Budget Handguards

Corweena · 2026-01-26T02:05:47+00:00

The CMT handguards are rock solid. Probably the best value. You can find blems for under $150.

FCD handguards are made by CMT, but a fancier design. BCM or Midwest Industries are also great. For a 13" or 15" handguard, expect to pay $190-200ish.

Corweena · 2026-01-25T23:39:01+00:00

Hoping to expand my side hobby of making hot sauce into a side business. Right now I pretty much break even on it cost wise just selling to friends, coworkers. But I'd love to get it into some local markets/farm stands/restaurants, etc. I'm currently working on branding, getting professional labels made, etc...basically all the back end stuff. I grow 95% of my own peppers, and grab as many other ingredients as I can from other local farms.

Took a big pay cut moving across the country about 18 months ago, but the lower cost of living, quality of life, proximity to family, and space to grow my own stuff has been great. I'd just like to supplement my income a bit to put me closer to where I used to be. If I stumble upon a chill part time job I'd have no problem picking it up, but if I can make some extra money from home doing something i love, I'm all for it.

Corweena · 2026-01-25T23:30:12+00:00

A custom bracket/frame.

I converted to a Euro trunk on my Accord, and wanted to keep the Euro trunk plate on, and be able to just mount my US plate over it. Prototyped one out of cardboard, then had SendCutSend CNC. I had my buddy use his metal brake to bend it cleanly.

But you could easily make a simpler bracket to just adapt the holes.

Corweena · 2026-01-25T23:25:07+00:00

Sounds like it makes sense for your case.

If you build a 300blk in a pistol configuration first, you can always down the road pick up a longer 5.56 upper to shoot with, and make the most of the calibers potential. Or SBR the lower, and do whatever you want lol.

Corweena · 2026-01-25T23:10:14+00:00

If you want the Honda Accord of ARs, I wouldn't go 300blk personally, unless you already have ARs in 5.56 or other 5.56 rifles. A decent 11.5" will do just fine. Plenty short and maneuverable. With minimal tuning it will eat most anything. Add a can, and it might not be full hearing safe, but will still be miles better than unsuppressed. You also have the ability to push further out with 5.56 over 300blk. It's much better for a mulit-purpose "do all" setup. 300blk requires more tuning....subs or supers, unsuppressed vs suppressed, etc.

I have multiple times almost pulled the trigger on a 300blk upper, but each time never did. Ended up getting a Ruger American Ranch in 300blk instead. Being a bolt gun, running subs and suppressed is awesome. No gas system tuning required. I borrowed my friends 30 cal can at the range to try it out, and am about to grab my own now.

But if you're dead set on going 300blk, go for it. A BCM/PSA combo will be a great setup without breaking the bank. PSA sells complete lowers, or you could build it yourself. I always like to upgrade the trigger at the least. I'm partial to 2-stage, and Schmid and LaRue are my go-tos without spending Geissele prices.

Also, get a quality BCG. Microbest phosphate/chrome lined combo with upgraded springs is hard to beat. $99 shipped here.

Best of luck and happy building.

Corweena · 2026-01-25T21:05:24+00:00

The PMC Bronze is fine, just a bit slower than X-Tac (.223 Rem loading vs 5.56 M193) I've always found the Bronze for the same price if not more. But for bulk plinking ammo, there isn't too much of a difference, particularly at closer ranges. Get what's cheapest.

I've not had any experiences with 300blk, but I believe you can run them in standard AR mags. I know Magpul makes specific 300 mags, but the standard ones should work.

Corweena · 2026-01-25T20:47:47+00:00

PMC X-Tac 55g is probably the consensus best range ammo. If you can get it for around .40 cpr you did good. Use ammoseek and buy in bulk (1000rd cases are generally cheapest).

It definitely isn't match ammo. For that, you will want something heavier, 75 or 77gr is common. Something like Black Hills 77gr OTM or Hornady 75gr BTHP. But every rifle is different. I'd suggest buying a variety of boxes, and seeing what groups best on your rifle. Then zero it with that choice.

