SBR build advice needed

[Bugg77]

I've built two ARs in 6.8SPC and I'm preparing to make another build next year for my 35th birthday. I want to do a short barrel with a suppressor and likely a night vision scope. This will be my night rifle for hunting hogs. I suppose I could remove the suppressor/NV scope to hunt dear during the day, but it will primarily be for hunting hogs and other nocturnal predators in Texas.

Should I stick with the 6.8SPC or should I look into another caliber (like a 7mm/.308)? I know 6.8SPC will work well in an SBR, but I'm not sure about any of the other calibers.
Should I consider making this a piston system?
Who should I consider for suppressors/short barrels?

Any other thoughts on the beginnings of this build? I've got ~13 months to get it selected, get my NFA stamps, and be ready for my birthday.

[txmiller]

6.8 for proven reliability and ballistics with a short bblNoveske makes a terrific 12.5" bblWilson and Shark make great cans

[samsonthegreat]

I have a 16" 6.8 I don't no if I want to cut my barrel 11.5 and add a Suppressor or just build another one. I'm sure if i build another I may never use the 16". I think?..lol

[Team Helotes]

I say get your lower bought and get the paperwork started. ATF takes time.

[Bugg77]

I'm working on picking out a lower now and started the ATF form 1 last night.

I was looking at the Noveske 10.5" barrel, but I'm totally open to options there.

How long are the 6.8 suppressors?

I'm finally getting excited about shooting again now that I have a place to hunt and this will be my "ultimate" build.... Until the next one.

Tapatalk on Thunderbolt

[M4Super90]

Here's what I use. 10.5" Noveske barrel, with an AAC M42K in 6.8. The can is a little over 6.5" and adds a little over 5" to the OAL. Basically, it's the same size package as a normal 16" rifle. If I were to do another, I might go 12.5" with a reflex type can and end up with the same size package and a little more velocity. Not sure I would do AAC again, with the price increases and they no longer include the mount. Excellent quality, but you pay for it. IMHO there are equivalent options out there for less, better for more $, if you want to go with a titanium suppressor. David at Shark definitely builds nice stuff and is great to deal with.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GItYcAHUJUQ/TV1wcrIf5fI/AAAAAAAAAe8/IHxWDmXJOSs/s640/_DSC0052.JPG

Overall length:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BhU-0Vy9YzQ/S-oPMIM_WnI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/5hvkCGynJ0I/s640/P5110705.JPG

[lion heart1]

Im in the process of building a 458 SOCOM suppressed SBR for hunting hogs and other Texas vermin as well. I love my 6.8, but I want something that will devastate on contact, lol. Just an idea.

[Bugg77]

Im in the process of building a 458 SOCOM suppressed SBR for hunting hogs and other Texas vermin as well. I love my 6.8, but I want something that will devastate on contact, lol. Just an idea.

I think the 458 SOCOM may be overkill for most of the stuff that I'd be hunting. What is the ballistic performance of the 458 anyway?

[lion heart1]

Its got amazingly devastating performance out to 150-200 meters. After that it turns into a catapulted baseball. I am also having it made as protection against bears and other dangerous North American critters capable of causing harm when Im hiking or hunting. It will be short enough to totally conceal in my gun slinger II pack(with out the suppressor). I guess its more specified than Texas vermin, lol.

[Bugg77]

Here's what I use. 10.5" Noveske barrel, with an AAC M42K in 6.8. The can is a little over 6.5" and adds a little over 5" to the OAL. Basically, it's the same size package as a normal 16" rifle. If I were to do another, I might go 12.5" with a reflex type can and end up with the same size package and a little more velocity. Not sure I would do AAC again, with the price increases and they no longer include the mount. Excellent quality, but you pay for it. IMHO there are equivalent options out there for less, better for more $, if you want to go with a titanium suppressor. David at Shark definitely builds nice stuff and is great to deal with.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GItYcAHUJUQ/TV1wcrIf5fI/AAAAAAAAAe8/IHxWDmXJOSs/s640/_DSC0052.JPG

Overall length:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BhU-0Vy9YzQ/S-oPMIM_WnI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/5hvkCGynJ0I/s640/P5110705.JPG

How does that Noveske barrel shoot? I really don't know who to go with for the upper because there are a lot of quality uppers. I don't need match quality for a 200 yard hunting rifle. I'm open to hearing all opinions though.

I'll check out Shark. Right now I'm leaning toward the SAC 762-SD-N-6 or the YHM Titanium Phantom.

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[M4Super90]

How does that Noveske barrel shoot?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5TwA-Y2NHZQ/Tp5SXX_3CFI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/4dZeh_e3aDA/s640/Group8%2520041011.jpg

[KillinSwede]

that answers that

[HTR]

Bugg,

Noveske stuff is top notch. I have one of the 12" Rogue lightweight hunter barrels and it is among my favorites. I get 2900 FPS with the 85 TSX in that barrel, and 2750 with my handloaded 95 TTSX's. That will kill almost anything you'll hunt, out to 300.

