AR Uppers and lowers?
- Thread starter rmgill
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Don't Tread On Me
Member
What type of configuration are you looking for? What is your budget?
I'm thinking a compact carbine 16.5" barrel, 7 position stock, possibly a rail system up front. I played with one this past weekend at the range. I wasn't sure I liked the front handle. The angle seemed wrong so I ended up supporting it behind the front handle. I guess, I'd rather have a surefire fore end but those are damn pricey.
I'm thinking light but with an ACOG or some other similar type of sight. I'm toying with Joining the Guard so....I need to get up on handling an AR. As much as I like my FAL. Besides, the AR was a fun gun to shoot. Just like my M1 Carbine, just a tad different. They're both like popcorn.
[Edit]
Budget, I'm thinking around a Grand to start. It'd be easier to build up the bits and I'd probably save money by not having to buy extra parts I'm going to strip off (Like the stock I don't want).
I'm thinking light but with an ACOG or some other similar type of sight. I'm toying with Joining the Guard so....I need to get up on handling an AR. As much as I like my FAL. Besides, the AR was a fun gun to shoot. Just like my M1 Carbine, just a tad different. They're both like popcorn.
[Edit]
Budget, I'm thinking around a Grand to start. It'd be easier to build up the bits and I'd probably save money by not having to buy extra parts I'm going to strip off (Like the stock I don't want).
demusn1979
Member
acog=1k
you spending 1k on the ar also!
you spending 1k on the ar also!
rbernie
Contributing Member
DPMS makes some crackerjack stuff....
Grump
Member
How many of these makers offer uppers with the goofy pin holes for use with a Colt HBAR Sporter? I used to know how to make the various parts fit...
lycanthrope
Member
Stag and RRA are pretty much identical save for the rollmark.
Hmm, Stag has a M4 Carbine with 6 position stock for Sub $1000. Bushmaster seems proud of their rifles. Rock River has a nice site and nice layout. I wonder if I could get a rifle sans the rear stock so I could add my own. Or would that trip nfa issues...yep, bet it would. I'm thinking I like a stock system that someone showed me a while back that has a different profile and has options for battery tubes on the side of the stock's customizable check welds.
Buy the stock and then send it to Rock River or Stag for them to assemble it. That way I'm not paying for a stock I'm going to remove....
thanks for the input gents.
Buy the stock and then send it to Rock River or Stag for them to assemble it. That way I'm not paying for a stock I'm going to remove....
thanks for the input gents.
jefnvk
Member
I have no complaints about my DPMS lower or Del-Ton 20" A2 kit. $609 total, IIRC (may be a few dollars off)
modifiedbrowning
Member
Eagle Firearms
Take a look at www.eaglefirearms.net. Great prices on RRA and Stag. I just received a RRA midlength upper from them that is very nice quality.
Take a look at www.eaglefirearms.net. Great prices on RRA and Stag. I just received a RRA midlength upper from them that is very nice quality.
salty
Member
Veltor stock is the one with the battery compartments. Rock River and Bushmaster uppers give you a broad range of choices in barrel lenghts and types. DPMS has some nice equipment also that is a bit less than the RR/Bushie.
VaughnT
Member
From my own experience, I can tell you that you are going to be hard-pressed to build an upper for cheaper than you can buy them already assembled. If you just have to have it a certain way (this bbl v. that bbl) contract with a smith to assemble it for you. Otherwise, you're going to have to buy some tools that you won't need very often.
On the lower, building it yourself is the best option because it usually does work out cheaper. I chose Stag and couldn't be happier. The quality of their LPK is head and shoulders above what I've seen from other makers, and the lower itself is a beaut!
The Vltor stock, with the battery tubes in the cheekpad, is nice, but do you really need that storage space? Think about it before you pay a premium for something you really won't need (this goes for all the stuff). Unless you're living in the field and resupply is sporadic at best.......
There are so many ways you can go, it's actually pretty funny. I just wanted a simple M4gery, and now that I have it, I'm thinking about what I want on the next rifle. It just doesn't end!
