AR Assistance

[Otterods]

Hello all.

I’ve been a lurker for some time and am in need of some advice so I decided to get registered and ask for some help.

Specifically, I’d greatly appreciate a PM or email ( otterods@hotmail.com ) from someone that is a customer of Dedicated Technologies to discuss the process for a custom gun. I know Mike is a busy guy and I can totally relate to that so I’d like to get some of my “newbie” questions out of the way before speaking with him and have the ability to go in with a better knowledge base.

I’m an ex infantryman and have spent plenty of time behind an M16A2. I currently own 9 firearms but none are on an AR platform. I reload for my 9mm, 222 and 243. This is not going to be a home defense gun. I intend on this gun being a shooter. Paper, fun targets, varmints and predators up to coyote size. I also don’t want to build this gun myself. While I know I would enjoy it, my work space is completely consumed with my “second” job, building high end custom fishing rods. Time and space are in short supply for me. And…just like custom fishing rods…I can see how this could really become a sickness. Maybe for my 2nd AR…

Barrel length – I am looking for a shooter here…not a gun to swing around doorways. Is a 24” barrel going to get me anything over a 20”?
Stock – I like the look and probably would like the feel of the ACE Skeleton stock. But a little more weight and some improved ergonomics might help balance the rifle a little bit better and make it a better shooter. Does anyone have experience with both the ACE and the Magpul PRS? Any other “sniper” stocks I should be looking at?
Fore – I think an aluminum free float tube is the way I’d like to go. Can a bipod still be mounted if I choose to go that route? Any other fore’s I should be looking at? Any disadvantages to the FF tube?
EOP – I intend on using a target/varmint scope with the rifle. Should I look at an EOP upper or are taller rings going to do the same for me?
Trigger – Currently all of my triggers are stock triggers. However my most recent rifle (Remington 700) has had a trigger job from the previous owner resulting in a light pull that I really enjoy. Should I totally discount getting a 2-stage trigger and jump right into a good Timney or other aftermarket? What do you varmint/predator hunters have your trigger pull weight at?

I’m a little disappointed that some of the AR links from the sticky aren’t working as I know some of those would have taken care of me. So I apologize for what are most likely redundant questions.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice.

 

[sendit223]

First, thank you for your service. Second, welcome to the forum.

Many more here know far more than me on every topic, but I'll tell you what I think.

Dtech - sounds like an outstanding choice. Not a customer yet, but people rave about Mike's work. Hopefully you saw that Mike takes calls on Monday and Thursday mornings (not exclusively, but per his post that is the best time to get him).

Barrel length - you'll get many opinions on that one, but from what I've read (not done) 20 inches is a point of diminishing returns for length. Keep in mind overall weight if you really are going to use it for predators. I like my Bushy for prairie dogs because it's heavier than my RRA (which I prefer for coyotes). More sitting and shooting for PDs, so more weight helps with stability. For coyotes I hike in a ways, so I appreciate the RRA carbine.

Stock - I have the Ace skeleton stocks and really like them. The foam makes a nice cheek weld, which you might appreciate in MN for much of the year.

Fore - Yes you want a FF tube. My Bushmaster Vmatch 20" came with an aluminum fore stock. I like the Hogue on my RRA better. Again, for when it's cold (or hot) the rubberized section is a nice-2-have. Yes you can have a sling/bipod mount on the aluminum FF tube. Get it done before assembly, i.e., when you order the rifle. Something else to consider is a pivot pin sling stud from KNS (thanks to Evil Lurker for that tip) http://www.knsprecisioninc.com/mm5/merch...ode=PivotTDPins This gives you a front carry option if you care about that.

EOP - mine are true flattops, not EOP. I use LaRue one piece mounts and they are outstanding. There are other less expensive mounts out there, but this is an area I spent money on to eliminate all problems. For me, I get a great cheek weld and the alignment is perfect. I can close my eyes, mount the rifle, and open my eyes to crosshairs.

Trigger - one of the first places to spend your money. I dropped in a JP Enterprises 2 stage fire control group in my Bushy and immediately shot better. It breaks at 2.5 lbs. My RRA came with a 2 stage NM trigger that is likewise outstanding. Other guys have discussed getting a stock trigger worked on (by someone a few have referenced in other threads...can't remember sorry) with reported good results.

Again, welcome and don't forget to post pictures of your rifle and your coyotes.

 

[OldTurtle]

Otterods, As a customer of DTechs, I can attest to his ability to build a quality AR platform...

He built me an upper with a free floated, fluted 20" OLY SUM (Stainless Ultra-Match) barrel with a 1/14 twist rate and his muzzle brake, for shooting Prairie Dogs with lightweight bullets (40 & 50gr) at fairly high velocities...

He used an EOP upper that I supplied to match the other ARs that I own (all EOPs) and I installed in on a CMMG lower with a Chip McCormick drop in trigger with a G-27 grip and ACE full length stock..

I forgot and left my inner tube deflector on the rifle when I took this pic, sorry..... But these are some of the 100yd groups it is shooting with my loads..

 

[Greyhunter]

I agree with the above comments. Assuming your going with a .223, I'd opt for the 20" barrel if you plan to carry it any further than to a shooting bench. I've had the 24" and I much prefer the 20". The only way I'd buy another 24" is if it was going to be a dedicated PD/bench gun. I also have a 16" which I really like, but the 20" is probably the best "do all" length IMO. I'd also opt for fluting the barrel, AR's tend to be very front heavy as it is.
Definately get the free float tube with a sling stud installed.
Stock, I know its boring, but I like the standard A2 stock just fine on my 20".
Trigger, all my AR's have the RRA 2-stage. Dtech worked on the one in my 20" to bring the weight down to around 3#'s and smoothed it up even more.
EOP, I dont see the need personally and it limits your options somewhat. Get the LaRue one piece mount and you'll never regret it. I have 2 of them so far.

Welcome to the sickness...

 

[Evil_Lurker]

I'm using the same rifle as Old Turtle, except a flat-top. (I went with that so I could get an EOTech down tight to the rail, I use a one-piece mount for my scope).
Fluted 20" D-Tech bull barrel upper with a Jewell trigger and ACE stock. That's working real well as an all-around rifle.
About as heavy as you want to pack around, and accurate enough for use as a P-dog rifle out to 450 yards or so (longer if you had a range finder).

Mike will want to know things like barrel length, trigger, fluted or not, compensator or not, stock, grip when he talks to you. If you have all that decided on, the call will go quick.

The float tube we're using is the ribbed, instead of knurled. Personal preference, Mike has them both. Sling stud for a sling/bipod is nice to have.
If you were going anything over 16 inches in a bull barrel, you'll like it a lot better if it's fluted or a lighter profile than a bull barrle, or you'll have a boat anchor to lug around.

Quote:Other guys have discussed getting a stock trigger worked on (by someone a few have referenced in other threads...can't remember sorry)

Bill Springfield.