Help me build a 20 practical AR

[Daddycaddie67]

I figured this might be an interesting and fun build that the group could do, call it a “team building” exercise LOL!
This will be primarily a PD rifle that I will switch uppers with a 6.5 Grendel Alexander arms lower, factory with the exception of a nice trigger and JP silent buffer.
This morning I ordered a Gibs side charging upper and a Richs’ 24” 20P, 10 twist .936 gas block. I will need to get a BCG, parts kit, pins radial brake etc.

What would the group suggest? I will post pics as parts come in and maybe range reports. E

 

[JB10]

I just got mine back yesterday from being put together, bolt action rifle. Going to load up some rounds up and try it out next sunday

 

[jepp2]

What would the group suggest?

Can't answer for the group, only what I do.

I shoot from a table as shown in the picture. I found the A2 buttstock gave me better elevation adjustment than the Magpul PRS stock it had to start with. I have shims I add or remove in the front rest box, to further adjust the elevation.

I tried a brake but for the number of rounds I fire in a day, the noise is excessive. So I added the lead weight in the butt stock cavity to increase the rifle weight so I can watch my bullet impacts with the scope on 24X.

I don't care for side charging on my PD rifle. Just something else I have to keep up with every night when I do a thorough cleaning of the upper/BCG. I prefer what I consider the best BCG and upper and I get those from Bravo Company.

I don't bother with an adjustable gas block on my 20P and 223 rifles, but do on my LR308's. I mostly try and follow the advice provided by Whitley and have one of his 20P uppers (and yes it is side charging).

What Makes an AR Accurate — Whitley Offers Answers « Daily Bulletin

In our Shooters' Forum, one member recently asked: What makes an AR accurate? What parts on an AR can really affect accuracy -- such as free-floating handguards, barrels, bolts, bolt carriers? He wanted an honest, well-informed answer, not just sales pitches.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

That is about all I can offer knowing what you have listed so far.

 

[Mark M.]

I figured this might be an interesting and fun build that the group could do, call it a “team building” exercise LOL!
This will be primarily a PD rifle that I will switch uppers with a 6.5 Grendel Alexander arms lower, factory with the exception of a nice trigger and JP silent buffer.
This morning I ordered a Gibs side charging upper and a Richs’ 24” 20P, 10 twist .936 gas block. I will need to get a BCG, parts kit, pins radial brake etc.

What would the group suggest? I will post pics as parts come in and maybe range reports. E

Building an Accurate AR — Robert Whitley Explains What Works « Daily Bulletin

In our Shooters' Forum, one member posed the question: What makes an AR accurate? What parts on an AR can really affect accuracy -- such as free-floating handguards, barrels, bolts, bolt carriers? He wanted an honest, well-informed answer, not just sales pitches.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

This is what you want to do.

 

[Daddycaddie67]

Interesting about the A2 butt stock…. I’ll check out that article

 

[Daddycaddie67]

Can't answer for the group, only what I do.

I shoot from a table as shown in the picture. I found the A2 buttstock gave me better elevation adjustment than the Magpul PRS stock it had to start with. I have shims I add or remove in the front rest box, to further adjust the elevation.

I tried a brake but for the number of rounds I fire in a day, the noise is excessive. So I added the lead weight in the butt stock cavity to increase the rifle weight so I can watch my bullet impacts with the scope on 24X.

I don't care for side charging on my PD rifle. Just something else I have to keep up with every night when I do a thorough cleaning of the upper/BCG. I prefer what I consider the best BCG and upper and I get those from Bravo Company.

I don't bother with an adjustable gas block on my 20P and 223 rifles, but do on my LR308's. I mostly try and follow the advice provided by Whitley and have one of his 20P uppers (and yes it is side charging).

What Makes an AR Accurate — Whitley Offers Answers « Daily Bulletin

In our Shooters' Forum, one member recently asked: What makes an AR accurate? What parts on an AR can really affect accuracy -- such as free-floating handguards, barrels, bolts, bolt carriers? He wanted an honest, well-informed answer, not just sales pitches.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

That is about all I can offer knowing what you have listed so far.

View attachment 1505464

What bullet are you shooting? E

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

22" BHW LW 1/10 twist. Lantac spada handguard, skeleton stock. Anderson upper/lower, timney trigger, plain jane gas block,buffer/spring,bcg from a gun show deal. It's in winter form, Burris thermal, Sig 556 suppressor. It shoots Berger 35,40's and Nosler 40's to same poi so I have them all loaded up now. Summer pd, tough to beat 32 vmax.

 

[jepp2]

I really tend to favor the 32 gr bullets. I've got a supply of the Hornady ZMAX that I've been using for quite a while now.

For target I like the Berger 35 gr in all my 20 cals. Best accuracy for heavier bullets is the Sierra 39 gr.

My most accurate 20P is a bolt gun that shot this.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Jepp, book marked your n133 load. Need to find some.

 

[searcher]

I didn't see mention of a handguard. There are a ton of them out there - and some are really inferior when it comes to method of attachment. I really like the JP Precision full-length handguard. Regarding your gas block, be sure it is a low profile, and preferably a "clamp-on", not one which attaches with set screws, which tend to telegraph into the bore.

A lot of times, when using a lower that is compatible with larger cartridges, you will find that you might get "short strokes" when using the lighter .20 cal bullets. If you do, I'd pop out your silent mainspring setup and slide in a Wolff low-power recoil spring. They work really well with those 32-40 grain bullet loads.

You might want to consider a 20 MOA scope base or integral ring setup if wanting to shoot "way out there".

Fun project!!!

 

[mac86951]

Interesting about the A2 butt stock…. I’ll check out that article

+1, and I'll add that EGW does make a rear bag rider for the A2 stock.

 

[Daddycaddie67]

The upper came on Wednesday. A very nice piece. Can I use any AR-15 BCG with a side charger?

 

[Mark M.]

Should be able as long as you have the clearance

 

[Mark M.]

Who's barrel are you going to use?

 

[Daddycaddie67]

Rich’s precision gun. I have one of his Grendel barrels that shoots well.

 

[Daddycaddie67]

I’m having trouble finding a reasonably priced hand guard that I like. Long, round, that I can attach bipod to. Any suggestions??

 

[CSLR grandpa]

WOA handguards work well, they come with sling stud and rail attachments.

 

[searcher]

I’m having trouble finding a reasonably priced hand guard that I like. Long, round, that I can attach bipod to. Any suggestions??

JP Precision full-length hand guard is a great one with good attachment to the receiver. A lot of handguards really lack there.

 

[searcher]

For buttstock, I really like the Magpul PRS for two reasons. It rides the rear bag without causing muzzle rise (and loss of sight picture) which a sloped stock can cause. most importantly, though is the weight. If you are using a 24" to 26" heavy barrel, you want that extra weight on the buttstock. Your rifle will be tamer on recoil, ride the bags better. I have them on all of my varmint AR's after trying many out. Be sure to get a trigger that doesn't pull over 3 pounds. And that is as light as you will find to be safe as well. I also like either chrome-plated or nickle-boron treated bolt carrier group. They clean up way easier and need less lubrication. If you shoot off a rest (as a lot of us do), attach a fore-end sled with a flat bottom to your fore-end. I use a large Gator bag for the rear. I shoot off a toggle rest (bench rest style). If you attach with one screw, easy to remove it. You can drill a recess in it so you can leave your sling stud on for bipod use when carrying.

 

[Daddycaddie67]

Update. Still waiting on the barrel but I’m pretty sure I have everything else. Pics are of the new hand guard, and BCG. The gas block, tube, dies, bullets, brass are all in a box ready to go.