AR-15 builders and Owners, little help please

Garth Reckner · Apr 11, 2012

Whatever you go with, have fun and be sure to post pics once you are finished.

Garth

Gundog JYD#138 · Apr 11, 2012

Ya gotta buy and start building now

adrock1978 · Apr 12, 2012

Gundog JYD#138 said:
That's will save some weight. Check out the LMT monolithic upper.
You can change barrel length and caliber really easily and they are accurate free floating barrels that are very nice.
The Brits chose the .308 version for there military snipers over the SCAR and many other rifles.

I just started looking at monolithic uppers last night. Kinda pricey, but very unique. I haven't seen the LMT one though. I'll check it out.

usmcdjb said:
1. Get a stripped lower - whatever flavor you choose. I have Eagle/Armalite, Bushmaster, Stag, Rock River. There's others, and I think this is of less importance than some other parts.
2. Get a lower parts kit - again, many quality parts out there. The only thing I'd consider changing is the trigger. The spikes battle trigger I think is an improvement over a stock AR trigger from a parts kit, though you can get decent triggers in kits.
3. Decide and get which buttstock you want - A2? Collapsible? Something fancier yet? Lotsa choices here.

You have your complete lower. Now to the upper.

Are you wanting to buy a complete upper and bolt it on???? That's easiest, and if so, I'd just get a kit that has the LPK and buttstock you want, along with the upper you want. (and skip #2 and 3 above)

If you want to build the upper too...........

4. Gotta buy an upper - you said flat top I believe
5. Decide on a length of barrel and what barrel profile you want. You asked about chrome lined - increases durability but decreases accuracy, or at least that's what I have found in my research. I personally choose non-chome lined barrels. I don't shoot enough I'll ever shoot a barrel out! Don't forget a bolt carrier group and charging handle
6. Handguard?? Rail?? More decisions, which make the AR so customizable. Don't forget the gas tube/block/pin
7. Sights?? Even with optics, I would think you want BUIS

By far the easiest is stripped lower, and a complete kit. Probably cheapest too. But then you might not have exactly what you want. But easy to change parts. I took a GG&G Dominator upper, and traded out the railed forearm for a free float railed forearm, and sold the original. So, you can change whatever you want along the way too.

Some places I've bought parts for AR builds that I didn't see mentioned in the thread

http://jtdistributing.net/store/index.html
http://www.adcofirearms.com/
http://www.midwayusa.com

Thanks, a lot of good info there. I never considered the gas tube or gas block. I've seen hundreds of aftermarket has blocks, but never really looked at gas tubes. Do you just match the length to the size platform you build?

Gundog JYD#138 said:
Ya gotta buy and start building now

Just as soon as I work up my budget and parts list, I'm going to town.

Gundog JYD#138 · Apr 12, 2012

The monolithic upper is what I would get. The ease of caliber and barrel length change is great and LMT makes great rifles and parts.

idahoskunk · Apr 12, 2012

I'm new to this forum and want to inform you that you are a bunch of fricking GUN KNUTS! I'll get them all, sooner or later!

Nancy Pelosi

.

KnifeAddictAK · Apr 12, 2012

idahoskunk said:
I'm new to this forum and want to inform you that you are a bunch of fricking GUN KNUTS! I'll get them all, sooner or later!

Nancy Pelosi

.

gatorzingo · Apr 12, 2012

adrock1978,

According to your profile you live in New Jersey, correct? If so, be mindful of the state laws in that state. I understand the NJ has some of the toughest laws regulating firearms and some of the harshest penalties for the "forebodden". My in-laws live there so I have some insight.

Good luck with your build, be safe, and keep within the law.

Longtrang · Apr 22, 2012

I would go witha a Timney trigger. http://www.timneytriggers.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=34

Daniel Defense bolt carrier. http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Daniel-Defense-Bolt-Carrier-Group-MPI-Auto-M16-p/dd 9300.htm

I like the LMT buffer assembly.

UTG PRO AR15 Low-profile Quad-rail Gas Block

Daniel Defense Barrel AR-15 5.56x45mm NATO Lightweight Contour Mid Length Gas Port 1 in 9" Twist 16" Hammer Forged Chrome Lined Chrome Moly Matte
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/64...forged-chrome-lined-chrome-moly-matte-pre-ban

Or a Krieger barrel if you feel like spending the money.

I would certainly go with a monolithic upper if I had a choice. LMT or Noveske

Bushmaster makes something called an Accu-Wedge: not a necessity but it eliminates any play between the upper and lower reciever.

I would go to Magpul for everything else.

JohnTheTexican · Apr 23, 2012

gatorzingo said:
adrock1978,

According to your profile you live in New Jersey, correct? If so, be mindful of the state laws in that state. I understand the NJ has some of the toughest laws regulating firearms and some of the harshest penalties for the "forebodden". My in-laws live there so I have some insight.

Good luck with your build, be safe, and keep within the law.

