XD Talk

BeastGohan · 01-18-2011, 01:50 PM

** Update **
Ordered my upper today.. Went with a BCM CHF 16" Middy with VTAC TRX 13" hand-guard and Phantom 5C2 suppressor. I decided the cost difference between the BCM with the FF rails and the Spikes with a Magpul MOE hand-guard (I would have put one on) was so little that the added cost justified what I hope will be a very long term barrel / upper setup

Thank you all for your comments and I will post some pics once it is all done.
** Update **

I have my first AR15 project started and my lower is complete. I am now torn between which upper to get....

I have settled on a Mid-Length gas system A4 upper. The last decision is between barrels. I will be using his gun for fun shooting, SHTF CQC and hunting/varmint eradication.

Red options are out

Option 1: RRA 16" SS(410) 1:8 Wylde (heaviest) ~7.5lbs
Option 2: RRA 16" Chrome Lined 1:9 ~7.1lbs
Option 3: RRA 16" Chrome Lined Light-Weight 1:9 ~6.7lbs
Option 4 - Spikes Tactical 16" LW Mid-Length Upper (SS (LW50) 1:8, medium profile)
Option 5 - BCM 16" SS(410) 1:8 - Not sure on weight
Option 6 - BCM 16" Cold Hammer Forged 1:7 - Not sure on weight

I don't know what the exact weight difference is, but I think my estimates are close. Will I gain more by saving the weight for things like a scope, light, etc down the line or will the weight be worth it to be more accurate (I shake a bit all the time so heavier guns I tend to shoot better (at least in pistols)). Any help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Mr. YACYAS · 01-18-2011, 02:34 PM

Top pick
Option 3

Close second
Option 4

ksbsnowowl · 01-18-2011, 03:23 PM

I have a RRA light-weight chromed mid-length. If I were doing it all over again, I'd get a Bravo Company (BCM) mid length. It has a 1:7 twist, and thus can handle higher-grain bullets.

Of the four you list, I'd get the Spikes.

BeastGohan · 01-18-2011, 05:20 PM

Thanks to everyone for the comments so far. I looked at BCM, but I am not sure for the price I can get what I want. I am waiting to hear back from Spikes on a few changes I would want to make as well, but I am leaning that way (I already have the ST-22 upper and like it). 1:8 is really looking like what I want since it gives a good middle group between 1:7 and 1:9 in terms of ammo weight (unless I am missing something).

Added 2 BCM options as well above... Guess if they are worth the extra $$$ over the Spikes or RRA then they should go on my list right!

Creeky73 · 01-18-2011, 05:57 PM

I know I am gonna come off as the AR snob here and that is not my intention, however...I am not sure what the advantage is to building/piecing together an AR and using RRA parts (lower parts kit excluded). Not that they are a bad gun, I owned one for a spell, just saying that you might as well have bought a complete RRA gun if you were going to use one of their uppers. Go with BCM.

BeastGohan · 01-18-2011, 06:06 PM

I know where you are coming from. I came into a complete RRA lower that was new (previous owner gave up his build before he got any further) so that is what started me with it....

After seeing the recent information about the BCM (#14) that went 40k+ rounds without any barrel related issues I think that I am going to go with the CHF 16" Mid-length and my next build will be an 18-20" SS upper. Probably get a BCM lower the next time around and relegate the RRA lower to the long gun / .22 dedicated upper. My RRA lower has been great, but if I do another it will probably be something else.

ksbsnowowl · 01-18-2011, 06:12 PM

Ah yes... Filthy 14. My next AR will be a BCM 16" Chrome-lined Middy. Then I'll work on getting the lower NFA'd for SBR. Want to get a 300 Blackout upper someday, and suppress it.

Creeky73 · 01-18-2011, 08:46 PM

listen I wouldn't turn away RRA parts if they were given to me, that is for sure. that lower is just fine to throw a BCM upper on.

also you might want to look at their standard uppers, not the cold hammer forged. those are as cheap as $385 right now, with the bcg and charging handle for another $135. get a folding rear sight and a MOE handguard and you are done.