Feedback on franken-3-gun

[Traveller]

I have started to cobble together parts for a 3-gun rifle. I am a 3-gun newbie but have a few local matches I wouldnt mind getting involved with. Therefore my approach is to use some parts I had laying around and buy what I need to build a decent starter rifle for the sport. I will likely only shoot it in occasional local matches (short distances) for some time so I am trying to keep this reasonably low cost. Below is what I have and what I am thinking - please comment and make recommendations:

Parts I have:

*DPMS lower and parts

*DPMS low-pro upper (slick side)

*RRA chrome BCG

*ARFX skeleton stock

*Hogue grip

*White Oak Armament 18" SPR barrel(rifle length gas, 1:7 twist)

Parts I need to order and am looking for advise:

*handguard = JP/VTAC modular -or- DPMS vented free float (is the VTAC really worth more than twice the money?)

*gas block = adjustable or not? I have never had an adjustable gas block so not sure how valuable this is?? If adjustable I'll do the JP with top rail, otherwise some non adjustable low-pro with top rail.

*trigger = JP or Geissele 3-gun trigger?

*comp = JP Cooley, Nordic Corvette, Miculek, others??? I have no idea what would work best here.

I am going to skip thinking about optics until after I get the gun done...

Thanks!

[HS101]

My $.02 -

Geissele S3G tigger (I love this trigger - I have the version from Midway with the flat trigger and can not say enough great things about it), SJC Titan comp (I also have the JP, but like the Titan better), standard gas block. I do not have experience with either of thase handguards so I will let others weight in...

[carharttfarmer]

i also have the strait 3gun trigger and really like it

id say it and a regular gasblock its no fun when adjustable things adjust themselves

handguard what ever fits your budget even a $35 model 1 will work if your not going to mount anything to it

[Vespid_Wasp]

I have started to cobble together parts for a 3-gun rifle. I am a 3-gun newbie but have a few local matches I wouldnt mind getting involved with. Therefore my approach is to use some parts I had laying around and buy what I need to build a decent starter rifle for the sport. I will likely only shoot it in occasional local matches (short distances) for some time so I am trying to keep this reasonably low cost. Below is what I have and what I am thinking - please comment and make recommendations:

Parts I have:

*DPMS lower and parts

*DPMS low-pro upper (slick side)

*RRA chrome BCG

*ARFX skeleton stock

*Hogue grip

*White Oak Armament 18" SPR barrel(rifle length gas, 1:7 twist)

Parts I need to order and am looking for advise:

*handguard = JP/VTAC modular -or- DPMS vented free float (is the VTAC really worth more than twice the money?)

*gas block = adjustable or not? I have never had an adjustable gas block so not sure how valuable this is?? If adjustable I'll do the JP with top rail, otherwise some non adjustable low-pro with top rail.

*trigger = JP or Geissele 3-gun trigger?

*comp = JP Cooley, Nordic Corvette, Miculek, others??? I have no idea what would work best here.

I am going to skip thinking about optics until after I get the gun done...

Thanks!

If you are trying to keep cost down, get the Miculek comp. If you are moderately handy and have some tools, you can drill and tap almost any gas block and thread in a set screw to make your own adjustable gas block.

A fellow shooter worked over my stock trigger for me, and it is excellent. I forget exactly what he charges, if you are interested PM me and I will send you his contact info. I wanted a VTAC but opted for the DPMS FF tube on my rifle. I don't have a VTAC so I can't really say whether or not this was a good decision, but I THINK that the only thing that I am out is some good looks and the ability to easily mount rail sections.

I had my franken-rifle out yesterday and shot some better than expected groups with M193. I am looking forward to putting some handloads through it to see what it is capable of with good ammo.

[stik]

Purely my opinion, if you want to save some money, the DPMS freefloat tube is pretty good unless you wanted to add rails on top or sides or bottom or iron sights at 1:30 on the rail. Just get the vented one DPMS offers. I have 2 JP freefloat tubes and like them and won't be getting rid of them, but as far as functionality as just a free float tube, the DPMS is pretty good bargain. If not on a budget, get the JP.

