24″ AR15 Precision Target Rifle
I just created a page on what went in to building this rifle from 2008-2009 along with thoughts and opinions of how the rifle would be built in 2013. Visit the project page here.
As always questions and comments of a civil nature are welcomed and encouraged.
It’s taken a few months but these two pistol caliber 9mm and .45acp AR15 rifles are nearing completion. The 9mm AR15 shown directly below is was built from a CMMG factory dedicated 9mm upper, PWA lower, Magpul Foliage Green Furniture, Colt 9mm Magazine, Geissele Trigger, Hahn Precision 9mm Conversion Block , KNS Anti Rotation Pins, Colt H2 Buffer, Armalite M15 Buffer Spring, YHM QD Flash Hider for a YHM 9mm Wraith Silencer. Not shown is the Silencer and a Magpul Foliage Green MBUS 2 Rear Sight.
For more specific details and pictures of this build view the project page here.
9mm AR15
The .45acp AR15 directly below shares a some similarities to the 9mm AR15 above in that it too uses nearly identical Magpul furniture. The difference being Flat Dark Earth (FDE). The lower is an old Olympic Arms “Stop Sign” Lower Receiver matched with a new Olympic Arms dedicated .45acp Upper Receiver. This project also utilizes a Geissele Trigger and a YHM QD Flash Hider for a YHM .45acp Wraith Silencer. Notable differences are Battle Arms Development FDE Ambi Safety, Heavy Buffers .45 Buffer
For more specific details and pictures of this build view the project page here.
.45acp AR15
SENDRA PREBAN AR15 LOWER
On my behalf a friend recently acquired a Sendra preban stripped AR15 lower. Not much information available on the Sendra hardware other than comments of the anodizing appearing to be purple. True to the comments mine started off purple. My friend who also happens to work in the industry and is an AR15 guy himself would not ship the Sendra as it sat. In a very generous gesture my friend decided to dress up the Sendra.
SENDRA PREBAN AR15 LOWER
First off he had the stripped lower coated in GunKote matte black. He then installed a Geissele G2S Trigger, BAD ASS CASS, KNS Anti Rotation Pins, Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard, Magpul MOE+ Grip, Milspec Buffer Tube, H Buffer, Noveske End Plate and a VLTOR IMOD.
This lowered turned out so well I have not yet decided what project to apply it to. Once I have the lower in hand I will post quality images.
.45 AR15 Project
My home state has an ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN. In order to have a collapsible stock and a silencer I need to utilize an AR15 LOWER RECEIVER that is not banned by name and was manufactured before the ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN was implemented. I was lucky to track down a brand new PREBAN OLYMPIC ARMS LOWER RECEIVER manufactured in 1992.
There are not many manufacturers offering .45acp AR15 rifles and parts. Olympic Arms was the clear and easy choice.
GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA TRIGGER
The GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA TRIGGER has the reputation as the finest non adjustable combat trigger for the AR15 and M4 platforms. The is a TWO STAGE TRIGGER with a combined pull weight of 4.5#. Those seeking a lighter pull can purchase the “ENHANCED” version the GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA-E TRIGGER.
The Geissele Super Semi-Automatic (SSA®) trigger is a semi-automatic-only version of Geissele Automatics’s Super Select-Fire trigger. The SSA is a non-adjustable combat trigger that performs like a match-grade two-stage trigger and allows precise and accurate trigger control. It is recommended for demanding applications such as Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) rifles, Law Enforcement use, and Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and mid-range carbine work.
Someone at Brownells did a superb job of describing the trigger and it’s functionality.
