help needed to build a 300 whisper

[spdjnky_42]

Hello all, new to the forum. I have been an avid gun collector since I was a kid. I have many in my collection. A friend of mine recently showed me one of these and I am now looking for one to call my own. I have always takin apart and cleaned my own guns. However, I have never built one. I have the general knowledge of the parts but have no idea what works with what. I would like to build one of these and am open to your help. I have only a few things on my part. It can be either a bolt gun or AR based but I would like to know the cost difference before we start. It will have to have at least a 16" barrel (local laws). I am building it for the subsonic loads although some supersonic rounds would be nice. I would assume that a 1:8 twist would be right from what I have read on here. A suppressor would not be out of the question but I am still looking into it. From what I have found I would need the federal stamp and also at least a C&R permit (also quick question: If you pay for the stamp is it per weapon, or does it cover all your weapons? or do you have to pay per violation on the weapon?TIA) SO what are my options for a good quality on a budget. Also what kind of funds are we looking at here. Just out of curiosity what does it cost to build a .500 whisper. Sorry for the long post and thanks.

[Rancid Coolaid]

Bolt gun is rock solid no need to worry about cycling issues or feed/extract/eject issues. It is also quieter, due to far fewer moving parts at trigger pull.

That said, ARs are fun as hell, can fire much faster than a bolt gun, and are much more configurable than a bolt gun.

If the barrel is to be 16", you do not need any special stamp for the gun. If you plan to buy a suppressor, you will need an ATFE stamp for the can. It can be moved from gun to gun, but always keep a copy of the ATFE paperwork - with stamp - on you when you have the can.

I started in the 300 game with a bolt gun, decided to go AR, now I wish I hadn't sold the bolt gun. ARs are fun and very user-configurable, but they can be a pain to get set up and running smoothly, depending on the ammo and the shooter's knowledge and commitment to the platform.

I'm not sure I would recommend building an AR for your first foray into 300. Buy a bolt gun or a set up AR and see if it is really what you want. Once you know what you want to do with it, get what you want.

300s are fun, and infinitely more so when suppressed.

[spdjnky_42]

Thanks for the info. I spent the day reading about how to build AR's. I think I will do just that. As for the 300 what bolt gun can I get cheap and where do I get the barrel. TIA

Also if you care to comment here is my AR 15 build: Del Ton complete AR m4 carbine (minus stripped lower) with the acc I want for around $700 what do you guys think and where can I get a good stripped lower or should I cough up $180 for theirs? Also I live in MO if that makes a difference.

[spdjnky_42]

Also maybe I jumped the gun would I be better off (cheaper) getting a 300/221 AR 15 complete upper $850 and just using the lower from the other AR 15 I am building?

[ds762]

SBR's are legal in MO .. so are suppressors .. NO need for the C&R FFL anymore - they changed that this year.

I would recommend you look up the member "spook" or "tp555" .. both are competent smiths and could steer you in the right direction for a trouble free set up. OR .. you could just plop down the $$$ for an AAC 300 BLACKOUT upper and be one of the "kool kids on the block"!

[spdjnky_42]

I can buy supressors from a dealer legally now? How much is the blackout? I doubt I will plop out $ after the $900 M4A3. I am just looking to use a nice cheap (good quality) bolt gun for the 300/221 barrel. For a subsonic toy.

[spdjnky_42]

Couple questions. "SBR" does this stand for short barrel rifle? If so does that mean MO changed the law on the 16" barrel length?

Also any one have a DS arms 300 AAC? $300 seems pretty good compared to the $700 one I saw.

[Rancid Coolaid]

SBR is short barrel rifle.

You get what you pay for, I personally would avoid the $300 option.


A 300 is a relatively complex setup (to get it right), cheap up front might be expensive in the end.

[spdjnky_42]

Well then I guess Ill be saving for the $700 version. Any manufacturer you guys recommend?

[Hoser]

Contact Spook for a custom build. This way you know it will run from the get go.