Well after 14 weeks of filling out forms, faxing documents, and calling the ATF almost daily I can finally show you guys what I've been working on.
POF 9.25" Piston Upper
RRA Lower
LMT Sopmod Stock
Magpul MIAD Pistol Grip
Larry Vickers 2-point Sling
Troy BUIS
Safariland RLS Rapid Light System
Trijicon Reflex ACOG
AAC Phantom Flash Hider & Quick Attach Suppressor Mount
My goal was to build an ultimate home defense weapon that was compact and light enough to carry all day in the event of a natural disaster, zombie attack, or paper punching. I also wanted it to be partially concealable. I'm not planning to leave the boundaries of my property with it, but I don't need the neighbors seeing me running around my yard with a rifle strapped to me. They already think I'm weird enough.
The 9.25" upper makes this thing about the same size as an MP5 (see picture below). It's extremely easy to move through my house with it and the Vickers sling makes it comfortable to wear while doing everyday tasks. I prefer keeping a 20rd mag in the gun and a 30rd mag on my belt in a Bladetech mag pouch. The 20 rounders make it considerably lighter and less bulky for every day carry and I still have a 30 rounder in easy reach should the SHTF. A light jacket makes the entire rig concealable enough for my purposes. As far as bullet velocities and short barrels go, I really don't think it's going to matter at 10 yards. If I need to hit something much farther away I have another rifle for that.
The Trijicon reflex definitely took some getting used to. I like that it's fast on target, but the tradeoff is more weight and bulk. I may dump it and stick to the irons.
The Sopmod stock is nice but too bulky. Why it costs $300, I'll never know. I also don't like that I'm always adjusting it trying to decide what the best length is. I want to try a standard fixed length entry stock like in the picture below.
The Magpul MIAD grip is great and much better than what came with the lower kit.
I really like the Safariland RLS and have another one I've been using on my Mossberg 500. It's inexpensive, compact, and just plain works.
The only thing I'm still missing is the AAC M4-2000 suppressor which is sitting at Belsco waiting on approval from ATF and is probably at least another 10 weeks out. It will add 4" to the length and we'll just have to wait and see how that effects the compactness. I also still need some rail covers since the exposed rails eat my hands up.
If I did it all over again I'd start with a different lower. The RRA is extremely tight and the mags don't drop free. I'm hoping it'll loosen up after some rounds get through it. I'll probably spend the extra money and just get a POF lower to match next time. I tried a few different forward grips but I didn't like any of them. I've been shooting rifles all my life without a damn VFG so I don't know why I need one now.
I plan to write up a detailed sticky on exactly what I had to do to build and register this thing with both the State of Louisiana and the BATFE. It wasn't hard but there are a few extra things Louisiana requires that other states don't. I don't have any shooting impressions yet since I haven't even fired the damn thing yet.
What do you guys think? What would you change or add?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAmBSJpVjG4
HD Video: http://www.vimeo.com/1699801
POF 9.25" Piston Upper
RRA Lower
LMT Sopmod Stock
Magpul MIAD Pistol Grip
Larry Vickers 2-point Sling
Troy BUIS
Safariland RLS Rapid Light System
Trijicon Reflex ACOG
AAC Phantom Flash Hider & Quick Attach Suppressor Mount
My goal was to build an ultimate home defense weapon that was compact and light enough to carry all day in the event of a natural disaster, zombie attack, or paper punching. I also wanted it to be partially concealable. I'm not planning to leave the boundaries of my property with it, but I don't need the neighbors seeing me running around my yard with a rifle strapped to me. They already think I'm weird enough.
The 9.25" upper makes this thing about the same size as an MP5 (see picture below). It's extremely easy to move through my house with it and the Vickers sling makes it comfortable to wear while doing everyday tasks. I prefer keeping a 20rd mag in the gun and a 30rd mag on my belt in a Bladetech mag pouch. The 20 rounders make it considerably lighter and less bulky for every day carry and I still have a 30 rounder in easy reach should the SHTF. A light jacket makes the entire rig concealable enough for my purposes. As far as bullet velocities and short barrels go, I really don't think it's going to matter at 10 yards. If I need to hit something much farther away I have another rifle for that.
The Trijicon reflex definitely took some getting used to. I like that it's fast on target, but the tradeoff is more weight and bulk. I may dump it and stick to the irons.
The Sopmod stock is nice but too bulky. Why it costs $300, I'll never know. I also don't like that I'm always adjusting it trying to decide what the best length is. I want to try a standard fixed length entry stock like in the picture below.
The Magpul MIAD grip is great and much better than what came with the lower kit.
I really like the Safariland RLS and have another one I've been using on my Mossberg 500. It's inexpensive, compact, and just plain works.
The only thing I'm still missing is the AAC M4-2000 suppressor which is sitting at Belsco waiting on approval from ATF and is probably at least another 10 weeks out. It will add 4" to the length and we'll just have to wait and see how that effects the compactness. I also still need some rail covers since the exposed rails eat my hands up.
If I did it all over again I'd start with a different lower. The RRA is extremely tight and the mags don't drop free. I'm hoping it'll loosen up after some rounds get through it. I'll probably spend the extra money and just get a POF lower to match next time. I tried a few different forward grips but I didn't like any of them. I've been shooting rifles all my life without a damn VFG so I don't know why I need one now.
I plan to write up a detailed sticky on exactly what I had to do to build and register this thing with both the State of Louisiana and the BATFE. It wasn't hard but there are a few extra things Louisiana requires that other states don't. I don't have any shooting impressions yet since I haven't even fired the damn thing yet.
What do you guys think? What would you change or add?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAmBSJpVjG4
HD Video: http://www.vimeo.com/1699801
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