Super Semi-Automatic (SSA) 2-stage combat trigger has a fixed 4½ lb. total pull weight, non-adjustable sear engagement, and additional safety features ideal for CQB and mid-range carbine work. A secondary “safety sear” captures the hammer if the primary sear accidentally releases due to hard impact, ensuring the rifle can fire only when the shooter actually pulls the trigger. Trigger pull is optimized for both deliberate, aimed fire and quick, “snap shooting.” The first stage builds gradually to 2½ lbs., with a 2 lb. second stage that breaks clean, so the shooter can stay on target throughout the pull. A lightweight hammer driven by a full-power hammer spring speeds locktime and delivers positive ignition of all ammo types. All contact surfaces are wire-EDM cut to exact dimensions for precise engagement free of play. Direct replacement for factory trigger; may be installed without removing the safety. Operation and parts layout is similar to the USGI M16 trigger for easy maintenance. All springs are captive to simplify field disassembly for cleaning. Hammer and trigger pins are a close slip-fit in nominal .154″ (small pin) mil-spec receiver holes to enable installation with basic tools. Super Semi-Automatic-Enhanced (SSA-E) offers an even lighter, 3½ lb. total pull weight, making it an excellent choice for precision Squad Designated Marksman type rifles where both accuracy and reliability are critical. First stage builds gradually to 2.3 lbs., followed by a 1.2 lb. second stage with a crisp, “candy cane-like” break. A semi-auto-only version of the Geissele full-auto combat trigger presently used in the U.S. Special Operations community.
Download the GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA SALES Flyer GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA SALES FLYER
Download the GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA AR15 TRIGGER Installation Instructions GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The Battle Arms Development Combat Ambidextrous Safety Selector or BAD C.A.S.S is perfection with regards to an ambi safety for the weapon platform. It’s rare that the design and function of a product leave little or no room for improvement. For me the BAD C.A.S.S is as good as it gets.
Battle Arms Development Combat Ambidextrous Safety Selector BAD C.A.S.S
MAGPUL MOE+ Grip
The MAGPUL MOE+ Grip has become my “Go To” pistol grip in recent months. The MAGPUL MOE+ Grip combines reinforced polymer body construction with comfortable, wrap-around rubber overmolding for maximum weapon control in adverse environments. With a similar shape to a ‘medium’ sized MAGPUL MIAD, this AR15/M16 drop-in design features a hard-polymer bottom edge to reduce the possibility of equipment snags or grip damage. The MAGPUL MOE+ Grip accepts optional storage cores for gear stowage and includes a basic grip cap.
MAGPUL MOE HANDGUARD FLAT DARK EARTH
The MAGPUL MOE HANDGUARD is what I select when form and function meet economics. Given that the .45acp AR15 wont benefit much from a FREE FLOAT HANDGUARD why spend the money? The MAGPUL MOE HANDGUARD is light weight, ergonomic and looks great. It is a great alternative to the A2 handguard. The MAGPUL MOE HANDGUARD also accepts MAGPUL MOE PICATINNEY RAILS for those who wish to mount aftermarket accessories such as tactical lights and lasers.
HEAVY BUFFERS .45ACP BUFFER
The .45acp cartridge can punish an AR15 lower due to its blowback design. The best way to address this is to tame the recoil system with a .45acp buffer from Slash at HEAVY BUFFERS. To give you an idea at the mass difference between the .45acp heavy buffer and a standard carbine buffer look at the image below.
.45acp Heavy Buffer Compared to a Carbine Buffer
For now I will stick with the AR15 CHARGING HANDLE that OLYMPIC ARMS included with my .45acp UPPER RECEIVER
KNS Hammer and Trigger Pin 2nd Generation Non Rotating AR-15 Small Pin .154″ Stainless Steel
The .45acp AR15 is of blowback design and is said to be tough on lower receivers without proper precautions. One of the areas that needs attention is the hammer and trigger pins. The inclusion of the KNS GEN 2 ANTI-ROTATION HAMMER and TRIGGER PINS is an absolute must for this project.
MAGPUL CTR FDE
the MAGPUL CTR is a perfect fit for this project. The MAGPUL CTR is comfortable, well made and priced well at around $75. I chose the FLAT DARK EARTH FDE version to color match the our other furniture choices.
ARMALITE AR15 BOLT CATCH
ARMALITE AR15 LOWER PARTS KIT
I have to prefer the ARMALITE LOWER PARTS KITS above all others for a few reasons. First off they are available in several configurations including without a trigger or with many quality triggers. Beyond the choices I like the bolt catch as it is a little different from others and I like that the surface is deeply grooved. Lastly the parts and pins seem to fit better and are more consistent. Roll pins install “Just Right” and with no surprises.
