Need advice for a new upper

[RTodd]

Hello,

I am new to your forum, and have come here looking for some specific advice. I've shot a number of different competitive disciplines, and have a pretty good base of experience, but the .300 fill-in-the--blank seems like a pretty special application, and I'd like to get it right on the first try.

Here is what I think I want:
1) AR-15 with A2 stock and Giselle trigger (that was the easy part)
2) a 16" barrel threaded for a can (though silencer is down the road)
3) a flat top, since I intend scope only use
4) varmint style float tube
5) variable gas block and side charging handle (in case of future can use)
6) premium tube (Douglas, Kreiger, etc) to increase odds of 1/2 - 3/4 moa
7) whatever else is needed to give me the best chance of achieving my accuracy goal
8) spend what is needed to achieve the above, but not "waste" any money

I'm guessing this means a custom gunsmith, but I have no idea which one. My AR smith (Frank White) has no interest in non-Highpower Across the Course rifles, and I've never used anyone esle.

I will appreciate any and all advice, and please help me avoid any pitfalls. My primary interest is in 190gr plus bullets for subsonic loads if that comes into play in my twist choices. If you prefer to share your smith choices by private messages, I'll take the help any way you like.

I have read extensively on your forums, but piecing it all together gets a little overwhelming.

Best Regards and Thank You,

Randy

[HUNTER2]

I hear Delta Company Arms will put together anything you want. Will let you know for sure when the 358 Gremlin shows up...

[snipecatcher]

I will second Delta Company. If I were going to put another 300 BLK together, I would go through Aaron at Delta Company. He seems to be a great guy and has helped me as much as possible trying to figure out why my rifle (which I got through another small custom shop) isn't working with subsonic bullets. Give him a call or email and he will set you up. He has side-charging uppers also.
-Dan

[N310toN170]

I've had good luck so far with Noveske for accuracy and they seem very willing to help after the sale, so that always adds kudos. Matching a barrel with a headspaced bolt seems like it would increase the odds of accuracy. Most of the rest of it falls to reloading practices and finding a powder/ bullet combo that works for your particular rifle.

The rationale of having a variable gas block to start makes a pistol length gas system a very viable option, one that I'd almost consider prereq for subsonic reliability.

Items for consideration are chrome lined vs. stainless and style/length of stock and setup...the rest is mainly aesthetics.

[Titleiiredneck]

Reply sent on the email rtodd. I never messed with delta company but noveske and spook can do just about anything "had spook build atleast 7 , and had one noveske a while back".

Stick with stainless for wear and durability while hunting if you afford that luxury. Pacnor,shlien,kreiger,bartlen,brux all make great tubes and you will be gtg with just about any of them. YHM makes decent handguard that will accomidate most adjustible block's and are affordable " you wil need a yhm wrench". One suggestion most tend to overlook is the fact that it helps to buy a 3 set of recoil spring's and a few diffrent buffers "reg h2 ect.." to find the right combo.

[RTodd]

Guys,

Thanks to all for the answers. I've sent Spook an email, and will wait to hear back from him. Between barrel/buffer tube wrenches, action blocks etc. what will it cost to buy the tools for diy? I purchased all the tools for 1911 work a dozen years ago, and that went well over $1k. I understand AR smithing is less fitting intensive, so maybe diy will be the way to go?

Who has an absolute tack driver and what barrel did you choose? Does PacNor make the list for anyone here?

Thanks,

Randy

[snipecatcher]

You will want an AR15 multi tool, a set of punches, an upper action clamp type block, and a lower receiver block that fits in the magwell. It shouldn't run much more than $100. You may also want to pick up a nylon strap wrench from a hardware store (I got mine from Lowes). They can be helpful in installing/taking off free float tubes. Also good for changing oil in your car/truck. Oddly enough, I got all of my stuff from Bushmaster. They have a set of 4 Starret punches that will do whatever you need, as well as the clamps/blocks, and multi-tools.

http://www.bushmaster.com/products.asp?cat=15

Regards,
-Dan

[redtazdog]

These roll pin starter punches will help make thing easier http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=694883

[RTodd]

Guys,

Thanks for the tool list. I have the punches and a strap wrench, and easy access to an AR wrench so looks like I'll only need the blocks.

I've looked around for the Mega side charging upper (and matching lower), but haven't found one in stock yet. I emailed their sales manager to see if he can help me locate one.

Thanks for the continued help.

Randy Todd