Oooooook....
I've done some looking around and haven't found answers to my questions.

I'm starting a build for a 5.56 AR. I have all the parts planned out for the lower but the upper is whats throwing me since those components are so crucial.
I'm wanting to build this for hunting so I need it to be capable of MOA or better.

I've done lots of reading and I have some questions.
Do any of you have any personal experience with some of the products below? If so please feel free to give me a little review. Pictures are always welcomed.
If you don't, but have a suggestion for something you do have experience with, and don't see it below, please feel free to share it.

Custom
I'm not opposed to a "from the ground up" build.
I have researched several custom barrel makers and it always seems to come down to Satern, Krieger, Shilen, Bartlein, Hart and a few others.
Money isn't a huge issue, as I have no time limit and can save up, but of course I don't want to spend more than I have to to accomplish my goal.
I have read that WOA(White Oak Armament) makes a fantastic barrel but I can't find any proof, only peoples opinions.

Complete
I have read some reviews that state BCM(Bravo Company) and Palmetto State Armory make a fine product that us also affordable. But how to they perform?
I'm really leaning towards a LaRue Stealth upper due to their stellar reputation. Getting to keep my money in Texas is a nice bonus as well.
I hear that Noveske is nice, but boy are they pricey.
Rainier Arms has a few uppers that have peeked my interest especially since they use a Shilen barrel.
LMT is another one that seems to come highly recommended but I haven't heard much about the other than on the inter-webs.

What are y'alls takes?

I have a PSA SS .223 wylde upper that is very accurate. Like it a lot, and think its much better than its price indicates.

Do you have any pics of your groupings?

I have this exact same gun. My groupings are just under an inch at 100. I do handload though.

Some of the uppers you mentioned are utility barrels. Chrome lined barrels are generally a service or working barrel. Stainless by the major manufactures are for more accuracy & precision.

The WOA 18" SPR I had on my Brandon built upper was far more accurate than me. I changed directions and had Brandon change out the barrel with an ARP 16" lightweight barrel. Lost 16oz of muzzle heaviness and 2". The ARP is CM and Melonite processed. Have not shot it yet.

Devildog28 has a WOA in 6.8 and it is a tackdriver.

If barrels are winning matches, they are accurate. Good trigger helps too.

Trigger is planned to be a Geissele SD-E.

I had Chuck over at Ross Precesion build me a 6.8 SPC II upper using a 20" WOA, with factory Hornady it is sub MOA and when I finally get around to buying my shell plate for reloading, probably even better.

I think I've decided on a build using a White Oak Aramament 18" SPR barrel.
But there is a dilemma....I have read that the rifle gas system would be best for an 18" barrel vs a mid-length gas system.
I can get a mid-length right now or I can wait three months and get the rifle gas system barrel.

I heard that the rifle length gas provides a softer recoil, cycling of the action and generally causes less wear in the moving internals.
What's y'all's take?

Yes, the rifle length SPR is much smoother than mid or carbine. Very noticeable! Unlike the difference in a mid vs carbine, which is very very little difference.




I use a 18nch WOA for everything, hunting and matches.

Go with what Morgan said.

I'm assuming Morgan in also DallasShootingSupplies?

Yes

That's what I was leaning towards. I just needed someone more "in the know" to confirm I was making the best decision for my particular application.
Thanks fellas.

Not really that noticeable of a difference between mid and rifle gas in my opinion. I have both and only run rifle gas when I shoot suppressed. All other shooting is on my mid gas rifle.

Frankly, there are lots of really good complete uppers out there. If you already have the tools, great. If not, you'll do fine with a complete upper.

Personally, deer and pigs don't need MOA shooting, more like 1.5-2.0 for within 200 yards. Most barrels will shoot this. And a sub-MOA barrel won't shoot well if you give it cheap, surplus style ammo. Don't spent money on a barrel if all your going to do is feed it wolf or M855. I would get a 1 in 8 twist rate. It'll let you shoot the heavy bullets if you want to.

I'd love a white oak barrel,when i can afford the ammo.


Good luck. Have fun, your probably not going to have just one AR.

It's looking that way. I'm already thinking about a 6.5 Grendel and a 300BLK or 6.8 build.

JCB and BIL are in the process of 6.8 builds...

Waiting for the completed pics and reports.

Well, I ended up deciding to go with a 6.8 SPC II after I found out I had won an aoudad hunt and knew my 5.56 might not be able to handle that particular critter. The 6.8 will more than fulfill my needs for hogs and anything else I decide to hunt in the future so I figured "why not".

I don't know if anyone is interested in my build or not but here is the list I have. I just placed my final order and should be good to go from here as soon as it all comes in. There may be a small part or two that I can't think of at the moment but at least all the major components are taken care of.

Lower
Spike's Tactical Stripped Lower
Palmetto State Armory Lower Parts Kit w/o Fire Control Group
ARFX Skeleton Stock
AR15 A2 Rifle Stock Completion Kit
MAGPUL MIAD Pistol Grip
Spike's Tactical Billet Trigger Guard
Geissele SSA-E

Upper
AR 15 Performance 16" 6.8 - 4150 CMV Scout Profile Barrel
VLTOR MUR Upper Receiver
ITS Extreme Duty NiB Bolt Carrier Group
5X4 Compensator
Samson Evolution Free Float Tube 11"
BCM Gun Fighter MOD 4(Med) Charging Handle
VLTOR Low Profile Gas Block
Mid-Length Gas Tube

The real advantage to building is you end up with exactly what you want and down the road you are not buying pieces to satisfy your true needs. Buying a pre-built upper just gets you to the range faster.

I like your choices

Well, all the parts are in!
Just waiting on the Spikes upper from the group buy.

FIXED

Yeah, well....uhhhhhh.
Forget you! Nit picker!
I must have been looking at the upper or something and obviously wasn't thinking.....brain fart complete.

A little update for those who may possibly be interested.
I'm half way there. I'll be picking up my lower in a few hours and will have it done no later than Friday night.




5x4 Comp/Flash Suppressor from ARP.

Cool bro