Armalite had stock of the MILSPEC STOCK EXTENSION TUBE when I ordered the LOWER PARTS KIT. I have also come to trust ARMALITE parts over some others out there.
OLYMPIC ARMS .45acp 18 ROUND MAGAZINE
The OLYMPIC ARMS .45acp 18 ROUND MAGAZINE is the only option for my chosen UPPER RECEIVER.
AIMPOINT PRO PATROL RIFLE OPTIC
I have been anxious to get my hands on the AIMPOINT PRO PATROL RIFLE OPTIC since it was announced earlier this year.
Here is the product information:
The Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) was designed with the input of current and former professionals to create the most dynamic Red Dot sight available. Featuring band-pass lens coating, the PRO is compatible with every generation of night vision devices and provides a crystal clear 1x image for quick target acquisition in close quarter situations. The modular QRP2 mount securely attaches to standard picatinny rails and includes a removable spacer that provides optimal height for co-witness with iron sights on carbine style weapons. Additionally, the QRP2 incorporates a torque limiting knob to completely eliminate over tightening. You won’t need to worry about turning the battery on and off with the PRO. The 3-year battery life allows you to turn the unit on out of the box and leave it on for an always ready sight. Other features include a see through ocular lens cap and standard objective flip-up lens cap that are both recessed to prevent impact damage, a rugged 30mm tube, threaded objective bell for use of ARD (Anti-Reflective Device), 4 Night vision settings and 6 daylight settings, battery and adjustment cap retainers to prevent them from being lost in the field.
Unique features for Patrol Rifle Optic
• Always ready – always on. Turn it on for up to 3 years using one single battery. No need to fumble with switches prior to use.
• 2 minute of angle red dot for accurate target engagement at all distances.
• In service date and battery change date reminders makes inventory tracking and maintenance easy.
• Enhanced speed on target and increased first shot hit probability when compared to iron sights and magnified scopes.
• Compatible with all generations of night vision devices and may be used with Aimpoint 3X Magnifier and Concealed Engagement unit.
• Hard anodized aluminum alloy housing. Rugged enough for real world conditions and waterproof to 150 feet.
• Threaded front lens opening allows use of screw-in anti-reflection device (ARD).
• Front and rear flip covers keep lenses clean.
• Transparent rear flip cover allows use of the sight (with both eyes open) even with both covers closed in an emergency.
• Battery and adjustment cap retainer straps means you will never lose your pieces.
• Modular mount set up for use on flat-top AR15, M4 Carbine and M16 rifles.
• Removable spacer. Remove for use on shotguns and sub-guns.
• QRP2 rail grabber mount. Snap knob three times for a perfect mount. Will not deform your rail like many other mounts.
• Recessed lens openings helps prevent against impact damage, fingerprints and scratches.
TROY BATTLESIGHT FDE SSIG-GBF-0MFT-01
TROY INDUSTRIES FLIP UP BATTLESIGHT REAR TRITIUM FDE SSIG-FBS-RTFT-0
YHM-9923-24 45 QD FLASH HIDER
Due in part to the fact that there are not a lot of choices in silencers for SMG’s which use the same calibers as this AR15 project I decided to go with YHM Wraith Silencers. The YHM Wraiths seem most readily available. This selection requires I utilize the YHM QD Flash Hider for this project
Not many readily available options for SMG SILENCERS/SOUND SUPPRESSORS. It only took 6 months for YHM to get the .45 Wraith in the hands of my class III dealer. April – May of 2013 should put the suppressor in my possession.
Visit Brownells AR15 Builder
24″ AR15 Precision Target Rifle
This was a project conceived shortly after the 2008 Presidential Election. This rifle was not built for a specific purpose but instead based on parts availability over 18 months. In the months leading up to and for two years after the election all things AR15 were very difficult to obtain. The general approach was to get parts on order from several sources and run with whatever was delivered and work around it. In the end I was happy with the result, so much so that around the same time I built a DPMS LR-308 to similar specifications.
