Bust Your Builds | Episode 13

Halloween intro and viewer build submissions

The episode opens with a Halloween theme at Classic Firearms, with the hosts dressed in costumes and joking about fake EOTech optics and 3D-printed gear. Ryan appears in a suit, Brandon is dressed as a knockoff Mario, and PSR is on set as well. They explain that viewers submitted their builds to the show’s email for this Bust Your Builds installment, noting this is episode 13, which they call a fitting number for Halloween. After some quick banter about costumes and comfort, they transition into reviewing the first rifle submission and prepare to score each build based on practicality, configuration, and overall execution.

HK MR556A4 with NT4 suppressor

The first rifle, labeled “Mr. 556,” appears to be an HK MR556A4 configured as an SBR and fitted with an AAC NT4 suppressor. The hosts note a Blue Force-style sling, a rail scales vertical grip, and matching stock that does not come standard with the 11-inch configuration, pointing out that many owners instead opt for cheaper stocks like a CTR. They appreciate the simple, bare-bones approach and the presence of both front and rear iron sights, emphasizing that many rifles they see lack backup sights. The group discusses how the setup could benefit from additions like a laser or a hand wrap but agree that the rifle is already effective as-is. Scores range from 7 to 8.5, with extra credit given for the MR556A4 platform and SBR configuration, averaging around 7.75.

Left-handed Aero M4E1 AR with VCOG and can

The second submission features an Aero M4E1 build with a left-handed upper and lower, a high-mounted Trijicon VCOG, and an offset optic on the left side, indicating a left-handed shooter. The rifle is suppressed, and the hosts debate whether the can is from HuxWrx or another maker, mentioning it might resemble a Ventum-style design. They identify a CMC trigger, BCM grip, and note that the rifle is generally a straightforward black AR setup. The VCOG is praised as a very high-end LPVO, and they briefly compare its price to Nightforce optics. While they like the suppressor, upgraded trigger, and optic arrangement, they point out the absence of a sling and describe the build as very “keep it simple.” Scores range from 5.5 to 7, with one host giving 6.5 “like the Creedmoor,” resulting in an average around 6.125.

Defiance bolt gun with Bartlein barrel and Vortex optic

The third rifle is a precision bolt gun photographed sideways, initially mistaken for a Solus but clarified as a Defiance action build. It wears a Vortex Razor-style optic, likely a higher-end generation, and is suppressed with an Ase Utra Dual 7.62 can. The rifle comes from a viewer in the Czech Republic, and the hosts note that much of the configuration appears to be CZ-sourced or European-market gear that is harder to obtain in the U.S. They highlight the 24-inch Bartlein barrel, describing it as an extremely nice barrel, and praise Defiance for making excellent Remington-pattern actions that can be difficult to source. The chassis, glass, and suppressor lead them to conclude this is a serious bolt gun, likely used for competition or professional work. They appreciate the color scheme and overall execution, with scores from 8 to 9.5, averaging about 8.625, and only minor critiques about weight and the lack of a visible sling setup.

Q Honey Badger SBR with Thunder Chicken

The fourth submission is a Q Honey Badger SBR equipped with a Thunder Chicken suppressor and an Aimpoint micro on a Reptilia mount. The hosts immediately recognize the Honey Badger profile, note the longer Thunder Chicken can, and point out four fully loaded Lancer magazines laid out with the rifle. They discuss the light placement on the left side, explaining that the torch body mounts directly to the M-LOK rather than using a separate mount, which they find efficient. The rifle is described as a quiet, suppressed 300 Blackout setup with what Q calls “literally the best trigger ever.” They appreciate that the owner uses Lancer magazines specifically for 300 Blackout, contrasting that with Magpul PMAGs for other calibers, and mention a bag in the background that might hold another compact firearm. While they like the configuration, they again notice the absence of a sling and describe the build as somewhat bare bones beyond the premium base rifle and suppressor. Scores range from 7 to 8, settling around a 7.5 average.

Radiant rifle teaser

As they transition to the fifth submission, the hosts identify a Radian rifle and immediately remark that the owner has invested significant money into the platform. They begin to point out a Spuhr T2 mount paired with an Aimpoint optic and suggest it may be a civilian variant. The conversation is cut short in the available segment, but the tone indicates they expect another high-end, well-thought-out build. The brief teaser sets up further discussion of premium mounts, optics, and how those choices complement an already expensive rifle platform in the next part of the episode.