AR-15 Retrofit Project (Part II)

[Fall/Winter Hobby]

(Click here for Part I)

With parts finally starting to arrive I'm beginning to realize the need for organization. With at least 16 different parts\accessories coming from multiple vendors at different times definitely calls for the need for stay organized.

For my sake, I'll be separating the AR project into two major sections: Upper and Lower. It may seem obvious, but quite a few people just look at everything as just a pile of parts, but my brain needs some form of order to accomplish this build.

-Upper Assembly-

PSA upper with some new accessories

Of course the actual new upper is first and foremost on this list, but of course many accessories will be added to increase functionality.







*Palmetto State Armory Mid-Length 5.56 NATO 1:8 Stainless Upper
*Magpul Angled Foregrip (AFG2)
*Midwest Industries Flip Up Front and Rear Sights
*Magpul Rail Sling Attachment (RSA)
*BCM Keymod Rail Section 5.5"
*Optics [TBA]
*PSA 5.56 PREMHPT/MPI Bolt Carrier Group
*Bravo Company / Vltor 5.56/.223 Charging Handle

-Lower Assembly-

The lower assembly, which of course includes the Olympic Arms lower I'm starting with has a lot more complexity than the upper. Parts are more intricate and smaller or changing parts out at least involves the careful handling of smaller parts like pins and springs. The buffer tube, buffer spring and stock are also in this category in my thought process.
*Magpul Stock CTR Collapsible
*BCM Milspec Carbine Receiver Extension
*Tungsten Heavy Buffer
*Sprinco Blue Buffer Spring
*Magpul Ambidextrous Sling Attachment Point (ASAP)
*Magpul Pistol Grip MOE K2 Plus

Original Oly lower with BAD Lever and K2 grip

Only a small portion of the parts have been ordered so far. With finances being tight I'm spacing this build out a bit to keep things on an even keel on the home front. So... more to come soon!

AR-15 Retrofit Project

[Fall/Winter Hobby]

With the new title of "father" has come many new responsibilities and challenges for me, which press financially, mentally and physically. In order to combat this I have created a project for myself to complete as a hobby while colder New England weather rolls in - rebuilding my AR rifle. Nothing nefarious, but making it more efficient and easier to use and hey... a hobby is a hobby.


-Starting Ingredients-

"Vanilla" AR-15

My more or less "vanilla" AR-15 is an Olympic Arms AR-15a2. It has remained relatively unchanged since I got it 6 years ago. The concept of modifying firearms didn't really catch my attention until the last couple of years. 

It has a traditional front fixed-sight and fixed carry handle and rear sight. When I had gotten it the traditional full A2 buttstock had been replaced by a cheap collapsible TAPCO stock (along with the buffer kit), which was more or less the only thing changed from it being completely factory. Oh and you can't forget the rather bizarre muzzle brake that would knock the wind out of anybody standing next to you. At the time it was a good rifle and a fun plinker - it was my first rifle after all. Unknowingly for some time I did possess a favorable upper assembly, which was a mid-length gas system and a decent barrel with a 1:8 twist.

In the end the fixed sights and fixed carry handle highly limit how modular the platform can be, so... we must evolve.

-A Whole New World-

In my time shooting, browsing of the interwebs, taking classes and being around other shooting enthusiasts has given me countless hours of seeing, handling and firing other AR rifles. 
After years of the AR platform evolving and manufacturers racing each other to release more and better parts every year the choices are beyond overwhelming. While tinkering with my AMD-65 rifle in the past had given me a small taste of rifle modding I felt not only overwhelmed by the choices available for the AR platform, but also a bit intimidated by the AR's complexity. It was hard to beat the AK's "fix and modify with a hammer and swear words" simplicity in comparison.
With more videos and webpages dedicated to AR builds than ever before there isn't really a need to feel intimidated anymore so I start my journey...

