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Posted By: Ptarmigan New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Well my boys finally convinced me to buy one, though they don't know it yet. I picked up a PSA upper kit in .223 wylde with one of their stripped lowers and hammered it out on my desk at work (it was slow). grin Should be a fun little plinker! My oldest was really wanting to step up from the 15-22, so for less than $450 I figured why not. The scope and rings were hanging in the safe so I just used what I had.

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Posted By: MontanaMarine Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Looks good!
Posted By: RickyBobby Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Awesome job and way to keep the boys interested in shooting sports! I just built my 1st AR and I’ve never owned one before either. I’m glad I built it so I could get it exactly the way I wanted but I have waaaaay more $$$ into mine than originally planned. Lol. My 11yr old son helped me and I let him have a lot of hands on time while we built it. He told me it was the best father & son project we’ve experienced together. That made me feel great! Plus, he now understands the platform and how it functions. I’ve never seen him smile so big when we test fired it ... it was awesome! I have some optics and iron sights on the way for it and then we can get it sighted in.

Take them boys and go have fun shooting!
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
I'll likely get it sighted in and then never get to touch it again! Haha! I have more fun watching them shoot most of the time anyways. I'll agree with building it yourself, though all I did was assemble the lower. Pretty straight forward stuff and only burned up one spring in the atmosphere! grin
Posted By: TheKid Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
I just put together one using the same upper kit. Haven’t wrung it out on paper, just a quick zero and on to killing stuff. But so far it’s been pretty awesome, no FTFs and I killed 6 pigs and a coyote the first two days I had it out.
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Originally Posted by TheKid
I just put together one using the same upper kit. Haven’t wrung it out on paper, just a quick zero and on to killing stuff. But so far it’s been pretty awesome, no FTFs and I killed 6 pigs and a coyote the first two days I had it out.



Awesome! That's the perfect way to wring out a new gun.
Posted By: antelope_sniper Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Originally Posted by Ptarmigan
I'll likely get it sighted in and then never get to touch it again! Haha! grin


Never touch it again....yea, that's funny. It won't be long before you swapping out parts and playing tinkertoys.
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Originally Posted by antelope_sniper
Originally Posted by Ptarmigan
I'll likely get it sighted in and then never get to touch it again! Haha! grin


Never touch it again....yea, that's funny. It won't be long before you swapping out parts and playing tinkertoys.



Well, not get to touch it to shoot it anyways! The boys will claim those rights! grin
Posted By: Roystu Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Have fun! Looks nice
Posted By: 79S Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Nice looking rifle..
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Seems like a lot for the money. Cheap bolt actions go for the same price and it would seem something like this would cost more to manufacture. We'll see how it shoots I guess.
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
I'd wager that it'll "shoot"..................(grin)
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Originally Posted by Big Stick
I'd wager that it'll "shoot"..................(grin)



I think the odds are in my favor, which is right where I like them! grin
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Scope sucks and WILL puke,which do rate a thunk. Rings are dubious,which rates a re-thunk.(grin)

ASC mags grant the most COAL and are without peer.

Tough to beat a 6x Q in 'Horn's,feeding Hornie 75gr BTHP's...............
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Originally Posted by Big Stick
Scope sucks and WILL puke,which do rate a thunk. Rings are dubious,which rates a re-thunk.(grin)

ASC mags grant the most COAL and are without peer.

Tough to beat a 6x Q in 'Horn's,feeding Hornie 75gr BTHP's...............




You know if Rick doesn't limit you to one post a day again, my credit card is gonna catch fire. grin I picked up 600rds of MEN 56gr plinkin ammo for less than half price from a GI that was bouncing to the lesser 48. I'll let my boys give it a run and see what happens. Upgrades are all but certain as I can't help myself.
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Call me...before the wallet comes out.(grin)

HINT....................
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/15/19
Thanks, will do!
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/20/19
Made it out to the range for a bit this morning. I didn't set any accuracy records, that's for sure, and I definitely need a bit more time with the platform to get used to it. Swapping out the trigger won't hurt either as there's no doubt it's the heaviest trigger I own. Next time out I'll have the CMC in it and see if that helps some, as well as try some different ammo. I was just using some MEN 56g FMJ to start out. Still, it's a fun little bastid and I can't believe I waited so long to pick one up!


