Manual Action ARs

[TestPost]

Hey Everyone,

Been considering getting a manual action upper for a bit - anyone have experience with any of the different styles (straight-pulls, side-actions, lever release, etc)?

Additionally - been considering just buying the 'Kali Key' and utilizing that to convert an existing AR to 'manual operated' so that it is no longer semi-auto (AR15 Kali-Key Bolt Action Charging Handle/ GEN II) - thoughts?

To expand on this - I have a fixed-mag currently and was considering either replacing the gas-block with a non-functioning one that does not interact with the BCG or replacing the barrel entirely to get one that is not tapped for the gas-block - not sure if only doing the GB would be 'legal' under SAFE. Thoughts?

 

[That_FNG]

I built one and I love it. Even if I didn’t reside in ny I would still have it.

 

[TestPost]

I built one and I love it. Even if I didn’t reside in ny I would still have it.

What did you build exactly? Parts, style, etc..have any pics?

 

[dsdmmat]

White oaks side charging upper receiver, green mountain barrels chambered blank barrel and you have a straight pull bolt action.

 

[STS556]

Lantac makes a nice side pull manual bolt and matching upper receiver. As mentioned above, a nice barrel with no gas port and you have a dedicated bolt action AR. I have been eyeing this set up for a while but just the bolt and upper is $500. But this set up leaves absolutely no gray area as far as NY laws are concerned.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I wanted an AR bolt action, so I bought the Ruger American Ranch in 5.56 that takes AR mags. Maybe one day, they will come out with a pistol grip chassis for it. Regardless, it's a bolt action AR that doesn't look like an AR. No grey area in NY.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I think the point of a bolt action AR in 5.56 mm is to skirt the law.

When you use barrels without gas ports, it isn't easily convertible. For that just go to true bolt action if you want it just for target.

 

[togmaster]

I think the point of a bolt action AR in 5.56 mm is to skirt the law.

When you use barrels without gas ports, it isn't easily convertible. For that just go to true bolt action if you want it just for target.

Why isn't it easy? Swap barrel add gas block and tube. Under an hour of work. How is that not easy?

 

[Marine Cpl]

Why isn't it easy? Swap barrel add gas block and tube. Under an hour of work. How is that not easy?

Swap extra bolt and handle. Under 5 seconds. No tools.

 

[repete]

Why isn't it easy? Swap barrel add gas block and tube. Under an hour of work. How is that not easy?

Keep talking, Cuomo loves hearing from people like you!

 

[That_FNG]

What did you build exactly? Parts, style, etc..have any pics?

Did a young manufacturing side charging straight pull upper with no gas system. It was no different that building a normal AR15 except did not install the gas tube and installed the gas block backwards to cover the gas port in the barrel.

Pull the bolt handle back and then release it. The buffer spring returns it to battery. Think along the lines of a modern Swiss k31 style rifle. Shooting from a rest with the bipod I can be as quick as a semi auto. Everybody who has shot it has commented on how much fun it is.

 

[dsdmmat]

I think the point of a bolt action AR in 5.56 mm is to skirt the law.

When you use barrels without gas ports, it isn't easily convertible. For that just go to true bolt action if you want it just for target.

Two pins.

 

[Robin]

View attachment 39610

Did a young manufacturing side charging straight pull upper with no gas system. It was no different that building a normal AR15 except did not install the gas tube and installed the gas block backwards to cover the gas port in the barrel.

Pull the bolt handle back and then release it. The buffer spring returns it to battery. Think along the lines of a modern Swiss k31 style rifle. Shooting from a rest with the bipod I can be as quick as a semi auto. Everybody who has shot it has commented on how much fun it is.

That is outstanding FNG!!!! I assume you have the appropriate parts on hand. Is that a Bear Creek upper?
Robin

 

[That_FNG]

That is outstanding FNG!!!! I assume you have the appropriate parts on hand. Is that a Bear Creek upper?
Robin

It’s a young manufacturing upper. Upper and left side bolt came as a package set. They also make it in right side charging as well. The upper had the dust cover and forward assist already installed, I just had to barrel and handguard. I think it was around $400 for both. The barrel is and Odin works stainless heavy barrel in 18” length and the brake is a JP machine I think. By installing the gas block backwards it allowed me to use any barrel I want instead of having to have one custom made.

 

[That_FNG]

I should also add that the reason I built it as such was not to skirt any law, but to have a modern interpretation of what a Swiss k31 rifle could be. I have all the ergonomics and customizable nature of the ar platform. As a lefty finding a left handed rifle that offers everything I want can be challenging.

