ;D
But if you take in to account how light my wallet would be, it would be carrying me 8)
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Looking good. Hang in there. Took me awhile to find decent barrel at a decent price. But then I wasn't going for super lite, just basic without breaking the bank.
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Ordered an Odin Ultra-Lite Barrel, Adjustable Gas block and gas tube on Saturday.
I also ordered a BCG from Sons Of Liberty along with a stock Charging Handle.
This should put the overall weight without sights around 5 lbs ;)
Now the hard part, waiting................
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My last build is 7.5#. Wasn't really trying for light weight, but I think that's good weight w/ optic.
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(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/Mobile%20Uploads/3328ACB0-5A79-420A-A362-34F81E9523E5_zpsc7npn88y.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/Mobile%20Uploads/3328ACB0-5A79-420A-A362-34F81E9523E5_zpsc7npn88y.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/Mobile%20Uploads/569F6B79-06C8-48B5-9A33-543A0448DACC_zpsbt7tmajz.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/Mobile%20Uploads/569F6B79-06C8-48B5-9A33-543A0448DACC_zpsbt7tmajz.jpg.html)
The last item should be here tomorrow, the gas tube. ;D
5.5 lbs as it sits for just over $1K:
Tegra Arms Carbon Fiber Lower
Aero Precision M4E1 Upper with 12" M-Lok Handguard
Odin Works 16" Ultra-lite barrel
Odin Works Adjustable Gas block
Sons Of Liberty BCG
JP LPK
Geissele ACT Trigger
Spikes Tactical Buffer Tube & H2 Buffer
Mission First Tactical Battle Link Stock.
B5 P-Grip
And I made the muzzle brake out of some 3/4"Ø Titanium I found lying around somewhere ;D
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It looks good. What kind of muzzle brake/flash hider is that?
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It looks good. What kind of muzzle brake/flash hider is that?
Bryan Special.
Which means I found a drop of Titanium lying around and whittled on it until I had what I thought looked good. I'll find out how it shoots this weekend, I'm guessing LOUD! ;)
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We'll both, weather permitting, take our new builds out this weekend.
Looks good.
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I recieved the last part, gas tube, and installed it last night. All that is left to do is steal a scope of Dad's rifle and hope the rings will mount up to my rail. I have a mandatory 3-day weekend both this weekend, 1/9-1/11, and next weekend, 1/16-1/18. Lots of time to reload, shoot and repeat if I can get the wife to leave me alone ;D
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Made it out to the range today (mandatory day off):
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/Mobile%20Uploads/C2F93FF9-72F1-4222-BC32-23536D9E56EA_zps9jfzrgku.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/Mobile%20Uploads/C2F93FF9-72F1-4222-BC32-23536D9E56EA_zps9jfzrgku.jpg.html)
After I broke in the barrel I got a nice group at a 100 yards with Barnes Match 69g over 25.4g of 4064:
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/Mobile%20Uploads/B83BB426-5A58-43C6-960A-04ADB17E0123_zpsswmtyzgs.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/Mobile%20Uploads/B83BB426-5A58-43C6-960A-04ADB17E0123_zpsswmtyzgs.jpg.html)
2 rounds
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Excellent.
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Holosun Red Dot should be here today. At 3.6 ounces and $165 it fits the theme of this build, light & cost effective. ;D
I'll post pictures when I get it mounted.
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Holosun Red Dot should be here today.
Which model? The HS403A? Does it have the auto wake feature? Interested in how that works and in battery life.
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Yes Alf, it's a 403A. Constant on with an advertised life of 50,000 hours or was it 5,000? I got it Friday:
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/A6FFC223-5FB7-4503-9937-D4FDE3CA0596_zpsonnhlok2.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/A6FFC223-5FB7-4503-9937-D4FDE3CA0596_zpsonnhlok2.jpg.html)
Un-boxed it:
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/17B526C5-4546-441D-9C98-BBA616C7AFB3_zpsndup9ota.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/17B526C5-4546-441D-9C98-BBA616C7AFB3_zpsndup9ota.jpg.html)
Mounted it:
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/1A90B864-ECF9-4C14-85E1-070CB762D487_zpsfk04kw5j.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/1A90B864-ECF9-4C14-85E1-070CB762D487_zpsfk04kw5j.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y445/Magoo541/1F0C7893-2C03-4A22-8271-F342210DC794_zpsyfzzd6nl.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/Magoo541/media/1F0C7893-2C03-4A22-8271-F342210DC794_zpsyfzzd6nl.jpg.html)
Took the wife out to the range with me on Saturday and sighted it in. I usually will eyeball an optic but I figured I'd mess with it if it wasn't on paper at 50 yards. It was. 6" low and 6" left. Had it sighted in after about 10 rounds. Reached out to 100 yards and started putting hits on a 6" plate. Even shot it on edge, 1/4" a couple of times when it twisted. ;D
Rifle with optic is just over 5.7lbs for right around $1200.