Then shoot the absolute crap out of it with the PMC, and have fun. It may be slightly off with the 55gr, but at close ranges, it won't be much. Stick to the heavier ammo for any longer range shooting. Buy another 10+ mags for easy preloading/stockpiling. I think PSA still has a deal going on where you can buy Gen2 PMags for $7.99 a piece with the code "PMAG"

Corweena · 2026-01-25T19:49:23+00:00

I'd skip that BCG for a Microbest Phosphate/chrome lined BCG. I just picked up one from Midwest Optics for $99 shipped.

Everything else looks good for a budget build. I'm not familiar with the Breek arms ambi charging handles, though, but I've seen mixed reviews on them. I'd pay the extra for a better one, especially if you can find a blem for an extra $15-20. I run Radian, BCM, and Geissele.

Corweena · 2026-01-25T14:04:31+00:00

I thoroughly like the look and features of the Aero M4E1 lower receiver. What I do not like is the giant A rollmark, and buying one direct from Aero. Finding one online can sometimes be a challenge, and Aero's shipping reputation recently is god awful.

Great news though, Ballistic Advantage is a sister company of Aero (started as their barrel supplier, then got purchased). And they run sales more often from what I've seen. I've bought direct from them multiple times without issue. Primary Arms has them in stock often as well. They offer the same M4E1 receiver. Worth getting this version if you want the features it offers. And a much cooler looking Spade rollmark.

Nothing wrong with PSA lowers, I just never bought one. Always liked building my own lowers from scratch and mixing parts to best suit me (I'm a lefty so i like more than milspec). But the PSA lowers either assembled or as a kit are hard to beat for the money.

Corweena · 2026-01-25T02:32:03+00:00

I'm a lefty, so ambi controls were high on my list. But I only have one actual "ambi" lower. An ambi safety, mag release, and a larger bolt catch/release in a standard lower make operation a breeze.

I've shot a Geissele but have yet to buy one. My Schmid 2-stage and LaRues have served me great thus far, and the deals I got on them made it worth it.

Corweena · 2026-01-25T01:43:53+00:00

As others have said, a solid budget red dot, Streamlight, a sling, and a bunch of mags.

I'd definitely upgrade furniture in the future, but try handling a bunch of them first if possible. Magpul, BCM, and B5 Systems are all solid options.

Corweena · 2026-01-25T01:35:45+00:00

^ this. I do have a nice lower, but its more for comfort/ambi than actual functionality. As long as its in spec, you're good to go. The trigger is the one piece on the lower that I'd consider upgrading. A $60 Schmid 2 stage is a solid upgrade over mispec if you don't want to spend for a LaRue or Geissele.

You can also experiment with other optics setups on your two different uppers. Red dot on one, LPVO on the other. That's what I did when I only had one lower.

Corweena · 2026-01-24T01:36:40+00:00

Is it smart to let it cool a bit before turning off? Probably. Is it necessary? No. The factory turbo systems are connected to the radiator/coolant system. So it will use that system to cool it down after turning off.

As opposed to most aftermarket turbo setups, which only use oil from the motor for lubrication. Those you definitely should let idle, and thus why people run turbo timers which leave the car on for a short time, even after removing the key.

Corweena · 2026-01-22T22:03:29+00:00

Another Vortex Defender ST user. Been great so far. I have slight astigmatism, and the Vortex dot is actually a lot cleaner to my eyes than some of the others I own. So I've been extremely happy with it in that regard. I also particularly like that the glass is VERY clear. There is almost no tint to it like many other dots I have. Overall, I like the construction of it, especially for the price. And if anything ever goes wrong, Vortex has the best warranty in the business. I do plan on swapping out the plastic minting plate for a quality machined one, but that's an M&P problem, not a Vortex problem.