The lightweight SS barrel allows for the extra weight of the can and NV. My suppressor is the Wilson Combat whisper. It is light, and only adds about 4.5" overall to the gun, with a nice mount / brake, that allows for use on all your rifles. WC includes one brake with the can.

The only other 12" barrels out there (I think) are from BHW and maybe ARP. WOA used to sell one, but I haven't seen any posters showing them off on the board recently. I'm just not sure if H is doing SBR barrels.

[Bugg77]

My other two builds are ARP uppers so I'd definitely like to give H a shot at it when I'm ready, but I'll keep my eyes on Noveske.

Does Noveske do any custom options (i.e. JET adjustable gas block)? Or maybe I could get the Rogue Hunter with the switchblock? I'm just glad I have a year to make all these decisions because I'm sure I'll change my mind hundreds of times.

[txmiller]

Give Joel at Noveske a call. Knows his products. You can order the 12.5 Rouge Hunter with the switch block but think carefully about your fore end prior to ordering. A lot of the popular rails won't fit over the switch block and if you have to go with a short one (9") you might not be able to fit scope plus NV together. Obviously that will depend on your sighting setup but its something to think about. They did recommend the switch block for suppressed fire but I'm using a Shark Ti can on my 16" Rogue Hunter with no problems at all. I would like to know if HTR uses a Jet on his SBR with the WC can or he shots without an adjustable unit.

[HTR]

Give Joel at Noveske a call. Knows his products. You can order the 12.5 Rouge Hunter with the switch block but think carefully about your fore end prior to ordering. A lot of the popular rails won't fit over the switch block and if you have to go with a short one (9") you might not be able to fit scope plus NV together. Obviously that will depend on your sighting setup but its something to think about. They did recommend the switch block for suppressed fire but I'm using a Shark Ti can on my 16" Rogue Hunter with no problems at all. I would like to know if HTR uses a Jet on his SBR with the WC can or he shots without an adjustable unit.

True, that most popular rails (especially the TRX extreme) will not fit over the SB. You have to consider this, if you want to use the 9 or 11" rail on your SBR.

I do use a JET adjustable GB on all my AR's, especially because they will be suppressed with the WC can. There is a pretty substantial back pressure and the cycling is definitely different with versus without the can.

[Bugg77]

Well, HTR, John A, and the others settled it for me. I pulled the trigger on ordering a WC Whisper 68. Apparently they build those suckers when ordered so I'll have to wait a month before it gets to my Class 3 FFL and then I can start the Tax Stamp process.

I also ordered a stripped Stag lower. I'm seriously debating using one of their lefty uppers (as I am a lefty). I figure I might as well get that process moving as well.

The fun has just begun!

[sneedb82]

Well, HTR, John A, and the others settled it for me. I pulled the trigger on ordering a WC Whisper 68. Apparently they build those suckers when ordered so I'll have to wait a month before it gets to my Class 3 FFL and then I can start the Tax Stamp process.

I also ordered a stripped Stag lower. I'm seriously debating using one of their lefty uppers (as I am a lefty). I figure I might as well get that process moving as well.

The fun has just begun!

Jim BHW has some left handed integrally railed uppers still available. If you're interested.


Brandon

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[txmiller]

How much quieter is the 6.8 can than the .308 caliber can when used in a 6.8 rifle?

[Bugg77]

Well so far I've formed the trust, ordered my WC Suppressor, bought a stripped lower and submitted Form 1 and Tax Stamp application for my SBR. I've heard some folks are getting approved in about two months! Maybe I'll be that lucky but I'll be fine if it takes longer.

The hard part is waiting a month before I can start the Tax Stamp application for the suppressor.

I've settled on either a WC barrel or a BHW barrel. Any thoughts on which one is "better"?

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[Bugg77]

Okay fellas, I've settled on the 11.3" barrel from Wilson Combat. I know next to nothing on making the gas system work on an SBR.

Is the gas port drilled at carbine length?
What size is the gas port?
Should I start with a carbine buffer and spring or something heavier?

Looks like I've got a good but of reading to do to figure this stuff out.

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[M4Super90]

Okay fellas, I've settled on the 11.3" barrel from Wilson Combat. I know next to nothing on making the gas system work on an SBR.

Is the gas port drilled at carbine length? On 11.3" I would guess, yes.
What size is the gas port? The gas port should be pre-drilled at the proper spec to work with that barrel direct from the manufacturer (for DI)
Should I start with a carbine buffer and spring or something heavier? Ask Wilson and they will tell you what normally works with that length barrel in their setups. Start with standard and work towards heavier. I keep a compete set (standard spring, normal, H2 & H3 buffers. The ejection pattern during the test fire will tell you which one needs to be in the gun. Should be past 3 o'clock, more like 4-5, if 12 o'clock is downrange. I just leave the right one in and replace that buffer in my set for the next time.

