Opinions on parts list for a 1st timer

[halfded]

I've been looking at parts for my first build and came up with the following. This is a budget build so I looked for the best value I could find without losing too much in the way of quality. This rifle is primarily a range toy but will stand guard in the closet as well if it proves worthy.

On to the parts:

Complete rifle kit from Del-Ton: http://www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt103.htm I chose the A2 upper (the one with the carry handle?) and the M4 (adjustable?) buttstock. Add a mag and shipping for about $513.

Stripped lower from Spike's Tactical: http://www.spikestactical.com/z/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=104_65&products_id=305 On sale for $90. Add $25 transfer fee, $115.

Total cost: +/- $628.

I know this won't be a tackdriver, but will everything work together as a functional and fairly accurate beginner's rifle? I was going to go with the model 1 kit but heard mixed reviews about it. Nothing but good things about Del-Ton.

 

[creekerdoug]

There's nothing wrong with your choices but........

I'm going to suggest you get a removable carry handle upper instead of the fixed, A2, upper. Eventually, you are going to want to add some sort of optic. With the A2 upper your options will be limited and less than ideal. With the removable upper you will have much greater options for the future. Once you start putting this stuff together, you'll want to keep adding and making changes. Ask me how I know.

You are correct to avoid Model 1 Sales. I can tell you that I will never spend another dime with them. I will pay more for parts from other vendors rather than deal with this company.

 

[halfded]

Nobody else huh?

 

[Farnham]

I put together a Del-Ton kit gun (A2 style stock though) like that on a Stag lower, and have had good luck with it. I do agree with creekerdoug, though, if I was doing it over again (and am, currently building a much nicer Mk 12 Mod 0 ) I'd go with a flattop upper receiver.

I also had a little trouble breaking it in, until I broke down and doused everything with CLP, the Del-Ton BCG and upper was a little stiff at first. The barrel isn't bad, either, it shoots at least as well as I do. For a budget build, I think you're on the right track.

 

[halfded]

Yeah, I've pretty much gathered that lubing everything real good is the way to go. Put the order in for my parts, hopefully del-ton isn't on backorder or anything.

I went with the a2 style upper, wanted to keep it stock looking for my first build. I also wanted to make sure I didn't end up turning it into a bench gun.

 

[MrCleanOK]

If you ever want to add optics, you can do so on an A2 upper. It just won't be pretty. Optics don't neccessarily mean bench gun, or even magnification.

If you haven't already seen it, this is a pretty good write-up from ar15.com on assembling lower receivers. I will add, do not loctite your castle nut. Stake it in place, this is the right way to keep it from backing out. Also, check the gas key. If it's not properly staked, now would be the time to fix that.

Good luck on your first build! Have fun, and wear safety glasses when you're fiddling with those little tiny springs!

 

[halfded]

How do I go about staking the castle nut or gas key?

As for the optics, I was looking at something like this:

http://www.parts4ar15.com/ar-15_accessories/product/ColtSporterCompactScopePackage.html

I like the look of the carry handle mounted short tube scopes.

 

[MrCleanOK]

Stock
Gas Key

If you have hammer and punch skills, you can do it yourself. If you don't, I'd have somebody that does do it for you.

 

[rcmodel]

I like the look of the carry handle mounted short tube scopes

Are you building it to look at, or to shoot?

A carry handle mount puts the sight well above where it needs to be to see through it with a proper stock cheek-weld. An optic needs to be mounted where the stock iron sights are inside the carry handle.

Been there, done that!

rc