My MAG VEX AR-15 Hunting Rifle

M.A.G. Tactical Solutions Lower & Windham Weaponry Upper

Here is my AR-15 hunting rifle I use for coyote hunting and other predators.  I put most of it together myself over the past year or so as my financial situation allowed.  I used a M.A.G. Tactical Solutions stripped lower receiver as the base for the gun.  I used a Spike's Tactical LPK (lower parts kit) for the internals.  The fixed stock is an ACE ARFX Skeleton Stock.  Building the lower receiver was fairly easy to do and a lot of fun.  I watched several YouTube videos on building lower receivers prior to putting mine together.

M.A.G. Tactical Solutions Lower Receiver

I did not build the upper receiver.  Instead, I purchased a Windham Weaponry complete upper receiver.  I went with the VEX-SS Varmint Exterminator because I like the style and look of it with the skeleton stock.  The upper has a 20" stainless steel, fluted matte finished barrel and a knurled, vented aluminum free float forend.  The rifle is chambered for .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO.

Other features of my rifle are the Caldwell bi-pod, the 45 degree offset angled back-up iron sights, a Magpul tactical sling and a Barska 4-16x50 mm illuminated Mil-Dot sniper rifle scope.

Close-Up of Barrel and Bi-Pod

Close-Up of Skeleton Stock

I added an over-sized safety selector and a DPMS extended bolt-catch to the lower receiver.  I wear a pair of camouflage gloves when I am out hunting coyotes,  The use of the extended bolt-catch and the over-sized safety selector make manipulating the rifle easy while wearing gloves.  The M.A.G. Tactical Solutions lower receiver has an over-sized trigger guard molded in, so this accommodates my trigger finger while wearing the gloves.

Close-Up of Lower Receiver

Close-Up of Barska Sniper Scope

If for some reason the illuminated sniper scope fails, or a coyote comes into range at a much closer range than the rifle is sighted in for, I installed a set of back-up iron sights on my AR-15 rifle.  These are a pair of 45 degree offset angled front and rear sight.  These iron sights are the same as the typical sights found on a standard AR-15 type rifle.  With a quick flip of the rifle to the left, your eye easily finds the iron sights and can engage targets quickly.  The stock of the rifle stays pushed up against your shoulder and your cheek remains on the foam pad of the skeleton stock.

Rear Sight Aperture (45 Degrees to the Right of Scope) 

Looking Down the Back of the Rifle (Scope and Iron Sights)

Angled View From Behind of the Scope and the Iron Sights

Overall, I am pleased with the look and feel of my "MAG VEX Hunting Rifle."  By using the M.A.G. Tactical Solutions lower receiver, the skeleton stock and an upper with an aluminum forend, the rifle is still surprisingly lightweight.  The Magpul sling obviously helps distribute the weight while walking in the field with this rifle.

There are only two other modifications that I plan to make to my rifle.  I want to add an extended charging handle latch and change the grip out for a more ergonomic and comfortable one.