Mike1234567
member
Great stuff!! This helps my research greatly. Thank you, all!!
AR Builds -- What Parts Did You Choose and Why??
- Thread starter Mike1234567
- Start date
redneck2
Member
Put one together for deer hunting. Meets the specs for Indiana deer laws. Upper was manufactured complete by Dedicated Technologies in Bimidji, Mn in .358 WSSM. Fluted stainless Shilen match grade barrel.
Lower is SI Industries that I got a number of years back for $20 from a member here. LPK was a no-name from a gun show for $49 IIRC. Timney trigger bought used off THR classifieds for $100.
Scope is a VX-R 4-14x40 with Firefly reticule
Puts three shots into less than .5 @ 100 yards. Took a deer last year at 280 yards. Bang - flop. Heavy hitter with extreme accuracy at longer ranges.
Lower is SI Industries that I got a number of years back for $20 from a member here. LPK was a no-name from a gun show for $49 IIRC. Timney trigger bought used off THR classifieds for $100.
Scope is a VX-R 4-14x40 with Firefly reticule
Puts three shots into less than .5 @ 100 yards. Took a deer last year at 280 yards. Bang - flop. Heavy hitter with extreme accuracy at longer ranges.
Some of the more interesting builds are lacking the price info requested by the OP. Pricing is a factor for the many folks, and helps with cost/(perceived)benefit decision making. Thanks!
Mike1234567
member
Yes... definitely.
JFtheGR8
Member
Good thread. My next AR type rifle will be a fixed stock 20" barrel but the first one I threw together was a budget, get it done quick because Obama is in the White House (his first term), M-forgery. For less than $700 I put together a Del Ton mid length kit with a LRB stripped lower and a UTG quad rail. Included in that budget price was a Primary Arms red dot,Condor convertible sling and 200 rounds of ammo. I chose the chrome lined heavy barrel with a 1:7 twist. Yes it's cheap and doesn't have high end parts in it but it gets the job done and I can always upgrade. I saw the writing on the wall as soon as Obama was elected. With me being from Illinois I knew exactly how a Chicago politician would govern from the Oval Office. My personal opinion is that anyone wanting an AR or any other military type clone better be getting it done sooner than later. At least get a stripped lower and some thirty round mags. You can get the rest later on. I also bought a Saiga 7.62x39 and the parts to convert it at the time.
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Mike1234567
member
Yeah... I've been thinking about that too.
Tophernj
Member
Some minor changes to my initial thoughts on what I would get.
I ordered the barrel on Friday from Satern Machining. I picked up a 14.5'' GI profile barrel with a 1/8 twist. I also picked up a brake, lo-pro gas block, and gas tube for a carbine length system. They offered me a military discount so I sent them a picture of my honorable discharge and it was applied to my order. It brought the total to a very reasonable sum.
Reviews seem pretty positive but they are an unknown entity to me so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If the product is as good as they are pleasant to deal with there shouldn't be any issues.
I will be picking up either a BCM, LMT, or MidwestPX BCG in the next week or two. I've decided against the NiB as I just don't see a need for it for me at this time. All 3 BCG's have great reviews, I just need to pick one and go for it. Finding it in stock will also play a part.
I hope this helps a bit.
C
Mike1234567
member
Invisible Swordsman
Member
I recently (like yesterday) finished two lower builds.
For the first I used a PSA blem lower with PSA's enhanced MOE lower build kit. This was a package for $99.00, which did not include any butt stock components. I chose it based on price and various reviews.
I decided to use it for a 20" upper I already have, so I went with a Magpul fixed stock in foliage green (just to have a different color than black). Best overall price I found on the stock components was from BCM:
stock $57
buffer tube $20
buffer $15
BCM mod 3 grip $18 (picked just because it was the cheapest)
Added a spring from Midway because BCM was out of stock. The total was slightly less than the stock kits I could find and allowed me to do it my way. I put my 20" no name upper on it and everything works fine.
My second lower, assembled yesterday was again on a PSA blem lower ($50).
I decided to use a Stag Arms lower parts kit just to see if there was any difference in quality. The Stag lpk was $55 on Black Friday sale, but normal price is $65. I liked the Stag kit better, and will use it in the future over PSA. One nice little touch is that they included an extra detente in case you lose one during assembly. The parts seemed to be better machined, and the trigger spring was noticeably stronger than the PSA version.
Finished that one off with PSA's classic M4 stock kit ($40). I may make this one a platform for an SBR.
