Mosin Bubba
Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2012
- Messages
- 1,936
I got an A2 rear sight from Chinese Ebay for $20. It's just cheap pot metal, but it shoots as well as I do.
I believe I am looking forward to this.
I'm no AR guru, but considering that ARs are routinely available for about $400 (for example) I doubt you can save anything building your own.
I don't understand how I can save anything by spending $450-$500 for a very basic assembled carbine that's already available for $370, but if that's gun math, I'm OK with it.Yeah you can. For $450-$500, you can buy a very basic assembled carbine, or you can buy a stripped lower and a rifle kit that has Magpul grip, Magpul stock, free float Keymod or MLOK handguard and MBUS sights.
I don't understand how I can save anything by spending $450-$500 for a very basic assembled carbine that's already available for $370, but if that's gun math, I'm OK with it.
Well then how about a better stock and grip with keymod for $440. That just leaves a $20 rear flip-up sight, also available from CDNN. I still run my A2 with a rear or red dot and without problems with a scope. $460+ $15 shipping, + transfer fee. By the by, $14.99 is the shipping rate at CDNN.
Plenty of inexpensive complete ARs with no assembly required.
https://www.cdnnsports.com/delton-ar15-echo-316-556-nato-b5-system.html?___SID=U#.WbTMtbU8KEc
For a, to quote the OP, "range plinker and coyote killer" I don't see that gas system or fancy rails really matter. We could go round and round about whether he really ought to save up and buy a Smith or Colt, or Noveske because they're better, but if every dollar counts...
And therein lies the "value" component. He didn't say "budget" or "as cheap as possible". Didn't mention budget constraints whatsoever, in fact, although we may reasonably deduce from the OP that he doesn't want to spend a fortune. On that note, I don't see anyone suggesting he go out and buy a $1,500 rifle, but who in their right mind wouldn't want those upgrades when the cost difference is truly negligible? They're not of dubious utility; the Magpul bits are vastly superior in the ergonomics department for virtually everyone, and a free float tube not only looks better to most, but is functional in the accuracy and accessory department.
OP's decision of course, but why would one want to pay the FET and other premiums for an assembled rifle when they can get a good bit more for their money by pushing in two pins or doing some very simple assembly? You truly don't even need an armorer's wrench to assemble a lower, just a hammer, small punch and flat blade screwdriver. Heck, the vise is optional; I've loosened and locked down receiver extension nuts holding the thing between my knees with a magazine inserted.
Is there something wrong with a carbine gas system, and why is the "mid length" gas system so desirable? Why would an M4 barrel be a worse alternative? If it has Picatinny/1913 rails I could attach any vertical foregrip or flashlight attachment, why would I want an M-Lok or Keymod handguard? Not trying to sound like a jerk - I really don't know what the advantage is, and I've been using the Picatinney stuff for years.Sure, if you want crap drop-in handguards on a carbine gas system. And you're still within $20 of the PSA kit I linked that has a lightweight middy barrel, which most anyone would consider preferable to an M4 tube.
Honestly, as much as I do know about some firearms, my knowledge on ARs is pretty thin, so I wouldn't know the difference on many items people say absolutely HAVE to be upgraded.
Is there something wrong with a carbine gas system, and why is the "mid length" gas system so desirable? Why would an M4 barrel be a worse alternative? If it has Picatinny/1913 rails I could attach any vertical foregrip or flashlight attachment, why would I want an M-Lok or Keymod handguard? Not trying to sound like a jerk - I really don't know what the advantage is, and I've been using the Picatinney stuff for years.
Yes, every dollar counts, for certain. BTW, thank you guys very much for the information, much appreciated.
Actually, its reduced dwell time. Shorter tube shorter time. Then there is higher port pressure due to the port being closer to the chamber.Carbine gas systems are more violent due to excessive dwell time, but more importantly, the M4 profile barrel adds unnecessary weight. Keymod or M-LOK handguards have become the standard because they allow the same attachment of accessories without the size, weight and cheese-grating penalty of quad rails. The 13.5" (or other length) free floated handguards are beneficial to accuracy and offer much more real estate for putting things like lights or forward grips wherever you want them, as well as magnifiers, night vision adapters, etc. There are direct mount systems or picatinny rail sections for keymod & M-LOK. Futhermore, the 13.5" handguard in the link I posted will offer more sight radius than an A2 front sight on a carbine gas system.
Actually, its reduced dwell time. Shorter tube shorter time. Then there is higher port pressure due to the port being closer to the chamber.
.
"Dwell", properly defined in firearms design handbooks is: "[for gas operated weapons] the time between the uncovering of the gas port to the unlocking of the bolt."Negative. Dwell time is dictated by port to muzzle distance, which is 2" longer on a carbine system with identical barrel length. Correct on higher port pressure, which compounds with the dwell time, giving us an "over-gassed" system.
Yeah, they like a good credit rating before handing out cards. If someone stole my identity, they'd try to give it back.I'd say get a bass pro card and buy either a Sport 2 or a Ruger 556. Make payments like you were saving up! Then you only pay a little interest for not having to wait!
Yeah, they like a good credit rating before handing out cards. If someone stole my identity, they'd try to give it back.
Thank you for interesting information. It would be spread out a little longer than one payday to the next, same way as I've acquired many of my firearms, just thought of trying the lower/upper idea as a way to spread out the fun. Thank you for all the helpful replies!
MachIVShooter presents a good case for PSA assemblage of parts kits which at least gives you one contact point for warranty issues. I personally do not care for PSA customer service nor shipping wait times while recognizing that they provide good value for what they do.