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Battlerifle suggestions

2K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  Eat Beef 
#1 · (Edited)
I've been thinking about a battlerifle build and need some suggestions on what parts to get together. I have both an LRB M14 and an M25 receiver, I can't decide which. I'm looking at using primarily iron sights and an Aimpoint. If I use the M25 with the extended rail, I could forward mount the Aimpoint or use the irons or I could opt for a scope down the road. If I use the standard receiver and GI weight barrel I could use an Ultimak rail and mount the Aimpoint lower. I would like to use a medium weight barrel like Jon Wolfe's, but this would limit my options for a rail. If I were to go with a standard weight barrel, would I be better off with a USGI or Criterion? I would like to stay with a 22" barrel length. Any stock suggestions, I'd like to keep the weight down, maybe a reinforced GI stock would be best.
 
#2 ·
Depends on what'cha going to use it for.

My LRB upper was built by Jon Wolfe using an SEI Barrel. I put it into a standard USGI stock and an SEI Tweaked USGI Trigger Group.
I wanted to replicate an M14 Battle rifle, and I think I did good.
It shoots about 1.5 MOA at 100 yards with my hand loads and sometime a little tighter. I suspect the un-bedded wooden stock is the limiting factor here.
If I wanted an accuracy-plus build, I'd go with the M-25 receiver in a Sage or JAE, but it may not look like a USGI Gun unless you wanted the Sage EBR look.
I believe the Sage would give you a precision platform too which would give you a fighting chance of a MOA or better platform if it all worked out.
Then there's the Supermatch Style:
 
#3 ·
drshame, is your SEI barrel a standard weight?
I'm not looking for a precision shooter, something more along the line of faster shooting with descent accuracy, thats why I thought a type of red dot would help for speed. I'd like to stay with a standard type stock or something like Hueygunner offers. My dilemma is should I go with a standard weight barrel and a forward rail like an Ultimak or a medium weight barrel and the M25 with the extended rail, I wish the Ultimak would work on a medium weight barrel. Pic from Blackhawk Down, M14 with an ARMS mount and Aimpoint, I wouldn't mind duplicating this with the M25 with extended rail, probably would be taller though

M25 receiver with extended rail

Ultimak with Aimpoint, nice low mounting, but must use standard weight barrel
 
#4 ·
Ron Smith makes an excellent standard weight barrel. Mine shoots very nicely and is more than accurate enough for a hand-held 100 yard rifle.
My Supermatch runs like a swiss watch, but the Douglass Stainless heavy configuration barrel performs about the same with my handloads...though I am the 3rd owner and the round count is unknown. It is a heavy platform though.
Jon Wolfe also makes a standard weight barrel that's getting good reviews.
 
#6 ·
Are you sure the picture from Blackhawk Down is an ARMS mount? This was discussed before on these boards a long time ago and I believe the conclusion was that it was a Hollywood chop mod and was manufactured on some Hollywood work bench.

I could be wrong but in any sense the mounts are now non-existent.

The Ultimak is going to be VERY heavy. I would rather exchange the weight for the rail and go with a medium-weight barrel and the M25 extended rail. This gives you a longer time until the barrel overheats, and the ability to go to a dedicated scope platform down the road.

IMHO, the M25 is the best platform out there for a modern M14.... but I am a little bias as I own 2 with a 3rd on the way.
 
#7 ·
Are you sure the picture from Blackhawk Down is an ARMS mount? This was discussed before on these boards a long time ago and I believe the conclusion was that it was a Hollywood chop mod and was manufactured on some Hollywood work bench.

I could be wrong but in any sense the mounts are now non-existent.

The Ultimak is going to be VERY heavy.
The M14 rifle used by actor Johnny Strong in the movie Black Hawk Down was fitted with an early style A. R. M. S. # 18 scope mount. The film was released in 2001, the same year I purchased the same scope mount from Atlantic Research Marketing Systems, Inc. The battle between U. S. Army forces and the Somalis occured in October 1993. Atlantic Research Marketing Systems, Inc. brought the A.R.M.S. # 18 scope mount to market in 1989. Correct, the early style A.R.M.S. # 18 scope mount is no longer available. It was replaced by the current full length rail version in 2003.

The Ultimak M8 barrel rail mount is made from 6061 T6 alloy aluminum. It weighs 10 ounces. By comparison, the Sadlak Industries, LLC steel Airborne scope mount weights 9 ounces.
 
#11 ·
I see no value in a medium weight (or heavier) bbl on a rifle that is meant to be a "fast shooter" over precision.

Also, I'd suggest a USGI fiberglass stock. I'm not sure how the reinforcement would be a plus. One of Hueygunner's would be a better/lighter stock, but they cost nearly 10x as much.

As to which reciever, if you're using optics, the M25 is a foregone conclusion, IMO. If you dicide you want to, you can always remove the rail, however, the irons will be easilly accessible with the optic removed and the rail still attached.

I think a throw lever type interface, whether rings or a base of some sort, would be great. A friend actually had this setup, and it was SWEET, only problem was that the aimpoint was very high, requireing more than a strapon to get the proper cheek weld.

Finally, I know you said you wanted to stick with 22", but owning several rifles in 22", 18", and 16", I believe an 18" with an SEI Vortex DC is far and away the best compromise between short/quick handling vs. accuracy/MV/downrange performance. In fact, the only reason my Bush hasn't replaced my SOCOM as the truck gun is that I haven't gotten around to buying a proper case for it. The 22" rifles only make it out when I'm going to the range, long range hunting, or showing them off!
 
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