AR recipes requested

Last night I successfully built an AR from a stripped Stag Arms receiver and DelTon A2 rifle kit, 'cause A) I wanted to build an AR to see how tough it could be (1 hour, start to finish) and B) I wanted a standard A2 style 20" rifle. See exhibit A --

http://www.hunt101.com/img/369770.jpg (http://www.hunt101.com/?p=369770&c=500&z=1)

I was amazed at how simple it was, and as you can see, I've got another stripped lower (consecutively numbered, cool) to build up.

I've already got a mid-length RRA CAR-15, so now I'm thinking M4gery. Rails, forward grip, EoTech, grappling hook, can opener, headlights, tailfins...you get the picture. Only use will be indulging Walter Mitty fantasies in the garage and plinking at the range.

If you had YOUR choice of LPK's, uppers (preferably barreled uppers, no barrel wrench yet, but...), stocks, grips, and rail systems, what would you use? Links would be appreciated, but I'm a Level 14 Google Master, so names should work.

S/F

Farnham

If I am spending YOUR money...:evil:

First stop by www.laruetactical.com . Aside from the best rail system on the planet they make a lot of nice stuff that really comes in handy when you are trying to mount an optic and a light.

After that, shop around for a SureFire, which is up to you as there are so many ways to go. You may end up with a LaRue mount for whatever you get.

For the optic, depends on how much you are willing to spend. For the most part it is a choice between EoTech and Aimpoint, and both will get the job done just fine. Multiple optics are a possibility, after all, with throwlever mounts you can change to whatever you want. An ACOG is a very nice thing to have around, but a regular scope will work just fine too.

Both VLTOR and Magpul make nice collapsing stocks.

All that is just off the top of my head, there are tons more options out there.:D

If you want a quad-rail handguard, get a LaRue. I don't necessaraly go for a quad-rail handguard, though. The JP Enterprises (http://www.jprifles.com/FreeFloatTubeSystem.html) VTAC handguard is my favorite - light, very rigid, and you can mount rails exactly where you want them.

Optics - Aimpoint or EOTech for a CQB sight. Given the choice, I prefer the EOTech by a hair. For a more general-purpose rifle, I love the TA11 ACOG. LaRue mounts, always.

Lights - My new favorite is the LaRue (again!) Battlelight with the click-on tailcap. Surefire is my second choice.

Note that LaRue will send you a very useful Universal Field Survival Tool with your order - a one-piece matte black church key, pull tab lifter, and cap twister. :D I use mine every day.

- Chris

Gents, thanks for the replies so far, but all that bolt-on gadgetry like lights and scopes needs a place to ride. I'm more interested in the foundation for now, y'all can spend more of my money on the upgrades later. :evil:

My question for now is which lower parts kits (I like RRA, anyone else?), which grips (RRA or DPMS ergonomic, or is there something more EBR out there?), which upper, barrel, and stock?

So far, it's looking like LaRue for the front end, any other contenders?

We'll get to the Aimpoint/Eotech/Ching sling/Surefire/Streamlight argument soon, I'm beginning to realize building an AR is kinda like reloading. You start reloading, and think you'll save money, but you end up shooting more. With AR's, you think you'll save money, but then you say "Hey, I can have EXACTLY what I want for just $XXX more!" :D

S/F

Farnham

:D

Two really good places to look for high-quality AR parts:

www.globaltactical.com
www.cmmginc.com

- Chris

If you had YOUR choice of LPK's, uppers (preferably barreled uppers, no barrel wrench yet, but...), stocks, grips, and rail systems, what would you use? Links would be appreciated, but I'm a Level 14 Google Master, so names should work.
Farnham

Barreled upper: LMT 16" 1/7 twist chrome-lined
LPK: Any, haven't noticed a big difference.
Stock: Vltor clubfoot or LMT SOPMOD.
Grip: Magpul MIAD - no other competitors.
Rail system: LaRue Tactical

Time to put those level XIV google skills to the test.

RRA lower + A1 stock, RRA flatop upper, Armalite 16" (mid-length gas system), DPMS aluminum lo-profile gas block, YHM Spectre XL kit (handguard/rails/endcap/front BUIS), Mangonel rear BUIS, Ergo grip.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=33837&stc=1&d=1137118532

Since this pic was taken, I've replaced the Aimpoint QRD mount with an ARMS mount + half riser.

I'm pretty happy with this, although if I had the coin I might have looked at the JP front end. Due to the physical bulk of most of what I was seeing, I decided that I didn't want a four-rail front end + rail covers. This limited my forearm choices pretty severely. I've not used it seriously, but for the casual range work that it's seen it has worked well.

Oh jeez. I'd get a JP with money not being an issue.

Farnham;

What's your read on the Stag lower? Inquiring minds, with an urge to build an A/R platform, want to know.

900F

Stag lowers are clean. Very nice finish and no rough edges on the one's I built.

Fear the deer!