For the first I used a PSA blem lower with PSA's enhanced MOE lower build kit. This was a package for $99.00, which did not include any butt stock components. I chose it based on price and various reviews.
I decided to use it for a 20" upper I already have, so I went with a Magpul fixed stock in foliage green (just to have a different color than black). Best overall price I found on the stock components was from BCM:
stock $57
buffer tube $20
buffer $15
BCM mod 3 grip $18 (picked just because it was the cheapest)
Added a spring from Midway because BCM was out of stock. The total was slightly less than the stock kits I could find and allowed me to do it my way. I put my 20" no name upper on it and everything works fine.
My second lower, assembled yesterday was again on a PSA blem lower ($50).
I decided to use a Stag Arms lower parts kit just to see if there was any difference in quality. The Stag lpk was $55 on Black Friday sale, but normal price is $65. I liked the Stag kit better, and will use it in the future over PSA. One nice little touch is that they included an extra detente in case you lose one during assembly. The parts seemed to be better machined, and the trigger spring was noticeably stronger than the PSA version.
Finished that one off with PSA's classic M4 stock kit ($40). I may make this one a platform for an SBR.
JamieC
Member
I ran across a full 'kit' at the local range/gun store, it is made by TWS. Contained everything except a rear sight. All the real small things were assembled, (charging handle, forward assist plunger). Seemed like a good idea, I've wanted an AR for awhile, the idea of building one seemed like the way to go. Having all the parts from one company allowed me to build it, learn the assembly without having to worry if I'd bought parts that didn't match. It all went together the way it was intended. I'd recommend purchasing or borrowing the upper and lower jigs to lock it into a vise. Having the correct punches not only makes it easier, it makes it POSSIBLE. I'd forgotten the rear sight, ordered one, hope to have it by the weekend, see if it works.
newfalguy101
Member
didn't exactly "pick" the parts, but rather chose upper and lowr
New Frontier Arms complete lower ( around $130 retail)
and
DPMS Lite 16 upper ( complete ) ( around $400 )
I was wanting the absolute lightest weight AR for the least amount of money for my wife.
She made the "mistake" of agreeing to go shooting with me IF I built her a lightweight gun she could handle ( LOL )
So for around $550 and in reality once I sell the second lower I bought, my actual cost for the AR will be SUB-$475 Having an FFL rocks for this kind of stuff!!
New Frontier Arms complete lower ( around $130 retail)
and
DPMS Lite 16 upper ( complete ) ( around $400 )
I was wanting the absolute lightest weight AR for the least amount of money for my wife.
She made the "mistake" of agreeing to go shooting with me IF I built her a lightweight gun she could handle ( LOL )
So for around $550 and in reality once I sell the second lower I bought, my actual cost for the AR will be SUB-$475 Having an FFL rocks for this kind of stuff!!
Mike1234567
member
WinThePennant
Member
I like the VLTOR buffer tube (milspec size).
And, I really like the Magpul CTR buttstock (also milspec).
And, I really like the Magpul CTR buttstock (also milspec).
DammitBoy
Member
+1 except I prefer the UBR from magpul. I like the little compartment for small parts like batteries, adjustment hex wrench, or skittles...
I am interested in the Mako GL-Mag that has a ten round mag stored in the stock. Does anyone have any experience with this stock/brand?
Attachments
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Mike1234567
member
I don't want to spend $200++ on a buttstock.
horsemen61
Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2011
- Messages
- 6,755
I use magpul why because I like thier stuff and two top it off they honor what they say aka they are leaving Colorado
Blade First
Member
Magpul MOE or CTR...I generally use the latter.
Mike1234567
member
The Magpul CTR is looking interesting to me.
EDIT: I just bought a Magpul CTR mil-spec buttstock. Now I just need the tube/buffer kit.
QUESTIONS: Do I need to be careful about which one I get other than mil-spec? Also, some are a bit pricey... are they really worth the cost?
EDIT: I just bought a Magpul CTR mil-spec buttstock. Now I just need the tube/buffer kit.
QUESTIONS: Do I need to be careful about which one I get other than mil-spec? Also, some are a bit pricey... are they really worth the cost?
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I picked my parts based on them being quality from a well known, established, reputable company, that doesn't jerk people around or play games with their claims in order to get people confused.
I have two complete AR's. The Colt is my go-to and was my first, and it is becoming a do-it-all general purpose rifle. The TR24G is a 1-4x dual-illuminated reticle optic that works similar to a red dot on 1x, yet is a flip of the lever away from 4x for more precise shots and longer range target identification. It is free floated to help with real world accuracy, and has a sweet, Geissele trigger. The BCM is more simple, but great quality all the way. I don't want anything whose reliability or durability is questionable in my mind.
