AR Build Precision Setup: If you want to create a highly accurate and high-performance rifle for long-distance shooting, building your own precision AR-15 is a great option.
This article will provide important considerations when building a precision AR-15, focusing on caliber, barrel, stock, and pistol grip selection.
AR Build Precision Setup Guide
Some of the most important things to consider when building a precision AR-15, from caliber to optic given below in detail.
Caliber
One of the first decisions you must make when building a precision AR-15 is the caliber you want to shoot.
Several types of rounds will provide optimum long-range performance in your AR, such as:
- 300 Blackout: Provides penetration, intermediate range power, and reduced recoil. Not ideal for very long distances.
- 6.5 Grendel: Offers excellent ballistics, accuracy, and manageable recoil. Requires specific bolt and magazine.
- 224 Valkyrie: Designed for long-range shooting, with impressive performance and reduced recoil. Requires fine-tuning.
Barrel
The barrel is one of the most critical components of your precision AR-15 build, as it directly affects the accuracy and velocity of your shots.
When choosing a barrel for your precision AR-15, you need to consider several factors, such as:
- Length: Longer barrels provide higher velocity and accuracy at longer ranges, while shorter barrels offer more compactness.
- Profile: Heavier profiles provide more accuracy but add weight, while lighter profiles are more lightweight and cooler.
- Material: Chrome-moly steel barrels are durable but prone to rust, while stainless steel barrels are more corrosion-resistant and accurate.
Stock
The stock of your rifle is the part that connects to the lower receiver and provides a place for you to rest your shoulder and cheek.
Your rifle stock will affect your comfort, stability and ergonomics when shooting. When choosing a stock for your precision AR-15, you need to consider several factors, such as:
- Type: Choose between fixed and adjustable stocks based on your preference and legal requirements.
- Features: Look for features such as butt pads, cheek risers, sling mounts, storage compartments, and monopods to enhance functionality.
Pistol Grip
The pistol grip of your rifle is the part that connects to the lower receiver and provides a place for you to hold and control your rifle.
The pistol grip of your rifle will affect your comfort, grip angle, and trigger finger placement when shooting.
When choosing a pistol grip for your precision AR-15, you need to consider several factors, such as:
- Shape: Consider the grip's contour and curvature based on your hand size and comfort preference.
- Angle: Choose a grip angle that feels natural and effectively aligns your trigger finger with the trigger.
By carefully selecting the right components and accessories for your precision AR-15, you can build a rifle that meets your shooting needs, preferences, and budget. Enjoy the rewarding process of creating your custom precision AR-15.
Bolt Carrier
The bolt carrier of your rifle is the part that houses the bolt and cycles the action of your rifle.
The bolt carrier of your rifle will affect its reliability, durability, and recoil impulse when shooting.
When choosing a bolt carrier for your precision AR-15, you need to consider several factors, such as:
- Weight: Heavier bolt carriers offer more reliability and inertia but add weight and recoil. Lighter bolt carriers reduce weight and recoil but may sacrifice reliability.
- Material: Steel bolt carriers are durable but prone to rust, while aluminum bolt carriers are lightweight but less durable.
Trigger
The trigger of your rifle is crucial for accuracy, consistency, and comfort. When choosing a trigger for your precision AR-15, consider the following factors:
Type:
- Single-stage triggers consistently pull weight from start to finish, offering a direct shooting experience. Suitable for quick follow-up shots.
- Two-stage triggers have two distinct stages of pulling weight, providing better control, and are preferred by precision shooters.
The finger should touch the trigger and not the trigger guard when testing or firing.
Features
- Pull weight: Lighter weights reduce finger fatigue and improve control. Aim for 3-5 pounds.
- Reset length: Shorter reset allows for faster follow-up shots.
- Creep amount: Minimizing creep enhances accuracy with a crisp trigger break.
- Overtravel amount: Minimizing overtravel maintains trigger control and shot placement.
- Adjustability: Some triggers allow pull weight adjustment for fine-tuning.
- Drop-in installation: Simplifies replacing triggers without extensive gunsmithing.
Handguard
The rifle handguard covers the barrel and provides a place to hold and attach accessories. It affects the rifle's weight, balance, heat dissipation, and aesthetics when shooting.
When choosing a handguard for your precision AR-15, consider the following factors:
Length: Choose a handguard that suits your barrel length and accessory needs. Longer handguards provide more coverage and rail space but can increase weight and bulk.
Shorter handguards reduce weight and bulk but offer less coverage and rail space.
Type: Drop-in handguards are easy to install and don't require modifications. Free-float handguards require more installation effort but offer increased accuracy by eliminating barrel contact.
Consider your budget and accuracy requirements when choosing between the two.
Features: Consider the rail system (e.g., M-LOK or KeyMod) for accessory attachment. Choose aluminum or carbon fiber for durability, heat dissipation, and weight.
Look for ventilation options to enhance heat dissipation and consider aesthetics to match your style.
Make sure to choose a handguard that suits your specific needs and preferences.
Optic
The optic of your rifle is the part that helps you aim and hit your target at long distances.
The optic of your rifle will affect your accuracy, clarity, and field of view when shooting.
When choosing an optic for your precision AR-15, consider the type (red dot sight or magnified scope) based on your shooting distance.
For features, look at the magnification range, reticle type, illumination option, turret type, eye relief, and parallax adjustment to suit your needs and shooting preferences.
Muzzle Brake
The muzzle brake of your rifle is the part that attaches to the muzzle end of your barrel and redirects the gas and blast of your shot.
The muzzle brake of your rifle will affect its recoil, muzzle rise, and noise level when shooting.
When choosing a muzzle brake for your precision AR-15, consider the design (shape, size, and number of ports) for recoil reduction and noise level.
Choose a design that suits your caliber and noise tolerance. Also, consider the material (steel or aluminum) for durability and weight. Steel is stronger but heavier, while aluminum is lighter but less durable.
Benefits of AR Build Precision Setup
AR build precision setup customizes your AR-15 rifle to achieve accuracy and performance at long distances.
By choosing the right components and accessories for your AR-15, you can create a rifle that suits your needs, preferences, and budget. Some of the benefits of AR build precision setup are:
- You can improve your shooting skills and confidence by building a rifle that fits your hand size, shooting style, and competition requirements.
- You can enjoy the versatility and modularity of the AR-15 platform, which allows you to switch between different calibers, barrels, triggers, optics, and more.
- You can have fun and satisfaction by creating a unique, personalized rifle that reflects your personality and taste.
Building a precision AR-15 can be rewarding and fun but requires some planning and research. You need to choose the right components and accessories that suit your needs, preferences, and budget. This article covers some of the most important things to consider when building a precision AR-15, from caliber to optic.
We hope this guide has helped you get started on your precision AR-15 build or inspired you to upgrade your existing one. Remember, there is no way to build a precision AR-15, so feel free to experiment and customize your rifle.
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