First AR Build. Help wanted.

[MahtewsSB]

Okay guys like the title says I'm looking to get my first AR and plan on building it. Planning to use:
Rock river lower
Rock river upper
Magpul prs stock
Ergo grip
Lance carbon fiber handguard
20 practical
1:11 twist Krieger 20-24" (length tbd)

So, where I need help, I will admit I don't know much about an AR. I do know that I will need my chamber cut because I want a reamer to allow for optimized OAL. Do you have to set headspace on an AR? Does anyone know of a good gunsmith that isn't on the other side of the county (i live in IL) that will do AR barrel clambering and install?

 

[Fast14riot]

If buying a barrel with the extension installed, it will be finish reamed already. I have a 24" barrel on my 20P AR. The headspace should be double checked (standard .223 gauge) and you can swap bolts if need be to get headspace correct. Headspace is fixed by the barrel extension shoulder. I would also recommend lapping the upper to make sure it's square.

The PRS stock is nice, but is also heavy, so depending on what profile you get, your balance may be a little off. I use a Luth-AR MBA1 with the MBA3 3-way butt plate assembly on mine, much lighter (and less expensive). Sounds like your build is going to be similar to mine actually...

Top one is my .20P 24" 1:10 BHW

 

[MahtewsSB]

If buying a barrel with the extension installed, it will be finish reamed already. I have a 24" barrel on my 20P AR. The headspace should be double checked (standard .223 gauge) and you can swap bolts if need be to get headspace correct. Headspace is fixed by the barrel extension shoulder. I would also recommend lapping the upper to make sure it's square.

The PRS stock is nice, but is also heavy, so depending on what profile you get, your balance may be a little off. I use a Luth-AR MBA1 with the MBA3 3-way butt plate assembly on mine, much lighter (and less expensive). Sounds like your build is going to be similar to mine actually...

Top one is my .20P 24" 1:10 BHW

That is essentially the exact look I'm going for. What handguard is that? Barrel? Hope you don't mind me asking questions about your gun lol

 

[Fast14riot]

No worries, guard is AP Customs 15" tactical on the .20, UL version on the other lower (no full length top rail). Barrel is 24" SPR profile from Black Hole Weaponry.

 

[MahtewsSB]

No worries, guard is AP Customs 15" tactical on the .20, UL version on the other lower (no full length top rail). Barrel is 24" SPR profile from Black Hole Weaponry.

Did you assemble the upper yourself? By that I mean install the barrel to it? Where did you get it chambered?

 

[Fast14riot]

Yes, I build all my AR rifles. Barrels are typically sold as completed, BHW has a reamer for .20 Practical. Basically, slide it in and put the barrel nut on and torque to 35-45ft/lbs. Not like a Savage, the barrels have a shoulder that mates against the upper, so headspace is already set.

 

[MahtewsSB]

Yes, I build all my AR rifles. Barrels are typically sold as completed, BHW has a reamer for .20 Practical. Basically, slide it in and put the barrel nut on and torque to 35-45ft/lbs. Not like a Savage, the barrels have a shoulder that mates against the upper, so headspace is already set.

I was planning to use a Krieger barrel but this might be the way to go. How does it shoot?

 

[civil82]

White Oak Precision is in IL. John Hollinger is well respected in the AR arena.

https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/

 

[Fast14riot]

This barrel shoots really well if I do my part. It is button rifled though, 3 groove polygonal rifling.

 

[Fast14riot]

John Scandale is another great AR Smith as well, Keystoneaccuracy.com

 

[MahtewsSB]

This barrel shoots really well if I do my part. It is button rifled though, 3 groove polygonal rifling.

Would you recommend this barrel company? Not sure how I feel about the rifling technique

 

[Fast14riot]

They are high quality barrels for what they are. Button vs cut is a constant debate though. I do rate these as excellent quality for what they are. I know lots of people who use them on many different builds. Give them a call, they're good people to deal with. They might even offer to chamber and profile a krieger blank, but I don't know if they offer that service or not. They're a smaller shop with fast turn around time.

 

[Fast14riot]

Here's a shot of my whole rifle which is very similar to what you listed. This is a different upper, but still 24" and the rest is the same...

 

[MahtewsSB]

They are high quality barrels for what they are. Button vs cut is a constant debate though. I do rate these as excellent quality for what they are. I know lots of people who use them on many different builds. Give them a call, they're good people to deal with. They might even offer to chamber and profile a krieger blank, but I don't know if they offer that service or not. They're a smaller shop with fast turn around time.

I'll shoot them an email thanks for the help. And sweet rig too

 

[yotehater]

No worries, guard is AP Customs 15" tactical on the .20, UL version on the other lower (no full length top rail). Barrel is 24" SPR profile from Black Hole Weaponry.

+1 on the AP Custom carbon fiber handguard. They are super lightweight and use a standard barrel nut. No messy glue to deal with and easy to remove for maintenance.

 

[Rpbump]

You only have to worry about freebore if you intend to single load with a Bob-sled. If you intend to use a magazine you are limited to shooting rounds that will feed from the magazine. You Tube has videos AR-15 assemblyy/disassembly.

Rpbump

 

[Fast14riot]

In my zero free bore chamber, Hornady 32gr Vmax touches the lands at 2.262. Metal magazines will usually allow up to 2.270 or so COAL, Pmags a little less, usually around 2.260 and less. I load the 32vmax at 2.250 usually for a slight jump of ~.010"


-Alexander

 

[Liven The Dream]

White Oak and don't look back.............
Krieger would also install the barrel

 

[JFM33]

Another vote for John H or John S,I have barrels from both and consider there work among the best.It might be hard to get a hold of them with Camp Perry happening this time of the year?

John

 

[Fast14riot]

Yeah, I know both are at Camp Perry right now. I have a barrel from WOA that shoots great. But both are equal as far as quality goes. Keystone might be a tiny bit more money sometimes, but he usually doesn't have the lead time White Oak does either. But, I'm also very pleased with my BHW barrel and know someone who won gold in a senior games with a BHW barrel too.