Hello all, new guy here w/ quick question > Build It Yourself

Posted: 11/24/2005 8:01:25 AM EDT

Hi guys I've been reading over the site for the past couple months trying to learn as much as possible before ordering parts to build my first ar15. I'm a little nervous in wanting to be sure that everything I order will work together and come out the way I plan. I have already ordered the book on building the AR, which I am waiting for. Can you guys recommend a good company to contact that I can take this question to, or is anyone willing to help. Somethings I believe I want are the following:

Adjustable stock (tan or brown) Do you guys like VLTOR?
Stripped lower with parts kit (I believe I can assemble it myself) Who do you guys recommend
Is match trigger necessary and worth it?
A3 flattop receiver to mount scope on, no carry handle necessary Who do you guys recommend
Fold down front and rear sights
I'll worry about picking out a scope after I get it together
16''? barrel
Free floating rail system, what do you guys think of the YHM rail systems?
I would like a tango down pistol grip and forward grip (tan or brown)
Have the ability to mount the tango down bipod in the future. Can it fit on a 16'' with forward grip no problem when folded under, or is a 20'' barrel necessary?

By the way, I mainly plan on using this at the range, but like to keep the looks of a law enforcement weapon.

Thanks guys.

Posted: 11/24/2005 8:44:04 AM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:
Hi guys I've been reading over the site for the past couple months trying to learn as much as possible before ordering parts to build my first ar15. I'm a little nervous in wanting to be sure that everything I order will work together and come out the way I plan. I have already ordered the book on building the AR, which I am waiting for. Can you guys recommend a good company to contact that I can take this question to, or is anyone willing to help. Somethings I believe I want are the following:

Adjustable stock (tan or brown) Do you guys like VLTOR? VLTORs are a nice stock. It has a little better cheak weld & battery tubes. The stock M4 6 position stocks are also very nice and less money.
Stripped lower with parts kit (I believe I can assemble it myself) Who do you guys recommend
Is match trigger necessary and worth it? NM 2-stage trigger is really served well when you are planning on targe shooting / match shooting. If you are looking for a defense carbine go with a single stage.
A3 flattop receiver to mount scope on, no carry handle necessary Who do you guys recommend
Fold down front and rear sights Fold down iron sights are all over the map as far as what people like and what works. If you want something that works and inexpensive, go with YHM. I personally like the GG&G A2
I'll worry about picking out a scope after I get it together
16''?
barrel
Free floating rail system, what do you guys think of the YHM rail systems? YHM makes a good rail system that will do the job for 99% of the people and will do a good job for you
I would like a tango down pistol grip and forward grip (tan or brown)
Have the ability to mount the tango down bipod in the future. Can it fit on a 16'' with forward grip no problem when folded under, or is a 20'' barrel necessary?

By the way, I mainly plan on using this at the range, but like to keep the looks of a law enforcement weapon.

Thanks guys.

Posted: 11/24/2005 9:01:02 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Hi guys I've been reading over the site for the past couple months trying to learn as much as possible before ordering parts to build my first ar15. I'm a little nervous in wanting to be sure that everything I order will work together and come out the way I plan. I have already ordered the book on building the AR, which I am waiting for. Can you guys recommend a good company to contact that I can take this question to, or is anyone willing to help. Somethings I believe I want are the following:

Adjustable stock (tan or brown) Do you guys like VLTOR?
I have Three VLTORS, 1 collapsable version, 2 A2 (fixed) standard length. I love both styles and would recommend them to anyone.
Stripped lower with parts kit (I believe I can assemble it myself) Who do you guys recommend
Is match trigger necessary and worth it?
As for a lower parts kit I would recommend sticking with a more well known mfg like Rock River, Bushmaster or DPMS. The Model 1 lower parts kits I have dealt with have been hit or miss.
As for a trigger, I really like the single stage JARD nonadjustable 3lb trigger. But I have the 2 stage match trigger in my RRA and if you are going to focus on long range or precision shooting the 2 stage would be excellant I think. Most come with installation instructions for people like me who need them
A3 flattop receiver to mount scope on, no carry handle necessary Who do you guys recommend
Fold down front and rear sights
I'll echo teknic here, YHM makes some good stuff at decent prices.
I'll worry about picking out a scope after I get it together
16''? barrel
Free floating rail system, what do you guys think of the YHM rail systems?
there's alot out there. YHM, Troy, and samson to name a few. Do a little looking around with the search button and you'll find lots of info on these.There's a really great FAQ in the build it yourself forum on installing most all of these.
I would like a tango down pistol grip and forward grip (tan or brown)
Tango Down Is good stuff. I have their front vert grip on several of my AR's.
Have the ability to mount the tango down bipod in the future. Can it fit on a 16'' with forward grip no problem when folded under, or is a 20'' barrel necessary?

