Ok I admit that the AR rifle was not a favorite. Had 2 back in the 80's -90's but traded them . Well after reading and debating on the topic of AR's here I decided to try once more. At the same time decided to build the gun . I wanted to be able to target shoot , home defense and hunt with the gun. I liked the idea of a 6.8 spc. What I ended up with was a 20 inch bbl in 6.8 . Free float handguard alum with 3 inch rails out front at 3,6,9 and 12. Adj. stock ( tried older non adj stock but did not like it hunting) . It has a riser with a 3-9 leo scope mounted .
I hunted all season with it where legal , rifle counties. Did not get a deer with it not even a shot. maybe 14 days of carry.
Things I will change if possible on next venture - less of a handgard weighs to much for hunting gun. No need for a rail on handguard for hunting in day time. Better stock. 16 inch bbl. and better sight , scope dosen't work well in the woods we hunt . And maybe a switch to 30 AR cal.
I enjoyed building the gun ( yes with help) i feel comfortable doing any maintance on it or switching parts . I understand how it works and how to keep it running. I will hunt with it some more and hope to make the changes mentioned ( maybe a new upper) . This gun shoots really nice groups with Hornady ammo so maybe it should be kept for on the range or hunting from a blind. This gun had function problems from the start and what I though was wrong was not the case , it was the vent hole in the bbl was to small. It has been a learning process but worth while. If any one is thinking about building one its alot of fun and rewarding .
One other thing how do ya'll feel about the use of a wedge ? This gun is tight now but seems to get easier to open and close as it gets shot more ? Is it needed ?
Ideas or experinces welcome.