The metal plate is due to the screws being steel, and the receiver being aluminum. It just protects the aluminum from deforming under the pressure of the screws. Good to always have steel on steel vs steel on aluminum when possible.
I appreciate the design and walkthrough. ... and I know it's budget build... but... doesn't the quarters negate all the weight savings you had from the barrel? could get one of those rubber/plastic spacers for like $5-$10....
Bro, that was a great video. I'm in the process of troubleshooting and AR 941 of my co-workers that is just fit up with it. He's willing to sell it to me just to get rid of it. But my wife will probably not be very happy if I buy it and I still would have to replace the Pole Carrier group and buffer Spring and buffer weight So far from what me and my RU-vid channel "icarryone" neighbor Dale Hughey have concluded so far. Thanks for the tip on the magazine catch. I had changed some other videos about that. But I think yours was a little bit more clear as to the reason for it. However I think they sell some buffer tube spacers to avoid the extra weight of the quarters. And by the way, you really should consider moving out of Communist California. We'd be glad to have you over here in AZ.
Tuscon puts on a GREAT GSSF match. I was planning on going, but work might prevent me. Take plenty of ammo. Remember... GSSF scoring rewards accuracy more than speed. Many times USPSA competitors bring their USPSA skills to a GSSF match and get surprised at the Accuracy scoring penalties. A good hit adds zero seconds, a close hit adds 1 second, a bad hit adds 3 seconds, and a Miss adds 10 seconds to your time. The fastest most accurate wins. But poor accuracy gives a very poor score. Shoot fast AND accurate. Shoot as many divisions as possible. Good luck.
I would look into the Juggernaut Tactical "featureless" grip, as it will give you more to hold onto and it is legal because it is more of a "Monte Carlo" style grip angle.
Good Point.... FYI... All three of these components were bought on sale. ($50 discount on each). At MSRP, these would have added at least another $150 to the build. Thanks for viewing and commenting.
Coolest Californian on RU-vid thanks for all the info and advice really helped me build my first PCC, also helped me get over the fear of being a full sized human at a match
Free Float Handguards generally only attach at the Barrel Nut. Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCC) in 9mm generally use direct blowback operation of the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG). The high mass of the BCG is what delays movement of BCG in a PCC. Gas operation is used with other rifle caliber ARs that have a locking feature on the bolt.