I haven't shot as much as I would like, I have a little over 3,000 rounds through them combined, and the sole malfunction was 100% the fault of the magazine (a magazine I was skeptical of from the beginning, never loaded for anything but the range, and got rid of after the one malfunction)
Cost of Colt (some shipping, taxes, transfer fees included)
Colt LE6920: ~$1,180
Trijicon Accupoint TR24G: $760
LaRue SPR-E LT-139: $230
LaRue Cattail for TR24: $80
Troy Rear Folding Battlesight: $90
Surefire X300 Ultra: $215
BattleComp 2400 FSB light mount: $80
Geissle SSA trigger: $200
Magpul MOE+ grip and trigger guard: $30
Centurion C4 carbine cutout rail: $275
Magpul stubby VFG: $20
LaRue index clips: $30
Magpul ACS-L stock: $95
Vickers Combat Application Sling (VCAS), padded, Coyote, Al: $75
Daniel Defense QD endplate: $50
BCM Gunfighter CH Mod 4: $35
Total: Approximately $3,445
Cost of BCM (some taxes & transfer fees included)
BCM Mid length 16” upper: $460
BCM BCG: $160
BCM mil-spec buffer tube, H buffer, buffer spring: $65
Magpul ACS-L stock: $95
Aero Precision stripped lower: $100
Magpul MOE handguard w/QD slot: $65
IWC SMC light mount: $50
Surefire/VTAC L4 weaponlight: $160
Aimpoint PRO: $380?
Noveske QD endplate: $25
Rainier castle nut: $15
Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS), padded, Al hardware: $80
PSA LPK on Gunbroker (did not use the grip or FCG): $120
MOE+ grip: $20
BCM Gunfighter CH Mod 4: $35?
Colt FCG: Taken from my 6920
Magpul MBUS2 rear BUIS: $50?
Total: Approximately $2,350
I paid "more than the worth" on some of those items, but they were purchased over a period of time during which market conditions varied. And in the case of the $50 DD QD end plate, I bought it at the LGS because I signed up for a match on about 1 day's notice and realized I needed a different sling mounting option that same day. The LPK for $120 was obviously purchased during the panic. Etc.
Here is the Colt (shown next to somebody else's bone stock rifle for a before/after comparison)
I have two complete AR's. The Colt is my go-to and was my first, and it is becoming a do-it-all general purpose rifle. The TR24G is a 1-4x dual-illuminated reticle optic that works similar to a red dot on 1x, yet is a flip of the lever away from 4x for more precise shots and longer range target identification. It is free floated to help with real world accuracy, and has a sweet, Geissele trigger. The BCM is more simple, but great quality all the way. I don't want anything whose reliability or durability is questionable in my mind.
I haven't shot as much as I would like, I have a little over 3,000 rounds through them combined, and the sole malfunction was 100% the fault of the magazine (a magazine I was skeptical of from the beginning, never loaded for anything but the range, and got rid of after the one malfunction)
Cost of Colt (some shipping, taxes, transfer fees included)
Colt LE6920: ~$1,180
Trijicon Accupoint TR24G: $760
LaRue SPR-E LT-139: $230
LaRue Cattail for TR24: $80
Troy Rear Folding Battlesight: $90
Surefire X300 Ultra: $215
BattleComp 2400 FSB light mount: $80
Geissle SSA trigger: $200
Magpul MOE+ grip and trigger guard: $30
Centurion C4 carbine cutout rail: $275
Magpul stubby VFG: $20
LaRue index clips: $30
Magpul ACS-L stock: $95
Vickers Combat Application Sling (VCAS), padded, Coyote, Al: $75
Daniel Defense QD endplate: $50
BCM Gunfighter CH Mod 4: $35
Total: Approximately $3,445
Cost of BCM (some taxes & transfer fees included)
BCM Mid length 16” upper: $460
BCM BCG: $160
BCM mil-spec buffer tube, H buffer, buffer spring: $65
Magpul ACS-L stock: $95
Aero Precision stripped lower: $100
Magpul MOE handguard w/QD slot: $65
IWC SMC light mount: $50
Surefire/VTAC L4 weaponlight: $160
Aimpoint PRO: $380?
Noveske QD endplate: $25
Rainier castle nut: $15
Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS), padded, Al hardware: $80
PSA LPK on Gunbroker (did not use the grip or FCG): $120
MOE+ grip: $20
BCM Gunfighter CH Mod 4: $35?
