5.56 AR Upper - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

jeepman775 · 03-21-2012, 05:37 PM

A bit of a cross post from the New Frontier lower thread. Would rather post this here than derail that thread.

I wasn't expecting to build an AR for awhile but 99 bucks for a complete lower it too sweet to ignore. So I haven't had the time I expected to research. Now I have a lower coming next week and want an upper for my lower to put its pin in.

I want a dirt cheap 5.56 (NATO, yes?) upper. It's gonna be a beat to shit truck gun and light beater for dragging around predator hunting. It's my first AR and I want to build a cheap-o gun and see if I want to spend the money and build a real nice one.

Goals:

1) I want it to go bang
2) I want it to be able to hit inside of a coyote critical hit chest region at a hundred.
3) Dust guard looked at a sportical?? Upper and didn't like the lack of dust cover and no ability to add one. Also doesn't have forward assist. Doesn't have forward assist nor the ability to add I either. Also what is forward assist?
4) el cheapo build. Just want to see if I like how it shoots enough to build a nice one. I expect some problems with it. If not bonus! If it has some issues should be a learning exp to correct them.
5) To build a gun that is different to shoot. I am a bolt action guy. Some bird hunting and got a fég AK for 150 in new condition. So I bought it. Would like something I can fuck with and tweak.
6) Preferably light weight profile barrel.
7) 1in9 twist probly?
8)16" Barrel

So. 5.56 beater uppers where do I get 'em? Used pre beaten? Current good deals? Anything I should know about the pc/new frontier composite lowers I should know about, other than they break? Any cheap-o lower I should avoid even though my standards for this "build" match my standard for the wimmins?

44Runner · 03-21-2012, 05:43 PM

http://www.jsesurplus.com/custom223.aspx

jeepman775 · 03-21-2012, 05:45 PM

Saweet.

fj40john · 03-21-2012, 08:27 PM

1) I want it to go bang.
Despite what many would have you believe (not here fortunately), just about all the cheapies will do this.
2) I want it to be able to hit inside of a coyote critical hit chest region at a hundred.
Shouldn't be a problem with any of them if you do your part. That is what...3-4MOA?
3) Dust guard looked at a sportical?? Upper and didn't like the lack of dust cover and no ability to add one. Also doesn't have forward assist. Doesn't have forward assist nor the ability to add I either. Also what is forward assist?
You talking about the S&W sport? Good upper for the money. You don't "need" a dust cover or a FA. Forward assist allows you to force the bolt to close if it doesn't fully close.

On the off chance you decide you want those features later, buy a stripper upper and swap your other stuff (barrel, etc) over.
4) el cheapo build. Just want to see if I like how it shoots enough to build a nice one. I expect some problems with it. If not bonus! If it has some issues should be a learning exp to correct them.
Great philosophy, especially if you have never built/shot one.
5) To build a gun that is different to shoot. I am a bolt action guy. Some bird hunting and got a fég AK for 150 in new condition. So I bought it. Would like something I can fuck with and tweak.
You can buy every single small part for an AR from just about anywhere, so tweak until you are happy!
6) Preferably light weight profile barrel.
Easy enough to do. Most folks make a LW barrel profile, or you can have it turned down later.
7) 1in9 twist probly?
Base your twist on what you plan to shoot. 1:9 should do pretty well for most of the midrange loads.
8)16" Barrel
Sky's the limit.

Check out DelTon, JSE, Palmetto State (although I've been hearing about super slow delivery lately).

The S&W sport is a great choice for a starter gun. Cheap and quality.

aloharover · 03-22-2012, 08:37 AM

John gave solid advise.

For question #7, what is a typical coyote load in 556? Would you ever be going over say a 65gr bullet? If not 1:9 will do just fine.

Texas97 · 03-22-2012, 08:55 AM

listen to John. He hit the head on the nail.

f0cker · 03-22-2012, 09:08 AM

I've got a 16" RRA mid length upper with a YHM rail & BUIS that I got from Pete about 4 or 5 years ago that I'm about to put on the market, it was spray painted at one time but has been mostly cleaned back up at this point. It's got a RRA BCG and CH, PM me if you're interested in getting it before it goes for sale. It's had about 1500 rds through it without a hick up. $350

ETA- it's got the FSB, a Phantom flash hider, and 1/9 twist. IIRC it's a mid weight profile but I haven't dug it out lately to verify.

