AR Builds -- What Parts Did You Choose and Why??

Hokie_PhD said:

Thanks
YouTube is hit or miss. As you said, some are horrible, some are excellent and many are in between.

Yesterday I completed my first stripped lower (minus the stock). I'm still in shock with how easy it was and how fast it went together. And that was taking my time and triple checking everything!

So now I'll order a stock next payday then it'll be 100% done. I'll then pull the upper off my other AR and test it. Then it's on to the upper build.

I'm enjoying this build and already looking towards the next. It really is like adult Legos!

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Now you know you can do it, and with help here even I figured it out!

On that upper, have a look at "Stinger Supremacy" web site. They have very nice priced handguards, I think I paid under 70 for a 12 inch, around 60 for 7 inch, and low 80s for a 15 inch

I got the one with the unique ( to me any way) barrel nut that does not have to be timed to line up with gas tube, but I have also used their version with a more standard type barrel nut. Also free 3 day shipping.

There are better ones out there, if you want to spend 2 to 3 times more, plus I was pleasantly surprised with the quality for the price, and they are all free float as well.

Russellc

Cool
And thanks for the lead on the hand guard
Btw how hard is the upper relative to the lower.
Based on videos it looks easier. Is that fair? Or is about the same?

I would say easier, but you will need a few more tools...

Russellc

RussellC said:

I would say easier, but you will need a few more tools...

Russellc

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Cool
Yes I know about needing the tools. But another tool or three or more is never a problem ;-)

Hokie_PhD said:

Cool
And thanks for the lead on the hand guard
Btw how hard is the upper relative to the lower.
Based on videos it looks easier. Is that fair? Or is about the same?

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If you have the right tools and are using high quality parts, both are about the same. They each have their quirks. Dust covers aren't fun, for example, and neither is driving in roll pins on the lower. It kind of all depends on what parts you're using. If your handguard uses the barrel nut to align the top rail then those can be a major pain to get right, and the hobbyist brands never seem to line up right (i.e. if you get the nut aligned perfectly the top rail might have a one degree cant to it). Every upper is its own adventure depending on what parts you're using. I guess that's part of the fun.

@Hokie_PhD, the best videos I found on YouTube, and the ones I used to help me assemble my upper and lower, are from user "nsz85". I found them easy to understand and follow. And my lower and upper got assembled with no issues at all. Here's the lower build video:

Thanks guys. I was adding up the cost of the parts for the upper and was pleasantly surprised. I've figured in the tools I have to get so I'm good. Just need the $$. I'm really looking forward to getting the upper together. Then to be able to shoot a gun that I put together all by myself is something I'm looking forward to!

Hokie_PhD said:

Thanks guys. I was adding up the cost of the parts for the upper and was pleasantly surprised. I've figured in the tools I have to get so I'm good. Just need the $$. I'm really looking forward to getting the upper together. Then to be able to shoot a gun that I put together all by myself is something I'm looking forward to!

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I completely understand! I built my first and only AR-15 rifle. It's satisfying to take it out and see it function flawlessly, knowing that you assembled it from individual parts. I'm learning the same satisfaction, but on a repeatable scale, with my foray into reloading ammunition for this same rifle. Learning what it likes and dislikes, metaphorically speaking. The journey really is fascinating and rewarding.

MrSpiffy said:

I completely understand! I built my first and only AR-15 rifle. It's satisfying to take it out and see it function flawlessly, knowing that you assembled it from individual parts. I'm learning the same satisfaction, but on a repeatable scale, with my foray into reloading ammunition for this same rifle. Learning what it likes and dislikes, metaphorically speaking. The journey really is fascinating and rewarding.

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Reloading is the other drug. Or is it part of the same monster?

I don't know or care.

I will say I'm becoming a bit of an ammo snob, in that I'm starting to look down on factory ammo and look at anything not made and tested as inferior!

