New AR15! Update 8/25

[Whitebrad25]

Newest update in post 4 (8/25)



My Daniel Defense M4V5 is expected to be here tomorrow afternoon! In the meantime, some goodies I have are waiting!

First, the new BCM Gunfighter charging handle (MOD 4):





For those who don't know, this charging handle is similar to the old design except in a few ways. One of which you can see in the picture below easily. There is a lip that is added to the top of the charging handle. This is to help prevent some blowback when running suppressed. Next is the beveled edges. This is a nice cosmetic touch up IMO. Could take it either way. I ordered from MidwayUSA and there was no specification as to whether the model was old or the new design. It actually shows the older version.



I must admit, after seeing pictures of this newer design, and how stout they look, I figured it would have more heft to it than it did. It is a very solid, high quality peice (that we all know and expect from BCM/VLTOR).






Next is the Magpul MOE+ grip:







For those that don't know, this is essentially the same as the Magpul MOE grip except that it has a rubberized coat to it. I really like the feel of the rubber coating as it does not flex and is sturdy, yet has a slight cushion to it. It is exactly what I wanted. I looked at the MIAD but I just don't prefer the harder plastic. The bottom core can be replaced (I think they are like $13 IIRC?) and these same caps will fit between the Magpul MOE and MIAD grips. The current config. has a flat bottom peice, which is fine with me for now since it has plenty of room.



The front strap and rear strap on the MOE+ (I assume the MOE as well) are the same. The do not provide huge amounts of traction but, yet again, that is the benefit (for me) with a rubberized grip.

[Whitebrad25]

Here is my new Primary Arms 3X magnifier with long eye relief:





The lens caps that came with the magnifier are quite cool. Clear/transparent faces so that, if need be, they can be left on or used while on.



The body itself is a clone of other more expensvie magnifiers but this is just as good in quality. The glass is very clean and crisp. It was actually interesting to see how much eye relief I have (about 2 inches) because I have only handled other, more expensive (EOTech and Aimpoint) 3x magnifiers and didn't expect to have that much space to work with. (I tried taking pictures of this, and the magnification but without a mount it was too difficult).



The flip to side mount I bought from Primary Arms as well and it is pretty good. Not great but good. I can't wait to test this (or any of this new stuff for that matter) actually on the DDM4V5, but, once again, this is just a compilation of initial impressions.



The Primary Arms flip to side mount is heavy. It comprises most of that weight you will see in the pictures below.


Now, having a magnifier up front means that you also need some fairly low profile back up sights...So here are my Magpul Gen2 MBUS:





These little things are very stout! I read several reviews and, ultimately, the reason most did not buy these sights is because they are not iron. I don't mind at all. They are light, great quality, and hell...I rely on polymer everyday .

I tried to do a good job of showing that these sights are pretty flat/low but this is what I came up with -

[Whitebrad25]

Picked up a few Window PMAGs.....can never have too many magazines! I like the look of these and for range use, it will help the GF see the ammo/how much is left:



Next is the MidwayUSA competition range bag that came so highly recomended:



Since there are plenty of great YouTube videos on this bag, I am not really going to throw much out as far as initial impressions except that it is NOT as big as some of those videos described it as. It is a very ergonomic design that uses latches and zippers in as many ways as it can to maximize storage, but it is not a huge overall bag. Very great quality.



Here is the compartment outside of the bag:



Here is the main bag without that compartment:





After looking at the stuff, excluding the Aimpoint. I was starting to wonder how much weight would be added. So, I decided to weigh it up.

Here is the total weight (keep in mind a few of these items are replacing items already on the rifle, and as such, not increasing the weight much):



Here is the actual additional weight:



Though it is fluid oz. roughly 16fl.oz. is 1lb.

[Whitebrad25]

Alright, here are the latest buys:

Geissele SSA:

They come neatly packaged with a slave pin (assists with install and I did find it helpful), the Geissele Trigger and hammer, and vial of grease.





Removal of the stock trigger assembly really was easy....same with the install. Don't hesitate to buy a trigger! I used to want to buy a Timney because it was all constructed in a box unit, a solid trigger as well, and they were similar enough in price. I am glad I bought this trigger.

Here I am trying my best to show the innards but focusing the Cannon T2i was difficult with my crappy lighting:



And here is the trigger installed:



I just followed this video step by step and it was very easy:

You Tube

You Tube

.