Minute of Moose/100yds last 20rds

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Posted By: rost495 Re: New (first) AR - 02/21/19
ball ammo won't tell you much really. But you know that. off the shelf Fed GMM 69 will tell you if its going to want to shoot. Of the loading bench Varget at about 25.0 and CCI BR 4 in LC cases and a 69 on top at 2.250 will do about the same give or take. Seems some like fiochhi 50s, but I've never shot light bullets in the AR 223 to speak of.

The ARs do have double recoil like an air gun since the bolt carrier mass is pretty heavy generally speaking. They can be tough on scopes, though I had an old trashco target last probably 15 years testing loads on a test platform upper that had big wide flat smooth wooden forearm. But I've toasted a couple of L's too. The super snipers seem to do ok from what I've seen around here and generally speaking go on hunting ARs. Though I have an old L 4-12 thats been holding just fine on a 6/6.8.

Those mounts will certainly suffice for now.

You'll be happier with a better trigger.

I think Larry likes 75bthp, I am ok with them, but they never liked a hard kick in the butt as accuracy would decline in every gun I've shot em in, if you got to upper end of 2700 without issues it was about as far as you could get. the old 75 amax must have had a better jacket etc.... they could be run harder. But there are lots of decently good bullets out there if you aren't trying to chase 600 plus yards. 69 and even 75s get kind of wind struck out of a mag starting past 300 and certainly past 500.

IF you load, about any non fmj bullet can be made pretty accurate, used to be you could buy Sierra 60 flat base HPs and I used to keep around 5000 or so on hand for practice loads. Worked pretty good on pigs deer and javelina too if you stayed off bones. That said I've still got a big box of loaded 75bthps at about 2740 or so and if I'm in a hurry and no better bullets loaded up, I'll grab a couple of mags of those and it doesn't much matter what I run into.
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/21/19
Ya I'm going to hold off until the trigger gets here, then I'll pick up some better ammo. I brought my boy to the range after he got out of school so he could run a few mags through it. That kid can go through some ammo in a hurry! grin

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Posted By: m1919 Re: New (first) AR - 02/21/19


Ptarmigan:

You will certainly love the CMC...


I'm took some advice from up North and got some ACS delivered today. I needed a bit more COAL for the heavies. Don't think it will be a bad move.



Rost:

I'm one of those who like the 50gr VMax. The performed well for me in the Challenge, but they are limiting for long range ...obviously. Brothers are fond of em too.
Posted By: Terryk Re: New (first) AR - 02/22/19
I just bought a PSA AR "pistol" with their enhanced trigger. I read the trigger was pretty good but mine was insane heavy. It has some silver plating, so I don't know about polishing parts. I popped in a SSA-E.
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/22/19
Originally Posted by Terryk
I just bought a PSA AR "pistol" with their enhanced trigger. I read the trigger was pretty good but mine was insane heavy. It has some silver plating, so I don't know about polishing parts. I popped in a SSA-E.



I might have gotten used to the trigger, but I'm not going to have the chance. Too heavy for me and I've no doubt with a better trigger and ammo things will tighten up.
Posted By: rost495 Re: New (first) AR - 02/23/19
When you can buy OK triggers for 100 give or take, there is NO need in trying to polish, going to far, bending springs, etc... get a decent one, RRA Varmint or whatever floats your boat... I never did get in on the larue cheap deal either, and then dump a couple hundred rounds through one.
Posted By: armedferret Re: New (first) AR - 02/23/19
Originally Posted by rost495
When you can buy OK triggers for 100 give or take, there is NO need in trying to polish, going to far, bending springs, etc... get a decent one, RRA Varmint or whatever floats your boat... I never did get in on the larue cheap deal either, and then dump a couple hundred rounds through one.


The Larue cheap deal is still going on.

The owner of Larue is a total dick but the products are solid. I would grab some of their stuff on the pre-owned market.
Posted By: TWR Re: New (first) AR - 02/23/19
I've bought lots of LaRue stuff over the years and never ever had the slightest of problem with them.

I bought another trigger for one of my guns finally and it's not bad either. (Total of 4)
Posted By: Tyrone Re: New (first) AR - 02/23/19
It is an excellent value.
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/25/19
We'll see how this one works.


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Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/25/19
Toldjaso...................(grin)
Posted By: MontanaCreekHunter Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Originally Posted by Big Stick
Toldjaso...................(grin)


Whoa Whoa Whoa can't be any good, it's from Texas! smile smile
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Cheer up...the Instructions are in Spanish!....................(grin)
Posted By: MontanaCreekHunter Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
No se Español smile
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Somebody just had 'em for $99 again..................
Posted By: 10gaugemag Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Originally Posted by Big Stick
Somebody just had 'em for $99 again..................

