Newbie Questions On Putting together an AR

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Bulgar

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Alright guys, I'm completely new to AR-15s, and I have never owned one. I'm thinking about putting one together, a M4A3 type to be precise, and I have a few questions about it. Also any advice you can give me(being a newcomer) would be greatly appreciated. So far here is what I'm thinking about:
CMMG 16" A3 Complete Upper Receiver - ~$500-550 on GunBroker
CMMG Adjustable Stock Complete Lower - ~ $300 on GunBroker
3 30rnd Magpul PMAGs
Carry Handle For the Rear sights (Until I decide to upgrade to an Aimpoint or EOTech)
Now if I'm not mistaken, I can have pretty much all of those shipped to my home except for the lower receiver which needs to be shipped to an FFL holder(again not sure so it would be good to get some feedback on that). Also I know I want the CMMG upper because it offers features that most others don't at this price(1/7 twist, m4 ramps, mag particle tested, etc.). However, I'm not too sure on the lower, the only reason I picked that one is because I figured since I'm buying a CMMG upper, might as well go with the same brand lower. If you guys have any suggestions on a better lower for roughly the same price, that would be good to know. Also I went with GunBroker because I figured they would have some of the best prices, if there is anywhere I could buy those parts for a cheaper price, let me know. And finally, I know magpul makes good magazines, but input on different brands would be appreciated, and also what is a good brand carry handle that wont cost me more then 60-70? Thanks in advance for the help/advice :)
 
On an AR the lower is the serialized part, and must be shipped to your FFL to transfer it to you.

Instead of a removable carry handle, you may wish to look at a backup iron sight (BUIS) - that you can still use once you install your optical sight of choice.

Botach has the iTAC RDS1 Red Dot Sight on sale for $79; I use one on my competition carbine and like it. It's not the quality of the T-1 its essentially a copy of - but it doesn't have the $400- price tag, either.
http://www.botachtactical.com/itac.html
 
Bulgar said:
Alright guys, I'm completely new to AR-15s, and I have never owned one. I'm thinking about putting one together, a M4A3 type to be precise, and I have a few questions about it. Also any advice you can give me(being a newcomer) would be greatly appreciated. So far here is what I'm thinking about:
CMMG 16" A3 Complete Upper Receiver - ~$500-550 on GunBroker
CMMG Adjustable Stock Complete Lower - ~ $300 on GunBroker
3 30rnd Magpul PMAGs
Carry Handle For the Rear sights (Until I decide to upgrade to an Aimpoint or EOTech)
Now if I'm not mistaken, I can have pretty much all of those shipped to my home except for the lower receiver which needs to be shipped to an FFL holder(again not sure so it would be good to get some feedback on that). Also I know I want the CMMG upper because it offers features that most others don't at this price(1/7 twist, m4 ramps, mag particle tested, etc.). However, I'm not too sure on the lower, the only reason I picked that one is because I figured since I'm buying a CMMG upper, might as well go with the same brand lower. If you guys have any suggestions on a better lower for roughly the same price, that would be good to know. Also I went with GunBroker because I figured they would have some of the best prices, if there is anywhere I could buy those parts for a cheaper price, let me know. And finally, I know magpul makes good magazines, but input on different brands would be appreciated, and also what is a good brand carry handle that wont cost me more then 60-70? Thanks in advance for the help/advice :)
Click to expand...
Hello. This isn't really "building" an AR-15 unless you plan on assembling the lower parts kit. That's a good option if you remember to stake and loctite the castle nut, given that you are set on an "m4" style rifle.

That said, ditch your plans for a CMMG rifle. Yeah they're pretty good, but there is a much better value brand called "Spikes Tactical". Spikes Tactical builds their upper receiver groups to true military specification. Their bolts are shot-peened, high-pressure proof-tested, and magnetic particle tested. Their barrels are also proof-tested and magnetic particle tested. Their barrels are chrome-lined, 1/7 twist, and made of 4150 CMV mil-spec steel.

Aim surplus is selling their lightweight uppers for 499$

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XSTU5040MOE&name=Spikes+Tactical+16%22+Lightweight+5.56%2f.223+Upper+Receiver&groupid=55

That said, I would also get a good back up iron sight and NOT a carry handle for when you get your red dot. the magpul MBUS is good enough for this role, IMHO.

