This is my gun

The good folks at Primary Weapon Systems were running a special on their Quickcomp FSC556. I couldnt pass up the opportunity to pick up one to add to the parts Im collecting for my ultimate AR-15 build.

If you haven’t heard of the FSC556, it’s a combination compensator / flash suppressor.  It’s based on the PWS DNTC compensator with the addition of a flash suppressor in the front.  It does not do a great job as a flash supressor, but it does a fantastic job as a compensator.  The flash supression is just enough to keep the flash out of the optics. Make sure you check out the video’s on the Quickcomp FSC556 product page. Previous Ultimate AR-15 Build running total $656 + FSC556 Comp $112 New Running total $768 -Thomas

I sat down today and slapped the lower receiver together. The most important thing to remember when putting together an AR-15 lower receiver is to keep your workspace clear and organized, and take your time. I won’t get into the nitty-gritty details of assembling the lower as there is a great thread at ar15.com that covers just about everything you need to know.

I’ve gotta tell you, the quality of the Magpul UBR is fantastic. It is not what I would call lightweight, but it is build like a brick shithouse. The lockup at any position is absolutely rock solid. No wobble, no rattle. It provides a superb and consistant cheek weld at any length. It has alot of adjustment. It has two quick realese sling attachment points, and one standard sling loop. The open space you see in the stock can also be used as storage space by installing the covers included with the stock (not pictured).

In the picture above, you can see the norgon ambi catch (just below the bolt release). It is a well built, fantastic little device. It is installed exactly the same way as a standard mag release. It provides mag release control for left handed shooters without effecting the right handed control. It is very easy to use, although a little stiffer than the standard mag release button on the other side. As for the Magpul MIAD grip, I wouldn’t own an AR-15 without one. With it’s replaceable frontstraps and backstraps, it can be set up for almost any shooter. As you can see from the pictures, I use the largest backstrap. This is necessary for me because of my big hands. It’s not so much a problem of grip size, it’s a problem of trigger reach. With a standard AR-15 gip, the trigger rests between the first and second joint of my index finger, so I cannot maintain a proper grip and still use the pad of my trigger finger. The Magpul MIAD grip eliminates this problem completely. As for the front strap, I have not decided if I like the flat frontstrap, or the one you see in the picture above. The KNS Gen 2 non-rotating trigger and hammer pin kit is extremely well made. It fit the receiver perfectly. Some people argue that they are completely unnecessary unless you are shooting full auto. I’m all about reliability and longevity. So anything that I can add to the rifle that will add to either is a good thing. The only down side I can see is if your fire control group takes a crap, instead of just using an unfired round to push the trigger and hammer pins out, you have to have the proper allen wrench handy to remove them. Well, time to get back to work… -Thomas

It’s time to put some of that Economic stimulus check to good use. Earlier today, while I was running errands, I got notification from Bravo Company USA that they have limited quantities of the Magpul UBR in stock. Luckily I had my trusty iPhone handy, and was able to place the order right when I got the notification. I also grabbed a carbine buffer and spring. When I checked back 15 minutes later, they were all sold out. After I got home, I went ahead and blew the rest of the stimulus check at PK Firearms. I picked up a RRA lower parts kit, KNS non-rotating trigger/hammer pins, Norgon Ambi Mag Catch, Magpul MIAD grip and an Ambi safety switch.

That pretty much takes care of the lower receiver of the whole stimulus check, so I’ll have to wait for a while to get the upper receiver parts.

Here’s where I stand so far on cost:

• Lower Receiver – $150
• Lower Parts Kit – $70
• KNS Trigger Pins – $32
• Norgon Ambi Catch – $89
• Ambi Safety – $30
• Magpul MIAD Grip – $34
• Magpul UBR Stock -$251

Running Total – $656

Things left to buy:

• Upper Receiver
• Bolt and Bolt Carrier
• Barrel
• Flash suppressor
• Quad Rail Hand Guard
• Back Up Iron Sights
• Low profile gas block
• Gas tube

-Thomas