InDaRed2 · 03-22-2012, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aloharover

John gave solid advise.

For question #7, what is a typical coyote load in 556? Would you ever be going over say a 65gr bullet? If not 1:9 will do just fine.

I shoot 55gr .223 out of mine and the 1:7 does fine. Hard to find a polymer tip 5.56...

That being said I am happy with my BCM upper.

jeepman775 · 03-22-2012, 10:38 AM

Excellent info guys. Thanks. Will be looking into it. Focker I will try to pm ya in a bit. Busy.

southern k5 · 03-22-2012, 10:41 AM

Check out Palmetto State Armory also, they make some nice stuff at a good price.

MT4Runner · 03-22-2012, 10:48 AM

I'd recommend a lightweight/midweight barrel if that's what you want.
You can get a heavier profile turned down, but you said you wanted cheapo. Start with what you want.

I'd consider 18" barrel and leave off the flash hider/brake. Everything else being equal, a bit more length should give you a bit less bullet spread, a bit higher velocities, and a bit more accurate for hitting smaller varmints, while still not being stupid long for a truck gun.

16" is easily meter-of-coyote, though.

Hell, my 11" barrel upper is still meter-of-coyote.

jeepman775 · 03-22-2012, 10:49 AM

What is the difference weight wise on the mid weight vs light weight profile? I am probly going to shoot fiddy-five grain.

Toyoland66 · 03-22-2012, 10:54 AM

About 4 oz.

MT4Runner · 03-22-2012, 12:20 PM

Lightweight is a lot easier to shoot offhand.

I have a bull barrel 24" AR and I never shoot it offhand.

jeepman775 · 03-22-2012, 12:31 PM

What about a el cheapo optic for this thing? Removable rings that hold zero?

dwilliams35 · 03-22-2012, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepman775

3) Dust guard looked at a sportical?? Upper and didn't like the lack of dust cover and no ability to add one. Also doesn't have forward assist. Doesn't have forward assist nor the ability to add I either. Also what is forward assist?

You can also get an "Oracle": same basic level as a Sportical, but has the A3 upper with all the stuff you want on it..

atblis · 03-22-2012, 08:49 PM

For a cheap optic.

I've been meaning to order one of these for a while.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_...pe_p/pac3x.htm

tjsjr · 03-23-2012, 02:01 AM

I was looking at one of these to go with my frontier lower plus a primary arms micro for a super cheap build and hopefully somewhat light.
$250, plus bcg and charger
http://www.dsarms.com/DSA-ZM4-Forged...M4CBUMIDNONFL/
Wish it was light weight but for 4oz, meh!

jeepman775 · 03-23-2012, 12:03 PM

I contemplated doing a barreled upper but I kind of want to just pin it together and shoot the fuck out of it.

03-21-2012, 05:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
jeepman775 Granite Guru Join Date: Dec 2006 Member # 83862 Posts: 879	5.56 AR Upper A bit of a cross post from the New Frontier lower thread. Would rather post this here than derail that thread. I wasn't expecting to build an AR for awhile but 99 bucks for a complete lower it too sweet to ignore. So I haven't had the time I expected to research. Now I have a lower coming next week and want an upper for my lower to put its pin in. I want a dirt cheap 5.56 (NATO, yes?) upper. It's gonna be a beat to shit truck gun and light beater for dragging around predator hunting. It's my first AR and I want to build a cheap-o gun and see if I want to spend the money and build a real nice one. Goals: 1) I want it to go bang 2) I want it to be able to hit inside of a coyote critical hit chest region at a hundred. 3) Dust guard looked at a sportical?? Upper and didn't like the lack of dust cover and no ability to add one. Also doesn't have forward assist. Doesn't have forward assist nor the ability to add I either. Also what is forward assist? 4) el cheapo build. Just want to see if I like how it shoots enough to build a nice one. I expect some problems with it. If not bonus! If it has some issues should be a learning exp to correct them. 5) To build a gun that is different to shoot. I am a bolt action guy. Some bird hunting and got a fég AK for 150 in new condition. So I bought it. Would like something I can fuck with and tweak. 6) Preferably light weight profile barrel. 7) 1in9 twist probly? 8)16" Barrel So. 5.56 beater uppers where do I get 'em? Used pre beaten? Current good deals? Anything I should know about the pc/new frontier composite lowers I should know about, other than they break? Any cheap-o lower I should avoid even though my standards for this "build" match my standard for the wimmins? Last edited by jeepman775; 03-21-2012 at 05:50 PM.