I have the non-flat trigger geissele S3G and also the JP but I like the Geissele better, even though it seems to have a slightly heavier pull and longer reset than the JP, I just seem to prefer it over the JP for some reason.

I prefer non-adjustable gas block just due to one less thing to mess up or possibly malfunction.

I prefer the Titan comp after using Miculek and F2 comps.

Just my 0.02, YMMV

[ClutchUSMC]

I love the jp trigger, mine is amazing but if you wanna spend the $ get the Geissele its twice as much but not 2x better imo.

[ac4wordplay]

...I will likely only shoot it in occasional local matches (short distances) for some time so I am trying to keep this reasonably low cost. Below is what I have and what I am thinking - please comment and make recommendations:

Parts I have:

*DPMS lower and parts

*DPMS low-pro upper (slick side)

*RRA chrome BCG

*ARFX skeleton stock

*Hogue grip

*White Oak Armament 18" SPR barrel(rifle length gas, 1:7 twist)

Parts I need to order and am looking for advise:

*handguard = JP/VTAC modular -or- DPMS vented free float (is the VTAC really worth more than twice the money?)

*gas block = adjustable or not? I have never had an adjustable gas block so not sure how valuable this is?? If adjustable I'll do the JP with top rail, otherwise some non adjustable low-pro with top rail.

*trigger = JP or Geissele 3-gun trigger?

*comp = JP Cooley, Nordic Corvette, Miculek, others??? I have no idea what would work best here.

I am going to skip thinking about optics until after I get the gun done...

Thanks!

All of the parts you list are good parts, although several are more expensive than required.

With "low cost" in mind, either the DPMS FF tube (it doesn't NEED to be the vented model) or the Model 1 Sales (as mentioned above by "carhart") would be my choice. To the best of my knowledge, no gas block is "low-pro" (low profile to allow clearance of a long FF tube) AND "with a top rail"; or maybe I misunderstood the OP's statement. The inexpensive Brownells low-pro gas block is fine (I don't mount things to my gas block). Factory trigger groups can often be quite satisfactory with a little attention and JP red or yellow springs; for aftermarket, the Jard trigger group has impressed me with it's performance and value. The Miculek comp is very good, especially for the price.

Best,

ac

[Traveller]

Thank you for the great feedback. I am rethinking my list and Hope to get orders placed later today. You've all given me a lot to think about.

To the best of my knowledge, no gas block is "low-pro" (low profile to allow clearance of a long FF tube) AND "with a top rail";

I didn't know about one either until I read the DPMS Panther 3G1 thread in this forum where the OP describes the stock block as having a top rail an yet low profile enough that the FF handguard could go over it.

Thanks.

[Vespid_Wasp]

Oops, I misread your last post. Deleted useless info.

Edited February 21, 2011 by Vespid_Wasp

[carharttfarmer]

I love the jp trigger, mine is amazing but if you wanna spend the $ get the Geissele its twice as much but not 2x better imo.

$189 at midway not quite twice as much and about the same when you ad the speed hammer to the jp firecontrol kit

[EkuJustice]

My favorite trigger is the jard. For a budget, send the factory parts and like 50 bucks to bill springfield and he works it over. Comes back feeling like a different trigger

[jaredr]

.

*trigger = JP or Geissele 3-gun trigger?

All of the parts you list are good parts, although several are more expensive than required.

factory trigger groups can often be quite satisfactory with a little attention and JP red or yellow springs;

if you're on a budget, wouldn't be terrible to start with a DPMS parts group trigger and an $8 set of JP yellow springs from brownells. It's definitely not the same as a JP trigger, but it's an easy way to get started for $120 less and you can always put money into a fire control group later on...

[mertbl]

I have the DPMS free float tube on my rifle. It is plenty functional. I had a railed gas block and it had to be ground down significantly to fit under the tube. I believe the ID of the tube is 1.7". No reason to get a railed gas block anyways, it'll be covered by the tube anyways.

[bkoenig]

You're gonna love that White Oak SPR barrel. Mine is awesome. I've had really good luck with 75 grain Hornady OTM's. A lot of guys like the 77 grain Sierra's too.