New to AR questions

[Monteria]

A new search returned plenty of hand guard options...

 

[Pro2A]

I've never been an AR guy, but I think I'm going to slap one together as a 300blk as a subsonic suppressed truck gun.

I do own a 5.56 and intend to repurpose my current lower.

What I know I need/want is 300blk, complete upper (I dont intend learn enough to piece an upper together), 16" barrel, 11 to 12" hand guard (my suppressor has a 4" reflex), inexpensive (I really do intend for this gun to be a throw around, 100 yard, beat around, ranch tool)

That said, I have some questions...

1) I understand that pistol length gas systems are preferred for subsonic use. But, I also read that most carbine length will cycle subsonic when suppressed. I assume that carbine length will be preferred if I did decide to shoot supers. Is that correct? Should I just dedicate to subsonic if that's my primary intent? Or can I expect reliable correct function from carbine length and suppressor with subs?

2) I think that I like side charging. At least I like the idea. I know that I dislike the rear charging on my 5.56. Are there any reasons I should avoid side charging?

3) does anyone have any affordable suggestions? I'm currently looking at couple inexpensive options from bear creek arsenal.

Oh yeah, I'd also like it to be as light weight as possible...

Thanks,

Steve

I find side-chargers have unique benefits out weighing negatives. Some dislike for their experience of catching on brush, partially unlocking. But, my optics, RF, other protruding gear are more prone to those issues than a side bolt handle for me. Learning your rig, adjusting how to handle it will over come the negatives. ....sneaking in brush, wrap thumb behind bolt, fingers around mag front for security. Positives I find are ease of running the action as straight-pull.....staying in scope, being able to run as bolt action with adjustable gas block turned OFF to lose the action movement, noise...think sub-sonic suppressed, brass-in-air/in-brush-under stand issues. With adjustable gas block, can always revert to semi-auto for those threats when deer or neighborhood HOA Karens over run your position.

 

[BigDon]

I find side-chargers have unique benefits out weighing negatives. Some dislike for their experience of catching on brush, partially unlocking. But, my optics, RF, other protruding gear are more prone to those issues than a side bolt handle for me. Learning your rig, adjusting how to handle it will over come the negatives. ....sneaking in brush, wrap thumb behind bolt, fingers around mag front for security. Positives I find are ease of running the action as straight-pull.....staying in scope, being able to run as bolt action with adjustable gas block turned OFF to lose the action movement, noise, brass-in-air/in-brush-under stand issues. With adjustable gas block, can always revert to semi-auto for those times when deer or neighborhood HOA Karens over run your position.

Whose side charging upper are you using? I'm having a hard time getting my Gibbz tuned to run properly.

 

[Taj]

A potential negative with a side charge is that it can and will get caught on things and will half rack a round. I've had it happen to me being carried around and being bumped around on a 4x4 and mule.
My quick solution was to buy a plastic brass catcher (link below) drimmel out the back portion so the side charge won't hit it and I never use the lower portion that catches the brass.
Subsonics are fun if you keep target close. Don't know what intended targets are but ammo cost can get pricey can get up there with expanding subsonics.

Amazon.com

Zen,
I've built a number of side charger ARs using the DPMS slick sided target upper. I really do like them. They are great if you are using "big" optics. I guess accidentally knocking t it out of battery can be an issue but I don't think it's any more of a problem than a bolt gun or any other side charging semi would be. I think the biggest draw back for me is (at least the way I've been building them) is that you need a tool to take the charging handle off so you can remove the bolt carrier group. I've been trying to design something to remedy that and have built a couple of ideas that work, but the charging handle is always a little "looser" than I like. Just not enough "meat" on the carrier for the support needed.

 

[crazymonkey]

Whose side charging upper are you using? I'm having a hard time getting my Gibbz tuned to run properly.

Is it a Gibbs upper or a stripped upper that was assembled by someone? My buddy was making the Gibbs upper and lowers for them here in Arizona . They did have some issues with a few different things as they tried to make them more universal fit . The hole diameter and post size was over on hole size and the post that slides into the lowers was undersized. I might get more answers depending on which it was .

 

[Monteria]

Looks like I found at gas system length answer... it appears that a carbine length gas system would work down to about a 12" barrel so far as physically being able to mount my suppressor. Any shorter barrel length and I'd have to go pistol length gas system for it to physically mount.

 

[BigDon]

Is it a Gibbs upper or a stripped upper that was assembled by someone? My buddy was making the Gibbs upper and lowers for them here in Arizona . They did have some issues with a few different things as they tried to make them more universal fit . The hole diameter and post size was over on hole size and the post that slides into the lowers was undersized. I might get more answers depending on which it was .

Bare gibbz receiver build. Any advice is welcome...

 

[crazymonkey]

Bare gibbz receiver build. Any advice is welcome...

I'll ask him . I bought the ar10 stripped upper for a build . The cerakote guy was in the same shop . I test fit a upper to my lower and said I'll pick one up when the cerakote is done . What I got was so sloppy even with the tension screw I couldn't fix it . So I asked my buddy and got some answers . Gibbs did replace it when I called them out about it . It took 5 weeks to get a new one made . It's a perfect fit and runs like a champ .

 

[HRM Johnny]

I built a 16" 1:8 twist that I keep suppressed all the time with a mid length hand guard. It would always cycle with supers and commercial 220 grain subs. I found I had to use AA1680 on the 220 reloads because I could not get it to cycle completely on H110.
Carbine length gas system wide open. Now works reliably. I didn't want to change the buffer weight because I shoot supers too.
As far as the charging handle goes, you might be happier if you switch to the larger Raptor type handle. That's what I did.

I was not familiar with the raptor type handle. So I googled it. They say you learn something every day. Thanks for the information!

 

[HRM Johnny]

neighborhood HOA Karens over run your position.

 

[crazymonkey]

So measured my setup and given your suppressor set back it will work as a pistol lenght and a 10 inch barrel if your can is rated for short barrels. Mine is a a omega 300 so I think 10 inches is the barrel limit.

 

[Monteria]

@crazymonkey , much appreciated.

 

[Mike6158]

If you plan to shoot heavy bullets subsonic make sure the twist rate of the barrel that you plan to buy is fast enough. With this LINK

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

A potential negative with a side charge is that it can and will get caught on things and will half rack a round. I've had it happen to me being carried around and being bumped around on a 4x4 and mule.
My quick solution was to buy a plastic brass catcher (link below) drimmel out the back portion so the side charge won't hit it and I never use the lower portion that catches the brass.
Subsonics are fun if you keep target close. Don't know what intended targets are but ammo cost can get pricey can get up there with expanding subsonics.

Amazon.com

Does that Brass Catcher really work well? i have been using net bags and like this Catcher that you posted.