Yikes!!! I looked at the New Jersey law, and it seems that they treat what they call an "assault firearm" the same evil and onerous licensing requirements as a machinen gun. And it looks like just buying some of the parts from which an "assault firearm" could be assembled could be enough to get you arrested. Why would anyone live is such a state?

If for some reason I was had to live in New Jersey and I wanted an AR-like rifle, I think I'd skip the home build and just buy a Colt Match Target® Rifle to avoid the whole "assault firearm" thing. (Colt Match Target® Rifles are specifically exempted, by name, from the definition of "assault firearm.")

BBQ BOY · Apr 23, 2012

Two words: Buy a Daniel Defense. Ok, that was more than two words.

InquisitorLord · Apr 23, 2012

Hey Ad, I live in NY and am working on two stripped lowers I picked up from a distributor I found in SGN. I have settled on Model 1 sales as their prices seem to be pretty good by the research I've done. BCM is great from that same research but they are out of stock of A LOT and so are many of the other big names. Model 1 has a section for AWB (assault weapon ban) kits. Pretty much get a target crown, make sure it DOES NOT have a bayonet lug or collapsible stock and you should be fine. Then either stock up on pre-ban mags or 10 rounders. You are only going to be allowed 1 "evil" feature which in most cases will be the pistol grip. I have settled on the 16" varmint kit with the stainless steel fluted 1:8 barrel with a free floated aluminum tube. The kit minus stripped lower will be 610. The standard 20" kit without any upgrades is 435 off the top of my head and their configurations go up. Then I will get a removable front site for the gas block and a detachable handle through Amazon. The lower ended up costing me 75. It's been more difficult to decide on a scope.. I think I am just going to bite the bullet and get the new Leupold VXR 3-9 with TMR then I can swap that to my other rifles. At that price point (around 600) I will only be able to afford one scope period. Once I get the kit I will get it together and whatever I don't like I will strip and replace and either save the part as a spare or sell it. I have been liking the Stag 3G and might get one of those down the road for the second lower, but I only have the funds for one right now

. Hopefully I can convince my wife that we need to move out of this draconian state to somewhere I can get a suppressor. Then my whole game plan will change

. Feel free to message me to chat. Where in Jersey are you? I live in Putnam County right now with frequent jaunts into the city and upstate. If you are close we could get together for a range session...

adrock1978 · Apr 24, 2012

Longtrang said:
I would go witha a Timney trigger. http://www.timneytriggers.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=34

Daniel Defense bolt carrier. http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Daniel-Defense-Bolt-Carrier-Group-MPI-Auto-M16-p/dd 9300.htm

I like the LMT buffer assembly.

UTG PRO AR15 Low-profile Quad-rail Gas Block

Daniel Defense Barrel AR-15 5.56x45mm NATO Lightweight Contour Mid Length Gas Port 1 in 9" Twist 16" Hammer Forged Chrome Lined Chrome Moly Matte
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/64...forged-chrome-lined-chrome-moly-matte-pre-ban

Or a Krieger barrel if you feel like spending the money.

I would certainly go with a monolithic upper if I had a choice. LMT or Noveske

Bushmaster makes something called an Accu-Wedge: not a necessity but it eliminates any play between the upper and lower reciever.

I would go to Magpul for everything else.

Sweet. Very helpful post. I think I'm going to put my money into a Noveske Monolithic upper and then build everything else on a more modest budget. Not modest... just not outrageous.

JohnTheTexican said:
Yikes!!! I looked at the New Jersey law, and it seems that they treat what they call an "assault firearm" the same evil and onerous licensing requirements as a machinen gun. And it looks like just buying some of the parts from which an "assault firearm" could be assembled could be enough to get you arrested. Why would anyone live is such a state?

If for some reason I was had to live in New Jersey and I wanted an AR-like rifle, I think I'd skip the home build and just buy a Colt Match Target® Rifle to avoid the whole "assault firearm" thing. (Colt Match Target® Rifles are specifically exempted, by name, from the definition of "assault firearm.")

Its really not that bad... I mean yes, there is a lot we Can't have but as far as an AR goes, you can still have a pretty decent rifle. The only things I cant build onto my rifle are: Collapsible Stock, Gas block with Bayo Lug, Flash Hider and mags over 15 rounds... Its not really that difficult to do. You don't end up with some retarded compromised rifle, like in Cali. Pistol grips only come into play with Semi-Auto, gas operated Shotguns. The collapsible stock is the only real downer. Otherwise I buy 30 round mags that have been permanently capped at 15 rounds and my barrel has a muzzle break/compensator... no biggie.

