AR Pistol Build

[edgehill]

Charlie recently posted his AR pistol build from Palmetto State. I bought a lower from them last year and recently got a pistol kit from them. I finished putting it together today. Took about two hours, but the upper was delivered complete so I just had to put the lower together.

I wished I had taken pictures as I went. But here it is.

https://i.imgur.com/nA2AG4Tl.jpg

Complete Upper
https://i.imgur.com/WVM6GBCl.jpg

Buffer and buffer tube spring
https://i.imgur.com/TDntWvrl.jpg

Buffer tube
https://i.imgur.com/YHCxUZ1l.jpg

It came with the Blade pistol brace
https://i.imgur.com/SmRxoMUl.jpg

I found this tool to help with the pivot pin. Took me less than a minute to set this pin.
https://i.imgur.com/6MMUq3Cl.jpg

I also got the Sylvan Arms Folding Stock adapter. Folded, the length is at 20 inches.
https://i.imgur.com/JAsQ1q2l.jpg

It is a total length of 26 inches. It’s not as heavy as a lot of pistols I’ve seen. I also have a red dot for it that I will mount on it.

All the function tests went well, so I’ll take it to the range later this week and give it a test run and dial in the red dot.

[sdmc530]

that's awesome.....can't wait for a range report! I like that!!

[edgehill]

Just mounted the red dot. I went cheap-o and got a red dot at the gun show for $45. It’s by a company called Electro Dot.

https://i.imgur.com/aZFWhuZl.jpg

I got the lower for $30. I got the pistol kit on sale for $350. So I’m at about $450 if you don’t count the tools I got for this, which weren’t that expensive.

Should make a good car rifle.

Total empty weight is 6-1/4 pounds.

Also this is the video I followed to out the lower together.

https://youtu.be/p8sY5CQmlHI

[edgehill]

On the price, I forgot to add the cost of the Sylvan folding mount. That adds $180 to the cost. So if you’re trying to go under $500, skip that mount.

[sdmc530]

That is pretty sweet to be under $500! That is a great pricepoint I feel.

[RKP]

:cool: ... http://www.cotep.org/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif
What's the barrel length on that upper?

[edgehill]

:cool: ... http://www.cotep.org/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif
What's the barrel length on that upper?



It’s 8.5” with a 1:7 twist.

[AFJuvat]

Nice work! Looking forward to the range report.

[Caleb]

That Sukka is going to be loud! [emoji23]

Nice build bro, can’t wait till the next gtg and shoot AR pistols with ya!


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[Gatorade]

Gotta love those limited edition roll marks they are doing! Is that the Eagle one?

[edgehill]

Gotta love those limited edition roll marks they are doing! Is that the Eagle one?

Yes. It's labeled the Freedom-15. I picked it up during last year's Memorial Day sale.

[Riverpigusmc]

Looks good Andy

[RKP]

On the price, I forgot to add the cost of the Sylvan folding mount. That adds $180 to the cost. So if you’re trying to go under $500, skip that mount.

I'd be interested in your thoughts/feedback on the folding mount as well. http://www.cotep.org/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[edgehill]

I took it to the range tonight to do a basic function test. Since this was my first time to build a gun, I was a little nervous.

The magazine caught fine and the first round loaded without any issues. First round fired fine but the second round loaded but didn’t reset the bolt I guess. I manually cycled it and it fired fine. Then I had another click and no bang. Again manually cycled it and it worked fine. After that, there were no issues.

I’m not sure why but once it got going it was fine. I ran a little over 100 rounds without any issues.

As Caleb mentioned, it’s loud and breathes fire. I didn’t worry about zeroing this time, so I’ll be going back to zero the sights now that the few hundred rounds fired without issue after the first issue.

The folding stock is fine. It’s a little stiff, so it didn’t want to latch and when it’s latched, it doesn’t want to release. But folded, it fits nicely in a backpack.

