So I bought a complete upper and lower...

[brewer12345]

I am not really a black rifle type or a semi auto type, but AR stuff is cheap and next year is an election year. I bought a complete Aero lower on a black Friday sale and just won an auction for a complete Aero upper with BCG and handle. So as I understand it, I can basically put the two together and have a functioning rifle. I bought a couple mags and a few hundred rounds as well. Anything else I should know about putting the upper and lower together? The seller of the upper stated that he has checked the headspace of the upper, which I am lead to understand is a good thing.

 

[Warp]

I am not really a black rifle type or a semi auto type, but AR stuff is cheap and next year is an election year. I bought a complete Aero lower on a black Friday sale and just won an auction for a complete Aero upper with BCG and handle. So as I understand it, I can basically put the two together and have a functioning rifle. I bought a couple mags and a few hundred rounds as well. Anything else I should know about putting the upper and lower together? The seller of the upper stated that he has checked the headspace of the upper, which I am lead to understand is a good thing.

There isn't even need to headspace any half decent complete upper.

Yes, put upper on lower, bam, completely rifle. It's about as complicated to put an upper on a lower as it is to insert a magazine and pull the charging handle. The only possible "missing part" sometimes will be sights/optic. If its a FSB (front sight base) upper, that's your front sight, and the so called complete uppers sometimes come without a rear sight. If it has that or you add that, you should have a totally complete rifle

 

[brewer12345]

The upper has a front sight and an A2 handle/sight, so I think it has everything for a basic, functioning rifle. Obviously I could later add an optic, light, tactical hamster, etc.

 

[cfullgraf]

The seller of the upper stated that he has checked the headspace of the upper, which I am lead to understand is a good thing.

Machining these days is accurate enough that for the most part, all in spec bolts will properly fit all in spec chambers. Out of spec bolts and chambers are rare.

Still, it is easy to check and verify the head spacing is correct. Usually, selecting another bolt "fixes" things if the bolt does not head space correctly.

When i buy an AR barrel, I either check the head space myself or buy a head spaced bolt with the barrel. Gives me some warm, fuzzy feelings about the rifle.

Many folks do not bother.

Yes, you should be able to just mount the upper to the lower and go have fun.

 

[newfalguy101]

2 pins and go play

 

[Gordon]

Areo is actually a very good manufacturer IMHO and I think you will find they fit together VERY nice.

 

[kcofohio]

The upper has a front sight and an A2 handle/sight, so I think it has everything for a basic, functioning rifle. Obviously I could later add an optic, light, tactical hamster, etc.

brewer12345, I'm new to the AR 15 scene, (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) but if your carrier handle/rear sight is non-removable from the upper, you might not be able to reasonably mount a scope/red-dot. Or am I missing something here.

 

[Warp]

brewer12345, I'm new to the AR 15 scene, (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) but if your carrier handle/rear sight is non-removable from the upper, you might not be able to reasonably mount a scope/red-dot. Or am I missing something here.

This is correct. What you really want (well, what almost everybody really wants) is a flat top upper with a removable carry handle rear sight. An actual A2 upper with a fixed carry handle rear sight is pretty much useless for optics

 

[brewer12345]

This one has the removable handle.

 

[newfalguy101]

brewer12345, I'm new to the AR 15 scene, (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) but if your carrier handle/rear sight is non-removable from the upper, you might not be able to reasonably mount a scope/red-dot. Or am I missing something here.

2 options:

1) "gooseneck" scope mount that attaches through the hole in the top of the carry handle and mounts the scope either directly over the eject port on top of the carry handle, OR over the front grip ahead of the carry handle.

2) Scope mount that attaches through the hole in the carry handle, the scope mounts directly over the eject port on top of the carry handle

 

[Nuclear]

A removable handle makes it an A3 upper.