Amputee Marksman
NES Member
I completed my first AR build in July. Subsequently I have shot the rifle a fair amount and made some observations and upgrades. As food for thought to those in the middle of a build or planning a build I'm going to list the mistakes and updates I made afterwards. In no particular order:
1. I used a barrel with an integrated muzzle device. 14.5" Faxon with 3 port muzzle brake. I did this so I wouldn't have to deal with pinning and welding a muzzle device during the initial Covid lock down. While not totally displeased with the muzzle brake I would definitely change it out if I could. I don't believe I saved any money using an integrated device and I lost the flexibility of swapping it out. I would recommend against using an integrated muzzle device.
2. Safety. I installed the safety that came in my lower parts kit. It was your basic standard safety. I soon realized I wanted an ambi safety and installed one. Don't just install any ambi either. Look for one that is slightly shorter on your trigger finger side. Battle Arms, Radian, Badger Ordnance are few examples of these. Consider installing an ambi safety from the start.
3. Bolt Release. Once again I installed the standard bolt release that came in the parts kit. This was probably my biggest regret. Install an extended bolt release from the start. I would NOT recommend to install one that bolts/screws on the standard bolt release such as the Magpul BAD Lever. They are not solid, have lots of play and generally inferior. Instead install the Phase 5 Tactical Extended Bolt Release V3. This is a complete replacement and they work great.
4. If you are in a non-free state like me, Mass, then you might need a fixed stock or pinned stock. Be careful of installing shorter carbine length fixed stock. I am 6'1" with long arms and the Magpul fixed Carbine stock was too short. Instead install an adjustable stock and then pin it to the correct length. Also you can add the PRS Extended Butt Plate to the Magpul stocks and it will give you an additional 3/4" on the pull length.
5. Install a buffer tube qd sling mount. Just do it from the start and you will be good to go. It is a pain in the butt to tear down later and put one on so as Nike says, "Just Do It". If you're going to do any tactical training and classes you'll probably want a solid one point mount setup at some point in time.
1. I used a barrel with an integrated muzzle device. 14.5" Faxon with 3 port muzzle brake. I did this so I wouldn't have to deal with pinning and welding a muzzle device during the initial Covid lock down. While not totally displeased with the muzzle brake I would definitely change it out if I could. I don't believe I saved any money using an integrated device and I lost the flexibility of swapping it out. I would recommend against using an integrated muzzle device.
2. Safety. I installed the safety that came in my lower parts kit. It was your basic standard safety. I soon realized I wanted an ambi safety and installed one. Don't just install any ambi either. Look for one that is slightly shorter on your trigger finger side. Battle Arms, Radian, Badger Ordnance are few examples of these. Consider installing an ambi safety from the start.
3. Bolt Release. Once again I installed the standard bolt release that came in the parts kit. This was probably my biggest regret. Install an extended bolt release from the start. I would NOT recommend to install one that bolts/screws on the standard bolt release such as the Magpul BAD Lever. They are not solid, have lots of play and generally inferior. Instead install the Phase 5 Tactical Extended Bolt Release V3. This is a complete replacement and they work great.
4. If you are in a non-free state like me, Mass, then you might need a fixed stock or pinned stock. Be careful of installing shorter carbine length fixed stock. I am 6'1" with long arms and the Magpul fixed Carbine stock was too short. Instead install an adjustable stock and then pin it to the correct length. Also you can add the PRS Extended Butt Plate to the Magpul stocks and it will give you an additional 3/4" on the pull length.
5. Install a buffer tube qd sling mount. Just do it from the start and you will be good to go. It is a pain in the butt to tear down later and put one on so as Nike says, "Just Do It". If you're going to do any tactical training and classes you'll probably want a solid one point mount setup at some point in time.
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