My Perfect AR15 setup....

[sgreen3]

"perfect setup" depends on use....

but regardless, all my "good" ARs have
1) good 2-stage trigger
2) magpul MOE+ grip
3) BAD short throw safety (left side lever only)
4) BCM Mod 4 CH
5) VTAC 2 point sling (on guns that need em, not all uses need a sling)
6) free float barrel
7) Guns with defensive use in mind get a light (not needed on competition rifles)
8) Guns with defensive use in mind get back up irons (not needed on competition rifles)

Optics vary, again depending on use.
Barrel lengths vary, again depending on use (shorter is generally better, I try to keep the balance point as far back as possible).

I hedged whether to add silencer to the list.... heavy, makes the gun longer, but oh so nice to have. I guess I look at it more like the optics, depends on use.

-rvb

Oh I agree there is no Perfect do everything perfect AR, but I think you can get one to do a lot of things well. My setup is a culmination of what has worked over the years and what hasn't in the types of shooting I do the most. I do like your list, with maybe the exception of a free float rail, although nice I really haven't seen much difference in use over a standard handguard for a do all carbine. Now for a precision or SPR style setup I totally agree..

I'm the same way on barrel lengths, this pinned 14.5" is probably my favorite. I have a 10.5" SBR but 9/10 times I still seem to pull this one out of the same to take to course and shoot. I'm the same way regarding suppressors, I have the YHM QD mount pinned on this rifle incase I want to suppress it. I will say though normally I don't use the can much however...

 

[rvb]

I do like your list, with maybe the exception of a free float rail, although nice I really haven't seen much difference in use over a standard handguard for a do all carbine. Now for a precision or SPR style setup I totally agree..

after having shot some 3-gun and high power and seeing how far off target you can throw a round either through resting the barrel/handguards on a prop for stability or through sling pressure, I want all my barrels FF. In fact, I should have included in the list HGs that extend to cover the barrel as much as possible to avoid putting the barrel in contact with a rest. That's quite important to me.

I watched a guy throw all his rounds about 3 feet high at 200 yds because his barrel was resting on the "roof peak" at a match. With a sling, I've pulled the shot 5-6 moa off zero with just a change in sling tension on my non-FF A2 I shoot in HP.

-rvb

 

[Pinger5560]

Thanks, yea I agree I know there are maybe better stocks out there but I just cant break myself away from the ole work horse MOE stuff. I actually used a 2-7x Redfield scope for about a year on it also, I liked that setup a lot also..

Yeah I have a MOE Fixed Carbine stock with the extended butt pad. I got this cause I was mainly setting up my AR for Hog hunting. I also got tired of the wobbly butt stocks. I have been looking for a A1 or A2 butt stock possibly for it. I have also looked into the Magpul rifle length fixed butt stock. Been thinking about selling the MOE fixed Carbine one with the extended butt pad & getting the rifle length one instead. I really am on the fence about building a new AR 15 but not sure what role I want it to perform. Kinda thinking a jack of all trades role AR.

 

[sgreen3]

after having shot some 3-gun and high power and seeing how far off target you can throw a round either through resting the barrel/handguards on a prop for stability or through sling pressure, I want all my barrels FF. In fact, I should have included in the list HGs that extend to cover the barrel as much as possible to avoid putting the barrel in contact with a rest. That's quite important to me.

I watched a guy throw all his rounds about 3 feet high at 200 yds because his barrel was resting on the "roof peak" at a match. With a sling, I've pulled the shot 5-6 moa off zero with just a change in sling tension on my non-FF A2 I shoot in HP.

-rvb

Ill have to keep that I mind, thanks for the info. Haven't really seen any issues with this setup as far as accuracy goes, but most matches I attend only go out to about 250 and we were just going for hits not necessarily shot placement.

 

[sgreen3]

Yeah I have a MOE Fixed Carbine stock with the extended butt pad. I got this cause I was mainly setting up my AR for Hog hunting. I also got tired of the wobbly butt stocks. I have been looking for a A1 or A2 butt stock possibly for it. I have also looked into the Magpul rifle length fixed butt stock. Been thinking about selling the MOE fixed Carbine one with the extended butt pad & getting the rifle length one instead. I really am on the fence about building a new AR 15 but not sure what role I want it to perform. Kinda thinking a jack of all trades role AR.

I think the A2 stock gets over looked. Nothing at all wrong with running one of those, they work very well and feel good also...

 

[Cerberus]

after having shot some 3-gun and high power and seeing how far off target you can throw a round either through resting the barrel/handguards on a prop for stability or through sling pressure, I want all my barrels FF. In fact, I should have included in the list HGs that extend to cover the barrel as much as possible to avoid putting the barrel in contact with a rest. That's quite important to me.

