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

Here are a few parts I like to use when building an AR.
I like an extended charging handle latch, because it makes things much easier if you mount a scope. I like Strike Industries latch or I use their Arch-EL charging handle with the extended latch. 3FE71047-E734-46CF-8B2A-11E4D3E7446E.jpeg 01668364-12F5-4C47-9716-DB78949B5B9E.jpeg
A5FA48DA-8AA6-40F6-B04F-823B67178907.jpeg
E67BAEE7-46EC-4F31-BCAE-9DB37C486035.jpeg

I also like an enhanced bolt catch, but not an extended one.
I have found that 5he Strike Industries one works great.
5B0BD359-D54A-43B8-BBCC-16069780CF39.jpeg

And there enhanced mag catch adds a nice touch too.
1FDB7E78-0F42-454D-BC3A-7078D59F2AC4.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • D54C4C88-3E4C-4176-A5DD-15A8113F5899.jpeg
    D54C4C88-3E4C-4176-A5DD-15A8113F5899.jpeg
    109.2 KB · Views: 12
https://forum.full30.com/t/perfect-ar-bullpup-and-ak-build-list-tips/1517

Heres a conversation on AR15s we were having over on the full30 forums, its a good read if youve got the time.
Im currently tearing down my Colt 6920 to start a recce build, it will probabl look something like this:

-Faxon 16" gunner profile SS barrel
-Raptor style Charging handle
-Standard saftey
-Geiselle bolt catch
-13.7" SLR rifleworks quad rail
-magpul moe grip
-JP entr. Silent spring (buffer set up)
im still iffy on the trigger though, I used to have a SA trigger in an AR that was very similar to a bolt action but I cant remember the name, I kind of want one of them or failing that I might go with the Larue MBT or A Geiselle of some type.
 
Last edited:
Gunny I have the same Aero (multi) lower that you placed in the photo above.

Do you shoot 223 or 5.56 or both out of it?
 
- Stag lower and Stag lower kit
- alleged Magpul butt stock/buffer/spring/tube bought at Lewisville Gun show - was not Magpul, but it is working........ I returned to the next show. They were nowhere to be found. My error for not knowing what I was buying.
- AR Stoner carbine 16" 223/556 1/9 upper Midway special with A2 muzzle device
- Magpul trigger guard because the lower kit did not include a trigger guard for some reason. ???
- LaRue MB2
- Magpul 2 point sling
- MI rear sight
- eotech 512
It shoots very well.
I will return to every Lewisville Gun Show and look for the vendor that sold me the bogus Magpul parts. If I see more bogus parts, (that I will now be able to spot) I will buy, go to the front and squeak like a pig. Just another reason to go to the show......

This was my choice as I did not see the need for high dollar parts for my "fun gun ar".
 
img_20180218_170323.jpg AR-15s- I have always gone with Del-Ton. They are about a 30 to 40 minute drive from me here in NC.
Great warranty, plus knowing that if it messed up (hasn't though, knock on wood) I could drive it to them myself.

Grips- Ergo Ambi Sure grip. Why you ask? Feels like it was made for my hand.

Handguard- Ergo Z Rail drop in. It is really thin even though it is a quad rail. It feels as slim as some of the key mod handguards without rails added.

Stock- Exos Defense Ti-7 SOPMODish stock. Because I got it at a good deal, I assume because it was "Dirka Brown":D

Sling- Troy 3-point. Del-ton had it when I was ordering some other stuff, and why not.

Optic&Light- Lucid red, dot I got in trade. Cheap flashlight from Lowe's. Because its taken a beating and still works every time, so that was fine for this rifle.
 
Last edited:
AUeH9jo.jpg

300 BLKOUT PDW Pistol:

Length: Closed: 23 3/4s” Extended: 27 ½”
Weight: Unloaded: 5lbs 14.5 OZ, Loaded 20rds: 6lbs 12OZ

Most of the makes I've used on previous builds, and the majority of this was bought "on sale".

