Update: First Shooting Session
I prepped the SBR for its first range session with Fireclean, following the instructions to the letter. Did a complete oil/grease strip, then heavy coat of Fireclean everywhere, on all component parts of the BCG and over the entire interior of the upper and let it sit over night. It definitely soaked in and I wiped off the excess and applied another thin coat everywhere. Very slick stuff, in more ways than one.
My goal in my first session was to get a good 50/200 yard zero on the rifle, both irons and Aimpoint T1 optic. I started with the irons, got them on paper and then from there got them to a nice compact group at 25 yards, about 2.5 inches below the bull, then went out to 50 with more than adequate groups.
Then red dot, same thing, shot for grouping at 25 yard and moved the optic in at about 2" below the bull or so, with nice tight groups, then out to 50 to confirm. Spot on.
Impressions of the rifle. I was suprised at the noticeably harsher recoil of the 11.5" barrel, with only a flash hider on it, and of course, a lot louder than standard 16" barrel on my other two ARs, but nothing "bad" ... it is a 5.56.
I put about 200 rounds through it without a hitch, both M855 green tip and some Federal Eagle stuff...no issues, the rifle cycled smoothly and quickly. With the Geissele trigger I am able to get shots off even more quickly. I ran a few quick strings to see how well it was cycling with the standard H buffer that comes with it. No issues.
It is a joy to shoulder the thing, so nice and compact. I practiced moving and shooting at multiple targets and felt very comfortable. it has a nice balance.
The jury is kind of out at this point on the BCM stock, I need to give it a bit of time to determine if I really want it on my stock. I did kind of miss my Magpul STR with the thicker rubber butt pad, but we shall see.
Controls functioned perfectly. Mags drop free very easily, etc.