First AR build, finally up and running!

[synergy]

I never thought I'd see the day!

I started this project the week of election day (yeah, I know I'm stupid...) and it is finally finished for now.

Function has been flawless, to date.

Specs are below the pics...










Specs:
DPMS stripped lower
BCM M4 stripped upper
Colt receiver extension, H buffer and action spring
LaRue BCG + BCM extractor upgrades
Colt charging handle
S&W 16" 1:9 twist, chrome lined bbl (used, from M&P15T)
G&R lower parts, Colt FCG parts
MagPul MOE FDE stock
MagPul MIAD FDE grip
Daniel Defense M4 12" rail
LaRue QD rear sight w/ CSAT rear aperture
LMT fixed front sight
YHM Phantom 5C2 muzzle comp/ FH
YHM low profile steel pinned gas block
Viking Tactics VTAC sling
Viking Tactics Light mount
SureFire G2 light
Buttler Creek flip cap for light
M.I. HD sling mount
MagPul FDE XTM covers and ladders

The rail, bbl, Colt parts, SF G2 light, and rear sight were bought at close to dealer costs....everything else was bought online from who ever had it in stock.

Total cost was about ~$1250 before shipping.

I haven't even broken this one in yet, and I'm ready to build another one. This was my first build, and while I've maintained them for a long time...it still went together surprisingly easy.

This really is a disease...good thing I enjoy it!!!

[RONNIE77]

Nice build Synergy...
It looks great.

And yes, it is a disease to which there is no cure...

[andrewjs18]

nice...going to be similar to mine looks wise.

[Spishack357]

Nice man. How does that DD rail feel? Pretty tight and sturdy? Thinking about a 9" with that front recess.

[4XLT]

very nice Synergy !!! i like allot

[synergy]

Nice man. How does that DD rail feel? Pretty tight and sturdy? Thinking about a 9" with that front recess.

Truth be told, it was my second choice. I originally decided on the VTAC tube, but this gun needed to be finished before I'd have been able to secure one. I wanted to save a few bucks, and really dig that VTAC tube. I had been back and forth on ALL the Larue/ DD/ VTAC forearms....but was finally down to the VTAC or M4.

It is f*ing light!!! I couldn't believe it when I opened up the box!
I have big hands, so I'm not the best judge of things, but I believe the DD rails (with their narrower width and lack of super sharp edges) feel quite nice in the hand. With panels instead of ladders, it still doesn't feel too big. I've handled more than a few rails that felt sharp as shit...this isn't one of them. I would have no problem shooting this with bare rails, at least for maybe 200 rounds at a time.

This smokes the hell out of the MI or Troy rails.

The interior dimensions are more generous, so I had more confidence in it fitting over my gas block than with the Lite series rails, I also would have had to purchase their Lite Wrench to install it, it weighs the same as the M4 series, is a little wider, and more expensive too. The only benefits I can see to the "Lite series" are a continuous top rail, and an integrated sling mount (but no swivel)...being that I may prefer the sling mount more forward that right at where the Delta Ring would be, it made my decision easier.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...QsFnUZMkZNF2DQ

With rail covers, it'll probably come out to the same weight as the VTAC w/o hardly any rails on it.

Can't say a whole lot more until I run it for a while, but I'm quite happy with my decision, and with DD's rep being what it is, I don't feel bad recommending it prior to me personally putting it through the ringer.

It was pricey, but worth it...I'll never feel the need to "upgrade" it.

[synergy]

very nice Synergy !!! i like allot

thanks!!!!!!

Ever since I shot those first few rounds and had positive ejection and it locked back on empty, I've had perma-grin.

There is a lot to be said for building yourself your ideal blaster....I can only imagine what it feels like to finish a 1911!

[Spishack357]

nice, I saw some videos and they look top notch...certainly a top motch price. I was thinking about a PWS gas piston down the road and the DD rail with the cut out would work with that so its a win win and its still free floated.

[d90king]

Looks great! So when are we going to train with it? I might see you fri.......

[jpavoncello]

have to ask, how do you activate the Surefire with it mounted that way? Are you a lefty?