Absolute firearm and hunting newb, checking in

Thundercat710

Thundercat710

New member
Hello all,

Out of nowhere for the last couple months I've had predator hunting on my mind. I've never hunted, never owned a firearm, but it's all I have been thinking about for a good little bit here lately.

I'm out in Oregon, and don't have any idea about where predators are around here (I'm sure they're out in the central and eastern half of the state - I'm in the NW part of the state, up past PDX).

I've decided I want to build an AR-15 that can predator hunt. Being an absolute newb with firearms, the fact that every single component of an AR-15 has like 300 choices makes it all kind of overwhelming. I'd like to build my own, just to try and learn a little bit more how they work and why they work.

I'm thinking of (tentatively, hence why I'm posting here, asking you all for your advice and opinions) building around a Ballistic Advantage 18" 223 Wylde (there are a couple options on those - fluted barrel bomber, dimples, etc - not sure what all I need or want), a LaRue MBT 2S, and a Diamondback 4-16x44 FFP that my neighbor will sell me for $200.

Is this a decent starting point from which to build off of? What would you change about it, if anything?

Also, my plan is to get aero upper/lower, and then haven't really thought about what other components to pick to finish this thing.

In my wildest dreams I think going suppressed and doing night hunting sounds amazing as hell and I would love to do that someday, if that factors into any decisions I should make now.

Thanks for reading, cheers!
 
Every red-blooded American should own at least one AR, so I think you're on the right track. Have you at least shot one before or have a buddy with one?
If not, I'm not sure I'd advise building an AR right out of the gate because while it's not too difficult, there's a lot of things to consider, and unless you're familiar with all the parts, you won't know what makes a good part of combination of parts.

Couple of tips:
- Get the longest gas system you can for whatever length barrel you go with. So, for example, for an 18" barrel, I would get one with rifle-length gas, not mid-length or carbine.
- Get a clamp-on style adjustable gas block. This plus the longer gas system will save you a lot of headaches when (not if) you get a suppressor.
- Consider a nickel boron or DLC coated bolt carrier group. That will make cleaning easier.
- Get an oversized ambi charging handle (there's a lot to choose from, and most are pretty darn good) right away. It makes charging a scoped AR much easier.
- Get an M-lock hand guard. That makes attaching things simple. The length all depends on what look you're going for and if you want the gas block to be covered or not.
- There are 2 different types of buffer tube specs, and therefore two different types of butt stock specs: "commercial" and "mil-spec", and they are not interchangeable. Get mil-spec.
- Do a lot of research. YouTube has a wealth of information.
 
SupressYourself said:
Every red-blooded American should own at least one AR, so I think you're on the right track. Have you at least shot one before or have a buddy with one?
If not, I'm not sure I'd advise building an AR right out of the gate because while it's not too difficult, there's a lot of things to consider, and unless you're familiar with all the parts, you won't know what makes a good part of combination of parts.

Couple of tips:
- Get the longest gas system you can for whatever length barrel you go with. So, for example, for an 18" barrel, I would get one with rifle-length gas, not mid-length or carbine.
- Get a clamp-on style adjustable gas block. This plus the longer gas system will save you a lot of headaches when (not if) you get a suppressor.
- Consider a nickel boron or DLC coated bolt carrier group. That will make cleaning easier.
- Get an oversized ambi charging handle (there's a lot to choose from, and most are pretty darn good) right away. It makes charging a scoped AR much easier.
- Get an M-lock hand guard. That makes attaching things simple. The length all depends on what look you're going for and if you want the gas block to be covered or not.
- There are 2 different types of buffer tube specs, and therefore two different types of butt stock specs: "commercial" and "mil-spec", and they are not interchangeable. Get mil-spec.
- Do a lot of research. YouTube has a wealth of information.
Click to expand...
Awesome, thanks. Yeah i have a couple of friends who've built dozens and dozens of ARs and want to walk me through it after I get my components.
 
SupressYourself said:
Couple of tips:
- Get the longest gas system you can for whatever length barrel you go with. So, for example, for an 18" barrel, I would get one with rifle-length gas, not mid-length or carbine.
- Get an M-lock hand guard. That makes attaching things simple. The length all depends on what look you're going for and if you want the gas block to be covered or not.
- There are 2 different types of buffer tube specs, and therefore two different types of butt stock specs: "commercial" and "mil-spec", and they are not interchangeable. Get mil-spec.
Click to expand...
I see so much about getting midlength gas, can you explain a bit about why rifle length is advantageous?

Why would one want the gas block covered or not?

What is better about the mil spec?

I'm not trying to sound like I'm second guessing you, just trying to learn

Thanks for your feedback!
 
do you self a favor and get a FLAT shooting cartridge, it'll make you more efficient and lethal, you won't regret it. 204, 22-250 or a 243 are great cartridges IMO. Go to the range and practice, practice and practice until that weapon is a integrated part of you. here's a ballistics chart for cartridge reference. Hornady Ballistics Chart
 
A year ago I didn’t know much about firearms either. Most of what I now know came from this YouTube channel gunblue490. Lots of good stuff in there from how to shoot, how to clean guns, different types of guns, and more. Here’s the link: GunBlue490
 
As mentioned above, I'd spend a lot of time on YouTube. You can learn just about anything off of there.

Another suggestion would be to go to somewhere like PSA and buy an already complete AR, learn it then go from there. Their AR's are decent quality for the money.
 
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i bought a DPMS M4 mil-spec shortly after the clinton ban expired. i slowly changed things over the years to get it where i want it.
it now has a Rock river arms two stage trigger and a wilson combat fluted, heavy 20" super sniper barrel in 223 wylde 1:8 twist and shoots federal factory 53 grain v-max like darts. it will shoot 1/2 groups at 200 yards from the bench when i do my part. it also has a bering optics super yoter and yankee hill machine turbo T-2 suppressor

i also had a gunsmith install things :)

Dave rodgers 11-16-23 (3).JPG
 
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