03-21-2012, 05:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
44Runner Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Member # 9095 Location: Mount Pleasant, SC Posts: 2,867	http://www.jsesurplus.com/custom223.aspx __________________ Buggy in progress - 22RE on pane, A340, 4.7:1, 8" f/r, 4Ds Project Straight Pimpin' - 1989 4Runner 3.slow 5spd SAS'd 8" F&R w/4.30 255/85R16 2005 Ram 2500 4x4 CTD 6spd QC SWB

03-21-2012, 08:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
fj40john I sell guns... Join Date: Oct 2002 Member # 14560 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 2,881	1) I want it to go bang. Despite what many would have you believe (not here fortunately), just about all the cheapies will do this. 2) I want it to be able to hit inside of a coyote critical hit chest region at a hundred. Shouldn't be a problem with any of them if you do your part. That is what...3-4MOA? 3) Dust guard looked at a sportical?? Upper and didn't like the lack of dust cover and no ability to add one. Also doesn't have forward assist. Doesn't have forward assist nor the ability to add I either. Also what is forward assist? You talking about the S&W sport? Good upper for the money. You don't "need" a dust cover or a FA. Forward assist allows you to force the bolt to close if it doesn't fully close. On the off chance you decide you want those features later, buy a stripper upper and swap your other stuff (barrel, etc) over. 4) el cheapo build. Just want to see if I like how it shoots enough to build a nice one. I expect some problems with it. If not bonus! If it has some issues should be a learning exp to correct them. Great philosophy, especially if you have never built/shot one. 5) To build a gun that is different to shoot. I am a bolt action guy. Some bird hunting and got a fég AK for 150 in new condition. So I bought it. Would like something I can fuck with and tweak. You can buy every single small part for an AR from just about anywhere, so tweak until you are happy! 6) Preferably light weight profile barrel. Easy enough to do. Most folks make a LW barrel profile, or you can have it turned down later. 7) 1in9 twist probly? Base your twist on what you plan to shoot. 1:9 should do pretty well for most of the midrange loads. 8)16" Barrel Sky's the limit. Check out DelTon, JSE, Palmetto State (although I've been hearing about super slow delivery lately). The S&W sport is a great choice for a starter gun. Cheap and quality. __________________ John W. 07FFL/02SOT TXCHL Instructor john@flyingbrassarmory.com Facebook! If you are from the PBB, send me a message with your screen name so I know who you are. SEND LETTERS TO YOUR REPS TO PRESERVE YOUR 2A RIGHTS HERE! All things NFA explained here...

03-22-2012, 08:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
aloharover lets go Squatchen Join Date: Oct 2002 Member # 14561 Posts: 15,927	John gave solid advise. For question #7, what is a typical coyote load in 556? Would you ever be going over say a 65gr bullet? If not 1:9 will do just fine. __________________ Want to know how I lost 25lbs in 9 weeks? Try INSANITY®. www.beachbodycoach.com/petermhope I love it when a plan comes together Colorado Springs, CO Based FFL-07/SOT

03-22-2012, 08:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
Texas97 Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Mar 2008 Member # 111524 Location: Texas... we dont F&% around Posts: 3,282	listen to John. He hit the head on the nail. __________________ Place whitty quote from some random PBB member here CROSSFIT: Your workout is our warm-up.

03-21-2012, 05:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
jeepman775 Granite Guru Join Date: Dec 2006 Member # 83862 Posts: 879	Saweet.

