New AR kit is this good....

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saenzrich

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New AR kit...UPDATE POST #20...what about scope mounts?

This is my 1st Ar/build. I just picked up a stripped lower (cmmg) that I plan on using with this kit....

http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/2521.php

Before I spend 589.99 plus shipping would ya'll say this is a good/decent kit. Any pointers? Help is much appreciated.

Also looking for a decent scope and have narrowed it down to these....I think...as I will use this gun will be for paper punching and small game hunts...

http://www.opticsplanet.net/burris-4-5x-14x-42mm-fullfield-2-ballistic-plex-riflescope-packages.html

or

http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-riflescope-buckmasters-4-14x40.html

These ok for what I'm thinkin of? Any experience with them?
 
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Before I spend 589.99 plus shipping would ya'll say this is a good/decent kit to begin with.

Define "to begin with"? It will cost you more in the long run to not get what you really want to begin with.
 
Target gun?

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=GRT-LPK
Order Option #2, don't add anything to it.

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=SSA-E&reference=/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3D%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DPDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html%26category%3DGAUT
Add that trigger.

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=NRTHP&reference=/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3D%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DPDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html%26category%3DKNSP
Add these anti-rotation pins (non-mil-spec triggers can walk out).

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=MOEGRIP
Add this grip (comfortable, internal storage of spare bolt/earplugs).

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-SS410-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-mid16%20ss410%20vtrx13.htm
Buy that upper receiver group. Add a BCM full-auto (no it isn't illegal, doesn't make the weapon full-auto) bolt carrier group (BCG), and a BCM Gunfighter charging handle.

http://swfa.com/Vortex-25-10x44-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44567.aspx
Buy that scope.

http://www.laruetactical.com/larue-tactical-sprm4-193-mount-qd-lt-135
Put said scope in this mount.

Buy some 20 round Lancer L5 AWM magazines or GI 20 rounders, then add good ammo (Prvi Partisan does good precision loads on the cheap if you buy in bulk). Zero, shoot away. That's a good bench gun, IMO, and VERY accurate, not too heavy, but more than I'd want on a rabbit hunt.

To save weight (at the cost of maybe 1MOA's worth of accuracy, but adding 7,000-10,000 rounds to the barrel life), swap that upper for this upper:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-BFH-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-mid-16%20bfh%20vtrx13.htm

For small game, an Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) may be a better choice (lighter, faster, greater FOV).

Of course, if money's tight, just get the PSA kit, and make upgrades as it's possible. First off would be a lightweight free-floating tube from Troy or Midwest Industries, try their respective TRX extreme and SS rail series'. Also, I'd go with their hammer-forged, mid-length kit (mid-length is a lot easier on parts, and softer-shooting, longer handguard for big guys to stretch their arms out). The other upgrade I'd make would be an H or H2 buffer, or an A5 stock kit if you're of the longer-armed clan.

(I realize I probably just left you with more questions, I'm sorry. If you want definitive answers, try M4carbine.net, they'll fill you in with all you need to know).
 
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Palmetto State

These uppers have been getting good review from those that have bought them.
Why not this one:
http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=92759&highlight=palmetto+state
You know you can buy a complete rifle S&W M&P 15 for a tad over $600.00. Don't know if you already have the tools to complete this build, but you should figure that cost in too.
For the needs you described, the M&P should work fine.
 
Check out Spike's Tactical. They make excellent rifles at a fair price. You won't be disappointed both as a novice AR shooter and then a much more skilled AR shooter. Might as well get a good rifle off the start rather than having to buy a better rifle in another year.

-James
 
Yes, it is a good kit. PSA is the best deal doing right now. I have several of their uppers, and am happy with all of them.

There are some decisions that are a matter of preference. If you like the M4 look, then yeah sure, have at it. It's purely cosmetic. The Magpul accesories, not necessary, but if you like it...

I'd probably go with this kit. The mid length gives you a little extra sight radius, and the gas system is arguably more ideal for the 16" barrel though the carbine length is fine too.
http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/8978.php

If you're planning to shoot at longer ranges, 300 yards plus, I'd get a 20" rifle.

It's a little strange to stick that much glass on a carbine. What ranges do you want to shoot at? For 200 yards or so, an eotech or an aimpoint would serve you better. At 300+ yards, you can still hit stuff with them, but the lack of magnification makes seeing your target difficult.

To mount your scope, the Burris Pepr is probably the best bang for the buck.
 
No first hand experience with PSA here, but from everything I've heard about them I would think that kit is a decent deal. A PSA lower would only cost about $50 plus FFL fees too if you didn't already have one.
 