And the same for ARs I'm starting to want them "just right". The thing is I have no clue what that means. I guess to me it means building the best AR possible for the lowest cost. To find the best value in parts and not to overspend on name or popularity. Of course with so many combos that means having to build more than one! Or two or......

Hokie_PhD said:

Reloading is the other drug. Or is it part of the same monster?

I don't know or care.

I will say I'm becoming a bit of an ammo snob, in that I'm starting to look down on factory ammo and look at anything not made and tested as inferior!

And the same for ARs I'm starting to want them "just right". The thing is I have no clue what that means. I guess to me it means building the best AR possible for the lowest cost. To find the best value in parts and not to overspend on name or popularity. Of course with so many combos that means having to build more than one! Or two or......

Click to expand...

Build interchangeable uppers. That's my plan, anyway. Does it fit in a .223 magazine and lower? Then I want to build an upper for it. So, I'm thinking .458 SOCOM might be in my future. Possibly .50AE or .50 Beowulf (that just sounds awesome!). Maybe even 6.5mm Grendel, though I'd need different magazines... this cartridge really intrigues me, though.

I had considered .300 BLK, but it worries me that I could interchange the ammo with the wrong upper, so I'll probably avoid it. A range staffer told me they've seen problems with people trying to chamber .223 REM in .300BLK and vice versa. The .300BLK in .223 REM ended up in a KABOOM.

Oh, and I've definitely fallen down the reloading hole, so to speak. Trying to find an optimal cartridge, specific for a certain task and specific to my rifle, is a rewarding challenge. I've found a couple of rounds that work well, so far. I used VV N140 and 77gr SMKs to get down to about 1MOA. I also tried using lighter, cheaper bullets to see if I can reduce my costs. Those SMKs are pricey compared to the 55gr Hornady V-Max. I managed to use Varget with the 55gr V-Max and got as good as 0.54MOA.

There are so many possible combinations out there! Just pick a good powder and primer, stick with those, and try various bullets to find good combinations. That alone will keep you busy for a while...

MrSpiffy said:

Build interchangeable uppers. That's my plan, anyway. Does it fit in a .223 magazine and lower? Then I want to build an upper for it. So, I'm thinking .458 SOCOM might be in my future. Possibly .50AE or .50 Beowulf (that just sounds awesome!). Maybe even 6.5mm Grendel, though I'd need different magazines... this cartridge really intrigues me, though.

I had considered .300 BLK, but it worries me that I could interchange the ammo with the wrong upper, so I'll probably avoid it. A range staffer told me they've seen problems with people trying to chamber .223 REM in .300BLK and vice versa. The .300BLK in .223 REM ended up in a KABOOM.

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I haven't heard of any cases of people hurting themselves or KABOOMs like that but I'm not surprised.

It seems to me that when someone gets beyond 223/556 with an AR they need to have some understanding of the weapons, the ammo, and about safe handling of them. I've looked into 300 Blackout but until (if?) the Hearing Protection Act is passed it doesn't seem to make sense. The 6.5 Grendel looks interesting but also requires a different BGC if I'm not mistaken.

Hokie_PhD said:

I haven't heard of any cases of people hurting themselves or KABOOMs like that but I'm not surprised.
...

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According to the range staffer, it's possible to stuff a .300BLK round into a .223/5.56 chamber. I'm guessing you'd have to stuff it in there with the forward assist, but if it sets the bullet back into the case, I can see it being a possibility.

Bcm, upper, 16in barrel, lower
Geissele, trigger, buffer/spring, rail
Bobro, mount
Trijicon, accupoint 1-6
Magpul, buis
B5 systems, stock, grip

In progress.

Have:
Aero Precision STS-15 lower (short-throw selector markings)
Radical Firearms 5.56m 10.5" complete upper

Getting:
CMC Triggers 3.5lb single-stage flat trigger
KAK Shockwave brace/kit
PSA LPK with Magpul grip
Silencerco muzzle brake
Aero Precision BCG
MBUS Pro BUIS

I'm REALLY LAZY !