And I would also recommend that you get a DSArms ZM4 lower. they're selling for 200$

http://www.dsarms.com/Model-ZM4-Complete-Lower-Receiver-With-Mil-Spec-Stock-Assembly---DSZM4R2/productinfo/DSZM4R2/

This is the part that will have to be shipped to an FFL. For the most part, lowers are lowers are lowers. There isn't exactly a world of difference between the DSArms lower and a Spikes, Colt, or Bravo Company lower. They both have the same (kinda) gritty break triggers. You could upgrade to an Armalite 2-stage trigger down the road if you want.

happy shooting.
 
mig, yeah I know that's not "truly" building an ar, but for me right now that's as close as I'm going to get until I have some hands on experience haha. But thanks a lot, you just made my life a lot easier(and cheaper lol), that's EXACTLY what I was looking for.
 
Since you seem to be price sensitive,

The January 10th Shotgun News details building an ultra-affordable AR.

Summary:
PCF C-15 complete lower receiver $119,
Weapon Systems International 16" M-4 style upper receiver $299,
CMT bolt carrier assembly $120,
DPMS charging handle $19.95,
Magpul MBUS folding rear sight $57.95.

Total $615.90.

Don't forget Magpul mags, ammo, and a bag to haul it all around.
 
Botach has the iTAC RDS1 Red Dot Sight on sale for $79; I use one on my competition carbine and like it. It's not the quality of the T-1 its essentially a copy of - but it doesn't have the $400- price tag, either.
http://www.botachtactical.com/itac.html
Click to expand...

Be wary of buying from BOTACH. I bought from them a few times, orders went through just fine. Then disaster. You never really appreciate good customer service until it isn't there.

Also +1 on Spike's Tactical. Those guys are doing it right. I have a lower from them and am helping a buddy put together a complete rifle that is an Armalite/Spike's mix. Good stuff.
 
Yeah I took a look at Spike's Tactical, the upper mig showed me is beautiful, especially for the price. How is their lower? If I'm going to get a Spikes upper might as well go all out and get a Spike's lower. If I opt to put my own lower together, whats a good lower parts kit to get?
 
a lot of guys i know use DPMS as well as stag lower parts kits. wilson combat also makes some. there are too many to mention.....go to midway usa and do a search and read customer reviews. most are helpful...some are not.
 
Bulgar, Spikes makes a great lower and your idea of using the same brand upper and lower receivers is a good one. Not necessary but a good idea for fit and finish.

Look at all the Spikes rollmarks and you're bound to find one you like better than the others. Zombies, Spiders and plain... I'd take the spider myself but then I like other companies rollmarks even better. My preference would be to build the lower myself using a Stag LPK and BCM receiver extension/H-buffer/M4 stock kit. (Or an upgraded stock if you find one you like better.) Though I've never used one, I hear Spikes has a good buffer that I think is slightly heavier than the H-buffer.


ETA:
If you want to buy a complete lower that's fine and just pin the complete upper on it. If you want you still can call it your "build" since you chose the components instead of a factory rifle.
 
Last edited:
I've built 3 on Spikes lowers. One US Army for my brother who had just gotten out and two "Infidel"s. Their lowers are mil-spec and go together perfectly.

John
 
Spartan00054 said:
Be wary of buying from BOTACH. I bought from them a few times, orders went through just fine. Then disaster. You never really appreciate good customer service until it isn't there.
Click to expand...
My condolences on your bad experience. I've ordered from Botach several times and had no problems. As always, caveat emptor.
 
I've already got more AR's than I really need, but have been itching for something in a really light platform. I just bought at DPMS with 16" light barrrel and no sights for $665 OTD at a gunshow Saturday. Gun came with a hard case, cleaning kit and 2, 30 round mags. I could have saved few dollars putting one together, but at that price I don't think I went wrong.
 
Yep, thanks for the input guys, helped me out a lot, here is the setup I will most likely be going with:
Upper: http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...al+16"+M4+5.56/.223+Upper+Receiver&groupid=55
Lower: http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/spikes-tactical-complete-lower-w-m4-stock-p-86.html
And as MrHappy said, some magpul pmags, ammo, and a bag.
I don't think I'll be disappointed :)
Btw, I don't think I want a polymer lower for my first gun, but I may experiment with it at some point later on after there is more feedback on them and I can be sure they wont fail, I'm not knocking them by any means, just playing it safe haha.
 
I'd recommend you go with the Spikes Tactical Lightweight Mid Length. Its a fantastic rifle for a great price and one of teh best bang for the bucks out there. You could still build something for less as many have outlined, however why sell yourself so short when having a rifle made from the best materials and assembled with the proper QC only cost a little more... :)
 
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