[Gatorade]

I took it to the range tonight to do a basic function test. Since this was my first time to build a gun, I was a little nervous.

The magazine caught fine and the first round loaded without any issues. First round fired fine but the second round loaded but didn’t reset the bolt I guess. I manually cycled it and it fired fine. Then I had another click and no bang. Again manually cycled it and it worked fine. After that, there were no issues.

I’m not sure why but once it got going it was fine. I ran a little over 100 rounds without any issues.

As Caleb mentioned, it’s loud and breathes fire. I didn’t worry about zeroing this time, so I’ll be going back to zero the sights now that the few hundred rounds fired without issue after the first issue.

The folding stock is fine. It’s a little stiff, so it didn’t want to latch and when it’s latched, it doesn’t want to release. But folded, it fits nicely in a backpack.

Are there light primer strikes? Check the hammer spring. I installed one backwards that resulted in light strikes.

[edgehill]

Are there light primer strikes? Check the hammer spring. I installed one backwards that resulted in light strikes.



There were no strikes at all. It looks like the bolt didn’t fall back into the battery. I think it didn’t have enough lube o. It and after I cycled the bolt a few times it was fine.

[Caleb]

There were no strikes at all. It looks like the bolt didn’t fall back into the battery. I think it didn’t have enough lube o. It and after I cycled the bolt a few times it was fine.



It’s possible but, you might of had a burr in the buffer tube that worked it’s way smooth after a couple of cycles. Either that or your buffer is too stiff. What brand buffer tube are you running?
Do you know if the inside of the tube is smooth or if it has machining marks? Those marks cause a lot of drag on the spring and buffer.

Remember, you have a short barrel so a lot of that gas is escaping out the front (hence muzzle flash). This plus the pistol length gas port don’t really push the bolt back with much force. You might have to get a lighter buffer spring.

Since you said you didn’t have any more malfunctions after those couple of ones, I’d say you will be fine and just shoot the crap out of it.


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[edgehill]

I didn’t take pictures, but I took it to the range this morning to zero the red dot sight at 25 yards this morning.

No malfunctions at all. Very smooth. Got it sighted in and ready to go. Nice little in-house AR pistol.

[Rick McC.]

That’s great Andy!

I really like that folding stock setup. I just saw the part advertised in the last couple of weeks.

[Caleb]

That’s good to read Andy.


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[RKP]

...... No malfunctions at all. Very smooth. Got it sighted in and ready to go. Nice little in-house AR pistol.

Good news indeed !

[Horse'nround]

Nice Build Andy!

She's a LOUD puppy,huh.

Odd thing happened yesterday. The last of my project parts showed up. Been waiting 2 and a half months, but like some, I don't get on here and whine like pissy lil'skool girls about stuff not showing up fast enough. Yes we know who you are.:rolleyes:

So after chores it was down to the play room...
https://i.imgur.com/LQYVBJNh.jpg

I too have been intrigued by AR pistol game. Before I get totally out in the woods I decided to do my 1st. build on a more beaten path. So I stuck with the 5.56 platform. My lower is a freebie given to me for doing some work for a buddy. I got a deal on a PWS MK111 upper. 11.5 inches with flash hider. the long pole in the order tent was the Velocity 3lb straight line trigger with no takeup.
Not overly impressed with the lower had undo the build to or 3 times for fitment issues. But I got it done this afternoon, slapped a old reflex on it and headed out to the back yard.
https://i.imgur.com/pHDK5REh.jpg

[sdmc530]

Would that be a reference to me by chance? I love it when people think of me

[Horse'nround]

Sorry that last pict looks a little busy after I posted it.

