Question about AR parts

[ehanger]

I'm a total gun noob planning to buy an AR15, which will be my first. Was looking around on midwayusa and saw a DPMS lower selling for $245

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=723357

and an upper for $500

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=253994

All I would have to do is connect these two receivers and I have a complete 100% functioning rifle, correct? Is there anything else I have to buy like the pins to attach them?

Also, my local gun store deals only with RRA and they sell one for $1150 (tax included). I only have $1200 to spend on guns so is there a significant difference between the $750 DPMS rifle and the $1150 RRA?

 

[68wj]

I am only going to answer your 1st set of questions. No, nothing else to buy for the rifle. They will pin together and give you a functioning firearm.

Question 2 is subjective and depends on which specific RRA, your budget, your need, etc.

 

[ehanger]

I'm not sure which exact model but when I went in I asked how much their cheapest AR15 cost and it was $1085 + 6% maryland tax, so I assume its their lowest end model (entry tactical?).

 

[MMcfpd]

All I would have to do is connect these two receivers and I have a complete 100% functioning rifle, correct? Is there anything else I have to buy like the pins to attach them?

You will still need a rear sight.

Perhaps a better alternative (definitely as far as quality goes) would be the following:
Bravo Company 16" upper $520
Standard handguards $22.95
Daniel Defense A1.5 Fixed Rear Sight $65
LMT Defender lower $330
For a total of $937.95, exclusive of course of shipping and an FFL transfer fee, which will be involved with the Midway option you listed as well.

 

[Cemetery21]

You will need optics, or at least a rear sight of some sort for the DPMS. Also, the RRA generally comes with an upgraded trigger.
RRA makes a good weapon and may have a little more resale value. But, except for the trigger difference, I do not think the normal shooter/hunter could tell a difference in the reliability or accuracy. I've had both and several others and my current bench/varmint rifles are modified DPMS and S&W.
You will need an FFL to take shipment on the DPMS lower, and they may charge a fee. So factor in shipping, fees, sights, and trigger to the Midway price.
I would also look for other shops. A base RRA, S&W, CMMG, Stag, DPMS, or others should not be $1000.