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Posted: 12/9/2012 1:28:47 PM EDT
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I've been lurking around here for the last 6 weeks or so, and want to thank everyone for your posts. I've learned a lot and hope I can contribute something as well in return.
I'd like to list the progress of my build and welcome any and all comments, as I still have a lot to learn. LOWER Purchased Spikes stripped Pirate receiver (I'm a boater  ) - $103 from DSG Arms
Purchased Palmetto Prem Classic Lwr Build Kit (LPK, grip, & mil spec butt) - $80 from PSA UPPER Purchased PSA A2 Profile Prem Madness 16" Mid Length CMV CL stripped upper w/o BCG or CH - $320 from PSA Considering BCM Auto BCG or Spikes Auto BCG - Any suggestions? BCM seems to be a little more expensive than Spikes Charging handle - No clue, any suggestions welcomed. Considering Magpul Mags Considering MBUS rear gen 2 sight TOOLS Considering my build, what would be the minimum tools required? I'm also considering doing a little trigger work to the PSA LPK. I've watched many videos, and am wondering if this is something a newb should tackle.... So far, I'm $503 into the build and hope to finish around the $700 mark. Overall, I'm looking to build a quality AR that will perform reliably. |
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Welcome!
I assembled my whole rifle with a very small hammer for the roll pins(Screw Roll Punches  ), A screwdriver, a AR15 multi wrench from amazon(For the Compensator and the buffer tube castle nut), and a dremel to grind off the bayonet lug. I didn't use a vise either. My rifle turned out perfect.
Enjoy building your rifle! It is so much fun! I think i still have a spare crush washer(I think it might develop into a full rifle)
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UPPER Purchased PSA A2 Profile Prem Madness 16" Mid Length CMV CL stripped upper w/o BCG or CH - $320 from PSA Considering BCM Auto BCG or Spikes Auto BCG - Any suggestions? BCM seems to be a little more expensive than Spikes Charging handle - No clue, any suggestions welcomed. Considering Magpul Mags Considering MBUS rear gen 2 sight I bought the BCM BCG based on the recommendations here; I haven't heard about the Spike's BCG so I can't say anything. The BCM gets great reviews everywhere, so I'd say the $10 difference is worth it. Sign up for the in-stock notifications and be ready to buy ASAP. BCM makes a good charging handle - you could simply buy theirs with the BCG and save on shipping. I bought mine through Core15, who also makes good stuff (and BCGs as well). Magpul PMags are pretty widely used, and are often good for the price. You can find Troy Battlesights for about as much as the Magpul BUIS if you look hard enough. I bought my Troy front/rear sights separately on Amazon and only paid $105 for the set. This sight is only $65 |
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I'm actually doing a similar build as you! I'm considering Surplus Arms & Ammo Stripped Lower Receiver for my lower.
Could someone explain the differences between the four uppers offered during PSA's 15 days of xmas? http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/ar-15-days-of-christmas.html I'm considering the PSA Pencil Premium Holiday Madness - 16'' Mid-Length CMV CL Stripped Upper - Without BCG or Charging Handle because its cheaper.... but I dont know what the difference between the pencil vs heavy is.... Anyways, thanks for sharing OP. I'm a noob as well, so all the advice is good to see/learn from. Cheers, Banzzy |
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I believe the 16" Hammer Forged would be the one to get. I read a post around here where PSA mentioned that most of their uppers doing the 3-day shipping did not use FN barrels (which are a bit better), but the hammer forged 16" barrel is a FN barrel.
