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Posted: 12/26/2007 4:33:26 AM EDT
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Hi Everyone, I'm in the process of my first AR build and was wondering if I could get some opinions on a few things. I went with this UPPER and was wondering if I could get some recomendations on customizing. i.e can I add hand guards? Horizontal grip? I'm new to all this and still learning so I was just wondering if you had this upper what would you do to customize it? Thanks, Matt |
Welcome to the site (and the sickness) Matt, Looks like you purchased a 20" bull barrel. You might look into a nice bipod. I'm guessing this is going to be for bench rest / varmit type shooting? Are you wanting to switch out the handguard for something with rails on it? Gene ETA: You might also look for a nice scope to put on there. Some 20 round mags, and some ammo. LOTS OF AMMO 
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To me, it would depend on what type of bipod I was going to use. You can put one the Harris bipods on the free float tube that is on that upper with no problem. If you are going to use a bipod made for a railed handguard, then you can either buy a set of bolt on rails (which are easy to install on your handguard) or switch out for a railed handguard. Keep in mind that a railed handguard is going to cost $$. I just helped a buddy put together a 24" DPMS upper, pretty much like the one you have. It looks and feels great. He is supposed to go shoot it this weekend I believe. If it were me, I would keep what you have on there for now and see how you like it. Shoot it, and then decide if you want to start changing things on it. Look at some good glass, and a bipod. The Harris 6"-9" swivel models seem to be pretty popular and can be found used, in the EE for a pretty decent price. I do not own a bipod yet, but when I'm ready to buy one, it will be a Harris. Do you have the lower receiver yet? Gene ETA: what part of TX? |
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Hi Gene, Thanks for all the info. Do you have a link that shows the bolt on rails that you mentioned? I purchased my lower from Del-Ton and it should ship tomorrow. Since this is my first AR, I went with the completed lower with buttstock. I also ordered a stripped lower from this as well as I will eventually want to try my hand at building one from parts. I already have a scope that I'm going to put on it and I think the bipod would be a nice addition as well. I live in Paris, TX. We're about 100 miles NE of Dallas up long the Red River. Thanks, Matt |
Here is one from DPMS: www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=5040 More here: www.dpmsinc.com/search/index.aspx?s=rails (check page 3) I'll be moving to Ft Worth in Feb. ETA: Double check to make sure the one you buy will fit the tube on your upper. Gene ETA 2  : You can also make your own shooting bean bags in place of a bipod for now. Just a thought.
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In the link you gave ,it seams that there IS provision for a sling If you buy a harris bipod(or a clone of it ) this is all you will need to attach the bipod If you buy a bipod ,get one that can tilt Use you money on a god scope(ups did just see that you have one ) ,,and lots of ammo of course  A nice trigger would also be a god thing for long range shooting You can buy a lower part kit from white oak (and others )WITH a 2 stage trigger Then you can use the parts for you stript lower ,but put the 2 stage in the varmint riffle A nice target grip is (i think )also nice I have this Target grip |
I just got into the rail craze. On a pdog rifle it would only be $100 of pretty. They also add more weight to a heavy rifle. I put a YHM lightweight on a 16" middy for a coyote rifle and I love it with a forward grip. You're not gonna get anything from a front grip on a bull barreled extra heavy varmint rig IMO. Build another lighter upper for the forward grip. Delton only adds $80 for the YHM lightweight. The extra $8 is worth it! On your rig I would suggest a trigger first and a nice stock (PRS) second. FYI I have 6 now and only 2 have rails. |
Good deal. Make sure you post pics once all assembled. Gene |
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Here it is guys!! DPMS 20" 1 in 9" upper Bull Barrell DPMS Complete lower with buttstock Harris S bipod Magpul Pmag BSA 3x9X40 Scope http://picasaweb.google.com/lmp5209/AR15/photo#5153313755719292786 http://picasaweb.google.com/lmp5209/AR15/photo#5153313755719292786 |
 Looks nice! Have you had a chance to shoot it yet? |
+1 
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Haven't shot it yet. Was going to sight it in last weekend but both Saturday and Sunday we had about 30mph winds here. I'm hoping conditions will be better this weekend. I already have it bore sighted so it should just be a matter of tweaking it a little. Now that you've seen what it looks like. Would you add anything else to it? BTW: After I took that picture I noticed I had the bi-pod on backwards. I have since corrected that and it's installed correctly now. Which leads to another question. Do most people leave the bi-pod attached or do they take it off when not in use? Thanks, Matt |
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I checked it again when I got home and I can raach the charging handle and pull it back but I can't get both fingers on it because of the scope setting too low. I think I need a riser. Do you guys have any recomendations? I'd like to order it from either MidwayUSA or Cheaper Than Dirt as they are both a one day shipment from me via UPS so if I order it tomorrow I'll have it by the weekened. Thanks, Matt |
I'd recommend a one piece scope mount. If you don't want to foot the coin for a LaRue or ADM, you might try Armalite's. Members here have reported good things about the Armalite mount. It'll run anywhere from $60 to $80 (last I checked during Christmas). |
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