Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Predator AR build on a budget

I’m Currently a bolt action guy for Predator hunting, but I’ve called in enough doubles and triples where the benefits of an AR are obvious. I’d bet a mortgage payment I’ll never shoot past 250 yards, it’s just to thick here. The gun will be a tripod gun when standing, and bipod when sitting. This would be my first build/assembly, so I have questions..

—what’s an MOA accurate upper to build around? I was looking at PSA/Primary Arms, and top budget being White Oak price point ~$650 or so

—I like the idea of a side charger on a hunting rig, but I’m not set on it. Give me your thoughts here

—aside from the trigger, is a lower really just a block of metal to bolt everything else too? Meaning, can I use an $85 PSA lower and still get full potential out of a “good” upper?

—I’d prefer a complete upper and complete lower, the only thing I could see myself swapping is a trigger if necessary. I don’t want a project, I want a reliable tool.. This isn’t a weapon that will see thousands of rounds a year in training, it’s a hunting rig that might see 100 rounds a year at most.

—recommend upper/lower manufacturers that you are happy with.

I’m trying to find the balance point of budget and “precision “

For a second I thought this post was from 2005...


For 250yds?

THIS WILL PROBABLY WORK

Too easy to find an MOA AR now.

Back when I first needed an AR for coyotes, I bought a CMMG Bargain Bin AR... Cheap at the time.

Killed a thousand coyotes with that thing.

Just pick a brand and caliber and go to work!

Lowers are mounting points, not stressed.
As long as the holes are right they don't matter much.
Especially if you use a drop in cartridge trigger.



MOA is the tricky part.
Ain't gonna happen with Ball. But you shouldn't be using that.
3 shots, 5, 10, how many for an average?


How about, "What AR will reliably kill a coyote at 250 to 300 yards?"


Pretty much any.


PSA makes guns that work, will hit coyotes beyond your requirements, and are reasonably priced. They do cut certain corners that are part of building
the most reliable, durable versions of the platform. That is why you can buy one for $500 with an enhanced trigger. Instead of $1500.



The enhanced trigger may or may not suit you.
Mine are OK. Replacing them wouldn't hurt, but isn't needed.


Watch out for weight.
What can be a light, handy gun often becomes a chunky pig.

It’ll be proper ammo, not ball

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...trigger-black-no-magazine-516444743.html

Or this for $80 less.. I have both of them. Super easy to order. There is a drop-down menu and just pick your gun shop.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...rigger-black-no-magazine-5165447963.html

This in MK 1.9 would work

https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/3-gun-uppers.html

You might get more responses in the AR forum

I’ve had good luck with PSA barrels, The Trick is finding ammo it likes.

I was eyeing these up…

https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/predator-uppers-1-8-and-1-12-twist-223-5-56.html

BCA

I like this

https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/22...-rifle-sch-upper-nrail-spiral-flash.html

I think predator and varmint uppers are too heavy for walking around coyote gun. I like those for shooting gophers from the truck.

A well-balanced accurate 16 inch mid gas upper that shoots MOA Is a better fit.

IIRC this one of several with a lightweight 16 inch barrel. No problem on longer shots. 77 grain TMK

18" is my go to predator gun.

Mixed reviews on BCA… drop your experiences with BCA as a side conversation

I had one issue with an upper, and they made it right.

I concur...

Cheap and effective...

Down the road you can upgrade to a WO (or whatever) if the PSA disappoints...

IMHO... the PSA will shoot just fine.

How’s the heavier bullets workout for ya? I use 55gr Frontier HP Match bullets at the moment, I’ve been happy, but never tried anything else. Minimal fur damage is my goal while still putting them on their ass quick

Budget?

If you want to spend White Oak money, you are barking up the right tree.
Just watch the weight.
If the 18" fit my weight, I'd give it a cap for the threads.
Keep it short. Or a deflector if you want.


Probably assemble the lower.
Assuming you don't mind spending a bit.
Good stock and trigger of your choice.


However,



As before.

The PSA will un-alive coyotes at 250yds.
But if you doubt it, every miss will be blamed on it. (Even though the truth...😁)
You gotta trust the equipment.

PSA is great for the money and service is good if you have issues. I assembled one with an 18” barrel on sale by Ballistic Advantage I think. Not match weight. But it’s still heavy. You don’t need heavy 24” for dogs. It took some fiddling with torque to get the best accuracy. Rock River national match triggers are excellent and cheap.

I’ve got a 20” version of that WOA upper on a cheaply PSA lower with a Geissselle SSAE trigger in it. It shoots itty bitty groups. And it’s heavy.