-Where to Go?-

New Palmetto State Armory Upper Assembly

It wouldn't be much of a project if I just went out and just bought a new rifle, so I'll take what I have (the lower assembly) and improve upon it. The upper assembly, as I stated above is "fixed" and not very modular so it is, in essence "stuck in its ways" so that will go and be the first part replaced. The Olympic Arms lower assembly is solid, so that will be my base to build on. As I write this I've already gotten a few parts, chief among which was a whole new upper assembly and barrel (pictured above). Not only was the price good (even without having a bolt carrier group or charging handle), but I grabbed the last one in inventory. With AR rifles being the center focus of any US political gun conversation it's good to get stock while you can.


-Next-

As more parts come in and new developments arise I will continue posting about this build in a series. Partly because it's cathartic for me, but more because I know there's a massive community out there that supports projects like this. More to come soon...

Part II

Basic Camping Checklist

EMS has it right.

Feed a family of 4 for 1 year for less than $300

Great article on how to prep with enough food to feed a family for a year on a budget. Worth checking out:
Feed a family of 4 for 1 year for less than $30

Posts - Few and Far Between

[A Change in Priority]

In the last year or so my posts have been coming out in a diminished capacity. First and foremost I do apologize for this. Lately life has been busy and my priorities in terms of my online presence have pivoted quite a bit. From traditional blogging I've found more of my effort has gone to the subject of motovlogging. Not necessarily because of it's popularity or it's trending value, but just because it's something I have been enjoying more and would like to share.  It's also a very active and accommodating online culture.

I, of course will continue with this blog as much as I can in the future. I may still prioritize motovlogging first, but I still will find time to come back and share on the subject of Broadminded Survival.

My YouTube-based motovlog still in its infancy: Motodozer

Trailer for my 2015 cross country trip:

New Trucks, New Possibilities

Personal Daily Commuter and BOV

Intro

2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

There is a level of happiness, akin to that of your first kiss when you buy a brand new vehicle. I had it when I bought my second motorcycle (2014 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec) a couple years ago and I had it just recently when I bought my new truck. It's an odd sensation - drunk on the thrill of something new as you drive it home for the first time. Simultaneously you feel that anxiousness in your stomach of your new bank account balance after the down payment.
All in all it's an exciting experience, but once you settle in and the new car smell disappears, you wonder: what's next?
For me, it's the possibility to make this truck unique and more functional to my liking.

Purpose

I sold my primary commuter car (2008 Subaru Impreza) in order to purchase this truck as well as my previous pickup (1998 Nissan Frontier), which wasn't going to pass inspection anymore anyway, so the new pickup takes on the responsibility of both. And so far it hasn't disappointed. The interior it feels more like an SUV than an old gym locker, which would describe most older pickup truck cabs. The exterior is all business.
Going forward this new Tacoma will have two purposes: 1.) daily commuting and  2.) bug-out-vehicle.
In a short time it has proven to be a comfortable, practical daily commuter, be decent on mileage (even on back-roads), and the concept of getting out of dodge with this seems incredibly plausible. With my previous primary vehicle, the Subaru Impreza, I knew it could handle rain, snow and a multitude of other on-road conditions, but off road? Not so much. My 1998 Nissan Frontier 4x4 was ready for more hairy situations, but its age and the condition of the frame made me weary when driving and its 4-cylinder engine was more cute than practical.

New front fascia for 2016

Now I have a vehicle that fits the bill for any activity I may have planned or any unplanned emergency that may fall upon us. With winters getting more and more serious (as I write this the U.S. capitol is seeing the worst winter in over 90 years) in our neck of the woods I feel that a car, even with all-wheel-drive may not be enough to get my family and myself out of harm's way.

Plans

While the daily commuting side of the truck doesn't really need modifying, the BOV side certainly could use some polishing. For transportation, I can safely transport my family (dog included) as well as enough supplies to get us to a number of different bug-out locations within 100 miles.  One of the most important, yet simple packages that came with the truck was the tri-fold bed cover, allowing for the covered transport of anything that will fit into the 5-foot bed.
Inside, like the previous  generation Tacoma there's some storage hidden under the rear seats, especially in a full Double Cab model. With that storage there should be enough room for at least one standard 72-hour bug-out-bag at all times.

Other upcoming additions:
*CB Radio
*HID Lights
*Mud Guards
*72-hour bug out bag