Looks like I've got a good but of reading to do to figure this stuff out.

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...............

[Bugg77]

Thanks M4. How is the reliability on you're SBR? Have you had any problems with parts breaking or damage to the cases from the more "violent" action of an SBR?

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[M4Super90]

I've never had problems with any of them in regards to reliability or parts longevity. I just use normal AR maintenance methods and intervals for spring changes, etc.

[Bugg77]

So, how much building can I do on my SBR while I'm waiting for a stamp? Can I assemble the upper but not the lower? Other way around? Nothing at all?

[KillinSwede]

a guy that has been coaching me on this says to have very little, if anything, that can be formed into an SBR on hand. The reoccurring theme on the NFA stuff is that it is a high privilege that comes with high consequences if you run afoul of the rules.. Most of the stuff that I will need has been identified and can be shipped to my within a week or so. It will take that much time to get the "blessed" lower engraved and back to me.

[RV10Flyer]

So, how much building can I do on my SBR while I'm waiting for a stamp? Can I assemble the upper but not the lower? Other way around? Nothing at all?

I would get your lower engraved while waiting on the Form 1. You can buy/build everything except for the barrel. Some people buy the barrel/upper and have it shipped and stored at someones house where they do not own any AR's. This method may be legal but I would not personally recommend it as it is a bit into the grey area in my opinion.

[silviacrazed]

I would get your lower engraved while waiting on the Form 1. You can buy/build everything except for the barrel. Some people buy the barrel/upper and have it shipped and stored at someones house where they do not own any AR's. This method may be legal but I would not personally recommend it as it is a bit into the grey area in my opinion.

Why get the lower engraved if the approval is pending? If it gets denied, then he has a receiver with an engraving on it that will decrease resale value and he has wasted money on am engraving service.

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[RV10Flyer]

Why get the lower engraved if the approval is pending? If it gets denied, then he has a receiver with an engraving on it that will decrease resale value and he has wasted money on am engraving service.

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Once you get the form back, there are more restrictions on the lower. You can’t just send it off to anyone to get engraved or leave it at Joe Blow’s engraving shop. It just makes things easier.

Most people know before they send the forms off that they will not get denied. I’ve never personally heard of anyone getting denied, although I’m sure it happens. I know people that did a few stupid things in college that cannot get a CHL or NFA item; hence the reason they have not applied for one.

[silviacrazed]

Once you get the form back, there are more restrictions on the lower. You can’t just send it off to anyone to get engraved or leave it at Joe Blow’s engraving shop. It just makes things easier.

Most people know before they send the forms off that they will not get denied. I’ve never personally heard of anyone getting denied, although I’m sure it happens. I know people that did a few stupid things in college that cannot get a CHL or NFA item; hence the reason they have not applied for one.

Yea, but there is always the chance. Once my form 1 was approved, I shipped my lower to an engraver in FL and had my lower shipped, engraved and returned in under a week. I guess I fall into the camp of thought of the govt is unpredictable and I'm not going to count my chickens before they hatch. YMMV

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[HamLund_Tactical]

Yea, but there is always the chance. Once my form 1 was approved, I shipped my lower to an engraver in FL and had my lower shipped, engraved and returned in under a week. I guess I fall into the camp of thought of the govt is unpredictable and I'm not going to count my chickens before they hatch. YMMV

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You can also look at the other way. Lowers are cheaper then the stamp, why take a chance of the engraving getting messed up and having to explain that to the ATF.

I have read it both ways. When I was going to build a SBR I decided to build the lower as a pistol first. Once happy with it I was going to send it off to get engraved and, if happy with that I would of sent off for the stamp.

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[Team Helotes]

My understanding is that if you can legally buy a gun in the US your NFA stuff will go through.

[Bugg77]

I'm not at all worried about having my stamp rejected. Even if I messed up something on the application I'd still be able to correct it. I already took my lower to a local place to have it engraved and I'm picking it up tomorrow. I suppose I'll spread out my collection of parts over the next several months and just leave it all disassembled until I get my stamp. The only thing I worry about is barrels. It seems like they come and go from the different companies, so I may try to grab that one before too long.

[Team Helotes]

I would buy a barrel as soon as you can since sometimes they are hard to get. Just have a friend or relative who does not own an AR keep it for you.

[Bugg77]

I would buy a barrel as soon as you can since sometimes they are hard to get. Just have a friend or relative who does not own an AR keep it for you.

I've got it all picked out. I just want to get my gas block and bolt so I can have the headspace checked and get the gas block pinned on. I should be able to order it in the next few weeks.