It’s also important to note I live in a state with an “ASSAULT WEAPON BAN” This also helped shape this project.
E.R. Shaw Stainless Extra Heavy Varmint Bull Barrel 1:8 Twist 24″ Fluted
E.R SHAW is know for making quality accurate AR15 BARRELS at very competitive prices. My E.R. Shaw Stainless Extra Heavy Varmint Bull Barrel 1:8 Twist 24″ Fluted is no exception. The machining and finish are flawless. The bore and chamber look great. In fact this is a great looking barrel in every way. This particular barrel arrived with the GAS BLOCK installed.
CMMG AR15 MOD4SA LOWER RECEIVER – STRIPPED
I was fortunate to log in to Brownells one day and noticed they had received a lot of STRIPPED LOWER RECEIVERS. I promptly ordered two CMMG AR15 MOD4SA LOWER RECEIVERS. Some purists frown on CMMG products. I have found the CMMG RECEIVERS to be first rate in fit and finish. I like the logo too.
CMMG MOD4SA Receiver Set
See the previous paragraph.
Young Manufacturing AR-15 National Match Bolt Carrier Chrome Complete
The YOUNG MANUFACTURING AR15 NATIONAL MATCH CHROME BOLT CARRIER GROUP is simply the best BOLT CARRIER GROUP you can purchase for the AR15 platform. I like the chrome option as they are super slick and easy to clean. Though I am not a fan of the visible chrome. YOUNG also offers non NATIONAL MATCH as well as phosphate BOLT CARRIER GROUPS. You can go wrong with any model.
JARD AR15 ADJUSTABLE SINGLE STAGE TRIGGER
Like most parts in this build triggers were very difficult to come my. I was lucky enough to have a forum member at 308AR.com that had a connection with JARD TRIGGERS and he set up a group by. The JARD trigger is actually pretty nice and at the right price point for a lot of folks. There is one downside though. The JARD TRIGGERS are a little tougher to install than many of the other triggers available. If I was to do it again today I would spend a little bit more and go with the CMC AR15 TACTICAL TRIGGER. It costs a little more but it’s modular design allows it to be installed frustration free in minutes versus an hour or two with the JARD.
CMC AR15 Tactical Trigger
Alternatively if you have deeper pockets the PACT AMERICAN TRIGGER ATC AR GOLD and GEISSELE triggers kill all others. They are the BEST AR15 TRIGGERS period. The TIMNEY is good as well and similar to the CMC but way more expensive. It’s prices with the previously mentioned ATC AR GOLD and GEISSELE. Both are superior to the TIMNEY TRIGGER.
JP VTAC Free Float Modular Handguard JPHG-1M
This was the first project where I utilized the JP ENTERPRISES VTAC MODULAR FREE FLOAT TUBE HANDGUARD. Today with everything in shooting being “Tactical” and a majority of HANDGUARDS featuring QUADRAILS the JP VTAC is a breath of fresh air.
Watch the video below to learn just what makes the JP VTAC so awesome.
Unfortunately I do not seem to have taken any pictures so click on the image at the top of this page to see the full size preview of the AR15 with the JP Enterprises VTAC Modular Free Float Tube Handguard AR-15 Aluminum Black or click the highlighted link above and view the VTAC at Brownells.
MAGPUL PRS Stock
What would a rifle of this nature be without the MAGPUL PRS STOCK?
Falcon Industries ERGO Tactical Deluxe Sure Grip Pistol Grip AR-15
There is just something about the Falcon Industries ERGO Tactical Deluxe Sure Grip Pistol Grip AR-15 that just suits my hands very well on big AR15′s.
BATTLE ARMS DEVELOPMENT AMBIDEXTROUS SAFETY SELECTOR BAD A.S.S
The AR15 LOWER PARTS KIT was a huge pain. None were available. I was forced to go to the Bushmaster website and order every single part individually. It was tedious and expensive. At the time I also ordered the Bushmaster AMBIDEXTROUS SAFETY. Since building this rifle a new company BATTLE ARMS DEVELOPMENT has released their BAD A.S.S and BAD C.A.S.S AMBIDEXTROUS SAFETIES for the AR15, M4 and 308 AR rifles. These safeties are the best and no need to look any further.
