Looking to build: 1/3 Tactical, 2/3 Sharpshooter...
I haven't owned a rifle before but I sat down and thought about my ideal type of rifle:
An M4-style rifle that's about 1/3 Tactical (something that I could pull the scope off of and shoot on the move) and 2/3 Sharpshooter (something that I could put a high-powered scope onto, perch it on a tripod, and reliably hit a target at a few hundred yards or more).
A few questions in deciding what I should go with:
1) Are there any specific variants that I should be looking for? I like the look, and size, of the M4, so if I can work around that I would be very happy.
2) Are there any specific part upgrades that I should be looking at for a 1/3 Tactical & 2/3 Sharpshooter rifle? For example: Which handguards would be ideal for this scheme? Which buttstock? Rail sights? Barrel? Grip? Trigger? Magazine? Bipod? Even upper and lower, for that matter? Feel free to toss in anything else that's useful.
3) Since it's 2/3 Sharpshooter, any scope recommendations? I would like something reasonably priced (around, or less than, $1k), but feel free to recommend anything.
And, with the 1/3 Tactical & 2/3 Sharpshooter scheme in mind, feel free to toss in any other advice or recommendations that you think I should know.
1. Your tactical side will be met if all you do is put iron sights on, flip up or solid.
2. The M4 barrel length isn't that conducive to shots over 300 meters. It can do them, but effectiveness at those ranges is questionable.
3. This all depends on how much money you have.
It really looks like you're looking for a Squad Designated Marksman's rifle. Not quite a sniper rifle, and not quite a standard grunt rifle. It was designed to engage targets to 600 meters.
Features of the SDM-R:
- Stainless steel Douglas 1:8 twist, 20-inch barrel, with 12 flutes cut into the barrel to reduce weight.
-4x32 ACOG (TA31F, TA01, TA01B, or TA01NSN). A Matech Industries 600-meter backup iron sight is also used.
-Daniel Defense M4Rail 12.0 handguard, with an octagonal steel collar locking it to the receiver block.
I would think to build a real tack driver requires some experienced gun smithing, many guys like to put add ons to their rifles thinking it's going to improve their shooting,a smooth trigger i can definately see the need many of the other fancy stuff is more cosmetic then any thing else. sure if you have the money and want to dress your rifle up by all means do what you want.
Well, here's the thing. What you want could be had in many different builds. A 16" barrel will easily make 300 yard shots. To give you an example, I'm wanting to build a rifle that will be a "jack of all trades" AR. Now, since I won't be using it past 300 yards, a 20" or a stainless steel barrel are not required. For the most part I'm only going to be using cheaper 55gr and 62gr bullets(part of the reason why the stainless steel barrel won't serve much of a purpose). However, a 1x7 twist barrel will be because I may use everything from 55gr-77gr stuff. A standard 1x9 twist barrel can have problems stabilizing the heavier bullet. A chrome lined barrel may also serve me well if this is to be a reliable SHTF/zombie gun and cleaning it after every use may not be possible. Stick that with a 6 position stock gives me the compact tactical edge. Use a low profile gas block, mount a mid length free float railed forearm gives me the space to add a bi pod, forward grip, and flashlight without cramming it all into a smaller space.Now comes the tricky part, iron sights and optics.
I agree with Pred, but IMHO I would add flip up BUIS (back up iron sights) and stick with something like an Aimpoint M2 or an EoTech with a 3X magnifier... That way, you can still see any reasonable target at 300 yards but also have a quick target aquisition at close range...
From my military days, we would take our M4's to the Known Distance Range, and I was punching holes up to 500 yards with a pretty tight shot group with my iron sights.. it can be done, but needs lots of practice...
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Not a Survivalist, but a Survivor
The effective range on an M4/M16/AR15 style is actually 437 yards according to the military channel show Top Ten Combat Rifles. Have it saved to the DVR and just checked it. Can also be confirmed by going to the website.
Just my 2cents. lol Besides, even if it was effective out to only 250yds, that would be good enough for me. I hope I never have to find out in a self preservation do or die situation anyway.
By the way Cru5ader, good luck with your project.
__________________ "My next door neighbors two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs then Obama has." - Gary Johnson
Spec, this guys is wanting to do something on a budget though. He would spend $1000 just in an Aimpoint, magnifier and the mounts.
At least a grand. I mean right now the EoTech 557 with a FTS (Flip To Side) mount and magnifier is going for $1099. With fixed base, take off $100 bucks.
__________________ "My next door neighbors two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs then Obama has." - Gary Johnson
Spec, this guys is wanting to do something on a budget though. He would spend $1000 just in an Aimpoint, magnifier and the mounts.
go to ebay and buy a 3x magnifier clone.. they are so similar its scary.. plus, it's only $100.. you can get an EoTech 511 or 512 (I can't remember) for around $350 in these parts of the world.. after doing a do it yourself build on the rifle, it's easy enough to stay within his budget
__________________
Not a Survivalist, but a Survivor
