My AR SBR Build-in-Progress

[esrice]

Lower is built!

Thanks again to shooter521 for taking time out of his morning to guide me through it. This is the first lower I've ever built, and was surprised at how easy it was. Mark's knowledge and task-specific tools made it even easier.

Parts used were:

• Spike's Tactical lower receiver w/pictogram
• Spike's Tactical lower parts kit
• Spike's Tactical billet trigger guard
• Spike's Tactical Battle Trigger
• KNS GenII anti-rotation pins
• Spike's Tactical ambi safety
• Magpul BAD Lever
• Magpul MOE grip
• Noveske QD endplate (staked x 2)
• Spike's Tactical milspec buffer tube
• Spike's Tactical milspec buffer spring
• Spike's Tatical ST-T2 buffer
• Magpul CTR w/enhanced buttpad

Everything was in-spec and went together easily. A nice thing about the Spike's LPK is that they included a few extra detents and springs, just in case we sent one flying across the room (we didn't ). PMAGs drop freely. The take-down pins were somewhat tight on a test upper, so they'll need a few reps to break in fully.

I'm really diggin' Spike's version of a trigger guard. Normally I prefer the Magpul version because I find it a nice balance of form and function. The Spike's billet trigger guard has very similar lines, but is a bit beefier, has a few extra angles cut into it, and sports the spider logo. I like it because its different enough without being wild and crazy, like several others currently on the market.

Of course, I made sure to snap some pics along the way.

Next and final step: Complete my Form 1 and start the long wait for my government permission slip.

 

[shooter521]

Evan:

Nice lower!

Something I forgot to mention - you will likely have to use Mr. Dremel to carve a slight relief in the face of the buttstock, so it can collapse fully without hitting the sling swivel when it's installed in the endplate. Assuming, of course, that the stock needs to be collapsed all the way to fit in your discreet case, and that you'll want to do so with the sling attached to the gun.

 

[E5RANGER375]

Evan:

Nice lower!

Something I forgot to mention - you will likely have to use Mr. Dremel to carve a slight relief in the face of the buttstock, so it can collapse fully without hitting the sling swivel when it's installed in the endplate. Assuming, of course, that the stock needs to be collapsed all the way to fit in your discreet case, and that you'll want to do so with the sling attached to the gun.

since its staked how will he install this? is he just gonna use a mount that tightens over the buffer tube? honest question.

im also looking for an easy way to do this without replacing parts due to the staking and installing a single point sling mount. everytime I have done it its a real PAIN, because i have to dremmel it. Thanks!

 

[DownByTheTracks]

Nice!! I'm waiting to get my permission slip signed by the Sheriff...

 

[jd4320t]

since its staked how will he install this? is he just gonna use a mount that tightens over the buffer tube? honest question.

im also looking for an easy way to do this without replacing parts due to the staking and installing a single point sling mount. everytime I have done it its a real PAIN, because i have to dremmel it. Thanks!

He has the Noveske QD end plate like me

 

[esrice]

since its staked how will he install this? is he just gonna use a mount that tightens over the buffer tube? honest question.

In my case, we already installed the Noveske QD endplate (see pics). What shooter is referring to is that once I lock a sling swivel into the hole, my buttstock won't be able to collapse fully without hitting the release button. It's not a current concern of mine, but that could change depending on how I plan to store it once its complete.

im also looking for an easy way to do this without replacing parts due to the staking and installing a single point sling mount. everytime I have done it its a real PAIN, because i have to dremmel it. Thanks!

I've used a Tango Down PR-4 before with excellent results. Its simple to install in minutes right over a commercial or milspec buffer tube. Downside is that its pricey (~$70).

TangoDown PR-4 Ambi QD Sling Mount

Here is mine with my UERT sling.
http://i45.tinypic.com/35d53qa.jpg

Daniel Defense and Midwest Industries make their own versions that are slightly cheaper, but they lack the rear-facing slot.

https://danieldefense.com/mounts-1/sling/ez-carbine-qd-swivel-attachment-point.html

Midwest Industries: End Plate Sling Adapters

 

[E5RANGER375]

that plate is bad ass! i missed the pic of it. thanks for the explanation guys!! nice build esrice!!

 

[Jtgarner]

I just got that same end plate and put it on my gun tonight. I am thinking I am going to Stake it, but I am unsure of the best way to do it... How did you do yours esrice? Punch?

 

[esrice]

How did you do yours esrice? Punch?

shooter521 did the deed, and he used a small pointed punch. Perhaps he'll chime in with the overall technique.

 

[KDUBCR250]

Great looking build ! Don't care for the rail but I'm sure it serve the OP's needs just fine.

 

[esrice]

Great looking build ! Don't care for the rail but I'm sure it serve the OP's needs just fine.

Don't lie, you LOVE that rail!

Our SBR builds are actually quite similar-- especially the lower halves.

 

[KDUBCR250]

You got me ! Ill more than likely use that rail on my next build. Glad my wife doesn't read this forum

 

[esrice]

Glad my wife doesn't read this forum

Same here!

 

[esrice]

Ok so I got a chance today to test the new lower. I was down at lovemywoods' and borrowed his Colt 14.5" upper with Trijicon Accupoint scope in LaRue mount.

I decided to shoot from the porch at some Bobcat Steel targets about 65 yards away.

The sky was quickly turning dark and I could hear thunder rumbling in the distance. We had just enough time to run 40 rounds. The first 20 were shot from prone at steel, while the final 20 were shot offhand indiscriminately into the lake.

Thanks to the magic of LaRue's QD mounts, I was able to quickly remove the Accupoint and bipod and replace them with my Aimpoint H1 in between takes. The time difference between videos is only about 2 minutes, but you can see how quickly the storm rolled in. You'll have to forgive my tactical flip-flops.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCMIl96EYcI[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbBheGazyYc[/ame]

The Battle Trigger from Spike's Tactical is very interesting-- unlike any other trigger I've shot before (I haven't shot THAT many, all single-stage milspec types). Its overall pull is fairly heavy, but there is very little take-up before it breaks. Its almost like clicking a Bic pen. Its a very sharp feeling, and not springy or spongy at all. In the video you can hear the very positive *click* when it resets. I look forward to getting more time with it.

I've never run an ambi safety before, and it will take some getting used to. Having the selector under my trigger finger during the string of fire wasn't uncomfortable, but I knew it was there. It does help when going back to safe, as you can use both your thumb and finger. My muscle memory will just need to adjust a bit.

I'll be getting another chance to run my upper coming up on Memorial Day. I'll be sure to post up more pictures and video when that happens.

 

[esrice]

For anyone interested, AIM Surplus now has the Daniel Defense version of my upper on sale for just $799.

Daniel Defense MK18 .223/5.56 AR NFA Upper Receiver

 

[advan031]

Evan,

So now you have 2 black rifles? How are you liking your Battle Comp? I want to get one but it's out of stock everywhere...lol

 

[GarandMD]

For anyone interested, AIM Surplus now has the Daniel Defense version of my upper on sale for just $799.

Daniel Defense MK18 .223/5.56 AR NFA Upper Receiver

That looks like a good deal but is that barrel shorter than yours? It looks like a HALO would be a tight fit.

 

[shooter521]

That looks like a good deal but is that barrel shorter than yours? It looks like a HALO would be a tight fit.

Good eye. The DD barrel is 10.3" (per the mil specs for the MK18), while esrice's Noveske barrel is 10.5".

 

[theweakerbrother]

Do you think a HALO would fit even with it being 10.3"?

 

[revsaxon]

Do you think a HALO would fit even with it being 10.3"?

It might be challenging to put on, but it should fit...