Newest 6.5 Grendel Build

giggitygiggity

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I just finished up a 6.5 Grendel build this past week. I did not hold back and bought mostly high-quality components from reputable manufacturers. I still need to shoot it to make sure everything works without issue and then I'll dimple the barrel, possibly pin the gas block, and install the muzzle device. That's why the red thread protector is still on the end of the barrel.

I also need a scope... does anyone have suggestions? I would love a Primary Arms scope with the ACSS reticle calibrated for 6.5 Grendel, but they do not offer it for 6.5 Grendel. I will mainly be using it for long-range shooting while plinking on the range. I will also use it for deer.

The build looks sharp and everything fit perfectly. The only issue I have is that I cannot access the gas block for adjustments unless I remove the handguard. Pretty minor considering that I will probably shoot it, get it tuned, and then set it and forget it. However, it would still be nice to access it quickly if I throw a can on it and want to adjust the gas.

Anyways, below are the components that I selected and a few pictures. I included the prices at the time of my purchase. The majority of items came from Primary Arms. Some came from Cheaper Than Dirt. I bought the trigger brand new from an individual on AR15.com. Some of the components were on sale at the time; as such, current prices may be different on some or all of the items.

-Aero Precision Gen 2 FDE Lower- $54.88
-Aero Precision M4E1 Enhanced Upper Receiver- $119.99
-Aero Precision 15" Enhanced M-Lok Handguard Gen2- $129.99
-Aero Precision Billet Trigger Guard- $13.52
-DPMS Lower Parts Kit (minus trigger)- $31.39
-Geissele SSA-E 2-stage Trigger- $155.00
-Faxon Firearms Match Series 20" Rifle Length Heavy Fluted Barrel- $275.04
-Faxon Firearms Bolt Carrier Group- $125.40
-Magpul UBR Gen 2 Stock- $159.99
-Magpul MOE K2+ Pistol Grip- $19.95
-Radian Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle- $60.00
-Seekins Precision Low Profile Adjustable Gas Block- $57.00
-Spikes Tactical Melonited Rifle Length Gas Tube- $12.96
-CMMG Carbine Buffer Spring- $4.03
-TacFire 4.9oz Buffer- $9.97
-VG6 Precision Gamma 6.5 Muzzle Brake- $49.99
TOTAL: $1,279.10 + tax & shipping
 

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If you are shooting long range a BDC scope is not the best option. I would look in to ones with standard mil or moa reticales. Your bullet drop will usually be different than the BDC ballistic drops. This is problematic at longer distances.


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UPDATE: After some trial and error, I discovered that I am able to adjust the gas block without having to drill through the handguard. I can still turn the screw even at an angle.

I took it to the range and got it all tuned. I wasn’t going for accuracy, just function. I turned the gas off and then opened 1/2 turn. I fired and had to manually eject the first round. I then opened up the port 1/2 turn more. The spent casing extracted, but it did not lock back. I then opened it up 1/2 turn more three more times and then it had enough gas to extract the spent case and lock back. I then gave it another 1/8 turn so it would have a little more gas in case it got bogged down. I then fired a mag of two rounds without issue. I then screwed in the gas block set screw to lock the adjustment in place. Then, I loaded the mag with three rounds and fired them in quick succession without issue. The rifle is super enjoyable to shoot. It’s not super loud and the recoil is only slightly more than a .223. It seems plenty accurate. All the shots were about the size of a fist. I was only at 50 yards; however, I was using the Magpul plastic flip up sight which are not super precise and I wasn’t concerned about accuracy since I wanted to ensure reliability and tune the gas setting.

In total, I fired ten rounds. I thought everything went super smoothly. Now, I’m going to dimple the barrel for the set screws and then test it again to make sure nothing got out of whack. Then I’ll call it good.

I still need to get a scope. I’m really looking at FFP scopes. What are your suggestions?
DB8A8A09-6882-484A-A14B-E958B6A0A035.jpeg ECB41756-24E3-47A4-8C19-A30C7C2E22D9.jpeg A5C4CF76-95AC-46AE-9607-649E58DF4211.jpeg ECC7367D-954D-4743-AF85-4AB572DA51EA.jpeg
 
UPDATE: After some trial and error, I discovered that I am able to adjust the gas block without having to drill through the handguard. I can still turn the screw even at an angle.

I took it to the range and got it all tuned. I wasn’t going for accuracy, just function. I turned the gas off and then opened 1/2 turn. I fired and had to manually eject the first round. I then opened up the port 1/2 turn more. The spent casing extracted, but it did not lock back. I then opened it up 1/2 turn more three more times and then it had enough gas to extract the spent case and lock back. I then gave it another 1/8 turn so it would have a little more gas in case it got bogged down. I then fired a mag of two rounds without issue. I then screwed in the gas block set screw to lock the adjustment in place. Then, I loaded the mag with three rounds and fired them in quick succession without issue. The rifle is super enjoyable to shoot. It’s not super loud and the recoil is only slightly more than a .223. It seems plenty accurate. All the shots were about the size of a fist. I was only at 50 yards; however, I was using the Magpul plastic flip up sight which are not super precise and I wasn’t concerned about accuracy since I wanted to ensure reliability and tune the gas setting.

In total, I fired ten rounds. I thought everything went super smoothly. Now, I’m going to dimple the barrel for the set screws and then test it again to make sure nothing got out of whack. Then I’ll call it good.

I still need to get a scope. I’m really looking at FFP scopes. What are your suggestions?
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The ugly tan camo version of the XTR II go down as far as ~$600 + tax when they have a good sale going... you are one can of krylon away from its $1000 black counterpart. Cannot beat this optic for the money. https://www.opticsplanet.com/burris-xtreme-tactical-5-25-50mm-illum-riflescope.html
 
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