I believe these uppers are also ~$50 more than what they were a few weeks ago around Black Friday, so there is that to consider as well. |
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Quoted:
I believe the 16" Hammer Forged would be the one to get. I read a post around here where PSA mentioned that most of their uppers doing the 3-day shipping did not use FN barrels (which are a bit better), but the hammer forged 16" barrel is a FN barrel. I believe these uppers are also ~$50 more than what they were a few weeks ago around Black Friday, so there is that to consider as well. I hope that's not the case.... Their description says its an FN barrel. But the one I ordered has a 15 day lead time, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. |
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Quoted:
I'm actually doing a similar build as you! I'm considering Surplus Arms & Ammo Stripped Lower Receiver for my lower. Could someone explain the differences between the four uppers offered during PSA's 15 days of xmas? http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/ar-15-days-of-christmas.html I'm considering the PSA Pencil Premium Holiday Madness - 16'' Mid-Length CMV CL Stripped Upper - Without BCG or Charging Handle because its cheaper.... but I dont know what the difference between the pencil vs heavy is.... Anyways, thanks for sharing OP. I'm a noob as well, so all the advice is good to see/learn from. Cheers, Banzzy The devil is in the details. read the descriptions carefully as pencil barrels have thinner OD's than heavy. Also, some barrels may be chrome lined, some not. |
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I think that I'm going to spend the extra $s and go for the PSA 16'' Hammer Forged Mid-Length Holiday Upper - no BCG or charging handle. I've also read that the hammer forged barrels will last longer... may let me put a few thousand extra rounds through before having to do a barrel change.
Could someone clue me in on what "OD" means? 
Thank you! |
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Any BCG right now may be better than none... JK.
But Spikes is good, Core15 had some of theirs in stock and good luck get ahold of a BCM right now. The hardest part to find for builders now is the BCG. You can't even find the carrier by itself if you happen to have some extra bolts laying around like me 
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Quoted:
Any BCG right now may be better than none... JK. But Spikes is good, Core15 had some of theirs in stock and good luck get ahold of a BCM right now. The hardest part to find for builders now is the BCG. You can't even find the carrier by itself if you happen to have some extra bolts laying around like me Yeah, I got an email today from BCM that BCG's were in stock, and POOF - 3 minutes later....out of stock! |
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Could someone clue me in on what "OD" means? OD is the outer diameter. If you don't get a complete upper with a pre-attached gas block or front sight block, then you'll need to pay attention to what the OD is around that hole for the gas tube; there are different barrel ODs out there. |
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Hi,
I'm a newbie and doing my first build as well. So far all I've ordered is the stripped lower (Detroit Gun Works) and am deciding between the various PSA LPKs. I'm just curious about the uppers. Everyone here seems to be leaning towards the PSA upper assemblies as a great bargain, but they don't include the BCG or charging handle. Adding the Bravo Company (seems to be the preferred) BCG and charging handle would put any of the PSA uppers in the $600 range. But you can get the Stag 3H complete upper (with BCG and charging handle) for $465. I base my opinion on reading since I don't have enough experience to actually know anything yet, but from what I've read the Stag is a pretty good rifle, and probably better than the PSA upper with the BCM BCG. Am I missing something? Thanks to all for your great help as I stumble along on this new endeavor. |
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I'm not sure about the Stag uppers. I'm not sure if I would trust a PSA upper any more or less than a Stag. The Stag is missing a front sight, so if you wanted irons you would have to get a gas block sight or replace the handguard to attach a sight to that.
The PSA uppers are generally a little cheaper, but they're charging a little more with the promise that they will ship them in ~3 business days. The lower build kits are generally a good bargain - when they're on sale you can pick up a LPK + Magpul furniture set for ~$100. The only problem I have is financially supporting a company that is ok with ~6 month order times and poor/unobtainable customer service. |
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Update: I'm pretty geeked right now, as all parts are ordered! Final list:
Spikes stripped Lower PSA classic lower build kit PSA Madness Mid Length 16" CMV CL BCM BCG PSA CH 2 Magpul Pmags 30 Rnd Magpul Gen 2 Rear sight Of course, I overshot my budget a little, but don't we all?  All parts and shipping came out to be $779
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Quoted:
Update: I'm pretty geeked right now, as all parts are ordered! Final list: Spikes stripped Lower PSA classic lower build kit PSA Madness Mid Length 16" CMV CL BCM BCG PSA CH 2 Magpul Pmags 30 Rnd Magpul Gen 2 Rear sight Of course, I overshot my budget a little, but don't we all? All parts and shipping came out to be $779
im glad you were able to find a lower!! i wasnt able to find a lower for under 120 around me so im choose to buy and build off of that! i should have it by next year around the 3rd! so now im all about overtime baby |
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