My last comment about the Geissele trigger is to not get sucked up in the numbers game...I looked at the trigger pull poundage and was almost hesitant because of how close it was to the stock trigger (not very close, but shhhh, I'm making a point!). The thing to remember with triggers is how important a smooth trigger is. I wouldn't mind a very heavy trigger if it has a very smooth pull. The SSA is just that. Lighter than stock, uses stock springs, VERY smooth, and just simply amazing. It is perfect and I have no doubt that every AR I own will have one.

Next is the Magpul STR stock.

It comes in standard Magpul packaging:



Here are some of the features of this stock to those who are not aware:




It comes with a Magpul sticker, a huge catelog/poster, warning labels to make sure the buyer knows the difference between milspec and commercial parts, a dummy round to aid in the install, oh ya....and uhh...the Magpul STR stock itself.

I got too excited and put on the stock before I could snap pictures of it not on the rifle (if anyone wants I can do that though).

My favorite feature of this stock, I thought, would be the ability to store bateries...and, true, I do enjoy that feature. My favorite part of this stock is the cheek weld I get with the large slanted upper portion (that helps function as storage). It is just very comfortable. My girlfriend even commented on how much more she liked it. Win-win.







It is heavier than the Magpul MOE, which is not only to be expected but it is as advertised. I just didn't think I would notice. When I had the lower separated from the upper to instal the trigger, however, the weight was noticeable. Though, when on the rifle, I really cannot tell the few ounces it adds.


I will say this....removal of the Magpul MOE stock is not hard but installing the STR gave me SO much trouble! I even broke the little dummy rounds tip off....So, in my infinite wisdom, I decided to use a real round....well the bullet bulled the brass too much and then the round simple fell apart as well.....The key here, with the install, is to use the dummy round as a lever under the friction lock and pull up on a small, circular opening....the only problem is that at no point was there clarification on what I was actually using the round to lever against....there is a small metal circular opening and if you stick any object too far into the opening, it goes through the whole...this was my problem. In my anxious state I didn't think about what was happening so I kept sticking them as far into the hole as possible before trying to use it as a lever. The tip of the bullet should pull the inside of the hole (the metal circle is actually pretty thin). Then again, I am probably the only person who has had that much trouble with the dang thing! It is an awesome upgrade though.

[billdogg]

Looking good. What optic do you have for it?

[Whitebrad25]

The optic is an Aimpoint PRO and is en route from OpticsPlanet!

[Whitebrad25]

Some other things I will have, sooner or later, are:

Light - Fenix TK21 U2 or TK15 R5.....REALLY can't decide.
Mount for light- VLTOR Offset QD mount
QD swivel sling mounts- Damage industries D rings
Sling- Magpul MS3
Foregrip- still undecided
Muzzle break or flash suppressor- Currently thinking Battlecomp but I heard they have a new design on way for 2012....I can patiently wait and see...Plus, Spikes Tacticals Dynacomp gets pretty good reviews as well.
Trigger- Possibly a Geisselle SSA-E or SSA down the line. At least 2k before I flirt with a trigger though. Obviously, since this rifle is hoping to one day be used at work, I don't want too light of a trigger (I know engagement, safety, trigger finger out, and I carry a striker fired Walther PPS, but with a rifle I don't want any double taps!). I would probably settle to just have the trigger smoothed out if it doesn't do so naturally after that many rounds.


AR really does stand for Another Receipt !

[richeyo2]

Nice add ons!
Can't wait to see it all on the rifle.

[agould27]

Nice, I love my MOE grip. I need to give up and buy a BCM gunfighter. I honestly would surpass the light, unless you are going to use it as spotlight for hunting you will find that they are pretty much useless. Enjoy your build.

[Whitebrad25]

I am actually going LE so the light, at some point or another, would be good IMO. But, I agree with you, which is why a QD mount is a must for me (since it won't spend much time actually on the rifle).

I must admit, the gunfighter charging handle was something I had to tweak and play with before I felt I wanted to buy it. But it is very, very stout. Over engineered for sure. The latch is easy to actuate and very smooth. MidwayUSA is where I ordered mine and I imagine their stock is now the new style, but, once again the description as well as image will show the older design.

Thanks for the input and YES, I am looking forward to it on the rifle as well!