https://i.imgur.com/E4Zeb0ch.jpg?1

I stopped by the barn to warn the boss of my intent and let her look at my new toy... she wasn't overly impressed. Oh well to each his own, so I walked down to the creek bank and picked a spot around 15 yards out. I stole the reflex off another AR that I don't shoot much anymore so I picked a wide spot. I squeezed off the 1st. round...
HOLY SHIT BATMAN!!! That'll get yer attention even with muffs on! surprisingly it impacted about an 1" under the dot @ 15yds.
Test 2, relax the buttstock squeeze the trigger and relax the finger just a titch and just like that 1 and 3!!! Totally cool!! did it twice just to make sure it wasn't a fluke, halfway into the mag and it starts raining pea gravel on me. I turned around to see the boss giving me the cut throat sign, guess there will be a can in the future for this thing. But let tell you this thing is a ton-O-fun, almost no recoil and you can move the red dot to the end of the barrel to keep your sight profile and the gun is freekin zippy quick. So much fun i ordered parts for the next project this afternoon... AR45 in 10":eek:

[edgehill]

It is loud. Maybe time to go the suppressor route. I keep a set of custom ears in the bedside stand but having a suppressor would be helpful.

Nice build.

[edgehill]

That great Andy!

I really like that folding stock setup. I just saw the part advertised in the last couple of weeks.


The cool thing is that it fits in a backpack.

[Horse'nround]

Would that be a reference to me by chance? I love it when people think of me

Yes Phil we love you. Now doughnut boy shouldn't you be off pedaling somewhere?;)

The cool thing is that it fits in a backpack.

Very interesting contraption, I will be looking into it. Right now I think the can is a must. I've got a couple of books on the subject, going to do some reading on it. At least change the hider style to push the blast more forward.
I went with the primary weapons systems upper because it's a direct link piston setup similar to the AK design. Very clean, slick action, I like it more than my Ruger SR. Though the real find was the Velocity trigger, the straight blade no takeup thing is amazing. At 3lbs. It's the closest thing to a 1911 glass break style in an AR that I've seen and it's drop in! Sure hope it stays that way. It had a lot of rave reviews, not a bad price @ $150 but the little bugger is never in stock.

[sdmc530]

Are you putting on both kinds of sights? I only see a tech sight are iron backups installed? (Sorry if you covered this and i missed it)

[Caleb]

Looks good! Pistol ARs are fun as hell and like you said, quick acquisition from target to target.


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[Horse'nround]

I will at some point. This was my venture in to whether or not I wanted to play. The RD was just a handy leftover to test with. As this thing is for close quarters (a C note or less) I will probably look for something offset in a big loop or Buckhorn style for easy ACQ.

The 45 is where I really want to go. My BIL's 9mm PCC has sealed the deal on pistol cal AR's.

[Riverpigusmc]

Chunkin rocks at your dumb ass funny
You musta took my marital bliss course

[Horse'nround]

Chunkin rocks at your dumb ass funny
You musta took my marital bliss course

She was standing behind a big cedar tree while tossing... She knows better than to walk up and poke me. Bad shit could happen.:insane:

[Horse'nround]

Ah-oh...
Part #1 for the next build showed up this afternoon.

80% for an AR45 with M3 Grease Gun mags. Still wrestling with DI or blowback. Only 2 Mfg's doing DI's, several doing blowback, but require modifications and tweaking.
https://i.imgur.com/wl2bVUIh.jpg

[DrHenley]

Ah-oh...
Part #1 for the next build showed up this afternoon.

80% for an AR45 with M3 Grease Gun mags. Still wrestling with DI or blowback. Only 2 Mfg's doing DI's, several doing blowback, but require modifications and tweaking.
https://i.imgur.com/wl2bVUIh.jpg

What? No "Rock and Roll" position on the selector? :D

[Caleb]

What? No "Rock and Roll" position on the selector? :D


Not yet, [emoji16]


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[Horse'nround]

What? No "Rock and Roll" position on the selector? :D

Not yet, [emoji16]


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I can neither confirm or deny the function is or will be available, But... I can garan-DAMN-tee you won't see it on here...

My preferred marking is "HSBM"

Holy Shit Bat Man!!:D

[Caleb]

[emoji23]


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