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Posted: 5/26/2014 3:56:45 PM EDT
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Well I am building my first AR-15 and I thought I'd come in and discuss what I'm looking at with you guys, hear your comments and criticisms and maybe learn some stuff.
Here is what I have in mind. Getting a Del-Ton 16" rifle kit (del-ton upper and parts), BCM bolt carrier group, PSA "blemished" lower receiver, JP EZ trigger, Magpul stock and magazines, and Mueller 2-7x 32 MultiShot Scope. For me this is a bit of a budget build(No more than $1200, optics, mags, etc included) I'm a young man and can't afford an extremely expensive rifle. I plan to build a more rigorous and tricked out gun down the line, but right now I'm just looking for a reliable and versatile jack of all trades rifle I can use for all the roles I need.(Plinking, Hunting, possible home defense where my handgun or shotgun aren't more effective, SHTF.) |
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For home defense a 20" barrel might not be the best choice. You can save a little money by going with Spikes BCG. Thank you for replying. Home defense was my third on the priority list (considering I have a revolver and shotgun for my primary close quarters home defense). That said I think I will go the 16" route. I will definitely look into the Spikes BCG. How much better would you say they are than Del Ton BCG? From the specs the Del Ton BCG didn't look all that bad. |
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Quoted:
For home defense a 20" barrel might not be the best choice. You can save a little money by going with Spikes BCG. Thank you for replying. Home defense was my third on the priority list (considering I have a revolver and shotgun for my primary close quarters home defense). That said I think I will go the 16" route. I will definitely look into the Spikes BCG. How much better would you say they are than Del Ton BCG? From the specs the Del Ton BCG didn't look all that bad. |
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Hey. I'm new to AR15.com but I saw your post and figured I could help out. Just to add some perspective, I've assembled many AR's. I also work in the industry.
Anyways. You may be interested in a complete rifle kit, minus reciever, to start a budget build. For example: http://www.jsesurplus.com/jse16wilsonarmsmidmoly1x9hbarrhgbriflekit.aspx I've built multiple rifles using kits from JSE Surplus. They also test fire all of their complete uppers. If you're like me, you don't want to buy $500 worth of parts all in one go. If so, I second the suggestion made about the Spikes BCG. As far as triggers go. I've always had luck with the Rock River 2-Stage NM trigger, they are pretty affordable for the quality (though I hear some people don't favor them). I also just recently got a CMC trigger pack with a 3.5lb flat trigger and it is NIIIICE! Hope this helps! -W |
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Someone suggested I get a blemished PSA lower, and for the savings I'm seeing right now I see no reason not to. They seem to have a good reputation from what I have read. I second the PSA blem lower, PSA stuff is gtg. The del ton BCG's are fine, C-158 and HPT/MPI and all the regular stuff you should expect. You can find good quality BCG's for cheaper though, take a look at my link below. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAIMBCG158&name=AIM+5.56%2f.223+AR+Bolt+Carrier+Group+w%2f+Carpenter+158+MPI+Bolt&groupid=723 |
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Hey. I'm new to AR15.com but I saw your post and figured I could help out. Just to add some perspective, I've assembled many AR's. I also work in the industry. Anyways. You may be interested in a complete rifle kit, minus reciever, to start a budget build. For example: http://www.jsesurplus.com/jse16wilsonarmsmidmoly1x9hbarrhgbriflekit.aspx I've built multiple rifles using kits from JSE Surplus. They also test fire all of their complete uppers. If you're like me, you don't want to buy $500 worth of parts all in one go. If so, I second the suggestion made about the Spikes BCG. As far as triggers go. I've always had luck with the Rock River 2-Stage NM trigger, they are pretty affordable for the quality (though I hear some people don't favor them). I also just recently got a CMC trigger pack with a 3.5lb flat trigger and it is NIIIICE! Hope this helps! -W Thank you for the feedback, I will definitely look into it. Good to see another new face around willing to help a guy out. |
