Aero Precision Builder Set AR-15 Rifle Project – Picking Parts & Components

Tom Mchale walks us through his choice of parts and components from the custom Aero Precision Builder Set, Dream AR-15 Rifle build project.

USA –-(Ammoland.com)- Picking the right components makes all the difference when you’re building an excellent AR-15 rifle. We created this unique and super-cool Arctic Camo designed rifle from one of Aero Precisions DIY Custom Rifle Builder Kit with a carefully selected set of off the shelf components.

Let’s take a look at exactly the why and what parts that went into our frosty Arctic Camo AR Rifle kit build.

Aero Precision Builder Set AR Receiver

Every month, Aero Precision offers a new customized graphic variant of their M4E1 and M5E1 Rifle Builder Sets. The M4 set is a 5.56mm lower receiver offering while the M5 is built for the .308 Winchester Cartridge. This kit is was the M4E1 Artic camo and includes the following components: (Warning: the Arctic Aero Precision Builder Set has very limited availability, check this link for the newest Aero gun kits for sale.)

• M4E1 Enhanced Upper Receiver
• 15″ Enhanced Gen 2 Handguard
• Billet Trigger Guard
• AR15 Gen 2 Lower Receiver

The upper, lower, and handguard are all limited edition parts custom Cerakoted by Blown Deadline.

This attractive Arctic Camo pattern is here for one month, then it’s gone so if you win this rifle, you’ll be getting a truly unique build.

Barrel

We chose an Aero Precision 18″ .223 Wylde Fluted Stainless Steel Barrel with rifle-length gas system for this build. It’s 416 Stainless Steel and is fluted to cut weight down to 28 ounces. It’s got a Nickel Boron coated barrel extension and sports a .223 Wylde Chamber so you can shoot either .223 o 5.56mm ammo safely with improved accuracy. It looks kinda sporty too, and the brushed stainless finish matches the whole Arctic Camo vibe quite nicely.

Stock and Pistol Grip

This rifle uses the Magpul STR Stock and MOE Pistol Grip to match the graphics on the Aero Precision Builder Set. The adjustable stock sports a rubber butt pad, wide and smooth cheek weld, locking position feature, and dual battery compartments for spares or some emergency bacon jerky. It goes without saying that the STR Stock has sling swivel attach points and a couple of sling slots. The MOE Pistol Grip and includes a storage compartment for spare parts or whatever else you want to stash in there.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention. The buttstock and pistol grip are also custom finished with the Arctic Camo pattern.

Brownells M16 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group

This complete bolt and carrier group from Brownells is treated all over with Nickel Boron for durability, reliability, and easy cleaning. When you order one, it’s ready to go complete with extractor parts and firing pin.

Brownells Black Nitride Gas Tube

This rifle-length gas tube is Black Nitride finished to resist corrosion and stay clean. Plus it looks cool in there.

Midwest Industries Low Profile Gas Block

The Aero handguard is slender, so we chose this low-profile gas block. It mounts to the .750 inch section of the barrel and attaches with three heavy-duty hex screws. It’s out of the way and not going anywhere.

Brownells AR-15/M16 Mil-Spec Buffer Tube Assembly

This kit from Brownells has everything you need for the receiver extension assembly. It includes a carbine buffer tube, buffer spring, a carbine buffer, receiver extension tube nut, and receiver end plate.

Geissele AR-15/M16/308 SSA Trigger

This Geissele trigger is a two-stage combat trigger. The first stage is grit-free followed by a super-crisp four-pound break as measured by my scale. It’s designed for hard use and includes a secondary safety sear to protect against inadvertent firing from a hard knock. The bottom line is that it’s safe but easy to shoot fast and accurately. If you’re an aspiring 3-Gun competitor, you’ll love this trigger.

BCM Gunfighter Ambi Charging Handle

When you build your own rife, you get to pick just the right components. This charging handle is ambidextrous which comes in handy not only for right or left-handed operation but the ease of administrative operation too. The generous latch handle size makes it easier to operate when you have a scope mounted on top. It’s smooth as silk – you’ll feel the difference, and once you try one, you’ll never go back.

Warne Tactical X-Skel Scope Mount

A great optic is nothing without a solid mount. One of our favorites in the Warne X-Skel. This cantilevered 30mm integrated ring and mount assembly allow you to mount on the receiver rail while pushing the optic far enough forward for proper eye relief. It’s made from aluminum for lightweight, but steel thread inserts ensure that it locks in place and won’t move. One of the neat things about the Warne system is that you can remove the scope for maintenance or whatever. If you put it back in the same rail slots, it’ll maintain its zero. Cool.

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Scope

In my opinion, if you’re going to put a magnified optic on an AR-15, it’s hard to go wrong with a 1-6x variable model. The true 1x setting works like a red dot sight at close distances with its wide field of view and illuminated optic. The reticle pattern is a thick three-quarters circle surrounding a post with elevation hash marks. It’s fast and easy to acquire. For distances where an AR-15 is effective, the 6x magnification is plenty to get the job done.

Vortex Optics Switchview Throw Lever

Another small accessory makes a big difference when you’re shooting for speed as in a 3-Gun Competition. This throw lever is designed for the Vortex Strike Eagle and features a notch that mates to the magnification ring on the scope so it won’t slip. On the Strike Eagle, the throw lever moves from the three o’clock position for 1x magnification to the nine o’clock position for 6x magnification, so it stays well out of the way of the upper receiver.

Magpul P-Mag 30-round Non-Window Magazine

Guess what? Your primary magazine is also custom finished with Arctic Camo Cerakote. That’s a bonus feature when you’re trying to hide from snow Yetis, right?

Smith Enterprise Vortex AR-15 ARC Helix Flash Hider

Last but not least, we chose a Smith Enterprise Vortex RC Helix flash hider. These work amazingly well and look pretty spiffy too. The new and improved design helps resist carbon buildup for easier cleaning.

If you’d like to see how these parts went together in our giveaway build, check out the companion article, “Build Your Own AR-15 Rifle from an Aero Precision AR Builders Kit“.

About

Tom McHale is the author of the Practical Guides book series that guides new and experienced shooters alike in a fun, approachable, and practical way. His books are available in print and eBook format on Amazon. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.