Thinking about an AR...

[primalmu]

So, I'm considering putting together an AR build, but I'm not sure how to go about it. Mainly this is due to the shortage of lowers. Now, if my motorcycle sells soon I might be able to pick a RRA up in pretty much the exact configuration I was wanting. However, if the RRA sells soon I might be up a creek. One alternative I was considering is buying one of the sub-$600 DPMSs that my local Walmart has and as funds allow upgrading the upper (which as I understand it is really the core of the gun anyway, especially the BCG).

The question is, will I be sorely disappointed with the quality of a DPMS lower?

 

[Quentin]

I would be disappointed with the parts attached to the lower. Internal parts, commercial diameter receiver extension, buffer, stock, etc. The stripped lower itself should be ok. Those parts plus the upper would have me looking harder for something else. In that price range have you looked for a S&W M&P-15 Sport?

 

[primalmu]

Yes, I have been thinking about the S&W, but it looks like the cheapest one I can find is $815 from Buds, and that's without iron sights (necessitating another $200-250 for a decent scope and rings).

 

[Warp]

I think you can do a lot better than DPMS.

Curious...why does the lack of an iron site (just the rear site lacking?) mean you need to buy a scope and rings?

Also...are you sure that $200 will get a decent scope and rings? What do you have in mind?

 

[primalmu]

Well, because my ultimate goal is scoping. I had planned on something like a Bushnell Elite 3200 which I can get for about $175, giving me another $75 for a decent mount.

 

[tarosean]

What's the primary purpose of the gun?

 

[primalmu]

Plinking, target practice, and at some point I'd like to get into coyote/varmint hunting.

 

[gotigers]

Some walmarts have the S&W sport much cheaper than the Bud's price. DPMS makes great parts, but OK complete .223/5.56 ARs. I would look for a S&W sport a little harder. I would at least want a 5.56 chamber. If you don't find a S&W sport, than the DPMS will do. There are much worse choices.

 

[longshot7.62x51]

Spikes makes a good lower I do most of my builds on a spikes lower

 

[RatDrall]

Why don't you buy a stripped lower, quality parts kit, and whatever stock kit you want... You should be able to put a nice lower together, with non garbage parts that you actually want, as you can afford it. Buy your upper of choice when you have the funds to do it right.

 

[lowslowmiata]

Just ordered a jsesurplus rifle kit with magpul furniture for $600. I've heard good things about it but have yet to receive the parts. That's 600 plus the stripped lower of your choice out the door!

 

[Frankl03]

I would get the M&P sport before a DPMS! They are in stock at Buds and they are $649!
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_763_977/products_id/71971

The M&P Sport is a great value! If I was looking for a budget rifle I would snap one up.

That being said there are other great values out there like PSA, Spikes etc. Building a lower is not hard either and you can save some money by going that route.

 

[shaggy430]

I had a DPMS Sportical but there was just something about it I didn't like. I ended up selling the gun and am building an AR now.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I would get the M&P sport before a DPMS! They are in stock at Buds and they are $649!
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_763_977/products_id/71971

The M&P Sport is a great value! If I was looking for a budget rifle I would snap one up.

That being said there are other great values out there like PSA, Spikes etc. Building a lower is not hard either and you can save some money by going that route.

+1. Owned a Prairie Panther, okay rifle, but the Sport is more durable.

 

[Fremmer]

Classic arms has the palmetto state armory m4 flat top with a fn barrel for $699. I would buy it now if I had the cash.

 

[Owen Sparks]

Wait until after the election in November. There will be a surplus of slightly used AR's on the market then.

 

[Slimbo]

Build what you want, that way you get the parts you want. I haven't noticed a shortage of lowers at all, the only thing I have noticed is parts kits selling quickly but its not like you can't get your hands on one period. It isn't the cheapest route but It's your rifle.

 

[mljdeckard]

Shortage of lowers?

A lower is a lower is a lower, as long as it's in-spec. There's absolutely nothing wrong with DPMS.

 

[primalmu]

Wow, if I can find an FFL willing to do the transfer I'd get that Palmetto State AR right now...

 

[Fremmer]

I was wrong, the palmetto is $699.

 

[KeithR]

+1 on the M&P Sport. Got mine thru GunBrokers last May. Only problem was having to wait the couple days for shipping.
Nikon has a rebate on BDC scopes.
http://www.nikonpromo.com/bdc.php
If all you want is a plinker, get the P223 w/BDC(w/o rings) for about $110 after rebate or $145 w/rings-after rebate. OpticsPlanet.com as an example.

 

[Warp]

Wait until after the election in November. There will be a surplus of slightly used AR's on the market then.

...is that what happened 4 years ago?

 

[primalmu]

Alright, I've decided to order a stripped lower and build it up with a parts kit. I've started looking at uppers and I'm trying to decide on what I want. Initially I had this idea of trying to build a super accurate gun, however now I'm thinking I'd like a more practical rifle. Right now I don't have anywhere I can shoot greater than 500 yards. And honestly, I'd be happy if I could hit the big swinging target at that range (I think it's 12"x18" or so). Most of my shooting will be at swinging targets in the 250-300 yard range.

I was originally wanting a 20-24" bull barrel, but now I'm questioning whether I really need one or not. I'm not going to be shooting competitions any time soon so I really don't need a barrel that is slower to get hot. What I do like about the bull barrels is that they are stiffer, which should lead to improved accuracy.

1) How much accuracy will I gain from a bull barrel vs a standard profile?
2) Should I go with something like a red dot? Or maybe a lower fixed-power scope?
3) Twist rate. 1 in 9"? 1 in 8"? 1 in 7"? Most of my shooting will be target practice, so I think 1 in 9" would be fine and should handle the few times I may want to shoot a heavier round.
4) Barrel length? Is 16" accurate? Would I be better served with a 20"?

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Warp]

The better match rounds and bullets seem to be 75-77gr, and they can be marginal in 1-9 twist barrels. Much better in 1-7. So I read, haven't tried myself.

If you want accuracy, precision, and consistency at range you will want magnification. The naked eye just isn't all that great at hundreds of yards. At least mine isn't.

 

[OhioChief]

I don't understand your comment on the shortage of lowers, but I didn't read the entire thead, so maybe you answered that. I just bought a M&P Saturday, and there were plenty. Build your own lower. It's a good exercise. Tons of lower parts kits to choose from. My local gun shop carries DPMS lower parts kits, so I buy those. then I throw away the trigger and handle, and replace with RRA 2 stage trigger and after-market handle. yes it ends up costing more, but I'm happy with the outcome. my 2 cents. But my AR's run really good!