Lower:
Aero Stripped lower
Geissele lower parts kit
Larue MBT trigger
Maxim Defense PDW Brace with JP captured spring
Radian Arms Raptor "LT"
Magpul Polymer Trigger Guard
Magpul MOE Grip

Upper
Aero Complete M4E1 Upper
Faxon 9" Gunner match series
SLR 8.5" Helix rail
SLR Handstop
Scalarworks Peak BUIS
SLR Titanium Sentry 7 AGB
Toolcraft nitide BCG
Black River Tactical Covert Linear Comp

Trijicon MRO in a Scalarworks mount is next
 
View attachment 811148

300 BLKOUT PDW Pistol:

Length: Closed: 23 3/4s” Extended: 27 ½”
Weight: Unloaded: 5lbs 14.5 OZ, Loaded 20rds: 6lbs 12OZ

Most of the makes I've used on previous builds, and the majority of this was bought "on sale".

Lower:
Aero Stripped lower
Geissele lower parts kit
Larue MBT trigger
Maxim Defense PDW Brace with JP captured spring
Radian Arms Raptor "LT"
Magpul Polymer Trigger Guard
Magpul MOE Grip

Upper
Aero Complete M4E1 Upper
Faxon 9" Gunner match series
SLR 8.5" Helix rail
SLR Handstop
Scalarworks Peak BUIS
SLR Titanium Sentry 7 AGB
Toolcraft nitide BCG
Black River Tactical Covert Linear Comp

Trijicon MRO in a Scalarworks mount is next
i like those sights only if i could afford them lol
 
If it makes you feel better I had a coupon.........

Seriously, they are some awesome sights.....tool-less adjustments, and graduated for a carbine length sight radius, who'd of thunk. Might not remain on the pistol if I build something more deserving.
coupons are nice lol. I need to get a nice sturdy hand guard before i get new sights, i don't mind spending the money nut that is tight right now. my astigmatism is bad and the sights or a scope are what my eyes like.
 
coupons are nice lol. I need to get a nice sturdy hand guard before i get new sights, i don't mind spending the money nut that is tight right now. my astigmatism is bad and the sights or a scope are what my eyes like.

Same here, but for this purpose I can deal with a fuzzy dot...so I'm getting a Trijicon MRO for it. Anything that requires precision to include my 3Gun build I need a scope. I actually tossed around the idea of mounting a 1-4/6 on this, but it kind of defeats the whole compact truck gun concept. I was out back playing with it the other day and had no issues ringing steel at 150 with the irons, so I figure I can "get by" with a RDS.
 
Same here, but for this purpose I can deal with a fuzzy dot...so I'm getting a Trijicon MRO for it. Anything that requires precision to include my 3Gun build I need a scope. I actually tossed around the idea of mounting a 1-4/6 on this, but it kind of defeats the whole compact truck gun concept. I was out back playing with it the other day and had no issues ringing steel at 150 with the irons, so I figure I can "get by" with a RDS.
i see the horse shoe with red dots not bad for plinking
 
MRO and Scalarworks mount arrived today, headed out back and zero'd it:

View attachment 813251

Other than the ambi safety that's enroute, it's done.
your are making want those sights more and more lol. looks good whats the flash hider i does not look like it has holes on the sides. here in new york we cant have them unless the holes are closed.
 
You might be able to get it.....it's a "Linear Compensator", not a flash hider, so it might be legal for you.

Cuts the flash some, but more importantly directs the blast and noise forward. This model is a Black River Tactical Covert Linear Comp, which is about the same size as a standard A2 flash hider. Works pretty well.
 
You might be able to get it.....it's a "Linear Compensator", not a flash hider, so it might be legal for you.

Cuts the flash some, but more importantly directs the blast and noise forward. This model is a Black River Tactical Covert Linear Comp, which is about the same size as a standard A2 flash hider. Works pretty well.
thanks ny does not care what its name is or called they just don't want holes in it. i pin the barrels with a cap or cut down the old A2 ad make a new muzzle for the ar's but with most handguards it does not look good.
 
What did I choose and why? lol. My latest AR (just ordered it) was a PSA freedom lower with a PSA nitride M4gery lower. Mismatched furniture colors, but doesn't matter, I'm accessorizing this with spare stuff I have to create my first truly tacti-cool (or is it tacti-fool) AR. Total cost for this soon-to-be tactically aesthetic monstrosity? $299 ... plus my FFL fees for the lower.