03-22-2012, 09:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
f0cker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Member # 15502 Location: hello darkness my old friend Posts: 2,401	I've got a 16" RRA mid length upper with a YHM rail & BUIS that I got from Pete about 4 or 5 years ago that I'm about to put on the market, it was spray painted at one time but has been mostly cleaned back up at this point. It's got a RRA BCG and CH, PM me if you're interested in getting it before it goes for sale. It's had about 1500 rds through it without a hick up. $350 ETA- it's got the FSB, a Phantom flash hider, and 1/9 twist. IIRC it's a mid weight profile but I haven't dug it out lately to verify. Last edited by f0cker; 03-22-2012 at 09:09 AM.

03-22-2012, 10:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
jeepman775 Granite Guru Join Date: Dec 2006 Member # 83862 Posts: 879	Excellent info guys. Thanks. Will be looking into it. Focker I will try to pm ya in a bit. Busy.

03-22-2012, 10:41 AM	#10 (permalink)
southern k5 Knee Grow Brewer Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25230 Location: Georgia/Iowa Posts: 3,077	Check out Palmetto State Armory also, they make some nice stuff at a good price.

03-22-2012, 10:48 AM	#11 (permalink)
MT4Runner IDIot! Join Date: Mar 2005 Member # 44480 Location: Kalispell, MT Posts: 16,732	I'd recommend a lightweight/midweight barrel if that's what you want. You can get a heavier profile turned down, but you said you wanted cheapo. Start with what you want. I'd consider 18" barrel and leave off the flash hider/brake. Everything else being equal, a bit more length should give you a bit less bullet spread, a bit higher velocities, and a bit more accurate for hitting smaller varmints, while still not being stupid long for a truck gun. 16" is easily meter-of-coyote, though. Hell, my 11" barrel upper is still meter-of-coyote. __________________ Motive Gear Land Use Team http://www.tenfactory.com http://www.motivegear.com http://www.nationaldrivetrain.com http://www.davezoffroadperformance.com http://www.mastercraftsafety.com FToy 086 - UHaul Toterhome

03-22-2012, 10:49 AM	#12 (permalink)
jeepman775 Granite Guru Join Date: Dec 2006 Member # 83862 Posts: 879	What is the difference weight wise on the mid weight vs light weight profile? I am probly going to shoot fiddy-five grain.

03-22-2012, 10:54 AM	#13 (permalink)
Toyoland66 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Member # 35163 Location: Colorado Posts: 834	About 4 oz. __________________ 1979 FJ40

03-22-2012, 12:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
MT4Runner IDIot! Join Date: Mar 2005 Member # 44480 Location: Kalispell, MT Posts: 16,732	Lightweight is a lot easier to shoot offhand. I have a bull barrel 24" AR and I never shoot it offhand. __________________ Motive Gear Land Use Team http://www.tenfactory.com http://www.motivegear.com http://www.nationaldrivetrain.com http://www.davezoffroadperformance.com http://www.mastercraftsafety.com FToy 086 - UHaul Toterhome

03-22-2012, 12:31 PM	#15 (permalink)
jeepman775 Granite Guru Join Date: Dec 2006 Member # 83862 Posts: 879	What about a el cheapo optic for this thing? Removable rings that hold zero?

03-22-2012, 08:49 PM	#17 (permalink)
atblis Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 46937 Posts: 2,367	For a cheap optic. I've been meaning to order one of these for a while. https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_...pe_p/pac3x.htm

03-23-2012, 02:01 AM	#18 (permalink)
tjsjr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Member # 101572 Location: MID-MO Posts: 707	I was looking at one of these to go with my frontier lower plus a primary arms micro for a super cheap build and hopefully somewhat light. $250, plus bcg and charger http://www.dsarms.com/DSA-ZM4-Forged...M4CBUMIDNONFL/ Wish it was light weight but for 4oz, meh! __________________ [QUOTE=4runner] Once you start tinkering, eveery gun gets tinked.[/QUOTE]

03-23-2012, 12:03 PM	#19 (permalink)
jeepman775 Granite Guru Join Date: Dec 2006 Member # 83862 Posts: 879	I contemplated doing a barreled upper but I kind of want to just pin it together and shoot the fuck out of it.

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