AR parts kits?

[leatherneck448]

what experience do you guys have with rifle parts kits? (minus stripped lower)
I have looked around, and it seems that the only major brand that makes one is DPMS. do you have any other name brand manufacturers that make one, and also, is it worth it to buy a parts kit or should i just settle with buying a complete rifle?

Thanks,
Kenny

 

[Mags]

Del-Ton makes a good parts kit, I have one with an Armalite lower. It is ver accurate and reliable. They offer chrome lining for an extra charge I opted out on that though. I will use them again if I am not going to do a BCM build.

 

[W.E.G.]

Complete lowers are so cheap now, there is very little margin in buying the lower and LPK separate.

Only do it if you have free access to all the necessary tools, or you want the hobby satisfaction of do-it-yourself assembly.

LPK
$65
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=202897400

Lower receiver
$100
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=203088939

Assembled lower
$200
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=202382850

Complete rifle
$600
http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/item/W.A.S.P.-Bargain-Bin-16-inch-M4-1402

 

[leatherneck448]

thanks but i was looking at a COMPLETE kit, not just the lower. But I'll keep that in mind if Im ever in the market.

@ Mags, Im curious, what kit did you buy?
I was looking at the midlength with a 1-7 chromed barrel. And also, which stripped lower do you guys reccomend to go with the package? I was looking at an LMT or a RRA, but im not sure.
Is there any real difference in quality of stripped lowers or are they all basically the same?

Thanks,
Kenny

 

[Mags]

I got this kit here: http://www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt101.htm
The bolt had the black insert and the semi carrier was properly staked, the firing pin retaining pin is hard to install though. Came with carbine buffer and commercial tube. The trigger is really nice and breaks clean and light.
I have since upgraded most parts to mil-spec or better minus the barrel and extension tube, but not due to parts failure.

As far as lowers go I would get this Delaware machine lower: http://www.rguns.net/rifles/rifles-semiauto-ar15-lowers-556rguns-stripped.shtml

 

[leatherneck448]

ok thanks.
Is the kit all comm. spec or is it a mix between the two?
Have you had to replace or do anything to yours since you got it?
and also is the kit easy to assemble with a well stocked toolbox or do i need to take it to a gunsmith?

 

[Mags]

Is the kit all comm. spec or is it a mix between the two?

The only mil-spec part was the extractor spring and insert. The bolt carrier was also staked per mil-spec but all else was commercial.

Have you had to replace or do anything to yours since you got it?

No

is the kit easy to assemble with a well stocked toolbox or do i need to take it to a gunsmith?

To do it right you will need a special wrench for the castle nut. You will also need small punches. I used channel locks and a flat blade screwdriver for my castle nut, not the best idea.

 

[leatherneck448]

thanks again for dealing with my idiocy on the subject.
Do you know how much a castle nut wrench is?

 

[Mags]

I would get this one: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=154145

 

[leatherneck448]

ok thanks again, i thought it was gonna be way more expensive, haha.
I'll keep lookin into it, and when I decide I'll let you guys know

Thaks for the info,
Kenny

 

[dc.fireman]

Don't forget a set of steel punches in varying sizes, and a roll of blue painters tape, so you don't accidentally 'miss' the roll pins you'll be driving in. I also bought a very small bench vise, and some nylon blocks to hold the lower while I was working on it - sometimes it helps to have 3 hands building the lower.

My only experience with parts kits has come from the DPMS lower parts kit (LPK) and their M4 collapsible stock kit - if you're in a hurry, they work. If you're not in a hurry, buy something else. The fit and finish of the final parts wasn't great - the trigger is almost as creepy as a bad Sigma pistol, and the stock butt rattles/slips. Good luck.

-tc