By the way, I mainly plan on using this at the range, but like to keep the looks of a law enforcement weapon.

Thanks guys.

Hope some of my info helps. Good luck and don't forget to post some pics when you get her finished. I'm not the most experienced guy around here by any means but If I can ever help feel free to IM or email me.
Wulf

Oh yeah, welcome to the site. Trust me this AR stuff is addictive.

Posted: 11/24/2005 9:15:16 AM EDT

[#3]

Thank you both Tecnic and wulf50guy. So many choices it is hard to decide. Is it more difficult to install the 2 stage trigger as opposed to the standard one? Is this like comparing a double action only to single action on a handgun.

Posted: 11/24/2005 10:10:54 AM EDT

[#4]

I've never actually installed a 2 stage.
Wish I could help you there.
I've only done the standard trigger, the nonadjustable 3# Jard (which installs just like a standard) and the adjustable version (which is a pain in the *ss sometimes).

Posted: 11/24/2005 11:20:08 AM EDT

[#5]

most two stage triggers install just as the std one would.

i would recommend either the rockriverarms two stage or the self contained chip mccormick.

Posted: 11/24/2005 3:48:54 PM EDT

[#6]

Actually, the 2 stage triggers are easier to install because you aren't worrying about the disconnector.

Posted: 11/24/2005 4:40:59 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Hi guys I've been reading over the site for the past couple months trying to learn as much as possible before ordering parts to build my first ar15. I'm a little nervous in wanting to be sure that everything I order will work together and come out the way I plan. I have already ordered the book on building the AR, which I am waiting for. Can you guys recommend a good company to contact that I can take this question to, or is anyone willing to help. Somethings I believe I want are the following:

Adjustable stock (tan or brown) Do you guys like VLTOR?
Stripped lower with parts kit (I believe I can assemble it myself) Who do you guys recommend
Is match trigger necessary and worth it?
A3 flattop receiver to mount scope on, no carry handle necessary Who do you guys recommend
Fold down front and rear sights
I'll worry about picking out a scope after I get it together
16''? barrel
Free floating rail system, what do you guys think of the YHM rail systems?
I would like a tango down pistol grip and forward grip (tan or brown)
Have the ability to mount the tango down bipod in the future. Can it fit on a 16'' with forward grip no problem when folded under, or is a 20'' barrel necessary?

By the way, I mainly plan on using this at the range, but like to keep the looks of a law enforcement weapon.

Thanks guys.

I can answer your questions simply by posting a website .......www.rainierarms.com

Dump the bipod idea on a 16" carbine if you are trying to make your weapon look like a copgun, I'm a cop, as well as a firearm instrutor, and bipods have got no place on the weapons of my guys.

I also like the MIAD pistol grip over the TD. For a rail system, the TD VFG works great, but they are horrid on a pistol grip unless you have little hands.

Instead of a scope, consider an Eotech or Ampoint. Most patrol grunts are using Eotech, but Aimpoint has a following as well.

Posted: 11/25/2005 1:25:11 PM EDT

[#8]

A lot of it will depend on price. How much do you want to spend? Vltor is going to be about 40 more than an M4 stock, free float is going to be more (and on a 16" is it really worth it?), 2 stage trigger is going to be about 85 more (and also probably not necessary on a 16, but that is more preference). Most of these things arent going to be THAT noticeable, and if you are on a tight budget, you might want to skip them to invest in some optics/ammo. I know that what Im doing

Posted: 11/26/2005 3:15:32 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:

Adjustable stock (tan or brown) Do you guys like VLTOR?

I personally played with both a VLTOR and a Magpul at a gunshow. I went with the Magpul as it seemed more rock-solid to me and I liked the idea of the pre-sets.

Fold down front and rear sights
Free floating rail system, what do you guys think of the YHM rail systems?

I went with the YHM gas block flip up front site and YHM flip up rear, as well as the YHM free-float tube. Some folks here seem to have a problem with YHM, but they seem solid to me and reasonable cost.

Have the ability to mount the tango down bipod in the future. Can it fit on a 16'' with forward grip no problem when folded under, or is a 20'' barrel necessary?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Hello all, new guy here w/ quick question

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