Project Vera – Update 2

On By Tom LindsayIn AR, Projects

I had saved enough money to order an upper for my AR, Project Vera, by Thanksgiving, but, like a dummy, I hesitated ordering.

Then, a maniac coward killed 26 people in school in Connecticut, and the AR world went crazy.

Two days after the incident, I ordered  what I considered to be the perfect upper, and the website said it would only be 1 to 2 weeks for it to ship. This was confirmed by an email from the president of the company.

Sadly, that was 2 months ago, and they tell me they have no idea when it will be shipped.

I can’t say that I blame that gun shop. After all, they are as much a victim of the panic as I am. They are a small shop, and I’m sure they can’t put much pressure on their suppliers.

So, I decided to look for another upper. Finding one that was in stock was difficult, until I found a thread on AR15.com where the latest news of uppers in stock is posted by members. So I stalked it out for a couple of days until I found something I liked.

16in_m4_madnessThis is from Palmetto Stated Armory in Columbia, SC. Granted, it isn’t everything I wanted. It has no bolt carrier group or charging handle, so I will need to buy them separately (First World problem), and I’m not a big fan of the M4 front sight, but I can change that, too.

Here’s what we do get, though:

  • Upper: Forged 7075-T6 upper receiver, with M4 Feed ramps and T-marks.
  • Barrel: 5.56 NATO, 16″ chrome moly vanadium, 1 in 7″ twist rate, with chrome lined chamber, made by FN. Heat and pressure treated, then metal particle inspected, then phosphate coated.
  • F-Marked Front sight post
  • A2 Flash Hider
  • Sling Loop
  • Standard Hand Guards w/ heat shields

Best of all, they say it will be here in 3 weeks, which, coincidentally, is my birthday.

Now, to find a bolt carrier group and charging handle . . . .

Podcast Review – When The Balloon Goes Up!

On By Tom LindsayIn Podcasts, Review1 Comment

WTBGU

Ron Larimer has taken the When The Balloon Goes Up brand to another level, with a new podcast. They have produced 3 so far, and I am impressed.

It’s a good entry to the podcast galaxy, not too long, and not too short. It’s a great mix of interviews, shooting news, and reviews. Ron is the host, and brings in people to help and interview, like Ben Stoeger and Julie Golob.

Each show is only about 20 minutes, and I find it fills a gap in my rotation. I leave the longer shows for car commutes, but this one fits in well in a lunch time, or short commute.

Give the show a listen, and let me know what you think.

Project Vera – Update

On By Tom LindsayIn AR, Gunsmithing, Projects, Vera1 Comment

Some time back I took the plunge started building an AR-15. As with my other guns, I planned to build this with someone else’s money, so it’s taken about 8 months to complete.

So far, I’ve completed the lower. Here’s the specs:

Completed lower

The lower is a an aluminum billet lower from New Frontier Armory, While they have made a name with their polymer lower, I went with the aluminum.

The lower parts kit is from DPMS, via Lakeside Guns. Assembly wasn’t too difficult thanks to several Youtube videos and a resolve to be patient.

The stock is a collapsible Tapco stock, made right here in Kennesaw. I also added a padded ERGO grip, that I got from Adventure Outdoors along with the stock.

Then, the pause. I had to earn more money to finish the project. In the meantime, I picked up some PMAGs, so I can be ready.

+++++++

Time passes. I cut grass, save money, and wait.

In the meantime, I do my research. Based on my experience putting together the lower, and on my research, I decided to let a professional put together the upper. For one thing, most of the houses that did this (and the one I would choose) test fire them afterward, so I would know it was a good assembly.

Finally I made a decision, and started to look for the right combination of specifications.

Here is what I ordered:

Upper

It’s the MWA-16 upper assembly from New Frontier Armory, the same company that made my lower. Here are the specs:

  • A3 Upper Receiver forged from 7075-T6 aluminum with extended M4 feed ramps and T markings
  • 16” MATCH GRADE M4 profile stainless steel barrel (from Black Hole Weaponry) with a black finish
  • 1 in 8” Twist with 3 groove polygonal rifling and M4 Feed Ramp
  • 1/2 x 28 threads / .750″ diameter gas block/YHM front flip up sight / gas block combo
  • Chrome lined MIL-SPEC bolt carrier group
  • MAGPUL MOE Handguards
  • MAGPUL MBUS rear flip up sight

What I really like is all the extras like MAGPUL furniture is already included.

+++++

So, I finally got on line, and placed my order. Bad news, this was 2 days after the school shootings in Connecticut, and the frenzy was already on. I was first told one to two weeks lead time, but it has now stretched to 6 weeks.

We will see. All I know is I’m willing to be patient, I’ve waited this long.

+++++

In the meantime I have adhered to The Diaper Rule, thus: when my kids were young, I knew whenever I was at Walmart, I should pick up diapers. I knew I would need them. Similarly, when I was at the gun store, I bought a PMAG. I now own 4 PMAGs that I paid $15 each for. And, sadly, the stores I go to don’t have any more in stock.

+++++

Where can I order a Skittles dispenser?