Bust Your Builds | Episode 12

Show intro and rating criteria

The episode opens with Jason, Brandon, and Josh introducing another installment of Bust Your Builds, where viewers email in their rifle setups for critique and a numerical score. They mention that previous episodes may have been too lenient and that an extra, more critical voice is now on hand to keep ratings honest. The panel focuses on how well each build balances parts quality, configuration, and intended use rather than just price. They emphasize that optics, irons, sling setup, and lights all factor into the final score, and they are not afraid to call out odd choices or mismatched components.

Radical lower SPR build with Vortex Huey

The first submission uses a Radical stripped lower with an Anderson-style lower parts kit and a binary trigger. The hosts are indifferent to the binary trigger, saying they prefer FRT-style setups. The rifle has a short precision-style configuration with a split Picatinny rail and a Strike Industries handguard that integrates front iron sights, paired with a rear sight for a complete iron setup. They appreciate the inclusion of a sling and a weapon light, noting that a light is more important than relying on muzzle flash. The major complaint is the Vortex Huey optic, whose appearance and internal layout bother two of the reviewers, even though one likes the reticle and owns one. They consider it a budget build upgraded with a more expensive optic and handguard, ultimately scoring it between six and seven out of ten.

PWS MK116 fighting carbine with LPVO and RMR

The next rifle features a PWS MK116 platform with a Radian LT component, an EOTech Vudu 1-6x optic, and a Reptilia mount holding a Trijicon RMR as a secondary sight. It also includes an Adabal XL, a Cloud Defensive or similar light setup with 100 Concepts caps, and a Griffin Mark II lower with a Xeno mount and upgraded controls. The panel describes the carbine as simple, clean, and tastefully assembled, with parts that complement each other rather than chase price tags. They view it as a practical fighting carbine, praising the glass-mounted RMR at the 12 o’clock position and referencing prior discussions about that configuration being favored by some military users. Barrel length appears to be around 14.5 or 16 inches, and they trust the PWS bolt carrier group. Scores range from eight and a half to nine, with consistent approval of the overall quality and purpose-driven setup.

Ruger 10/22 Charger “tuna fish” fun gun

The third submission is a compact Ruger 10/22 Charger with an 8-inch barrel, an SB Tactical brace, Copper Custom components, and a SIG Romeo 5 optic. The owner mentions plans for two coupled 25-round magazines, though they are not visible in the photo. The hosts find the appearance awkward and nickname it the “tuna fish” or barracuda because of the vented forend that resembles gills. They assume it is very fun to shoot and suitable for casual plinking or getting new shooters involved, but they feel there are better and likely cheaper ways to build a .22 fun gun. The crooked-looking brace, mounted low on the rear Picatinny, draws criticism, and they speculate that a suppressor would greatly improve the setup. Ratings range from about three and a half to five, with the consensus that it is amusing but not particularly impressive.

Geissele URGI build with Arrow lower and Unity mount

The final highlighted rifle is a Geissele URGI-style upper paired with an Aero lower. The parts list includes a Super 42 H1 buffer, an airborne charging handle, a SureFire Warcomp or similar device with a Warden-style blast diverter, a B5 stock, a Ferro Concepts Slingster, and a Lunar Concepts Hot Pocket accessory. A Unity flip-to-center mount is used for the optic setup. The panel strongly favors Geissele components and praises the URGI as one of the most reliable upper receiver groups available. They like the sling choice and overall configuration but criticize the non-ambi Aero lower and the need for a separate trigger guard in 2025, preferring integrated, enlarged trigger guards and ambidextrous controls such as those on a Griffin Mark II lower. They express interest in future Geissele ambidextrous lowers and, despite minor complaints, clearly view this as a well-thought-out, high-quality build.