Hang a link.
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
I just fhuqking deleted over 400 Emails and cain't recall who the fhuqk it was. Primary had 'em cheap,but it's been a little bit.

Mebbe someone else can remember?.................
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Oversight on my part,it was a James Madison cassette trigger from Primary...for $99.95,not CMC's.

My bad...................
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Fhuqk it,ordered (2) and it's $204.48 to the door...guts,feathers and all.

I've a few and they ain't horrid.

Hint................
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
I figure I've wasted $119 on lots of stuff that offered zero return on the dollar! I'm guessing I stand a pretty good chance that won't be the case here given all the good reviews.
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
I've lost more money than that,in a load of laundry...................(grin)
Posted By: 10at6 Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
save the brass
http://www.shootersproshop.com/ssa-...56mm-63-grain-sp-ammo-over-run-20ct.html
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Nuzzler brass ain't worth saving.

Hint....................
Posted By: Fubarski Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Originally Posted by Ptarmigan
The scope and rings were hanging in the safe so I just used what I had.

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You didn't have an AR, but just happened ta have *those* rings hangin in your safe?

Scary.
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
I had bought them for my sons 15-22 a couple of years ago and he preferred the mbus sights over a scope. So yes, they were just hanging around in the gun safe. I’m good at 20 questions, keep going as I like playing this game with guys that assume. Oh, the scope came off of another rifle last year that was replaced with a Weaver Grand Slam Tactical. Just in case that was your second question.

Oops, I guess it was 10 months ago. Rings look similar?

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/12804145/s-w-mp-15-22#Post12804145
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
How long before the trigger goes in?.................
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Originally Posted by Big Stick
How long before the trigger goes in?.................


I’m going to put it in tomorrow, and will get to the range on Thursday with it. Wednesday is fugged as I’ve got to get a new dishwasher for momma and wire another one up for some friends. Shouldn’t have ever told anybody I used to be an electrician!
Posted By: Big Stick Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Roger................
Posted By: Certifiable Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Nice lookin rifle ...
The CMC was a good move and the improvement will be substantial. Get some fiocchi 50gr Vmax and you’ll have a much better idea of how it will shoot. That stuff can be had for under $20/50 and can’t be beat for the price
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/26/19
Originally Posted by Certifiable
Nice lookin rifle ...
The CMC was a good move and the improvement will be substantial. Get some fiocchi 50gr Vmax and you’ll have a much better idea of how it will shoot. That stuff can be had for under $20/50 and can’t be beat for the price


I'm planning to pick some up, as well as some 75-77gr to see how it likes both heavy and light bullets.
Posted By: Sponxx Re: New (first) AR - 02/28/19
Originally Posted by Ptarmigan
Well my boys finally convinced me to buy one, though they don't know it yet. I picked up a PSA upper kit in .223 wylde with one of their stripped lowers and hammered it out on my desk at work (it was slow). grin Should be a fun little plinker! My oldest was really wanting to step up from the 15-22, so for less than $450 I figured why not. The scope and rings were hanging in the safe so I just used what I had.

[Linked Image]



That looks great. I have the exact one I'm guessing, although I have not gone at it yet. First AR and jumped on a sale that looked halfway decent. $49 for the stripped lower. Will need to put it together soon.
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 02/28/19
I just got back from the range. Wanted to try out the new CMC trigger. Much better than the original one! 10 shot groups definitely open up in the last few shots, which kinda sucked, but better ammo certainly made a difference.

100yd 20F no wind

Fiocchi 50gr .223 VMAX

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Magtech 77 OTM 5.56

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MEN 55 FMJ 5.56 shotgun pattern

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Posted By: rost495 Re: New (first) AR - 03/01/19
ammo is generally important. Mexican match can be made if you have access to free/cheap ball, but those days are long gone generally speaking.

Quality of the projectile is the important part and one reason I won't run a 75 bthp just really hard, while the old 75 amax you could run as hard as you dared in a 223.
Posted By: Ptarmigan Re: New (first) AR - 03/01/19
I really should start reloading, but I’m not ready to commit. Next up will be some hunting rounds. Thinking 62 tsx, 62 fusion, and 64 pp to see what one groups best.
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