Building AR15, need help picking between two uppers

[rholmes69]

I am looking at 2 uppers to complete my build. Both are carbine and flat tops. What do you guys think would be the better option, general plinking, maybe some hog and other varmint hunting usage. Not shooting matches or worried about hitting targets 300 yds out... I don't want anything that has a permanent front sight, so it rules out a lot of the assembled uppers out there.

Option 1:
Aero Precision Upper, Black Hole Weaponry 1x8 polygonal 3 groove barrel (16in), M4 ramps, A2 flashider, Magpul MOE handguard, single rail gas block with no front sight. Comes with standard charging handle and a Fail Zero or LMT complete bolt group. Headspaced and staked and test fired. Total cost $415 shipped.

Option 2:
YHM Specter Lightweight Upper. YHM Diamond Fluted barrel 1x7 14.5in (barrel and chamber chrome lined) with Phantom 5M2 comp/brake permanently attached. YHM Specter Carbine length free float forearm, YHM gas block, YHM BCG and charging handle. Essentially a brand new YHM Upper Total cost $550 shipped.

My goal was to keep my build cost under $700. I'm at $240 so far with a complete lower. Is the YHM worth busting the budget for over an Aero Precision?

Thanks for the input and suggestions!!!

[johnh]

I am not familiar with the Black Hole brand barrel, but I do like the 1x8 twist for versatility. It is a bit more tolerant of light bullets from what I hear than the 1x7, although most of my ARs are 1x7. The permanent brake on the YHM also removes any option to change the flash suppressor later or FSB later. I am leaning towards option 1, but you might want to float it given you have some desire to do varmint hunting. Might as well squeeze a bit more accuracy out of her. $415 sounds like a good deal, as does $550.

[rholmes69]

Thanks for the input. I do appreciate it.

I have always hated the look of the AR with a permanent FS, so I don't imagine that being a problem with wanting to change the gas block. Additionally, it has an upgraded flash suppressor, otherwise that would concern me. If I ever got serious enough with a defined purpose for the rifle (matches, etc) then I would likely go with a higher quality build altogether (BCM, LMT, etc).

I just keep thinking that I'll want some type of quad rail in the future and it makes more sense to have it added from the get go and probably won't be able to find one as high a quality as the YHM for $100....

I think I made up my mind already....

[Rotorflyr]

Didn't do a build but purchased a complete YHM, over all quality appears to be excellent.

If I ever actually get it out and shoot it I'll be sure and post my impressions of it. :p




YHM 8810 Black Diamond Specter Carbine
http://yankeehill.bizland.com/store/media/YHM-8810_bg.jpg

[rholmes69]

Well I ended up going with the YHM upper. Taking in the fluting of the barrel, quad rail, etc, I just couldn't pass it up, especially considering that they sell normally for high 6's to mid 7's. Throw in their lifetime warranty to boot. I'll post pics as soon as it gets here. Probably won't be til next week :(.

Now I gotta find some ammo...

[deadhead1971]

ARs are a whole different world. I just got my first one about 4 weeks ago.

I have something called a DPMS AP4 5.56/.223. It came with a top handle sight, and I have removed it. I traded 2 guns for it but it was valued at around $850 plus tax. I have added a magpul rear flip up sight (item # MAG246-BLK). I have a Bushnell 1x Zoom Dot scope mounted (item# 730001). I did a review of this scope on amazon.com. The red dot adjusts from 1 MOA to 10 MOA.

My barrel is chrome-moly 1x9. It's not chrome lined but the chamber is. Chrome-moly barrels are cheaper but there are pros and cons. DPMS says the chrome-molys should last to about 10,000 rounds before accuracy drops off . Chrome-lined will last longer. When and IF I wear the barrel out, I'll just buy a new one for $200 and have a smith install it. No big deal.

You may already know this but make sure your barrel is marked for both 5.56 and .223. You can shoot .223 in a 5.56 barrel but you should NOT shoot 5.56 in a barrel that is only rated for .223. The rounds look the same, but the 5.56 nato has higher pressures than a .223. Since .223 has lower pressures, it is safe to shoot .223 in a 5.56 barrel.

A barrel that is rated for 5.56 gives you more options--to use both 5.56 and .223.

Also, I have had excellent reliability with magazines with green followers. I had one with a gray follower, and it jammed up every other round.

[rholmes69]

I got a copy of a pic of it from the auction site, I'll have to post one of it mounted when it gets here... Ships out tomorrow or Friday!

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l256/rholmes69/Kahr/YHMUpper.jpg

[rholmes69]

nice rifle deadhead. What kind of rear sight is on it (magpul buis?) and what did run you approximately if you don't mind me asking...

[joshh]

nice. i just ordered my 1st ar. a complete spikes midlength thats been massified for compliance: fixed pinned stock, welded brake & no bayonet lug. i also upgraded to troy flip up rear sight and a chrome bolt. when comparing different companies, with all the necessary compliance "upgrades" i couldnt find another ar that was close in specs to spikes for under a $1000 and have read great reviews. looks like you got a good deal for a nice setup, hope all goes well w/ your new toy.
http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/images/large/Midlength%20Complete%20LE_LRG.jpg

[rholmes69]

Been busy with work, family and slack about updating this. Got the upper in 4/4 (day before my son's birth!) and it looks sweet. Mounts beautifully to my PSA lower and tight too. No need for a wedge. Haven't shot it yet, hope to this week. I threw on my red dot from my shotty to have something to play with til I find a permanent scope or some BUIS to throw on. This thing is LIGHT. I don't think the gun weighs 7lbs. I'll have to hop on the scale with it.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l256/rholmes69/Kahr/100_3840.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l256/rholmes69/Kahr/100_3841.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l256/rholmes69/Kahr/100_3843.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l256/rholmes69/Kahr/100_3844.jpg

[jlottmc]

I've been mulling building a lower receiver then put a .50BMG upper on it. I may yet do that as soon as I can afford the upper.

[deadhead1971]

rholmes69 -- I saw your question today. I lost track of this thread. Sorry. Yes, it's a magpul. I got it through amazon http://www.amazon.com/Magpul-MBUS-Back-Sight-Rifle/dp/B004UTQZOW/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1303842357&sr=8-11

And it came with a free bonus front sight.

[rholmes69]

Wow, a free magpul front sight? Did you get it from the same seller (The Helmet Source)?

Thanks!

[deadhead1971]

I checked, and the seller is called inks3455

It was $58.98 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002E6UVCA