PaddyMac

Wow it's been a while... Several builds under my belt. Anyway I just ordered Samson sights for my first build (never fired). I built one nearly identical to mine with a Aero upper for my brother. Shot his this weekend and it was fantastic. Kicks less than my AR15. Ejects to 3 o'clock and all could land in a shoebox. Lucky I guess. Here's the sights:

I sent Aero a message a few minutes ago to get their take on this. I'll call them later if I don't get a response.

Hey 98Z5V - Is this it? Generally:1.630 is the minimum acceptable1.6335 was the minimum limit for production M14s (other vary)1.634 is the maximum for new built match shooters1.636 is the maximum for hunting1.638 is the maximum for safe shooting (civilian liability)1.6375 was the maximum new build limit for a new built M14 (others vary)1.6415 is the maximum rework limit for M14s (others vary)1.6455 is the reject threshold for M14s (others vary)You will note that the listed "7.62" are really only for the M14. The M40 and M24 sniper rifles have different headspace limits, as does the M110, you'll have to consult the depot level repair manual for those limits (you may have to ask Knight's Armament for the M110 specs).

Hate to revive something but I'm just trying to make sure I don't kill myself or someone else... Build1 - M5 Aero 18" fluted SS - complete upper Build2 - M5 Aero 18" CMV - complete upper So... I went ahead and purchased a set of Forster .308 gauges (NOT NATO) - GO 1.630 / NOGO 1.634 / FIELD 1.638. Just for kicks Forster NATO measurements are - GO 1.6344 / NOGO 1.6455. Build1 - Using a Toolcraft BCG closed on GO - Would not close on NOGO - 👍 Build2 - Using same Toolcraft BCG closed on GO - closed on NOGO - 😥 - would not close on .308 FIELD 🤔 Called Aero and got the typical blah, blah, blah - don't mix parts - blah, blah, blah. I didn't manufacture the barrel or BCG and as far as I can tell headspace between .308 and 7.62x51 were established before I was born... Anyhoo. Went ahead against better judgement and bought an Aero BCG. Guess what - same exact friggen results on Build2 with the Aero BCG. Is the best road here to send the Build2 upper back to Aero with their friggen BCG or am I just being picky in wanting my headspace to be tighter than a fuking FIELD gauge? To make matters worse, Forster says that if you close on a NOGO gauge all is not lost. Just try a FIELD gauge and if it doesn't close you're probably A-OK... Pissed FYI - Extractor and plunger were removed on both BCG's prior to testing - barrels were dry as I didn't want any oil to take up a couple of hundred thou.

Armalite A2 stock and buffer kit

Welcome from Marylandistan.

Welcome!!

Quick question and not to step on the thread. My .308 build is waiting on parts so I'm not there yet. But on my AR15 I lube the bolt with Valvoline Japanese, Chrysler, multi-vehicle grease. Its red and light. I dunk the assembled BCG in Mobil 1. I wipe a little to not make too much of a mess, install, and put the rifle in the safe with a cloth underneath for the drips. I got the technique some a respected armorer on another forum. Never had a FTE or FTF on the rifle. 300 round count (I know I baby it). I planned on the same treatment for the .308. Any issues?

Wicked cool work Albroswift!

Thanks guys. I was stumped on this reading posts, vendors listings, etc. That said, I'm sucker for the A2 that Albroswift mentioned.

My only question here is it the correct spring and buffer for a DPMS build? Other threads have said that Armalite and DPMS approached things differently. DPMS using a stiffer spring and a lighter and smaller sized buffer to work with AR15 parts.

Progress - A little oil, a delrin drift, and a plastic coated hammer were all it took to mate things up! 😬 Are the pins tight? YES, especially the rear. But with a couple of in and out moves its loosening up. I'll work it some more tonight. The fit is excellent IMO. No movement anywhere whatsoever. It locks up like a champ. Here are some pics. Mated Aero fit to the lower Tang - the fit is much better than it looks. No light passes through anywhere Gas tube - nice machining on the upper

Back at it. So I ordered this from Aero Precision: 18" SS fluted upper with rifle gas, M-LOK. FINALLY the FedEx man brought it to my door 2 days ago and the wife immediately sanitized the box. Can't be too safe ya know. I think she's just trying to keep me alive because I do OK for us. Oh well. Brought my finished Cerro 80% lower from the gun room to the kitchen and tried it on for size. Guess what...? No dice 😒 Seems like this is the way things go when you go the 80% route 😢. Well I don't think its my machining skills this time. Front takedown pin - no problem. Rear takedown pin is a no-go. Tried rear pin first and can get partially through but not the full length. Tight as hell. My plan is to take it to the gun room with good light and magnification to figure out where it's snagged up. Prolly whip out the vernier calipers and take some measurements as well. I have other 80% lowers from other manufacturers that I'm going to test fit as well. I've got a pair of extra pins to help out. On a side note - I still need a BCG, rifle stock and buffer tube, and sights. Can anyone suggest a BCG based on the quality of my upper. I'm thinking Toolcraft. I'm gonna call Heavy Buffers for the tube, spring, and buffer. I'd get an A2 style stock but everyone complains about build quality and color. I may just go with a Magpul MOE fixed stock. I have a set of .308 go no-gauges on order and should have in a week or so. Pics and build stories to follow.

You ain't kidding. Heading down to the basement this afternoon to attempt fitting the upper to the .308. I'll post in that thread later.

Yessir. First timer here so it took me a while to figure it out. My only example was my Colt LE before starting this. All together at this point waiting on go no-go gauges and then I'll give it a run. I understand that on a mil-spec AR15 build it's probably not necessary...but I did use an inexpensive kit and just want to be sure.

Fawking genius!!!

What was the temperature during the test?

Welcome!

Welcome - You've come to the right place. Someone will have the info that you seek.

Maybe here but it's gonna cost you... store.gravelagency.com I have no idea who they are or if they are real but they are listing one for $565.72

Oh... I use blue locktite on my gas block screws. Same for guard screws but not until its perfect.

😁 So once you get your barrel put some anti-seize (very little) on the threads of the upper. Torque to 35lbs in 20-25-30-35lb stages. Each time unscrewing the barrel nut with a breaker bar (not your torque wrench) before going to the next stage. This seats the threads. Torque to 35lbs and inspect gas tube alignment. I don't know anything about your guard but here's where I would start following the guards instructions and using the shims to get things lined up. You'll have to continue to torque upwards until everything lines up. It should line up at some point between 35 and 80-90. I hear you can go higher but I'd be scared for my upper. Others will chime in to help if I made any omissions.

Welcome from Marylandstan

I have the Easy Jig 2. Nice setup but the 5D looks like a beast. If the Easy Jig gets sloppy, I'm going to the 5D.

Never used polymer before. How do they hold up? Pro's or Con's?