.223 Ammo Contest at Bulkammo.com

  Now is the chance to win some bulk ammo. Use the link provided to sign up for a chance to win a case of .223 ammo from bulkammo.com.

http://www.bulkammo.com/rifle/bulk-.223-ammo#contest

  Be sure to share the link when you sign up. Good luck.

Piston Range Test

  Ok, so this article is a long time coming. Sorry for the long delay.

  A year ago, or so, I went to the range to test fire the Piston AR-15 that I had built. I was meaning to post a new article on this blog, but kept putting it off to take care of other things. Today is the day that I will finally post the results.

  I went to a local indoor rifle range. The range was 30 yards long. I bore sighted the barrel the best I could with the target at about 10 yards. That gave me a starting point to finish sighting in the scope. I moved the target out as far as I could get it and started to work on getting it sighted in. This is how the target looked after 12 shots from the rifle, sighting it in, on the 30 yard range.

  As you can see, the grouping got closer until I was able to hit the same spot repeatedly. It took some patience, I was resting my elbow on the counter top while I was shooting. I would like to sight it in properly at an outdoor range and get a more accurate view of the performance of the rifle in its current configuration, but for now this tells me the rifle can shoot pretty straight. I was kinda sloppy when I sighted it in, I was really just trying to check the rifle for function and to make sure everything was properly tight. I did have to readjust the gas block and the scope rings after the first few rounds, but after that it shot really well.

  I went through 100 rounds with the rifle after it was sighted in. Cleaning was really easy. I wiped the BCG with a Q-Tip dipped in cleaner and a rag, the same with the piston rod. I wiped out the upper and reapplied a light coat of Rem oil. Finally, I reassembled the rifle, did a function check, and made sure nothing was loose that shouldn't be.

  In conclusion, I have to say that this piston rifle has the potential to be pretty accurate if I sight it in correctly and with a good optic. Also, cleaning was a breeze. No need for pipe cleaners with this rifle.

  Please, subscribe and comment. Contributors welcome.

Protect Our Rights

  As we continue to pray for the families stricken by the devastating acts of mentally ill individuals, the time has come again to defend the 2nd Amendment. I have been writing to Legislators to protect the 2nd Amendment. As I hope you are as well.

  Please, use the following links to contact your reps.
NRA/ILA
Ruger
Smith & Wesson

  Please, check back often and I will add more links as they come available.

  Protect our rights.

Small Issue

Barrel Nut Shims Part #: SAR1000

  So, in my last article I mentioned a small problem I had during assembly of my upper. I was installing the barrel nut and was having a problem getting it aligned with the gas port on the upper receiver. I tightened the barrel to 80 foot pounds and it still would not align properly. I tried a second barrel nut and had the same issue. I then began to wonder if there was a way to correct the issue without buying more barrel nuts.

  I figured there should be a way to shim the barrel nut. So, I started to search online for thin metal to make some shims with. I found thin sheets of metal, but I was really wanting something I would not need to cut to work. I did a new search for "barrel nut shims", and found that they are available.

  I located a set of barrel nut shims in stock on the Spike's Tactical website. I ordered a set of them and waited for them to arrive. Once they were here, I was eager to complete the assembly. So, off to the vice with tools and parts in hand. I tried the different thicknesses of shims in the kit till I found the one that would work. It took 66 foot pounds of torque to line up the barrel nut with the gas port.

  So, if you have an issue with a barrel nut or you need to set the torque for a quadrail handguard I suggest you look into the barrel nut shims from Spike's Tactical.

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.

I'm Back

  Well, it's been awhile since I've posted due to a move and waiting on parts. I did finally get those parts that I'd been waiting for.

  The Adam's Arms Mid-Length Piston Conversion kit came in with a bent rod. I contacted Adam's Arms and was sent a replacement. After three piston rods we finally got a straight one. They were very helpful in getting the part replaced.

  I finally assembled the upper receiver and decided on a Magpul MOE Mid-Length Handguard. I added Magpul rails to the sides and bottom of the handguard for future add-ons. I must say I was impressed with the weight. The UBR is quite heavy, but with the extra weight on the Spike's Tactical FN barrel it brought the center of gravity to right above the magwell. So, even with ammo in the rifle it is very well balanced.




Finished Piston AR-15

  I have not had time to test fire the rifle yet, and I did run into a small issue during assembly that I will write about in a future article. All in all, I must say it has been a good experience building this rifle and look forward to completing the other two at a later date.

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.

New Parts On The Way

  We finally have new parts on the way and will have more information up in the next week. Thanks to all those who have been waiting to see new stuff on the site.

  Now, for the parts on order. We are waiting for some forward assists, ejection port doors, and barrel nuts. They should be in sometime next week. The most awaited of the shipments is the Adam's Arms Mid-Length Piston Conversion Kit. I have looked high and low and finally found a seller online that had the Piston Kit in stock. I have also located some Aero Precision upper receivers and they are on their way as well. I will be reviewing the uppers for fit and finish when attached to the Spike's Tactical and Loki Weapons Systems lower receivers. These items are on the truck and on their way.

  We are looking forward to reviewing the parts on order and would like to hear from anyone else that has experience with any of the brands listed in our articles. Please, be sure to post in the comments section and visit us on Facebook. 

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.

Parts Availability

  I have been looking for parts for the AR15 and have noticed that parts are sold out in many of the usual places. In fact, many of the sites are taking backorders. I know that one of the locally run forum sites have had some group buys that have been waiting a few weeks for items that have been ordered.

  I'm not sure what has caused the problem with availability. Could it be that interest for parts has increased or has parts production slowed? If you are looking for an upper or lower receiver and want specific manufacturer labels or configurations, you may have to wait a few weeks for delivery. I do not believe this should dissuade you from ordering. I know that the parts will be delivered, but there may be a significant wait. Most online stores will not give estimates due to the fact that they are not sure when they will receive new inventory.

  I suppose the increase in interest or lack of inventory could be attributed to many factors. If anyone would like to give an opinion on the current parts on hand issue, please place it in the comments section below. Also, if you can find a site with stock on hand please post that as well.

  So, please remember to be safe and as always, keep it down range.