I thought I would start a topic about an AR-15 build I am doing. I recently ordered the parts and would like to post updates on the process. The process will be parts ordered, assembly or build and range time with feedback updates.
This rifle/gun/weapon/firearm/shooting platform will be shooting mostly AAC 5.56mm. My plan is to shoot 1,000 rounds of this ammunition about 100-120 rounds per range session with feedback.
Initially, I like to build an AR-15 and dry fire. I dry fire to check for fit and function. I’ll do that for a couple days cause I’m a cautious fellow. I like to make sure everything is in good working order before I even take the gun to the range. If there is an issue it can be addressed and the likeliness of an issue at the range is minimal.
I’ll take the AR-15 to the range initially shoot a magazine for function and zero at 25 yards. From there I’ll shoot it up to 100 yards at steel targets. I like steel targets at 100 yards as they provide instant feedback. I’m not a distance shooter so 100 yards fits my needs.
For my pre range/live fire inspection and checks I’ll wipe it down, lubricate, punch the tube, dry fire and perform a functions check for a couple of days before the live fire. During that time I’ll check to make sure things stay in place (no pins popping out, damaged springs, nothing stuck and the action is smooth). The Functions Check includes fire and trigger reset, ensure the safety works, the forward assist works and clear a malfunction (apply SPORTS), ensure the bolt locks in place using the bolt catch, release the bolt using the bolt catch, ensure the magazine loads, locks in place and ejects smoothly. During this time I’ll also boresight the MSR Red Dot and MBUS so when I zero I should at least be on the paper.
The first 300 rounds were shot today. Zero issues from the gun or ammunition. Here is today’s picture presentation. I started with a zero, trigger reset and popping steel at 50 and 100 yards.
Range report for today, October 18, 2022. Shot 200 rounds at 100 yards. Zero issues and zero malfunctions for the gun or ammunition. It’s my first PSA/BCM/MOE build and I like it.
I love build-shoot writing like this! Thanks for sharing! I’m beginning to like “simple” builds like your new AR more and more as they’re light and they work.
Yeah this is my first build that is a combo of BCM, PSA and MOE. I’ve done other builds but traded them off for the next best thing. I think I found the next best thing.
Range report for this gun October 19. 2022. The gun and ammunition performed as expected with zero issues and zero malfunctions. Shot 200 rounds and zeroed the rifle with iron sights. The round count for this weapon is 700 rounds. It’s a good gun. I think I’ll keep it. It found a home and can hang out on the wall of readiness
Range report for today October 21, 2022. Aim small, miss small. Today I was shooting at some old 2x4s on the 4 inch side at 50 and 100 yards. I used iron sights and the Red Dot. The gun and ammunition performed as expected with zero issues and zero malfunctions. The marksmanship is all me, couldn’t bust them but I put some holes in them
This brings the round count for this gun to 1,000. I like this gun.
PSA and Friends. Today I shot 240 rounds through this rifle. I shot 5.56mm FMJ and LAP. Zero issues and zero malfunctions. That brings the total rounds shot to 1,240.
Since the last post shot 530 rounds. Zero issues and zero malfunctions. That puts the total round count at 2,240 rounds. Here is a group on steel at 100 yards. I bought a 7”x12” torso 1/2” steel target. This will be fun. Aim small miss small
Are you noticing anything with shot placement or rifle function between the first few hundred rounds versus the last few hundred rounds? I’ve only put that many rounds through my old Springfield XDm .40s&w pistol, but never really noticed any difference except, maybe, a smoother action.
