Built an AR-15 this weekend...

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.)

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

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

Redlg155,

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

Thanks,
Steve

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

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