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Quoted: I plan to build a more rigorous and tricked out gun down the line, but right now I'm just looking for a reliable and versatile jack of all trades rifle I can use for all the roles I need.(Plinking, Hunting, possible home defense where my handgun or shotgun aren't more effective, SHTF.) You get my 900th post... was saving this for a helpful one... If hunting is a considered role you need to step up in caliber. 277 Wolverine or a 300blk minimum. for ranges over 200yrds I recommend a 6.8SPC. The wolverine is right in its heels though. 223/556 is reserved for cheaper plinking & PD. But a 300blk & 6.8 fill the PD role also. 6.8 info |
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You get my 900th post... was saving this for a helpful one... If hunting is a considered role you need to step up in caliber. 277 Wolverine or a 300blk minimum for ranges over 200yrds I recommend a 6.8SPC. The wolverine is right in its heels though. 223/556 is reserved for cheaper plinking & PD. But a 300blk & 6.8 fill the PD role also. 6.8 info Quoted:
Quoted: I plan to build a more rigorous and tricked out gun down the line, but right now I'm just looking for a reliable and versatile jack of all trades rifle I can use for all the roles I need.(Plinking, Hunting, possible home defense where my handgun or shotgun aren't more effective, SHTF.) You get my 900th post... was saving this for a helpful one... If hunting is a considered role you need to step up in caliber. 277 Wolverine or a 300blk minimum for ranges over 200yrds I recommend a 6.8SPC. The wolverine is right in its heels though. 223/556 is reserved for cheaper plinking & PD. But a 300blk & 6.8 fill the PD role also. 6.8 info Thanks, I don't know I really thought a 5.56 NATO was sufficient for deer. I appreciate your helpfulness. |
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I second the PSA blem lower, PSA stuff is gtg. The del ton BCG's are fine, C-158 and HPT/MPI and all the regular stuff you should expect. You can find good quality BCG's for cheaper though, take a look at my link below. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAIMBCG158&name=AIM+5.56%2f.223+AR+Bolt+Carrier+Group+w%2f+Carpenter+158+MPI+Bolt&groupid=723 Quoted:
Quoted:
Someone suggested I get a blemished PSA lower, and for the savings I'm seeing right now I see no reason not to. They seem to have a good reputation from what I have read. I second the PSA blem lower, PSA stuff is gtg. The del ton BCG's are fine, C-158 and HPT/MPI and all the regular stuff you should expect. You can find good quality BCG's for cheaper though, take a look at my link below. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAIMBCG158&name=AIM+5.56%2f.223+AR+Bolt+Carrier+Group+w%2f+Carpenter+158+MPI+Bolt&groupid=723 Thanks, good to hear a vote of confidence. |
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Thanks, I don't know I really thought a 5.56 NATO was sufficient for deer. I appreciate your helpfulness. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted: I plan to build a more rigorous and tricked out gun down the line, but right now I'm just looking for a reliable and versatile jack of all trades rifle I can use for all the roles I need.(Plinking, Hunting, possible home defense where my handgun or shotgun aren't more effective, SHTF.) You get my 900th post... was saving this for a helpful one... If hunting is a considered role you need to step up in caliber. 277 Wolverine or a 300blk minimum for ranges over 200yrds I recommend a 6.8SPC. The wolverine is right in its heels though. 223/556 is reserved for cheaper plinking & PD. But a 300blk & 6.8 fill the PD role also. 6.8 info Thanks, I don't know I really thought a 5.56 NATO was sufficient for deer. I appreciate your helpfulness. The term that come to mind is "Barely"... I wanted a cartridge that would take any mid - size game & in a readily available round & the 6.8 fits that role perfectly out to about 350yrds. I would be willing to stretch that to 400yds with my handloads. A 300blk or 556 will not come close to that performance. If anyone tells you otherwise they are lying. |
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I agree in caliber recommendation 6.8SPC, 300 BLK, etc. There are many handy hunting calibers you can build an AR in. I recently did some work on a .243 LBC that a friend of mine has fallen in love with.
