talk to me about building my own AR

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pontifex

pontifex

Lifer
Dec 5, 2000
43,804
46
91
gorcorps said:
So assuming I get a full upper from Spikes (which includes a buffer) what individual parts would I need to build my own lower? And which is the one part I need to get from a dealer?
Click to expand...

http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/

Lower
Lower parts kit
Grip (if the LPK didn't come with one)
Buffer tube (commercial or mil-spec)
Buffer spring
Castle nut
Buffer (if the upper doesn't come with one - my Spike's upper came with one)
End plate (many kinds)
Butt stock (commercial or mil-spec - make sure it matches your buffer tube)
Mags
Front and rear iron sights if the upper doesn't come with any.

There are also some specialized tools that can help but I put mine together with only a small hammer, pliers, some punches, and tape. The only tool I bought was a stock wrench to tighten the castle nut.
 
gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
452
126
Alright... well, I think I've made some progress. I think for at least the lower+upper I'll be looking at PMA as JDMnAR1 suggested. They have the best bang for you buck on assembled stuff it seems. Right now I'm looking at:

upper: http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/2310.php
lower: http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/1619.php
sights: http://www.amazon.com/Magpul-MBUS-Re...4065102&sr=1-2

That puts me right at $948 including shipping, but not FFL transfer for the lower. The sight package is ~$90 at amazon which is cheap, but they get good reviews. I really need something to make due and then flip out of the way when I put optics on later.

This gives me everything I originally wanted except for the piston system, which you've convinced me isn't a big deal. On the plus side this does include a stainless steel barrel which is a much better alloy for corrosion resistance than any of the other choices, including the original. Plus the SS barrel inside that diamond looks sick as AIDS.

That costs about $600 less than my buddies' gun which gives me some extra room to customize. I might get a different grip as I really like the contoured pistol grips. And I'd like to get a 22lr conversion which runs about $200 it seems. We'll see how long it takes me to actually purchase such a thing, but I think I'm happy with that config.
 
nick1985

nick1985

Lifer
Dec 29, 2002
27,153
6
81
I'd also look into a S&W MP 15-22 for .22 plinking. Its a little more than the conversion kit, but then you also wont be running .22 down your .223 barrel, which I've heard can damage it over time.

I have one, its a great little rifle.

SWmp15-22.jpg
 
CRXican

CRXican

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2004
9,062
1
0
good call on the PSA stuff

I'm sure you could manage to build your own lower but that complete lower will really make life simple
 
gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
452
126
nick1985 said:
I'd also look into a S&W MP 15-22 for .22 plinking. Its a little more than the conversion kit, but then you also wont be running .22 down your .223 barrel, which I've heard can damage it over time.

I have one, its a great little rifle.

SWmp15-22.jpg
Click to expand...

There's only 2 things that people note as problems with it.
1.) there's not enough gas pressure to clean out the tube system, but a couple rounds of 223 clean it right out
2.) it's not the proper twist or diameter barrel so accuracy is hurt a touch.

A 22lr round is so soft it can't damage the material the barrels are made of. That's why they make barrels out of what they do.
 
Imp

Imp

Lifer
Feb 8, 2000
18,828
184
106
Not to thread jack, but while we're on the topic of military-issue-themed weaponry. Is no one interested in the SCAR, is it not out yet, or just too expensive?
 
gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
452
126
oldsmoboat said:
I've always heard that you should stay away from the UTG stuff. Supposedly low quality stuff for paint ball guns.
Click to expand...

It's not exactly a critical part though. Given that it's just a grip, as long as it installs properly I don't see how a higher quality one would be worth the money.
 
Specop 007

Specop 007

Diamond Member
Jan 31, 2005
9,454
0
0
gorcorps said:
It's not exactly a critical part though. Given that it's just a grip, as long as it installs properly I don't see how a higher quality one would be worth the money.
Click to expand...

Something goes bump in the night, in a rush you grab your rifle and rush out the door. In a hurry and being dazed from quickly being woken up you accidentally knock the grip against the doorframe on your way out. The cheap plastic breaks around the screw that holds the grip to the receiver and your grip falls off.

