First NFA AR15 Build

Preparedness Depot in Acworth, GA

fyroc

Developer
Mar 25, 2015
482
270
113
Philadelphia
Zip code
19130
After much thought on what to build with these 5 stripped lowers I bought, I've decided to do a NFA build. I've done many builds before, but never anything requiring a stamp. I'm not going to get the NFA items right away, but it will eventually be surpressed and a SBR.

So for now, I'm going to build a pistol lower and then once I'm ready to build the SBR I'll use another lower specifically for the SBR. This way if I need to convert it back to a pistol for any really, it would be just a simple lower switch.

Parts list so far:
Anderson Lower
PSA 10.5" CHF 5.56 NATO A2 Profile
PSA FDE MOE LPK
Carbine buffer/spring
Shockwave Blade with tube FDE
Vltor FDE handgaurd
DD fixed BUI
Leatherwood Tac-dot
Flash hider for suppressor undetermined
 
Last edited:

T-Roy

Hunter
Jun 24, 2015
70
51
43
Also, you you guys have any suppressor/Flash hider suggestions?
Personally I would stick with a standard a2. You definitely don't want a brake on a short barrel, & I just don't see wasting money on some kind of fancy flash hider. I do have a Noveske flaming pig on my 7.5 barrel and it does work pretty well, though it's bulky and heavy

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
 

Cudruln

Turning dollars into pennies.
Lifetime Supporter
Jul 5, 2015
4,337
4,579
113
Rockmart, GA
Zip code
30153
As far as the other parts for the build seems like everything is there.

Just don't forget the bcg. Not sure if you planned on it coming with the upper.
 

Mac11FA

Disgruntled large member
Super Moderator
Lifetime Supporter
Patriot Lifetime
Mar 26, 2015
3,840
3,011
113
Locust Grove, GA
Zip code
30248
As far as the other parts for the build seems like everything is there.

Just don't forget the bcg. Not sure if you planned on it coming with the upper.
Go with the FA BCG. The extra weight will help improve lock time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DoglegArms

fyroc

Developer
Mar 25, 2015
482
270
113
Philadelphia
Zip code
19130
Did someone say suppressor?

10.5" or 11" barrel + 6"-7" can = might as well permanently attach a can and pay a single tax stamp.

Nah. The reason for this build is so I can have something that will easily fit into a duffel bag. This will be my traveling rifle/pistol. Which is why I'm doing 2 different lowers. The suppressor will be more for fun.

I assume you're talking about 5.56/.223 caliber?
Correct

Go with the FA BCG. The extra weight will help improve lock time.
Yep! I was planning on doing so. I didn't mention it above because my go to BCG is a FA BCG.

Fixed BUI?

Will your optic co-witness?
It might. If not, it will be a little off. The Vitor CASV will raise the red dot but keep the BUIS at it's normal level.
It's going to be loosely based on the Navy EOD's MK18,

CASV-EL%20TAN-6.jpg
 

boss_hawg

Marksman
Jul 13, 2015
1,230
1,045
113
Zip code
30328
not to get into debates of ballistics but I went with a 12" chf barrel vs. a 10.3 or 10.5. I like the extra couple hundred fps or so, and the price was right. I realize it isn't correct for a clone build but I wasn't going with a LMT or DD RIS anyway.
 

becausefu

Woodsman
Trusted Trader
Mar 25, 2015
188
112
43
my house
not to get into debates of ballistics but I went with a 12" chf barrel vs. a 10.3 or 10.5. I like the extra couple hundred fps or so, and the price was right. I realize it isn't correct for a clone build but I wasn't going with a LMT or DD RIS anyway.
An inch and a half of barrel isn't going to produce an extra 200 fps .....you MIGHT see 50 fps difference
 

boss_hawg

Marksman
Jul 13, 2015
1,230
1,045
113
Zip code
30328
The article I read demonstrated a roughly 300 fps loss on average when moving down from an 11.5" to a 10.3" barrel. The loss of roughly 50 fps / inch occurs when moving between 20" and 14". The graphical plot of fps vs. barrel length is non-linear with a steeper slope at lower barrel lengths due to the nature of powder burn rates in most 5.56/.223 ammo.
 

boss_hawg

Marksman
Jul 13, 2015
1,230
1,045
113
Zip code
30328
I can PM you the article but would rather not post a link to another forum taking members away from this site.
 

T-Roy

Hunter
Jun 24, 2015
70
51
43
The article I read demonstrated a roughly 300 fps loss on average when moving down from an 11.5" to a 10.3" barrel. The loss of roughly 50 fps / inch occurs when moving between 20" and 14". The graphical plot of fps vs. barrel length is non-linear with a steeper slope at lower barrel lengths due to the nature of powder burn rates in most 5.56/.223 ammo.
I've read similar articles and will back you up. From what a remember 10.5 is the MINIMUM barrel that will produce effective velocities in 5.56

24d2425c4ce7b3eaaac03866dca714b2.jpg



The maximum velocity for the M855 projectile occurred in a 20-inch barrel. This is anticipated since the cartridge was designed specifically for this barrel length. Velocity drops rapidly as the barrel length decreases, especially below 10 inches where the velocity drops below 2,500 fps. M855 bullets traveling below 2,500 fps when impacting a target will not produce a lethal wound channel.

http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=1093

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
 

DoglegArms

Silencer Dealer of 2015, 2016, 2017
Jul 12, 2015
1,596
660
113
Dallas, GA
www.doglegarms.com
Zip code
30157
The article I read demonstrated a roughly 300 fps loss on average when moving down from an 11.5" to a 10.3" barrel. The loss of roughly 50 fps / inch occurs when moving between 20" and 14". The graphical plot of fps vs. barrel length is non-linear with a steeper slope at lower barrel lengths due to the nature of powder burn rates in most 5.56/.223 ammo.

There's something wrong with 300 FPS loss between 11" to 10". What powder was being used?

Seems like on avg it's a loss of 50-100 FPS from 11" to 10" depending on what powder.

http://www.accuratereloading.com/223sb.html
 

boss_hawg

Marksman
Jul 13, 2015
1,230
1,045
113
Zip code
30328
Also, I was looking at a 12" vs. a 10.5" barrel. Again, I'm not saying that 10.3/.5 won't get the job done but velocity is important with 5.56.