AR Uppers and lowers?

[mototard]

I've owned a few AR's and still currently have 2 DPMS (one in 308), 2 Rock River Arms, and a Bushmaster. of all those my DPMS has the best fit & finish their teflon coating is tough. Bushy is great to. The RRA finish chips/marks easy but had the tightest pin holes, had to ream some just to build the lower. If you look at the forging marks Colt, Bush and DPMS use the same forging.
Stay away from Colt, to many non mil spec part.

 

[f4t9r]

I built a AR out of a RRA lower and did some checking on what I found to be a very good price on a Sabre Defense Upper. Did some research along with the help of THR members and its really good stuff. One of the best prices I found on an Upper.
The best I found on the Lower was Rock River Or Stag, Stag was just a little less

 

[lycanthrope]

Again, for the record, RRA and Stag are mad at the same foundry. All that differs is the rollmark......

 

[Bullet]

Grump Quote – “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...”

txgho1911 Quote –“I have a Colt sporter Hbar and I know the only way to interchange upper recievers will be to use another Colt upper.”


All you need for the bigger pin Colts are these –

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=316328

 

[P0832177]

The question you need to ask yourself is do you want a safe queen or a shooter?

You can save money by buying the lower and upper seperate. You can get lowers with out stocks, and the installation of the stock is no big deal! I say buy an entry level stocked completed lower and get an upper the way you want. RRA seems to be the ticket here. http://www.adcofirearms.com/ is the place to go do business with!

 

[Icewolf]

If this is going to be a SHTF or fun blasting rifle then be sure to get a chrome-lined barrel. It will last for thousands of rounds and will be a bit easier to clean.

If you are more into tack driving and don't mind religously cleaning then one of the stainless match barrels or carbon steel barrels will do nicely.

I recomend building an AR from the ground up. If something ever breaks or needs replacement you will know how to take care of the problem. Plus it is just plain fun. However, any cost savings is eaten by the cost of some tools. Building ARs is very addicting and can quickly consume your checkbook and all your safe space.

 

[355sigfan]

acog=1k
you spending 1k on the ar also!

I spent just 700 on my Acog TA31. Check out ebay.
Pat

 

[BaiscInfantry]

He is a website for ya!

Try Model1sales.com or even AIMsurplus.com or even Cheaperthandirt.com All have good stuff!

 

[TooTaxed]

Whatever you decide on, suggest you buy either from a dealer who has what you want in stock, or get a firm delivery date from the manufacturer. I ordered an upper from Rock River Sept 14th, and last week they say I should expect it within 60 days (yeah, sure.):banghead:

 

[GoRon]

I was told by RRA on the phone that having a chrome chamber/barrel is not critical.

My RRA is ammo sensitive and doesn't have chrome lining. My buddies(2) both have Bushmasters that shoot everything without a problem.

My next rifle will be chrome lined just in case.

 

[lycanthrope]

Ammo sensitive? What does that mean? A chrome lined bore has very little to do with reliability on a gun that sees a couple hundred rounds between cleanings.

 

[GoRon]

Ammo sensitive? What does that mean?

It will not shoot Radway Green SS-109 British Milsurp. As I stated my buddys Bushmasters had zero malfunctions with the same ammo out of the same ammo can.

The chamber is possibly too tight and needs to be reamed. It just strikes me as odd that two people I know with chrome lined chambers have no issues with the same ammo.

There is ammo I know it will function with so that is what I buy. Trying different ammo is now a crap shoot, what will and won't work.

I believed the factory about chrome not mattering but now I have doubts. It may in fact help or aid in extraction.

 

[lycanthrope]

I agree it could be a chamber problem assuming you have good magazines. Is it a .223 or a .223 Wylde chambering versus 5.56?

Bushy's tend to be loose and feed about anything, but accuracy has never impressed me overall (although some do very well).

I have a couple AR's without chrome chambers and they eat absolutely everything from milsurp to 68gr Sierra Match Kings that I load to max length. My Clark Gator upper has never once malfunctioned and will shoot 1.25 MOA with cheapie Wolf ammo. Handloads get it under .5 MOA.

 

[bow4828]

To those who say DPMS and OLY are 3rd teir Horse Hooey!!!Both my own DPMS and a friends oly dcm are out classing bushmaster and my Dad's Colt upper.Fit and finish is outstanding on both.Can't ask for better accuracy either.The Oly won Top shooter in the league .My DPMS was limited by the shooter(Me).1/2' 100 yrd groups are not uncommon.