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Posted: 1/27/2012 1:12:01 PM EDT
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Hey guys, I'm about to start on my first ground-up build on an AR. I already have an Armalite M15 A4 carbine that I bought new, but this will be my first to go from a stripped lower to an entire rifle.
Its not gonna be a completely authentic clone by any means because its going on a Palmetto State lower receiver. Brand names don't really matter as long as it functions correctly and doesn't have junk parts. Doesn't have to be Colt down to the buttplate. Anyhow, after pricing out lots of stuff on the EE, I found a couple complete used FNMI 20" A2 uppers for the mid $300's. Is that about right or are these something to stay away from? I don't want to buy junk and sometimes if it seems too cheap to be true, it is. I'd like to build my own upper, but I'm also saving for a wedding so if I can save a couple hundred by getting one of these uppers I'll just go that route. Any input on something like this or just go ground-up? I just want a standard A2 service rifle build with a regular A2 upper, A2 profile 20" barrel w/ birdcage, cheapo handguards, rifle gas system, A2 stock, etc. |
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You got it right. Not much difference between a PSA A-2 lower and a govt contract lower except roll mark and happy switch. Most the used FN's I've seen have been as good as any A-2 uppers out there. Ohio Ordnance Works has a few in stock and the two I've personally seen were like new. They also have a few sweet FN barrels left if you want to piece it together.
I personally don't have A-2's engraved but for the authentic clone look that works for some. It's a nice touch for details but won't help it shoot any better. A FN upper if you specify black will probably be a pretty good color match on the PSA lower seeing as they are probably kin to each other. Enjoy the build. A-2 is the least expensive AR build going right now if you do a little shopping. |
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You might find one for a bit less if you stay on the EE 24/7. I pieced one together. It was about the same price. It saved me a few bucks since I had the barrel refinished and installed to the upper by ADCO. From what I've seen on the EE so far for piecing it together: Upper: $100 Barrel: $150 Hand guard: $15 Birdcage: $15 Gas tube/FSB: $60 Delta ring: $35 Hand guard cap: $10 Then I still have to get my armorers wrench which I can wait on for a bit longer till I start on my A4 .300BLK build :) |
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Only real advantage to piecing an upper together is you can buy and install only the parts you want and you can pay a little as you go. As you have noted unless getting the super deals parts cost more than complete uppers. Same with most everything. Back when all this stuff was surplused out for cheap it was a little different story but one had to be in the loop. I'm talking boxes of furniture for $20 and surplus barrelled uppers for $125-150 but this was A-1 stuff.
We are going to start seeing lots more A-2 surplus available in the near future as they get phased out by Unka Samuel but the supply centers have become a little particular also. Will have to know someone and I quit working for them a couple years back and they had gotten a little funny even then. Truth be known most of the stuff you see now days has more than likely been stolen by someone at sometime and passed down the line. Hard to trace a barrel unless it was used to murder someone. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
You might find one for a bit less if you stay on the EE 24/7. I pieced one together. It was about the same price. It saved me a few bucks since I had the barrel refinished and installed to the upper by ADCO. From what I've seen on the EE so far for piecing it together: Upper: $100 Barrel: $150 Hand guard: $15 Birdcage: $15 Gas tube/FSB: $60 Delta ring: $35 Hand guard cap: $10 Then I still have to get my armorers wrench which I can wait on for a bit longer till I start on my A4 .300BLK build :) My barrel came with flash hider, delta ring, and handguard cap, though I did need a forward assist and port door for the upper. If you're just happy dropping an upper on a lower, then by all means get it complete. I like spreading the cost out and, like I said, since I intended to have it refinished, it would all have to be disassembled any way. |
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Quoted:
Only real advantage to piecing an upper together is you can buy and install only the parts you want and you can pay a little as you go. As you have noted unless getting the super deals parts cost more than complete uppers. Same with most everything. Back when all this stuff was surplused out for cheap it was a little different story but one had to be in the loop. I'm talking boxes of furniture for $20 and surplus barrelled uppers for $125-150 but this was A-1 stuff. We are going to start seeing lots more A-2 surplus available in the near future as they get phased out by Unka Samuel but the supply centers have become a little particular also. Will have to know someone and I quit working for them a couple years back and they had gotten a little funny even then. Truth be known most of the stuff you see now days has more than likely been stolen by someone at sometime and passed down the line. Hard to trace a barrel unless it was used to murder someone. How shot out are those barrels going to be though? |
| The OOW A-2 FN parts I've seen were like new money and I have yet to hear a single complaint. They usually grade there parts pretty tough and if they say excellent they mean it. Probably one of the more classy surplus dealers out there right now but things can change with greed over time. They are charging a premium price for premium grade parts. I'd be willing to bet if something isn't right they will make it good too. They aren't gonna risk their reputation for $335 like some vendors who would risk losing a valued customer just to move some crap parts.. No affiliation. |
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