Suppressed 13.7 Build: GunThots Mini EP002

Published on February 20, 2021
Duration: 13:25

This guide details the process of building and optimizing a 13.7-inch suppressed AR-15, focusing on precise gas system tuning for reliability and reduced recoil. The build utilizes high-quality components from V7 Weapon Systems, Radian Weapons, Daniel Defense, Geissele Automatics, EOTech, and SilencerCo. It emphasizes the importance of buffer weight selection for different ammunition types and shooting conditions, offering a practical approach to achieving a 'flat' shooting experience with minimal gas blowback.

Quick Summary

A custom 13.7-inch suppressed AR-15 build, featuring a 0.076-inch gas port and mid-length system, offers a significantly flatter shooting experience with reduced recoil and gas blowback. Optimal buffer weights (H2 for suppressed brass, H1 for unsuppressed steel) are crucial for reliability. Accuracy can range from 1.33 MOA to 3.5 MOA depending on ammunition choice.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Mini EP002
  2. 02:49Build Specifications & Components
  3. 04:36Reliability & Gassing with Different Ammunition
  4. 06:12Accuracy Testing Results
  5. 06:48Shooting Experience & Recoil
  6. 08:28Conclusion & Manufacturer Critique

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the optimal gas port size for a 13.7-inch suppressed AR-15 build?

For a 13.7-inch AR-15 with a mid-length gas system intended for suppressed use, a gas port size of 0.076 inches was found to be optimal in this build, contributing to a flat shooting experience and reduced gas blowback.

How does buffer weight affect the reliability of a suppressed 13.7-inch AR-15?

An H2 buffer is recommended for suppressed use with brass ammunition in this 13.7 build. For unsuppressed steel-case ammunition, switching to an H1 buffer was necessary to ensure consistent cycling, highlighting the importance of buffer tuning.

What accuracy can be expected from a 13.7-inch suppressed AR-15 build?

Accuracy varied by ammunition. The custom 13.7 build achieved groups as tight as 1.33 MOA with Magtech 77gr ammunition, while Barnaul Steel Case yielded around 3.5 MOA, demonstrating the significant impact of ammo selection.

Why is a custom-gassed 13.7-inch AR-15 often preferred over standard manufacturer builds for suppressed use?

Custom builds like this 13.7-inch example are meticulously gassed for specific setups (like suppressed use), resulting in a flatter shooting impulse and less gas blowback compared to many factory rifles which are often over-gassed to ensure reliability with cheaper ammunition.

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