Best Complete AR-15 kits on the net?

[Idempotent]

I'm in a somewhat similar position to the OP, except that I already have a stripped lower. This Spikes upper looks perfect to me. It has exactly the features I want -- 16" length, mid-length gas system, a rail on top (to attach an MBUS now and maybe a reflex sight later), and a traditional forward grip (I really don't like the quad rails). And that price is really good. But is the quality up to par, or should I look for a BCM instead?

 

[kwelz]

Spikes aren't bad, but the BCM are far better for about the same money.

 

[TonyAngel]

I've handled and shot both the BCM stuff and Spike's stuff. I wouldn't say that the BCM is far better. I mean, receivers are receivers. As long as they are milspec and all of the holes are in the right places, the brand doesn't matter. Both BCM and Spike's use quality barrels and bolt carrier groups which are the most important parts. I'd say it's a toss up. I'm personally partial to BCM stuff. Why? I don't know. I just am. The service is good and I've always had good experiences with them and they ship pretty darned quick.

 

[juk]

I didn't start my builds to save money as much as knowing the gun inside and out and controlling the parts that went in it. A bare-bones Del-ton kit will run you 650 or so (after shipping and lower receiver). I've got 300 in my lower alone, but it was built with quality parts. Installing the lower parts kit is not difficult. Just look at some of the videos on youtube, read a few guides, gather tools, and get to work.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

Posted by Azziza

Spikes aren't bad, but the BCM are far better for about the same money.
__________________

Not to start a brand x vs. brand y argument but how is BCM better than the spikes? This is not meant to be inflammatory, just a serious question. If you look at a spec sheet they seem to be identical with properly staked keys, mpi bolts, chrome lined chambers and bores, etc. The spikes is $480 complete, the BCM is $480 without the bolt,carrier, and charging handle so its about $150 higher. I know BCM is great and their Koolaide is wonderful over ar AR-15.com, but there don't seem to be any real world differences between them and Spikes. Are there?

 

[LeonCarr]

Spend another 100-200 bucks and get an LMT or a BCM. If you are confident that your Model 1 Sales AR is just as good, take that rifle to a training class and put 1000 rounds through it in a couple of days. I know which rifle will make it through with the least malfunctions.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[SSN Vet]

I was in the same boat 2.5 years ago...

For my first build, I opted for a 'kit' from Delton, which was really a completely assembled upper, with a stock and a LPK. I wanted to make sure the head spacing was done by someone who was trained, and didn't want to buy the block to hold the upper in a vice.

I picked up the stripped lower and the rest is history.

With all the detailed instructions, with pics of each step available on the web, putting together a lower was not difficult at all. I didn't even purchased a multi-tool and I already had punches.

The rifle has been 100% reliable for my purposes (target shooting on the range and plinking in the gravel pit) and is very accurate. The whole gig (with mags) cost me about $650.

Is it the "best" ... no, far from it. But then again, I am not an LEO, whose life may depend on his patrol rifle. Some day when I'm rich and hopefully not famous, I'll build another with hand picked parts. But as of today, I have no regrets with my decision.

Read up on the AR15.com articles and see what you think your really need.

If you're not interested in dropping ~$500 on an optic, I would suggest saving some money and getting an A1 or A2 upper, rather than purchasing an A3 upper and then having to buy a DCH or BIS, as the traditional AR sights are excellent.

I would also suggest getting a middy, but will let you read up on that and convince yourself.

Whether you drop $600 or $1,200, you are going to love having an AR.

What I find amusing is when guys pump >$1k into their AR and then pick up a CMMG 22 conversion kit and that's all they shoot with it.

 

[kwelz]

I don't see that as inflammatory.
First off let me say that I think Spikes has come a long way. A year ago I would not have suggested Spikes to anyone. However they have really improved int he last months.

That being said they still have a way to go.

There is a lot of info in this thread.

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=54922

 

[TonyAngel]

Is money an issue and are you just frugal? If money is an issue, buying the kit that gets you the best price/performance balance is the way to go. The problem is that once you have the rifle, it's just beginning.

Handguards and stocks can be a money pit and don't forget mags. You'll need lots of mags. And ammo. Lots and lots of ammo.

If you think you're going to want to "customize" your build, consider that now if you can and just save up. You can order complete uppers from both BCM and Spike's as stripped or loaded out as you want.

As far as BCM and Spike's go as vendors, yes, they sell good stuff. Is it the best? I don't know. I use their stuff and have been more than satisfied with it. The key is customer service. From what I've seen, if you have a problem, they don't start off with an assumption that you did something wrong. They will walk you through the problem and make it right.