Suddenly you think spending an extra 30 bucks for a non critical part wasnt such a bad idea right?
 
gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
452
126
Specop 007 said:
Something goes bump in the night, in a rush you grab your rifle and rush out the door. In a hurry and being dazed from quickly being woken up you accidentally knock the grip against the doorframe on your way out. The cheap plastic breaks around the screw that holds the grip to the receiver and your grip falls off.

Suddenly you think spending an extra 30 bucks for a non critical part wasnt such a bad idea right?
Click to expand...

I see your point. In all honesty for me it'd never come up because I'd never use this AR for home defense... I'd go with my handgun and security shotgun, but I still see your point. It's not like the cost savings was a huge deal, so I'll keep looking around.
 
Specop 007

Specop 007

Diamond Member
Jan 31, 2005
9,454
0
0
gorcorps said:
I see your point. In all honesty for me it'd never come up because I'd never use this AR for home defense... I'd go with my handgun and security shotgun, but I still see your point. It's not like the cost savings was a huge deal, so I'll keep looking around.
Click to expand...

My philosophy is dont skimp on quality for the sake of saving a buck. Theres a difference between affordable and cheap. A cheap product is just that, its the least expensive option and it is also a piece of shit. An affordable product is a reasonably priced product that has good quality.

I wont buy the most expensive option for the sake of bragging but I damn sure will not buy the cheapest option for the sake of saving a buck. Middle of the road for me. I might splurge and go high end in some areas such as optics just because there isnt much middle of the road I would trust but for most things I'm quite happy with average.

Of course my AR is what I reach for when things go bump in the night.
 
gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
452
126
Specop 007 said:
My philosophy is dont skimp on quality for the sake of saving a buck. Theres a difference between affordable and cheap. A cheap product is just that, its the least expensive option and it is also a piece of shit. An affordable product is a reasonably priced product that has good quality.

I wont buy the most expensive option for the sake of bragging but I damn sure will not buy the cheapest option for the sake of saving a buck. Middle of the road for me. I might splurge and go high end in some areas such as optics just because there isnt much middle of the road I would trust but for most things I'm quite happy with average.

Of course my AR is what I reach for when things go bump in the night.
Click to expand...

I agree, and I appreciate the advice from everyone because when it comes to good deal vs. cheap I don't know anything about AR parts and brands.

How is Mako?

http://www.amazon.com/Mako-Israeli-D...141260&sr=8-28
 
brblx

brblx

Diamond Member
Mar 23, 2009
5,499
2
0
is that just a popular design?

i actually have one of those on an airsoft gun (from UTG). looks identical down to the little notch at the top (of course, not the same, since airsoft grips have to house an electric motor).

personally i wouldn't worry about a cheap grip too much. i just don't see that amount of plastic just breaking from shock. moot point with that ergo one above, anyway, since it's actually pretty soft. i think cracking it would defy physics. worst stuff i've noticed on cheap plastic grips is just sharp edges and casting lines.

never heard of a military one breaking off, either, and they seemed pretty bottom dollar. but they do teach you not to put excessive force on it- e.g. while moving at a sprint (not engaging targets) you hold the stock with your right hand and use it to break your fall when you dive for cover.

what i would not skimp on, if you want one, is a front grip. the cheapies feel the same but always loosen up over time.

one thing i don't like about some of these grips is that they mess up the placement of your trigger finger.
 
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D

DayLaPaul

Platinum Member
Apr 6, 2001
2,072
0
76
I'm in the same boat as you except that I'm building my lower. Right now I'm waffling between going all out and getting a Daniel Defense V3 LW complete upper for $900 or something $3-400 cheaper from PSA.

PSA said they are getting a shipment of barrels (2000+) fairly soon (less than 10 days), so unless you are dead set that on that upper, you might want to wait and see what kind of deal surfaces.
 
gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
452
126
I may just skip the whole AR thing and just get a ridiculous stock for my 10/22

AA556RD1.jpg




:eek:
 
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