On the lower, building it yourself is the best option because it usually does work out cheaper. I chose Stag and couldn't be happier. The quality of their LPK is head and shoulders above what I've seen from other makers, and the lower itself is a beaut!
The Vltor stock, with the battery tubes in the cheekpad, is nice, but do you really need that storage space? Think about it before you pay a premium for something you really won't need (this goes for all the stuff). Unless you're living in the field and resupply is sporadic at best.......
There are so many ways you can go, it's actually pretty funny. I just wanted a simple M4gery, and now that I have it, I'm thinking about what I want on the next rifle. It just doesn't end!
Colt and LMT/Lauer are the top tier.
Bushmaster Armalite, and CMT/Stag/RRA are second tier.
DPMS and Olympic are third tier.
There are other quality rifles out there, but most are built off parts from the above manufacturers or are very low volume. Also, that's not to say that DPMS and Oly don't put out quality guns, but there are definate differences on the tiers regarding fit and finish.
Bushmaster Armalite, and CMT/Stag/RRA are second tier.
DPMS and Olympic are third tier.
There are other quality rifles out there, but most are built off parts from the above manufacturers or are very low volume. Also, that's not to say that DPMS and Oly don't put out quality guns, but there are definate differences on the tiers regarding fit and finish.
Ok for some links?
I have a Colt sporter Hbar and I know the only way to interchange upper recievers will be to use another Colt upper.
Are there links even sp0iled to get to some of the sites like for LMT/Lauer?
Edit: Eagle looks like some great prices on parts.
I have a Colt sporter Hbar and I know the only way to interchange upper recievers will be to use another Colt upper.
Are there links even sp0iled to get to some of the sites like for LMT/Lauer?
Edit: Eagle looks like some great prices on parts.
Brian Dale
Member
Here's a link for Lauer Custom Weaponry.
You'll see a page filled with their Dura-Coat finishes. Go to the very small drop-down box in the lower left-hand corner of the page -- the box that reads "CHOOSE PRODUCT>>" -- you'll see a list with everything from suppressors and suppressed rifles & pistols down to the pure tung oil that I bought the last time I was up there. I managed not to actually drool on any of the rifles that they let me handle while I was in the shop.
One of their guys confirmed for me that their receivers are manufactured by Lewis Machine & Tool. I like the Lauer Custom Weaponry logo.
You'll see a page filled with their Dura-Coat finishes. Go to the very small drop-down box in the lower left-hand corner of the page -- the box that reads "CHOOSE PRODUCT>>" -- you'll see a list with everything from suppressors and suppressed rifles & pistols down to the pure tung oil that I bought the last time I was up there. I managed not to actually drool on any of the rifles that they let me handle while I was in the shop.
One of their guys confirmed for me that their receivers are manufactured by Lewis Machine & Tool. I like the Lauer Custom Weaponry logo.
modifiedbrowning
Member
Gary G23
Member
Keep in mind if you want to add a Vltor stock it will only fit on a mil-spec buffer tube. That means Stag/CMT, Colt, or LMT.
kentucky_smith
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I've been thinking about joining the world of ar owners, how do these prices compare? They are manufactured about 20 minutes from here and I can be at centerfire in 30 minutes.
Anybody hear of doublestar???
http://64.226.66.194/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CSI&Category_Code=AR15
Other gun stores I've seen Bushmasters, but they are usually a premium.
Anybody hear of doublestar???
http://64.226.66.194/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CSI&Category_Code=AR15
Other gun stores I've seen Bushmasters, but they are usually a premium.
I have 2 Bushmasters and helped put together another AR from my spare Bushmaster parts to a Rock upper and lower with no problems. I've shot Colt M-4's and M-16's. I liked them all. Bushmaster like someone else said offers tons of config's for your rifle. I personally like the double shielded hand guards from Colt M-4's. The singles that come with the Bushmaster are just to small for my hands. I wanted a rail on my guards, so I put a single rail on the bottom guard. I spent $50 on the DB hand guards, $80 on the rail, foregrip, light ring, and $65 on the surefire 6P. The ACOG is nice but I went with an AIMPOINT M3comp w/ canitlever ring for $560 and a back up flip iron sight/ front sight post. After everything was said and done. I spent about $2000 but I can put many of those goodies on any one of my rifles.