I just want to buy an AR-15 complete, at these low prices !!!!!!

Not gonna lie - I build on the cheap just because I have a lot of hobbies and can't pour all of my disposable income into this one.

That said, I'm working on my second. Built the first one from a $400 ATI 'rifle kit' (everything but the TG and stripped lower) from AIM Surplus and a Spike's lower. Swapped out enough parts so that it now looks like this (it was a pretty traditional MOE-kitted carbine beforehand):



(note: this pic was taken before my TG arrived)

Bonus is that I now had half of an AR just laying around. Ordered a $50 Noreen billet lower from Brownell's and have a 18" .223 Wylde upper on the way. Going to put that Hera CQR on the new rifle along with a SI King Comp and a big optic and see if I can make a budget long-range space-gun AR.

EDIT: So yeah. Most of the parts for the new rifle arrived - here's how things stand now:



Comp and some accessories arrive tomorrow and I'm looking around at optics.

Dr.Rob said:

I am usually not a fan of thumbhole stocks but I like that!

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Thanks! I dug the look too, and if I'm completely honest, I just wanted to make a 'weird looking' rifle on a budget. I plunked a PA 4-14 FFP mildot scope and a SI King Comp on it along with some other accessories and this is the result:




(not shown: 45 degree irons and Magpul handstop that I just added )

It's a little silly, but it shoots pretty well.

If anybody is still watching this thread,,, This is what I just built for my CA compliant AR.

It is a Fight Lite SCR with a PSA Dissipator Upper with a 1:7 SS barrel and Magpul Rifle Length MOE Fore End. Other than the Flash Hider which I haven't swapped out yet the gun is a Featureless Rifle in the eyes of Gavin Newsome here in CA. Making a Linier Comp in my shop which will be available on my Website

The gun has been to Front Sight for a 2 day Rifle Class and ran perfectly for 400+ rounds.

The other mods include a Side Mounted 2 pt. Sling, a Rainier Charging Handle, a Strike Industries Bolt Catch with button on the bottom side and a Troy Industries Ambi Mag Release that I figured out I needed to be able to do Emergency Reloads in a timely manner.

The gun is a joy to shoot, handles and points like a Rem 1100 and is very accurate even with only the Bushnell TRS 25 Red Dot.

I plan on Buying a PSA 24" upper for this gun to shoot our clubs National Match once a month as well.

If you are located in CA this is by far the best solution to our Stupid Laws.

Randy

When i first saw it i thought it was a AR and 870 mix looks good in a strange way

could that be made in a 308 win now that would be fun

The Mag well is only big enough to swallow normal AR cartridges. AR10s have a bigger Mag well.

Randy

To build a clone of the R6520 Govt carbine I chose a Del-ton 16" 1-9 pencil barrel, an Anderson upper A2 parts kit, an A2 bird cage muzzle, a Colt A2 upper, an Anderson lower and a CMMG 6 position stock. These are assembled and now waiting for the upper large hole to small hole lower conversion bushing for the front pin. I have a C7 upper awaiting the R6500 Sporter II build as I assemble funds. It's easier to build than wait for rifles I desire to be available.

Anderson Lower -$50; Echo Trigger (Trigger, Bolt Carrier, and selector)- $500; CMMG LPK - $50; Magpul ACS stock - $60; Magpul grip - $20; POF Archangel charging handle - $40. Total Lower - $720.
Ballistic Advantage 1/7 16" Barrel, gas block, and gas tube - $125; Odin works O2 15.5" mlok rail - $135; Aero Precision upper - $40; A2 Flash hider - $15; bolt - $25; Aimpoint CompM4 - $125 Total Upper - $465. Total Rifle - $1,185.
It's a thumper. Can't use the binary trigger too much as it gets expensive. Received a handguard heat shield cover in a Takpack that is definitely needed when I open up with it. Actually quite accurate. It's taken a bit to get used to the Echo trigger as all my others have flat single stage triggers in them.