The MECHARMOR TACOPS-1 was designed to be robust and allow for easier access to the charging handle when a large scope is utilized.
BCM Gunfighter Mecharmor TacOps-1 Milspec Charging Handle
When I originally built this rifle I was using a LEUPOLD 8.5-25x ILLUMINATED RETICLE SCOPE and it was awesome but way overkill for a target rifle like this given my use. When Nikon released their M-223 line of RIFLE SCOPES I promptly ordered a NIKON M-223 3-12×42 and did not look back. In my opinion the M-223 line is a brilliant move by Nikon. The scopes are good quality at a price most can afford. They also satisfy the tactical crowd with the exposed adjustment turrets. Some would call them Tacticool,
BOBRO Precision Optic Mount – Scope Mount
For years there has only been one QD SCOPE MOUNT for me and that was the LARUE LRT series. Well that was until a friend introduced to the BOBRO line of SCOPE MOUNTS. The BOBRO is nothing short of brilliant. The QD mechanism does not distort the picatinney rail, in fact it lock in a way that is absolutely repeatable with perfection. Then there is the locking mechanism that locks the QD lever. Lastly there are no visible screws on the scope rings.
Now here is the other thing. Bobro is very busy manufacturing these mounts and shipping them to the military. This means they can be difficult to locate. I’m going to tell you a secret though. Trijicon private labels the Bobro under the “Accupoint” line of scopes and accessories. The Trijicon labeled variant is often readily available.
Customize Your AR15
COLT SPORTER TACTICAL AR15 UPGRADE
Some visitors to this page might recognize this project from the COLT SPORTER TACTICAL UPGRADE PROJECT that first appeared at AR15TACTICAL.NET. As this site is the progression away from the original site it is only fitting that I place the updated project here.
You might wonder why would I change anything from the original project? There are two answers are pretty simple. The first being I entered the world of Class III firearms and had a trust created and have begun adding silencers to my collection. The second reason is age. In the past 7 months my vision has taken a hit and I am now forced to re-examine my choices for sights and optics.
Colt Match HBAR Sporter
I originally purchased the Colt Match HBAR Sporter in the early 1990′s for a little over $650. A few years later my home state imposed an Assault Weapon Ban in advance of the federal version. The AWB limited what could be done to an AR15 to improve performance and handling. Not that there were many options at the time. Over the years my Colt Sporter performed flawlessly in it’s stock form. Then in 2008 a friend was in the market for an AR15 and I decided to do a bit of research. Up until this time I had not really used the internet for information on firearms. Sure I bought stuff all the time from the catalog houses like Brownells but I hadnt really “Got into it”. To that end I was surprised to learn that I could in fact modify my Colt Sporter because it was considered “Preban” and it was a “Registered Assault Rifle”. This was a game changer. I could completely modernize this classic Colt Sporter.
My Colt Sporter being old school is not a “Black Rifle” in fact it’s a grayish blue anodizing. Because of this color matching issue it was a given that the stripped upper would be sent out for refinishing. I did not put much thought in to my stripped upper receiver selection. Basically I selected whatever stripped upper had the highest rating and was in stock at Brownells.
WHITE OAK ARMAMENT 16 STAINLESS STEEL MATCH GRADE BARREL
Ipsum
LaRue Tactical AR15 13.2 Handguard LT15-13.2
This choice took me quite a while to decide upon. I finally narrowed it down to a Daniel Defense M4 12.0 Rail and LaRue Tactical AR15 13.2 Handguard LT15-13.2 finally deciding to run with the Larue. There were a few reasons I settled on the Larue unit. The main reason I believe was my good friend Rob at Ranier Arms planted a subliminal message that covering up as much barrel as possible would be most appealing to the eye. Naturally Rob was correct. I had no intent on utilizing a front sight gas block so the 13.2″ length covers the Daniel Defense Low Profile Gas Block nicely. The LT15-13.2 also has a very comfortable profile. The LT15-13.2 is taller than it is wide.
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum
ipsum