Mid-length is a little longer. The port is located further down the barrel. Armalite has an article about it (I think they came up with it). I'll see if I can find it.
 
I have bought $1000-1500 of parts from PSA; uppers, lowers, BCGs, LPKs, etc. All have been good quality and i have not had any issues.

Some of the PSA barres are made by FN.

Nothing wrong with starting with a kit. That is the great part of ARs. You get your foot in the door, then you can add, change, customize the AR the way you want it. It can be done over time, so you dont go bancrupt.

The scope seem to be an odd choice.

What will you be doing with this AR?
 
What is the difference between the carbine gas system and the mid-length gas system?

Post #2 in the below provides a ton of info. Get a pot of coffee going, lots of good reading.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=208641

I'm no AR guru, but the kit you linked looks good. IMHO, you don't really need any special tool to put it together. Assuming you have some punches, you should be good to go. If you wanted to purchase a few tools, there is a tool for installing the front takedown pin that would be handy and a spanner wrench for the stock. You can assemble without either if need be.
 
Personally, I wouldn't put a 4.5-14x optic on a carbine. If you want to use that sort of optic to the fullest, perhaps an upper with a floated target barrel? I think a reddot would serve you well for what you describe. I think the Aimpoint PRO is a pretty good deal.
 
Chambered in 5.56 NATO, with a 1/7 twist, M4 barrel extension, and a carbine gas system. M4A1 style profile is phosphate coated to mil-specs. Barrel is High Pressure tested, and Magnetic Particle inspected, to ensure quality and dependability, and is finished off with an F-marked front sight post with sling swivel, MOE Handguards and A2 flash hider.

Nothing wrong with any of that if you like the furniture....

Scope options totally depend on your eyes and mission requirements. There was a time when I did not need no stinkin optics but alas that time has passed. Red Dots ok for CQC or even out to 100 yards +plus+ depending on dot size.

Both of the scopes you listed should work just fine. There are others like the Simmons 4.5x20? that can be found for around $100 (use to be around $300?) that many are pleased with. Some threads on THR about all kinds of scopes with reviews from high end to the bottom feeders most would never have thought of as a viable option......

The 223/5.56 is such a nice shooting platform with minimal recoil that most mid range scopes work just fine.

I would look at the Viper by Vortex which due to glass, customer support, and ergonomics is a great scope if you can catch one on sale...

Good luck and have fun
 
Thanks guys for the all the input. I went ahead and went w/ this one.....

http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/2521.php

as for the glass...what I posted in #1 is alot of glass I'm now thinking of this...

http://www.opticsplanet.net/vortex-...be-riflescope-w-tmcq-illuminated-reticle.html
or
http://www.opticsplanet.net/vortex-viper-pst-1-4x24-riflescope.html

Do you think this would be overkill. Or what would ya'll suggest out of these....

http://www.opticsplanet.com/s/1-4x24/

...for less than 500....or would you suggest something totally different.....All the input helps coming from sources and I appreciate it.
 
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http://www.opticsplanet.com/s/1-4x24/

I have the Nikon 223 1x4 scope like the above scope you mentioned. I pulled it off the 223 and placed it on a .22 upper and have been very happy with the scope on that weapon. Just depends on your eyes and what type shooting you are going to do.
 
So I purchased the kit in post #17 and this scope...

http://www.opticsplanet.net/vortex-viper-pst-1-4x24-riflescope.html

Now I need rings/mount for the above set up. The total rifle came out to about 700.00 scope was 450.00 more...but seriously 150-200+ for a mount. Why coudln't I just put...

http://www.opticsplanet.net/burris-xtreme-tactical-30mm-rings.html

If so what height would be needed...or am I just crazy...what would ya'll recommend...the rings or something different...remember I am new to this platform and need Help!
 
I loved my CMMG lower when I put a Colt HBAR post ban on it. It was a very accurate rifle. As of now I have ordered an Aero complete lower with A2 stock, and a White Oaks Armament uppper is on order.
 
Saenzrich, you need extra high rings, because the stock on an AR does not drop below the receiver like virtually every other rifle. I'd recommend a cantilever mount over rings though, because you'll very likely need to get the scope forward for proper eye relief. The standard Burris PEPR mount for $81 will work - http://www.opticsplanet.net/burris-ar-tactical-mounts.html , or the SWFA branded mount for $60 - http://swfa.com/SWFA-SSALT-30mm-Scope-Mount-P47828.aspx, or the Rock River Arms Hi-Rise Cantilever 30mm Scope Mount for $60 - http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=385 .
 
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