 

[That_FNG]

https://youngmanufacturing.net/prod...eceiver-w-right-side-charge-carrier-complete/

Here is there right side charger upper with bolt. I noticed that the right side one does not have a forward assist (not really needed with a bolt handle attached to the bolt)or a dust cover (not practical on the right side)

I believe I remember that the bolt/carrier is hard chromed. Allows all dirt to just slide right off the bolt carrier with a quick wipe.

 

[STS556]

I know everyone says just go with a dedicated bolt rifle like the 700 but what I find that draws me to a bolt action AR is the weight. I notice that my 700's seem to be a little heavier than all my AR's. Having at least one lighter weight bolt rifle would be nice.

 

[dsdmmat]

I know everyone says just go with a dedicated bolt rifle like the 700 but what I find that draws me to a bolt action AR is the weight. I notice that my 700's seem to be a little heavier than all my AR's. Having at least one lighter weight bolt rifle would be nice.

I built two in 223 and one in 17 Remington. The 17Rem was a savage 25 barrel that was chambered in 17 Hornet. Just threaded the barrel for the AR barrel extension and rechambered it. Fun gun to shoot and a real light weight upper. I pull the gas rings from the bolt to make it easier to pull.

 

[Robin]

It’s a young manufacturing upper. Upper and left side bolt came as a package set. They also make it in right side charging as well. The upper had the dust cover and forward assist already installed, I just had to barrel and handguard. I think it was around $400 for both. The barrel is and Odin works stainless heavy barrel in 18” length and the brake is a JP machine I think. By installing the gas block backwards it allowed me to use any barrel I want instead of having to have one custom made.

I went to their web site. I couldn't find any left handed uppers.
Robin

 

[That_FNG]

I went to their web site. I couldn't find any left handed uppers.
Robin

They discontinued the left handed uppers due to lack of customer interest. Not many lefties out there I guess

 

[That_FNG]

I built two in 223 and one in 17 Remington. The 17Rem was a savage 25 barrel that was chambered in 17 Hornet. Just threaded the barrel for the AR barrel extension and rechambered it. Fun gun to shoot and a real light weight upper. I pull the gas rings from the bolt to make it easier to pull.

I pulled the gas rings from the bolt as well. Makes it easier to cycle the bolt

 

[TestPost]

Side Charge Upper Receiver w/ Right Side Charge Carrier Complete - Young Manufacturing, Inc.

Here is there right side charger upper with bolt. I noticed that the right side one does not have a forward assist (not really needed with a bolt handle attached to the bolt)or a dust cover (not practical on the right side)

I believe I remember that the bolt/carrier is hard chromed. Allows all dirt to just slide right off the bolt carrier with a quick wipe.

That seems overly expensive - must be because they make so few. Compared to something like (BCA AR-15 Side Charging Upper Receiver/BCG Combo .223 / 5.56 NATO) I don't understand why I wouldn't get the second, just quality?

 

[That_FNG]

That seems overly expensive - must be because they make so few. Compared to something like (BCA AR-15 Side Charging Upper Receiver/BCG Combo .223 / 5.56 NATO) I don't understand why I wouldn't get the second, just quality?

I bought mine a couple of years ago, there wasn’t as many choices as there is now. If you like the BCA stuff then I’d say go for it

 

[Marine Cpl]

Two pins.

And a vice, hammer, ect. With the Kali Key, just a extra bolt carrier and charging handle swap.

 

[dsdmmat]

And a vice, hammer, ect. With the Kali Key, just a extra bolt carrier and charging handle swap.

Went right over your head didn’t it.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Went right over your head didn’t it.

I guess it did. Are you talking about changing a gas block or barrel?

Edit. Figured it out. 2 pins. Swap upper.

 

[Sixbennetts]

A couple Kali-key questions:

1. Where does the gas go if it's not hitting the gas key?

2. If it just dissipates inside the rifle, couldn't you achieve the same result by just removing the standard gas key altogether?

 

[fnfalguy]

Question for the hive mind since I’ve never built an AR upper before. If one was to get this BCA AR-15 Complete Side Charging Upper, 16” 416R Stainless Steel Barrel, M4 Contour Profile, .223 Wylde, 1:8 Twist w/ 15” Gen 4 Lightweight Keymod Rail and flip the gas block to block the port, it becomes a bolt action, right? Any downside?

 

[That_FNG]

Question for the hive mind since I’ve never built an AR upper before. If one was to get this BCA AR-15 Complete Side Charging Upper, 16” 416R Stainless Steel Barrel, M4 Contour Profile, .223 Wylde, 1:8 Twist w/ 15” Gen 4 Lightweight Keymod Rail and flip the gas block to block the port, it becomes a bolt action, right? Any downside?

Flip the gas block upside down or reverse it. You don’t want to redirect the gases you want to block off the port in the barrel.


I did exactly this when I built mine. Haven’t had a problem since

 

[fnfalguy]

@That_FNG Thanks. Will give it a shot.