My first AR15 build - pretty pictures!

[malakili]

Hi, all. I finally decided to take the plunge and do an AR build project. I haven't owned an AR for a while and I missed 'em, so I chose to reacquire one this way. I really like the full size A2 style rifles, but the theme for this build is "practical/versatile", so I went with a 16" barrel and collapsible stock. That way it can be better used for HD if need be, and also more easily used by wife, daughter, or nieces that may come to the range with me.
I just completed it last night, lower receiver assembly went real easy. Expect a range report when I have the chance to blow up some ammo.

Here's my parts list:

Del-Ton complete Mid-length upper, 16" 1/9 barrel ($400 on Midway)
CMMG stripped lower ($99 locally)
Palmetto State Armory Classic LPK ($45 on PSA website)
UTG US-made Milspec stock assembly ($43 on Amazon.com)
Magpul MBUS rear sight ($55 from PSA)
Magpul PMAG in flat dark earth ($14.20 from Midway)


Starboard side with collapsed stock. I love the look of the Midlength style rifles, and I hear great things about their performance. Soon to find out!


Port side, extended stock.


Detail of MBUS rear sight and buffer tube. I like the MBUS, it seems really strong so far, and I prefer a windage only rear. I staked the castle nut to keep it from loosening, per build instructions I read. Also applied threadlocker to buffer tube threads. I used Midwest Industries stock wrench, got it for $6.99 from PSA. Good sturdy wrench.


Del-Ton bolt carrier group. Well-staked gas key!


Bolt is made from Carpenter 158 steel and HPT/MPI tested per milspec.


MBUS sight picture. This rifle is so well-balanced and fits me so good. Transition from low ready to acquired sight picture is so fast it's almost telepathic.

Hope you guys like! I plan to put lots and lots of ammo through this thing and test it out good. I have 100 rounds of Federal .223 and 1 pmag right now, and have 2 more pmags and 100 rounds of Fed 5.56 on order. A decent start.

 

[CmdrSlander]

Well done sir. Sweet AR-15, may I recommend an MOE kit when you have the time/money, makes the rifle look and feel a good bit better (only about $80 for a new handguard, pistol grip, and stock in the color of your choice). I believe the mid length is softer shooting than carbine length, has that been your experience?

 

[ugaarguy]

Very nice first build. It's good to see photos showing that Del-Ton has listened to their customers & stepped up their game as claimed. I like the very proportional looks of the 16" bbl with middy gas system. Good job!

 

[USAF_Vet]

Nice looking rifle. I too prefer the mid length over the carbine. Just a hair over $650 counting the mag, not a bad score. I also think it looks good as it is, no real need for anything else. Looking forward to hearing how it shoots.

 

[kfgk14]

I'm amazed about the mil-spec BCG, though I'd personally also spend the $100 for a spare BCG from Palmetto State Armory (I have one for all my rifles, good investment as a just-in-case). Is the barrel 4140 or 4150?

 

[ms6852]

Congratulations, nice job on your build.

 

[sgtstryker]

Nice carbine, should shoot as well, too. I've been trying some Promags, they work pretty good. Did you try any trigger work while you were at it?

 

[malakili]

Sweet AR-15, may I recommend an MOE kit when you have the time/money, makes the rifle look and feel a good bit better (only about $80 for a new handguard, pistol grip, and stock in the color of your choice). I believe the mid length is softer shooting than carbine length, has that been your experience?

I'll probably stick with the GI furniture, I'm pretty happy with the look/feel as is. I'm thinking of maybe wrapping some cushy grip tape around the pistol grip though. Not sure what the recoil will be like, I've only fired carbine and rifle types previously.

I'm amazed about the mil-spec BCG, though I'd personally also spend the $100 for a spare BCG from Palmetto State Armory (I have one for all my rifles, good investment as a just-in-case). Is the barrel 4140 or 4150?

The BCG isn't completely milspec, Del-Ton still uses the semi-auto carrier rather than the heavy duty full auto type. I may upgrade to a Bravo Company full auto carrier at some point in the future, but I'm not concerned about it right now. Not sure if the barrel is 4150, they don't make it too clear on the Del-Ton website. There's a 16" 1/7 carbine upper that's listed as 4150, but it's not specified either way on any of the other uppers. I may have to email them on that one.

Nice carbine, should shoot as well, too. I've been trying some Promags, they work pretty good. Did you try any trigger work while you were at it?

I'm pretty religious about the pmags, they've worked so good for me I'm hesitant to try anything else. Didn't work on the trigger, it's a bit creepy right now but I'm just gonna let it smooth up with use.

 

[HOLY DIVER]

congrats on your first build! you will love that mid-lenghth gas system. is the barrel chrome lined?

 

[malakili]

Holy Diver, this one isn't chrome-lined. Del-Ton offers it as an option if you order direct from them, but the $400 complete upper Midway USA sells isn't the chrome-lined variety.

It doesn't bother me, religiously maintaining barrels is an ingrained habit for me anyway.

 

[Cecil Sharps]

grip tape alternative

get a foot of type III nylon.(550 cord)

Wrap it around the pistol grip tightly. On top of that put an elastic band. I used a leftover black band from a rifle sling. I had the parts on hand and didn't have grip tape.

If you use a longer piece of cord you can adjust the loops around the grip to swell at a good spot to fit your hand.