I did some research on the ACOG's and the rail systems too. The ACOG is $1000 the rail systems are anywhere from $125 on up. The Firsh hangguard seems to be the best offer out there. Never saw one up close or used one either so.... Before you would even have half of the add-ons and rifle that I got for 2 grand, you would be around $1200 to $1500 with no gun.
Check out GG&G for your add-on's. They have deals all the time. Great service and even a military/ LE discount. I'd go with Bushmaster but thats me. They dont seem like there going anywhere anytime soon except forward.
Willyboi
I did some research on the ACOG's and the rail systems too. The ACOG is $1000 the rail systems are anywhere from $125 on up. The Firsh hangguard seems to be the best offer out there. Never saw one up close or used one either so.... Before you would even have half of the add-ons and rifle that I got for 2 grand, you would be around $1200 to $1500 with no gun.
Check out GG&G for your add-on's. They have deals all the time. Great service and even a military/ LE discount. I'd go with Bushmaster but thats me. They dont seem like there going anywhere anytime soon except forward.
Willyboi
VaughnT
Member
Kentucky-Smith, I've not heard anything bad about DoubleStar receivers. For the same price, you can get a Stag receiver, but if this is close to you and you don't mind the looks/finish....run with it.
I wouldn't buy the complete weapon, but for a stripped lower, that price isn't bad. Add a Stag LPK, stock of your choice, and an upper configured how you like it, and you'll be ready for some serious plinking.
Mailorder uppers are available all over www.ar15.com (in the equip exchange and industry forums) so that's not too hard to work through, though deciding on what you want can be trying. Keep us posted, and be careful, it's hard to stop once you've started.
I wouldn't buy the complete weapon, but for a stripped lower, that price isn't bad. Add a Stag LPK, stock of your choice, and an upper configured how you like it, and you'll be ready for some serious plinking.
Mailorder uppers are available all over www.ar15.com (in the equip exchange and industry forums) so that's not too hard to work through, though deciding on what you want can be trying. Keep us posted, and be careful, it's hard to stop once you've started.
kentucky_smith
Member
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2005
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- 1,686
Thank you, I'm actually looking at a traditional A1 (?) setup with a longer barrel with high rate of twist for long range shooting, I think.
Friend of mine has A LOT of Federal match grade .223 that he will give away. His dad is a ret Lt. Col and a former sniper. The basement is full!
Friend of mine has A LOT of Federal match grade .223 that he will give away. His dad is a ret Lt. Col and a former sniper. The basement is full!
Kentucky, you want an A2 receiver for serious iron sight shooting.
With the A2 the simple combat sights were replaced with target sights good out to 800M (calibrated for M855 ball, of course) the A1 sights have two positions: 200M, and "L", or 500M (calibrated for M193 ball) and adjusting them is best performed with the adjustment tool. Though a ballpoint pen will work in a pinch.
You might consider an "A3" upper receiver, the flattop, with a detachable carry handle. That rear sight only goes out to 600M, but then if you change your mind about optics you simply pull the handle and drop anything you want onto the rail.
Hope that helps.
With the A2 the simple combat sights were replaced with target sights good out to 800M (calibrated for M855 ball, of course) the A1 sights have two positions: 200M, and "L", or 500M (calibrated for M193 ball) and adjusting them is best performed with the adjustment tool. Though a ballpoint pen will work in a pinch.
You might consider an "A3" upper receiver, the flattop, with a detachable carry handle. That rear sight only goes out to 600M, but then if you change your mind about optics you simply pull the handle and drop anything you want onto the rail.
Hope that helps.
What's the intended use of this rifle? NM, SHTF, plinking, impressing your buddies? All are valid uses.
Pages could be written from several points of view regarding every one of the hundred or so parts and the thousands of "upgrades" (term used loosely) of an AR. Narrowing your search to the correct frame of reference speeds the process along.
Pages could be written from several points of view regarding every one of the hundred or so parts and the thousands of "upgrades" (term used loosely) of an AR. Narrowing your search to the correct frame of reference speeds the process along.
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