I watched a guy throw all his rounds about 3 feet high at 200 yds because his barrel was resting on the "roof peak" at a match. With a sling, I've pulled the shot 5-6 moa off zero with just a change in sling tension on my non-FF A2 I shoot in HP.

-rvb

While I do admit that I like FFs mainly for ergonomics, they just feel good, I have never once in 30 years seen as drastic a POI impact from barrel pressure as you describe. 3 ft at 200 yards? That's bad shooting or a bad barrel not barrel pressure. And FYI, I learned to shoot the M16A2 right out the gate with sling tension on KD ranges.

 

[sgreen3]

While I do admit that I like FFs mainly for ergonomics, they just feel good, I have never once in 30 years seen as drastic a POI impact from barrel pressure as you describe. 3 ft at 200 yards? That's bad shooting or a bad barrel not barrel pressure. And FYI, I learned to shoot the M16A2 right out the gate with sling tension on KD ranges.

I would have to agree, 3ft seems a bit excessive for just a non FF barrel. Ive not personally noticed that much difference in any of my ARs that Ive shot.

 

[rhino]

Lightweight, clean, no crap on the gun. Leave the Exploder off the upper.

What is "the Exploder"?

 

[shooter521]

What is "the Exploder"?

I assume he means the forward assist? But with Kirk, you never quite know.

 

[rhino]

I assume he means the forward assist? But with Kirk, you never quite know.

Ah! If that's the case, it would be good if the industry stopped making uppers that have the forward assist, but they're never going away. They're the AR equivalent of a screen door on a submarine.

 

[sgreen3]

I have to agree, I don't ever remember a time Ive needed it or used the FA on any of my ARs....

 

[Principal Skinr]

I have to agree, I don't ever remember a time Ive needed it or used the FA on any of my ARs....

I have. I had a round that wouldn't eject from a Remington R25 in .308 caliber. A bump of the forward assist engaged the ejector, and out it came.

 

[rhino]

I have to agree, I don't ever remember a time Ive needed it or used the FA on any of my ARs....

It's also a fragile part that if broken, the small pieces inside can render the rifle inoperable until you have time and tools to take it apart.

Everyone with whom I have trained has advised to not use the forward assist (mostly for that reason). If you need to nudge the bolt forward (e.g. if you do a press check instead of checking for crossover in your magazine to ensure the chamber is loaded), you can put your thumb in the little indentation on the bolt carrier and push it forward.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

It's also a fragile part that if broken, the small pieces inside can render the rifle inoperable until you have time and tools to take it apart.

Everyone with whom I have trained has advised to not use the forward assist (mostly for that reason). If you need to nudge the bolt forward (e.g. if you do a press check instead of checking for crossover in your magazine to ensure the chamber is loaded), you can put your thumb in the little indentation on the bolt carrier and push it forward.

I use my driving finger of my support hand.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

I assume he means the forward assist? But with Kirk, you never quite know.

I find that both of these assumptions are reasonable.

 

[Tomahawkman]

I like Clint Smiths thoughts on FAs I believe he says "why would I want to force something into the chamber of my gun that doesn't want to be there." Or something to that effect..

 

[rhino]

I use my driving finger of my support hand.

We trained with several of the same people!

I find that both of these assumptions are reasonable.

Agreed.

I like Clint Smiths thoughts on FAs I believe he says "why would I want to force something into the chamber of my gun that doesn't want to be there." Or something to that effect..

That is wise!

If it doesn't go into battery, there is a reason. Trying to force it without figuring out why could make a minor malfunction into a full-on jam.

 

[sgreen3]

My thinking is along the same lines... There is a reason the bolt wont go into battery, so its probably not a good idea to do so. Like I said above Ive never needed in all the years Ive been shooting whether it be just messing around out at the range or during carbine courses so Id have no trouble at all getting an upper without it...

 

[rhino]

My thinking is along the same lines... There is a reason the bolt wont go into battery, so its probably not a good idea to do so. Like I said above Ive never needed in all the years Ive been shooting whether it be just messing around out at the range or during carbine courses so Id have no trouble at all getting an upper without it...

Unfortunately there are still people teaching "SPORTS," Slap, Pull, Observe, Release, Tap, Shoot. The "Tap" refers to the forward assist. It would be betters as SPORS, but not as catchy!

 

[sgreen3]

Unfortunately there are still people teaching "SPORTS," Slap, Pull, Observe, Release, Tap, Shoot. The "Tap" refers to the forward assist. It would be betters as SPORS, but not as catchy!

Very true, although SPORS wont damage your gun and or you.. LOL