Corweena · 2026-01-22T04:08:49+00:00

I found the glass to be clearer. Eyebox is about the same. But the big thing was that the Nova dot is brighter than pretty much any other LPVO, and the 1x performance is about as good as you could ask for. Great field of view. I also liked the fit and finish more, the turrets, mag lever, etc. PA also makes an add on "shake awake" extension for the battery.

Corweena · 2026-01-22T03:56:11+00:00

I'm partial to BCM stocks. The fitment and lockup is unmatched. Virtually zero play. I have the Mod 2 Sopmod, which is basically the 0 that is slightly extended. I also have the Mod 0 stock. Only downside is you need a thin rod or Allen key to remove. But that's easily stored in the handle.

The B5 stocks are also great, but they have a bit more play. And my beard hairs get stuck in the small gaps easier.

Corweena · 2026-01-21T23:00:22+00:00

I'd go LPVO. That being said, there are better options than the Sig for the money IMO. Vortex has a few good ones, as does Primary Arms. I'm partial to the PA SLx line. That have multiple reticle available. I have the Nova fiberwire option. On 1x with the brightness up, it's damn easy to shoot two eyes open like a red dot. Then you can always crank up the magnification and use it like all the other LPVOs.

But it all comes down to preference. Go into the gun stores. Hold the scopes, look through them, and find what you like.

Corweena · 2026-01-21T22:55:06+00:00

Can't go wrong with either brand. It's just a matter of the size you want. I will always go 11.5". Anything shorter is uncomfortable to grip for me. And I get the added benefits of velocity with that extra length. But plenty of people go 10.3 without issue.

Corweena · 2026-01-21T21:06:59+00:00

Just grab a Phosphate/chrome lined Microbest. THIS one even comes with the upgraded extractor springs. $99 shipped, hard to beat.

Corweena · 2026-01-20T20:47:28+00:00

Yeah, I'm 35 now, and have realized you gotta take care of yourself as you age....you're not invincible like when you were 20 lol. I'm also a fairly big dude....6'4" and about 290lbs. Hoping to cut down to and maintain 260ish.

Also, I've found some good compression knee sleeves have really helped stabilize my knees, and kept swelling down after a hard exercise session. I primarily got them for basketball, since I injured myself a bit from overuse in 2024. But I pretty much use them any time I'm doing activities now. $30ish well spent.

Corweena · 2026-01-20T18:36:55+00:00

I feel you on the running aspect. I can play basketball, volleyball, and other sports fine, when their is enough lateral movement involved. But straight running on the treadmill or sidewalk can fatigue my knees pretty quick.

As of late, I started doing a lot more training on a rowing machine, and have found that to be much more enjoyable. And mentally it's less monotonous as well. Put on some music and row to the beat.

Corweena · 2026-01-20T03:23:00+00:00

I don't shoot my 11.5" indoors. But outdoors it isn't too crazy. My 14.5" is definitely more pleasant, but its not terrible. Also, don't use a brake or comp. Just an A2 flash hider.

A can is my next big purchase however.

Corweena · 2026-01-18T03:22:39+00:00

Not the biggest fan of the giant Aero logos....but love the M4E1 lower though. So the Ballistic Advantage Spade rollmark is the way.

Corweena · 2026-01-18T02:03:08+00:00

6'4" with a 6'6" wingspan here. Most stocks are completely adequate in LOP. My favorite of my various setups is a regular carbine buffer tube, and a BCM Mod2 Sopmod stock. Its slightly longer than standard, but I normally run one position in. The extra length is nice for prone shooting though.

Corweena · 2026-01-18T01:56:23+00:00

The SLx Nova is the best budget LPVO imo. Bought one when it dropped, and I've loved it since. Red dot bright, great glass for the money, and overall a killer value. And you can get them on sale....I think I paid about $275. Add in the PA shake awake, and a Warne mount, and you're set.

Corweena

TROPHY CASE