AR Sponsor
Posted: 11/14/2007 11:11:27 PM EDT
|
Hey guys! Long-time gun owner, first-time poster (although I have been a lurker for a few years now!) Anyway, a couple years ago, I was flat-broke and had to sell all my guns (save for my lone "neighbor-be-good" shotgun.) I'm back to the point of "gearing up" again, and thought about the first new gun I'm going to get. I wanted something that would be fun at the range, but ultimately will serve as first-line home defense. I also wanted a "project" gun, since I won't be able to plunk down huge chunks of money all at once. I suppose I could go with an AK (my old WASR was loads of fun, especially for $300), and I'd trust one in a self-defense situation, but the accuracy leaves something to be desired (especially since I take great joy in shooting eggs at 200 yards with iron sights.) There isn't a whole lot of room for easy customization on an AK, either. And building up on Mauser/surplus rifles is just not interesting to me anymore (mainly because I don't have the money or patience for custom gunsmith work or buying specialized tools.) So I landed on the AR, which will meet all of my needs in this case (fun, easy to customize without investing in tons of tooling, and also good for home defense. Plus, well, it's a friggin' AR and it looks cool! (says the little kid in me...oh great, now I'm stuck in parentheses within parentheses! Ack!)) But I've got a couple of questions I'd like to throw out, especially to people that have built up a few of their own. Keep in mind that, while this will be my first AR, I try to be very gun-savvy and do my homework as much as possible before spending money. I'm looking more for opinions than anything, I suppose (and yeah, I know all about opinions...I've got an asshole too!here I've decided to get a kit from Del-Ton, since I've read tons of great things about them and they seem to use quality parts. I'm going to go with a 16" carbine upper assembly with a heavy barrel (still not quite sure, but probably a mid-length setup.) But I'm not sure if I should go with a flat-top type design and purchase a detachable handle, or just go with the regular A2 handle. If I go flat-top, it'll cost an extra $65 or so to get the detachable handle. However, I could also save some money initially and get the standard A2 upper, and then get an ARMS handle-mount rail down the line. The thing is, I might want to get an EOTech down the line (probably pretty far down the line, since they cost almost as much as an upper!) I guess what I'm really asking is this: are the ARMS rails (such as the ARMS # 02) relatively comfortable to use, or is the cheek weld with a flattop really that much better? I'm a KISS type of guy and actually really like shooting with iron sights (unless I'm doing some really long-range stuff.) Like I said, if I ever get a red-dot or holo sight, it'll probably be way down the line. I don't mind having to lift my head up a bit to see through a high optic, but I don't want it to be ridiculously high. Anyone use (and like) a carry-handle mounted rail? Second Big Question: I'll probably purchase the lower first, to get all the paperwork/background check stuff out of the way. Besides, it's one of the cheaper things to get out of the way! I know that most (forged) lowers are pretty good nowadays, but...is it really worth it to spend the extra dough on something like an RRA, LMT or Noveske, or should I just save myself the $40 and get a Stag or DPMS? I'm not attached to any brand name, I just want good quality without paying for some company's perceived status. As long as the lower is strong and well-made, I'm not particularly concerned with how well-known the company is, etc. My thinking is that I want a little bit of flexibility, but I'd also save over $100 if I went with a non-flat top upper and a "budget" lower. I know it's ultimately my decision, but I wanted some input from guys that are serious AR lovers, to get a better idea of what would serve me. If it's really worth it to spend the extra money, I will, but if I can save a little (to spend on extra mags and ammo!), that would be awesome too! Anyway, sorry this was such a long post (and my first one at that!) I was just trying to get in everything I needed to type. Thanks guys! |
|
Welcome. On your second question first, I think that you will find most of the guys here will tell you that most of the lower receivers are the pretty much the same, and that it will all depend on what animal you want marked on your lower receiver. I am sure that you may have already read this but here is a LINK to a thread about the various lowers out there. When I assembled my first AR I went with RRA, at $150 by the time I paid for it along with the taxes and background check. Personally I never cared for the A1 or A2 uppers on the AR, and once the flat tops came around I took notice. I am like you, I wanted something simple and wasnt looking to add a lot of gear and all I use are iron sights. But I got the flat top because I liked the look of it, and should I ever want to add anything I atleast had the option of the rails for using a red dot/reflex sight. I think that you will be pleased with Del-ton. They are rather affordable and nice folks to deal with. My first kit was a 16" mid-length with a heavy barrel and flat top recever. One of the best purchases I ever made -- I am very happy with it. I got what I wanted cheaper than buying one off the rack and changing out the parts that I wanted. Just becareful, folks talk often about black rifle disease... I didnt take it serious and now I find myself building an AR in .45acp. I am no where finished with it and I am thinkng about a build after than... something in 6.5? maybe with wood stocks? Hope this helps |
Welcome to the site greycat. Where in CO are you?I'd go with the flat top upper receiver if I were you, especially if you are already thinking about adding an Eotech. The cheek weld is better with the flat top and you will have more options in the future. You'll be fine with any of the lowers you listed. It pretty much comes down to which roll mark you prefer. My current favorite lower is Denny's GTS. It's manufactured by Stag but with out the deer and caliber marking. |
|
+1 on the flat-top…. Flexibility is important… lowers are pretty much all the same, just stick with a good forged lower… as far as lower parts kits go, I have had the best luck with Stag-(great quality parts). But if you are looking to save money… forget about AR-15’s… as soon as the AR BUG bites you… it’s all over! Now run as fast as you can… lol |
|
Thanks for the responses, guys! I was thinking last night after I posted, and I think I will go for the detachable handle, since the ARMS rail isn't a whole lot cheaper anyway. Besides, even if it takes a while to get an EOTech or Aimpoint or something, at least mounting it is one less thing I'll have to worry about. I'd thought about getting the standard A2 upper and then getting a CAA buttstock with the adjustable cheekpiece (to raise up my eye level for the ARMS mount), but that's just more stuff that could get lost, broken, etc. Besides, I can pick up regular collapsible buttstocks for dirt cheap at gun shows. Since this is going to be a piecemeal project, instead of getting one of Del-Ton's full rifle kits, I'll just get one of their completed uppers, which will help spread out the cost even more. Then I'll just pick up a lower parts kit and other stuff here and there. About the only thing I don't want to deal with is installing the barrel, and I like the fact that they check the headspace and test-fire it first (I know headspace is debated issue among ARfer's, but I like the extra peace of mind.) I just have to remember to buy the detachable carry handle before I buy the upper, so I can go and shoot it as soon as I get the upper! I'm not particular about rollmarks, so I'll probably just go with a Stag or DPMS (and I actually don't mind the panther or deer...the stag reminds me of a Jagermeister label.) Unless I find something else at a gun show, since it seems to be that time of year again. Oh, and norske, I'm in Lakewood, off of Kipling. BTW, who makes a good (affordable) detachable carry handle? |
AR Sponsor
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.