BUT as far as off the shelf 300 BLK and 6.8 SPC, I've had a difficult time in recent months finding it in my part of the world. I built a 300 BLK almost a year ago on a whim. First ammo I found was 6 months later at about $1.50 a round (Barnes Vor-tx). If you reload, things are alot easier and cheaper. I have everything but powder for my 300 BLK loading. Don't get me wrong. They are great calibers. But if you want to be able to stock up on Federal Green Tips from Walmart for 40 cents a round like everyone else, lol, 5.56 is pretty practical. -W |
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I agree in caliber recommendation 6.8SPC, 300 BLK, etc. There are many handy hunting calibers you can build an AR in. I recently did some work on a .243 LBC that a friend of mine has fallen in love with. BUT as far as off the shelf 300 BLK and 6.8 SPC, I've had a difficult time in recent months finding it in my part of the world. I built a 300 BLK almost a year ago on a whim. First ammo I found was 6 months later at about $1.50 a round (Barnes Vor-tx). If you reload, things are alot easier and cheaper. I have everything but powder for my 300 BLK loading. Don't get me wrong. They are great calibers. But if you want to be able to stock up on Federal Green Tips from Walmart for 40 cents a round like everyone else, lol, 5.56 is pretty practical. -W For 6.8 PSA has S&B on sale for 14.99/20 rnd box & Federal 115grn MSR for 17.99. The 6.8 is the definite winner in terms of overall performance. |
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For 6.8 PSA has S&B on sale for 14.99/20 rnd box & Federal 115grn MSR for 17.99. The 6.8 is the definite winner in terms of overall performance. Quoted:
Quoted:
I agree in caliber recommendation 6.8SPC, 300 BLK, etc. There are many handy hunting calibers you can build an AR in. I recently did some work on a .243 LBC that a friend of mine has fallen in love with. BUT as far as off the shelf 300 BLK and 6.8 SPC, I've had a difficult time in recent months finding it in my part of the world. I built a 300 BLK almost a year ago on a whim. First ammo I found was 6 months later at about $1.50 a round (Barnes Vor-tx). If you reload, things are alot easier and cheaper. I have everything but powder for my 300 BLK loading. Don't get me wrong. They are great calibers. But if you want to be able to stock up on Federal Green Tips from Walmart for 40 cents a round like everyone else, lol, 5.56 is pretty practical. -W For 6.8 PSA has S&B on sale for 14.99/20 rnd box & Federal 115grn MSR for 17.99. The 6.8 is the definite winner in terms of overall performance. I stand corrected. lol Shoulda built a 6.8  $15 a box is a mighty fine price for the quality of the cartridge. IDK how the S&B performs but I'm sure its fine.
-W |
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If I could only have one, I'd go with 5.56. I agree it is barely enough for deer (many places it's not legal)...
However, being a young guy on a budget, a 6.8 is going to cost significantly more (mags, ammo, and most likely parts). With 5.56 you can get mil surp ammo that is half price. 6.8 is less common and harder to find parts and they are usually more expensive (but not always). There is always a good deal to be had for 5.56 because it is so prevalent. 6.8 is a great deer round. I am building a 6.8 right now, and have been waiting for my barrel to be back in stock for 2 months. If I were building a budget rifle, I'd prioritize getting an ALG Combat trigger and a decent optic (not Chinese unless I was really broke I might try Primary Arms). Get a 6.8 and .300 BLK and start reloading later. If I didn't reload, I wouldn't be able to afford owning .300 BLK, or 6.8 and I'm not broke. |
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Thank you everyone for the advice, I appreciated it tremendously. I gladly took the advice to get the PSA blemished lower reciever.
I know no one here seemed to vote with confidence for them but upon further reading The specs I decided to stick with the 16" Del Ton rifle kit. It has a CMV barrel, HPT/MPI bcg, and all the standard "mil spec" stuff you want to look for, I am confident in it,and for some one brand new to this it all comes conveniently packaged together with all the parts to complete my AR and Magpul furnishings. All in all the rifle cost $638 and this is counting S&H and the FFL transfer fee. Now I only need to see what optics I want and how I like the standard trigger, and if it's worth it for me to swap out for a better one. As I grow more confident and experienced I can always add better parts or build a better gun but I think from what I understand this should serve me well for what I need at the moment. A big thanks to all who offered advice. |
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