The final will be an PSA upper and lower, KAC RAS, KAC guides and grip (might use a UTG pro, and reserve the KAC RAS for something else), Eotech 552.A65/1 sight, GI BUIS, Magpul CTR or MOE stock, Israeli FAB ergo grip. Maybe a Surefire light, but I might gift that away to a friend this holiday. That'll be enough junk for one rifle.

Of course I'm girding myself for a wait of at least a month to get delivery from PSA ... They're already saying 15 business day delay on the upper (i.e. 3 weeks). I'm doubling that in my mind, to build expectations. Of course, they bill the credit card immediately, regardless of wait time.
 
If you are in the market to customize an AR but don’t want to go through all the hassle of picking out every small piece, I’d strongly recommend the Aero Precision OEM. It’s usually about mid $500 on Brownells and has some really nice internals for the price.

With mine I added a Magpul MOE SL-K for around $30. As for hand guard I used the RPTR from STNGR for around $150.

This is a great starter so you don’t have to worry about all the intricacies. It also allows you the opportunity to change out some of the parts if you don’t like them while still having a whole gun in the process.
 

Attachments

  • 106E2159-676C-4635-ACEE-89E8E4D17098.png
    106E2159-676C-4635-ACEE-89E8E4D17098.png
    73.2 KB · Views: 19
  • 4E4394E4-A0E1-4AFA-AC99-A5BCCFACE65E.png
    4E4394E4-A0E1-4AFA-AC99-A5BCCFACE65E.png
    198.4 KB · Views: 18
  • 419B2BE1-0CEE-41FC-B109-95D17465FA1E.png
    419B2BE1-0CEE-41FC-B109-95D17465FA1E.png
    200.7 KB · Views: 18
I wanted to put together an AR style hunting rifle and being a sucker for “sales”, closeouts and specials, I started accumulating parts.

Before this one all of mine have been either 5.56 or .223 except for one 16” .300 BLK. This one is chambered in 7.62x39 so with ballistics comparable to .30-30 Winchester it should make a good whitetail rifle.

I like the AR platform, have assembled several and even though some are quite a bit more accurate than others, all are acceptably accurate.

Aero stripped lower w/ PSA enhanced LPK and Magpul trigger guard

Damage Industries rifle tube, buffer and spring

Boyd’s laminated stock set

Complete PSA 7.62x39 upper

Two AR Stoner marked ASC 10 round magazines.

Old Redfield 3x9 Partner scope that my dad gave me years ago. Unknown Manuf rings from my parts box.

Except for scope and rings every part was bought “on sale”. (and knowing my dad, so was the scope). Complete I have less than $500 in this rifle, probably closer to $475.

9C623544-A52B-473C-A506-EE6CDD6EF8EE.jpeg

47CA392A-E4CA-4866-8C5A-8093A106FE64.jpeg
384F2C5A-67AA-4E85-83A5-B7F0AD28CE74.jpeg
8619E7AF-F21C-433C-A29D-3011FC03BAB0.jpeg
First (and only so far) time out when I first got the upper, open sights offhand at 10 yards just to function check. Cheap Tula ammo.

1504491A-A556-4EBA-A990-5AE821DBBC0A.jpeg
An assortment from Academy to try it out.
 
Received and assembled today:

PSA 16" Mid-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride MOE Upper, Gray - With BCG, CH, & MBUS Rear Sight - 5165450089
$229.00 with free shipping.

PSA AR-15 Complete MOE EPT Lower, Gray - No Magazine - 5165449717
$129.99 with free shipping + $20.00 FFL fee.

$229.00+$129.99+$20.00 = $378.99

New PSA Carbine.jpg

I plan to shoot it this week at the range.
 
I built my first one almost ten years ago. The internals were standard at first, but got upgraded to what I list below.

Dpms A3 upper and lower. Stoner 24" HBAR stainless 6.5 Grendel barrel and bolt. TiN coated BC, trigger, and sear with hard chrome hammer. Yankee Hill camo A2 stock and rifle length handgurd. Stoner(?) Heli-brake. Most all these parts are discontinued.

Second was an economy "dissipator" build. Smooth side dpms flat top upper receiver, 16" 5.56 barrel with rifle gas port. Extended Rifle length Midwest Industries handguard. Flip up sights. A2 birdcage

The third is an Alexander arms built 50 Beowulf.

20180418_184256.jpg 20180418_183658.jpg 20180418_183828.jpg
 
Back
Top