[GunNut]

Well after buying and selling both a Bushmaster and a Olympic Arms AR-15 in the last 1-1/2 years the gunsafe felt empty.

I decided that I would build my next AR to become more informed about what made them tick.

First thing I did was to purchase two "Mega" lowers, yes two, one for now and the other for the next one. These are super high quality lowers, I paid $92.50 each for them.

Next thing was to go to the gunshow. I ended up buying a Olympic Arms 16" A2 Kit. The Kit consisted of the complete 16" A2 upper, assembled and test fired by Olympic Arms. Also, included were all of the parts to complete the lower, with pistol grip and stock.

Never having built an AR lower, I got directions from AR-15.com. Total build time was about 1-1/2 hrs.

Took it out shooting on Sunday, and was totally amazed that something I put together shot so nicely.

I didn't have time for a complete sight in for the AR, but at 200+ yards I was shooting all around a water filled milk jug. (Finally had to finish it off with my Marlin 1895GS 45/70 guide gun, yes I hit the milk jug at 206 yards with factory open sights and a 405gr bullet at 1650fps.:D)

Back to the AR, I will go back and really site it in this weekend.

If you are considering building your own AR-15, all I can say is DO IT!!!! you won't be disappointed.

I will post pictures of my completed gun later.

STeve

[444]

Tell it like it is baby.

[Badger Arms]

It's really nice when Olympic Arms themselves have a booth at all the shows. I can't tell you how many times I've walked up and gotten those onsies and twosies that I was missing. Only problem I've ever had with them was one trigger that had a casting flaw.

[GunNut]

Badger Arms,

Not exactly OA's at the gunshow, it's a couple of guys who work there.

Was going to buy a J&T or Model 1 Kit, but figured that Olympic Arms was a better deal.

I've got $515 total into the gun. Now it's time to start stocking up on magazines, boy are they getting expensive.


444,

Sorry don't have the ability to describe things like Stephen Camp.

I'll get you guys a picture instead. Like they say a picture is worth a thousand words.

Steve

[WhoKnowsWho]

Good job!

I just ordered my DPMS lower. Now I can't decide if I want to wait for a local gun show, or just order the kit online...

It's like building a model when I was younger... except this one will go bang... :)

[Redlg155]

Good deal!

I think everyone should build one up just so they know what makes them "tick". What good is a spare parts kit if you don't know how to install the components!

Olys are pretty good. Hopefully you'll get rid of the gawdawfull pistol grip that Oly sells and get a real one! :D



Good Shooting
Red

[GunNut]

Redlg155,

Yeah, that pistol grip kind of sucks. What do you recommend for a replacement?

Thanks,
Steve

[Redlg155]

I prefer the standard A2 type pistol grip on my AR. They only run about $3-$5 bucks max from just about anywhere that sells AR parts.

Good Shooting
Red

[COHIBA]

Gunnut, G27 fobus ergo grip.
psequip@bellsouth.net
whats the total $ spent on the AR?

[GunNut]

Cohiba,

I've got $515 into the whole gun. I got a good deal on the 16" kit, most people would have about $50 additional into the gun.

Steve

[4v50 Gary]

They're not difficult to build at all and it's the first gun since the flintlock that an average American can assemble from parts in the comfort of his home. Heck, the average American teenager (at least when I was that age - many, many more years that I care to tell) use to work on more difficult projects like tricking out their automobiles. Go for it!

[rick_reno]

Is there an on-line source for those "mega" lowers?

[GunNut]

rick-reno,

Go to AR-15.com, then the Equipment Exchange section. Complete firearms or receivers. The ad says "Stinger lowers $89/shipped."

He has both the Stingers and Megas (both made by Mega). The mega has a cool logo and what they call gator grip on the front of the magazine well.

I went with the Mega for the added sex appeal. Either will work great.

Steve

[Snake Jenkins]

I got my lower parts in last night and had my lower (RRA) put together in about an hour. This was the first AR that I have built and or really messed with. Now all I'm waithing on is my upper!

Snake