Latest AR Project

Meia Gisborn SG

Here are a couple of images of my latest AR build:

Okay, technically it's a clone of an M4. This one is truly a mutt, as it was built with parts from no less than five different AR component manufacturers. I decided to put this together when I realized I already had most of the parts lying around from previous AR builds; the only new parts needed were the bolt and bolt carrier.

I shot it for the first time this evening. It didn't fall apart, so I'm happy! Mr. Green

[email protected] SG

ooo... *drools*

can i borrow it? i need to start culling the population of a certain species somewhere to bring the average intelligence level up.

bladez87 SG

where you get the parts?!?!
i want to make one too! haha how much you spent on it?

SMAPLionHeart SG

real or fake gun? Surprised

Meia Gisborn SG

bladez87,

I usually get the parts for my AR15 builds from local gunshows and the large number of established mail-order vendors who post and advertise on the Equipment Exchange forum of AR15.com.

I'd estimate there are about US$850 worth of parts in that M4 clone. However, it is completely possible to build a bare-bones basic AR15/M4 clone for just a little over US$500.

Meia Gisborn SG

It's actually just a figment of your imagination...

Just kidding! Mr. Green It's real.

LazerLordz SG

Real. MG ain't in SG la.

LazerLordz SG

Man, I think I'm already earmarked myself one of these to build if I ever settle down there. Twisted Evil

Meia Gisborn SG

AR enthusiasts here have often maintained that the initials stand for Addictive Rifle.

And addictive it is. The beauty of the AR weapon system is its modularity. The lower receiver is the only part that the BATFE considers to be the firearm; the buyer has to go through the same series of background checks required for a pistol purchase.

However, with the lower receiver in hand, one can proceed to build as simple or complex an AR clone as one desires, with the limiting factor (usually) being your financial wherewithal.

And it's usually difficult to stop at just one AR! Mr. Green

LazerLordz SG

It's the best template for a DIY rifle right! Very Happy

Is it possible to build the H&K417 or something like that with parts off the shelf? Confused

Meia Gisborn SG

If memory serves, not too long ago there was a vendor on the EE forum of AR15.com offering a complete piston-operated upper assembly that could be attached to a regular AR lower assembly. However, it was extremely expensive and there weren't a whole lot of takers.

LazerLordz SG

How much was that? Confused

Meia Gisborn SG

I found the site of the company that sells the piston uppers:

POF-USA

If you click the top-left link, it takes you to their price list. Pretty outlandish prices, if you ask me. Shocked

LazerLordz SG

*hits the deck*.

That's out of this world.. Rolling Eyes

Well, you could get a stock M4 or XM177 for US$950 on the open market?

I forgot the cost of a stock AR-15 upper receiver..used to do costing for that in the Army..but seems like I've given it all back Embarassed Laughing

tvdog SG

First of all, when you say AR, do you mean Armalite or Assault Rifle?

I've always be very amazed at how well-loved the AR-15 platform is by Americans. (Of course, I love it, too. I have handled some other weapons like Steyr and MP-5 but the ergonomics aren't as good.) You guys have made everything from AR-15-based pistols to AR-15 based belt-fed GPMGs. Mostly useless and more in the category of because-I-can projects. Smile

For civilian use, the original M-16 gas system is probably good enough(?). Sure, it starts clogging up after a few dozen live rounds but a well-maintained civilian rifle should still be able to keep shooting with little danger of IA.

Unless you're with some militia training seven days in the bush in preparation for armageddon, I don't think you'd be looking at firing a 100 rounds a day. Would you?

For military use, the piston option will be fantastic. Taiwan has already out into service (and also exported to Jordan) their own version of a piston-driven M-16 the T-91. Looks really neat.

Since Americans love the AR-15 system so much, I really can't understand why the US army continues to waste time and money to R&D other systems like caseless, XM-8, etc. The answer is obvious: the next US Army weapon should still be a AR-15-based weapon, probably piston-driven. US Army don't like bullpups anyway and I feel that as far as conventional assault rifles go, the AR-15 can't be beat.

LazerLordz SG

The H&K 416 is aiming to replace the OICW project..seems like it’s the better way to go.

palmerised SG

sweet. does the rear iron sight at the back flip down so you have a clear view of the red dot sight? nice build anyway! Mr. Green

alexkusu SG

wah..looks nice.

I shud go 2 my local gunstore n try to pinch one too Mr. Green

Meia Gisborn SG

Oh, easily! And if you're willing to build one instead of buying it complete, you can make yourself a very nice M4 clone at that price.

Complete firearms sold retail are subject to the federal excise tax (FET) which bumps up the final price somewhat. Building one piecemeal not only avoids that tax, but allows you to completely customize the final product to your specific requirements.

More importantly (for me, at least) is the fact that you have total control over the quality of the build. All too often, I've come across factory-built AR and M4 clones that have glaring quality issues, like tilted front sight bases that require the windage adjustment on the rear sight to be maxed out to compensate (Bushmaster), incorrectly staked gas key screws atop bolt carriers (Olympic Arms), inconsistently applied finishes that cause the upper and lower receivers to be of noticeably different colours and/or textures (ArmaLite), extremely gritty triggers (Colt), etc.

Meia Gisborn SG

Thanks!

Yes, the BUIS (back-up iron sight) can be flipped down to afford a clear view through the red-dot sight. However, I currently have it set up so that, when raised, the BUIS only occupies the lower quarter of the red-dot sight's field of view, and can be used to aim the rifle in event of a failure of the red-dot sight.