This is my gun

I decided to order a few more parts for the Ultimate AR-15 build today. I logged on the Rainier Arms website and found a Stag Lefty upper combo (upper receiver, bolt, carrier, and charging handle), and a WOA 18″ Stainless steel match grade barrel with mid gas location. I know, I said I was going to get a 16″, but for reasons that I can’t explain, at the last minute, I decided to go with the 18″.

Previous Running Total – $768
+ Stag Lefty Upper Combo – $350
+ WOA 18″ SS Match Grade Bbl – $285

New Running Total – $1403

Items left to purchase:

• Daniel Defense 12″ Lite Rail
• LaRue Tactical Low Profile Gas Block
• Mid Length Gas Tube
• Troy Folding Battle Sight (Front & Rear)

Damn this thing is getting expensive. It looks like it’s going to be tipping over $2k before I even add the optics. I just pray the wife doesn’t read this…..

-Thomas

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

Way back in Jnauary of 2007 I was wading through the volumes of information at AR15.com when I came across a thread in the WA Hometown Forum for a group buy on Mega Machine Shop ARFCOM Team WA special edition AR-15 lowers, with Rainier Arms handling the FFL transfers. I simply couldn’t pass up on the chance to own this custom limited run lower. So I plopped down my $150 and waited patiently for my lower to arrive. About two months later, my local FFL, Axel Raven Company, called to let me know it was ready to pick up.

For those of you that are not familiar with Mega Machine Shop, they primarily make aircraft parts for Boeing. In the downtime between runs of aircraft parts, they make AR-15 lowers. Among those who build their own AR-15’s Mega lowers are held in very high regard. My lower was no exception. With the new lower in hand, now comes the great debate. What exactly do I want to build. No SBR’s in WA, so that’s out. I could do a pistol, but I didn’t have it transferred as a pistol lower, so that’s out for now. Finally after much deliberation, I had a general game plan. I’ve decided to go all out and build my dream AR. However, being a independent contractor tends to make descretionary funds a little unpredictable, so my lower sat on the shelf for a little over a year before I could start buying parts for it. Here’s the parts list I’ve compiled:

• Mega lower (as pictured above)
• Stag left-handed upper
• RRA lower parts kit (for now)
• NORGON ambi magazine catch
• Stag ambi safety selector
• Magpul MIAD grip
• Magpul UBR stock
• WOA 16" stainless match grade BBL with ambi extension & mid length gas
• PWS FSC556 muzzle brake/flass suppressor
• Daniel Defense 10" lite rail
• Troy BUIS (Back Up Iron Sights)
• Larue low profile gas block

The one thing that I still haven’t decided on is the optics. As you can see, that list of parts is gonna cost a pretty penny. Luckily I’ve just received my "economic stimulus" check, and in my opinion, the only proper way to spend that money is on firearms. Needless to say, I can’t wait to start building this EBR. I will keep you updated with the progress. -Thomas