Colt FCG: Taken from my 6920
Magpul MBUS2 rear BUIS: $50?
Total: Approximately $2,350
I paid "more than the worth" on some of those items, but they were purchased over a period of time during which market conditions varied. And in the case of the $50 DD QD end plate, I bought it at the LGS because I signed up for a match on about 1 day's notice and realized I needed a different sling mounting option that same day. The LPK for $120 was obviously purchased during the panic. Etc.
Here is the Colt (shown next to somebody else's bone stock rifle for a before/after comparison)
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ErikO
Member
Started with a stripped S&W M&P15 lower, went with a CMMG lower parts kit (best deal at the time pricewise) and a milspec buffer tube.
Got a used barrel (11.5" with a pinned brake) for trade of three filled PMAGS in November, 2012. Had $0 to spend on a barrel, got VERY lucky with the unmarked '92-vintage unmarked barrel.
Scored a DGW bolt carrier for free for running a lower group buy for the LGC (group buy largely fell apart after I got the BCG, not saying which rollmark but they had...issues on AR15.com)
Bought an Aero stripped upper on a great deal lat month before Christmas.
Traded a KX3 for a S&W M&P 10" free float rail.
I have a cheap red dot on it at the moment, will get a PA Micro as soon as possible, probably next month.
Upper will be painted to match the lower as soon as it's warm enough out. BUIS are on their way.
Got a used barrel (11.5" with a pinned brake) for trade of three filled PMAGS in November, 2012. Had $0 to spend on a barrel, got VERY lucky with the unmarked '92-vintage unmarked barrel.
Scored a DGW bolt carrier for free for running a lower group buy for the LGC (group buy largely fell apart after I got the BCG, not saying which rollmark but they had...issues on AR15.com)
Bought an Aero stripped upper on a great deal lat month before Christmas.
Traded a KX3 for a S&W M&P 10" free float rail.
I have a cheap red dot on it at the moment, will get a PA Micro as soon as possible, probably next month.
Upper will be painted to match the lower as soon as it's warm enough out. BUIS are on their way.
Blade First
Member
"Mil-spec" is a much-misused term in the AR world but if you purchase a six-position tube made of the proper alloy, you'll pay a bit more.
I've built ARs with both mil-spec and commercial tubes/stocks depending on how they were intended to be used. Lots of use/lots of rounds fired dictate mil-spec for me.
Sorry for the late reply...been busy.
...Mr. O
Certified Armorer for AR-15/M-16/M4 platforms
PSA stripper Lower : $50
PSA ergo LPK : $64.95
Magpul stock and rifle buffer assembly : $89.99
AIM BCG : $79.95
Spikes Tactical upper assembly : $115.00
BCM 16" mid gov't profile barrel : $239.99
Barrel nut : $9
Thats where I am currently at,
The still to get stuff :
BCM low pro gas block and a gas tube
Samson Evo 12.37" free float
Magpul BUS front and rear
BCM Mod 4 charging handle
A Optic
Not decided on flash hider or muzzle brake
Should be done in about a month or so.
PSA ergo LPK : $64.95
Magpul stock and rifle buffer assembly : $89.99
AIM BCG : $79.95
Spikes Tactical upper assembly : $115.00
BCM 16" mid gov't profile barrel : $239.99
Barrel nut : $9
Thats where I am currently at,
The still to get stuff :
BCM low pro gas block and a gas tube
Samson Evo 12.37" free float
Magpul BUS front and rear
BCM Mod 4 charging handle
A Optic
Not decided on flash hider or muzzle brake
Should be done in about a month or so.
Mike1234567
member
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I bought a cheap carbine length buffer tube kit for $32. I hope it works well.
The RRA upper is here and so far it's perfect... put about 100 rounds through it after borrowing a lower. The lower I bought isn't here yet nor is the buttstock but those should be here soon.
Now I'm looking for some angled iron sites for backup to a scope.
The RRA upper is here and so far it's perfect... put about 100 rounds through it after borrowing a lower. The lower I bought isn't here yet nor is the buttstock but those should be here soon.
Now I'm looking for some angled iron sites for backup to a scope.
How about the "why" part of the question?
Personally I'd like to know why you went with an $80 AIM BCG. What are the specs on it?
Couldn't find any bad reviews on it. Should be fine as far as I can tell.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...6+9310+MPI+BDG+Bolt+Carrier+Group&groupid=714
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...6+9310+MPI+BDG+Bolt+Carrier+Group&groupid=714
