Hokie_PhD
Member
Interesting thread.
I just read through all of it as I'm getting ready to do a build.
For those in a similar position here's my story
I got my first AR about 5 years ago right before the panic. I didn't know much but knew that I wanted an AR. So the LGS and I talked about what I wanted and needed. When done I wound up with a DPMS.
I shot it some and liked it but never loved it. Things got a bit tough so I sold it.
Wanting another I learned about PSA. So I got on their mailing list and when I saw a killer deal on a complete blemished lower I jumped on it. I think it was under $150 at the time which was great. Now I've seen them a little lower but not so much that I feel bad about buying it when I did.
I had it sent to the FFL and I had my first "build" going.
Next I ordered a complete upper when I had the money. It's a 16" 1:7 twist basic upper. Nothing fancy, but the price was right.
Total spent was less than $500.
After that I found a nice scope at Sportsman Warehouse. It wasn't too expensive but good enough for my needs.
Now the nice thing about the PSA upper/lower combo is that I actually like this gun.
So having a good solid basic AR, I've been toying with wanting to build one and wanting to try 3 gun. The goal of the build is build it as cheaply as I can while still getting decent parts, a good shooting gun, and decent upgrades. So cheap really isn't right, best value would be better said.
So the plan is to get a stripped lower. As everyone says the lower doesn't matter much as long as it's in spec and from one of the reputable vendors.
Next I'm planning on going with one of the LPKs. Probably PSA but I've seen a few others that go on sale from time to time. So as long as it's one of the vendors with good reviews I'll get what winds up being the best value
For a stock I'll probably go with a Magpul as I found one that looks really nice and right for my needs. So this will be the first area I'll spend a little extra. Likewise I'll get an upgraded pistol grip
I'm still debating if I should go with the PSA Mil Spec trigger initially to get the gun going or to go with an upgraded one right away. Part of me suggest getting the basic one to learn how to install it, then tear it down and upgrade. Part of me says go the other way. So maybe this would be a good threat in the interest not to hijack this thread.
For the upper, like the lower I'll look for the best value flat top.
I'm looking at 1:8 18" SS barrels. I think this would be a good complement to the 16" I already have.
For three gun I'll go with a rifle length gas system, and a muzzle brake.
Of course a free floating handrail and a forward grip.
Then to top it I'll go with an optic geared towards three gun.
I'm sure I've forgotten a few of the odds and ends, but that's the general plan. So don't know if this helps anyone or if it sounds good, bad or other, but we'll see as I do this (as it'll be done as budget allows and as sales come up)
I just read through all of it as I'm getting ready to do a build.
For those in a similar position here's my story
I got my first AR about 5 years ago right before the panic. I didn't know much but knew that I wanted an AR. So the LGS and I talked about what I wanted and needed. When done I wound up with a DPMS.
I shot it some and liked it but never loved it. Things got a bit tough so I sold it.
Wanting another I learned about PSA. So I got on their mailing list and when I saw a killer deal on a complete blemished lower I jumped on it. I think it was under $150 at the time which was great. Now I've seen them a little lower but not so much that I feel bad about buying it when I did.
I had it sent to the FFL and I had my first "build" going.
Next I ordered a complete upper when I had the money. It's a 16" 1:7 twist basic upper. Nothing fancy, but the price was right.
Total spent was less than $500.
After that I found a nice scope at Sportsman Warehouse. It wasn't too expensive but good enough for my needs.
Now the nice thing about the PSA upper/lower combo is that I actually like this gun.
So having a good solid basic AR, I've been toying with wanting to build one and wanting to try 3 gun. The goal of the build is build it as cheaply as I can while still getting decent parts, a good shooting gun, and decent upgrades. So cheap really isn't right, best value would be better said.
So the plan is to get a stripped lower. As everyone says the lower doesn't matter much as long as it's in spec and from one of the reputable vendors.
Next I'm planning on going with one of the LPKs. Probably PSA but I've seen a few others that go on sale from time to time. So as long as it's one of the vendors with good reviews I'll get what winds up being the best value
For a stock I'll probably go with a Magpul as I found one that looks really nice and right for my needs. So this will be the first area I'll spend a little extra. Likewise I'll get an upgraded pistol grip
I'm still debating if I should go with the PSA Mil Spec trigger initially to get the gun going or to go with an upgraded one right away. Part of me suggest getting the basic one to learn how to install it, then tear it down and upgrade. Part of me says go the other way. So maybe this would be a good threat in the interest not to hijack this thread.
For the upper, like the lower I'll look for the best value flat top.
I'm looking at 1:8 18" SS barrels. I think this would be a good complement to the 16" I already have.
For three gun I'll go with a rifle length gas system, and a muzzle brake.
Of course a free floating handrail and a forward grip.
Then to top it I'll go with an optic geared towards three gun.
I'm sure I've forgotten a few of the odds and ends, but that's the general plan. So don't know if this helps anyone or if it sounds good, bad or other, but we'll see as I do this (as it'll be done as budget allows and as sales come up)