InquisitorLord said:
Hey Ad, I live in NY and am working on two stripped lowers I picked up from a distributor I found in SGN. I have settled on Model 1 sales as their prices seem to be pretty good by the research I've done. BCM is great from that same research but they are out of stock of A LOT and so are many of the other big names. Model 1 has a section for AWB (assault weapon ban) kits. Pretty much get a target crown, make sure it DOES NOT have a bayonet lug or collapsible stock and you should be fine. Then either stock up on pre-ban mags or 10 rounders. You are only going to be allowed 1 "evil" feature which in most cases will be the pistol grip. I have settled on the 16" varmint kit with the stainless steel fluted 1:8 barrel with a free floated aluminum tube. The kit minus stripped lower will be 610. The standard 20" kit without any upgrades is 435 off the top of my head and their configurations go up. Then I will get a removable front site for the gas block and a detachable handle through Amazon. The lower ended up costing me 75. It's been more difficult to decide on a scope.. I think I am just going to bite the bullet and get the new Leupold VXR 3-9 with TMR then I can swap that to my other rifles. At that price point (around 600) I will only be able to afford one scope period. Once I get the kit I will get it together and whatever I don't like I will strip and replace and either save the part as a spare or sell it. I have been liking the Stag 3G and might get one of those down the road for the second lower, but I only have the funds for one right now . Hopefully I can convince my wife that we need to move out of this draconian state to somewhere I can get a suppressor. Then my whole game plan will change . Feel free to message me to chat. Where in Jersey are you? I live in Putnam County right now with frequent jaunts into the city and upstate. If you are close we could get together for a range session...

Thanks man. That's the biggest problem I'm having, finding parts that are actually in stock. I'll check out Model 1.

Y'all can rest easy! I've lived in Jersey my whole life and know the gun laws fairly well. This isn't my first AR. I still had to learn all about compliant features when I bought my first complete, off the shelf rifle.

Longtrang · Apr 24, 2012

Between these companies I have bought parts for hundreds of custom builds. If one is out of stock the other should have the part. Depending on your time frame I would just back order the parts, should still be in the 2-3 week delivery time.

http://www.brownells.com/

http://www.midwayusa.com/

http://www.ar15builder.com/

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR15-Parts-s/88.htm

http://www.impactguns.com/ar15-parts.aspx

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/mediapages/ArticleDetail.aspx?mediaid=351 If you don't have an AR-15 tool, buy one.

My go to people for small parts, pins and springs. They may require a P.O. from a smith shop. - http://www.jackfirstgun.com/

JohnTheTexican · Apr 25, 2012

adrock1978 said:
Its really not that bad... I mean yes, there is a lot we Can't have but as far as an AR goes, you can still have a pretty decent rifle. The only things I cant build onto my rifle are: Collapsible Stock, Gas block with Bayo Lug, Flash Hider and mags over 15 rounds... Its not really that difficult to do. You don't end up with some retarded compromised rifle, like in Cali. Pistol grips only come into play with Semi-Auto, gas operated Shotguns. The collapsible stock is the only real downer. Otherwise I buy 30 round mags that have been permanently capped at 15 rounds and my barrel has a muzzle break/compensator... no biggie.

Hmmm.... I wonder if I could unload my post-ban uppers on some poor, deprived yankees? Is there much of a market for that sort of thing up there?

adrock1978 · Apr 26, 2012

Longtrang said:
My go to people for small parts, pins and springs. They may require a P.O. from a smith shop. - http://www.jackfirstgun.com/

Thanks. I don't necessarily mind back ordered items I guess. Can you explain your last sentence? PO? Post office? Who?

JohnTheTexican said:
Hmmm.... I wonder if I could unload my post-ban uppers on some poor, deprived yankees? Is there much of a market for that sort of thing up there?

Post-Ban meaning compliant? I didn't think there was any feature on an upper that is banned.

JohnTheTexican · Apr 26, 2012

adrock1978 said:
Post-Ban meaning compliant? I didn't think there was any feature on an upper that is banned.

I was referring to complete upper receiver groups, compliant with the now-expired federal ban, which meant a a permanantly affixed muzzle brake rather than threading and/or a flash suppressor. I bought three Rock River M4orgery post-ban uppers back in the bad old days, and never even used them.

(Under the current New Jersey law, evil features include "(4) A flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor; and (5) A grenade launcher," so an upper with an A2 flash suppressor has 2 evil features. Due to its diameter, the standard A2 flash suppressor qualifies as a "grenade launcher" 22mm NATO grenades.)

Gundog JYD#138 · Apr 26, 2012

interesting

Longtrang · Apr 26, 2012

adrock1978 said:
Thanks. I don't necessarily mind back ordered items I guess. Can you explain your last sentence? PO? Post office? Who?

They always required a company purchase order on a letterhead in the past. Never tried to order parts on my own, what I was saying is the may not deal with customers directly.

RustySpoon · Apr 26, 2012

You can buy a fine completed upper and completed lower for under 1000 (although I don't know FFL cost or general AR legalities in NJ, but here no problem). PSA complete lower - $239, BCM Upper with BCG - $648

Magpul Handgaurds for about $30 and fixed rear sight for $65.

I have no exerpence with the PSA lower but i've heard good things. I've put over 5K rds through my BCM upper - including 1,200 in two days without cleaning. No issues.

I'd skip the billet lowers, customer triggers and mono upper for a first AR 15. Get use to the platform, see if you like it. then drop the $ if you want.

Gundog JYD#138 · Apr 26, 2012

I know it is pricey but JP enterprises has some very very very very nice rifles. they are on my list to buy from some day. they also make some great parts.