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Posted: 4/4/2008 7:28:32 PM EDT
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Hey ar15.com, i was thinking of building an AR 15 as my second rifle (first, of course being a .22 single shot). I love the mechanics behind firearms, and thought that building an Ar-15 would not only be awesome, but (primarily) i would end up with an amazing rifle. This gun will be the first of this variety of rifle, and i was really wondering what parts i should purchase (particularly what upper receiver). I don't need my rifle to take the lid off of a can at 500 yards, or be able to stabilize the heaviest rounds, but i do need something fairly flexible, reliable, and not amazingly expensive. What i'm looking for in a rifle. A3 flattop receiver Removable carry handle 1:8 twist barrel (though 1:9 is acceptable) 20 Inch Barrel (though nothing lower than 16.5) Chrome or stainless barrel (either is fine) M16A2 Handguards (a free float is ok) A2 Full Stock In all, i don't want to have to pay over one grand, since the reason why i am assembling it myself is price. Thanks to all who help! |
Welcome aboard jackattack502!  For a first time builder I would sugguest you start with an assembled upper kit from one of our board sponsers. Go find something you like from Rock River Arms, Bushmaster, Del-ton, J&T, Armalite, Denny's, Stag, etc. Then find a good lower and lower parts kit and assemble that yourself. It's pretty easy if you're mechanically inclined and have just the most basic tools. I've used several Stag lowers but there's so many others out there that are just as good. Someone will be along with other good recommendations. Good luck and keep us updated on your project. |
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As Bumblebee_Bob said a kit from one of the sponsors would be good the easy way to go, and for what you're looking for well under $1000. Del-ton for example: A Delton 20" rifle kit comes with an assembled upper (1x9 only though), and the rest is in pieces- -butt stock, buffer tube, lower parts kit. you have some options on the upper, std is a Flat-top, less carry handle, for $465 You need a stripped lower- -Del-ton again - $95 (plus transfer fees $15 to $30) You would need to add the carry handle- -Del-ton sells them as an add-on to the kit for $75, but you should be able to find one for around $50 if you look around. Mags -$10 minimum each $465+$95+$35(transfer & shipping)+$50+$25 (2 mags) = $670 for a nice reliable rifle. (the Middy I got from Del-ton is very reliable, looks and works great) If you REALLY wanted to put the upper together yourself, you can ask Del-ton to give you the parts only, and get it all unassembled. This still leaves you room for the tools you'll need and most importantly - AMMO! Dang, I think I just talked myself into another AR! BRD strikes again! |
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I went for the $80 RRA 2-stage upgrade on my 20" National Match rifle*, and I like it, and think its worth it for my intention to use it competition this summer. Mine has a very light takeup, then about a solid 5# pull (estimated), then clean break. No creep that I can detect, but a bit harder pull than I want. I just found instructions for improving the RRA 2 stage trigger over on the "Training/CMP-DCM" forum, and am probably going to attempt some of the mods when I get spares to put it back together if I screw something up. On my other AR, I used a Superior Arms lower on a Del-ton Middy kit with factory trigger. The SA lower has an Allen set screw under the pistol grip, that allows you to adjust a standard trigger to take the creep out. Works pretty good for that purpose, the normal creep is gone, and I'm left with a clean 8# (estimated) trigger pull on it. Not a bad way to go either, I do like it better than the standard trigger, but is definitely not as good as the RRA 2 stage. *I built a 20" rifle for "Service Rifle Comp" using a RRA National Match upper (new/unfired from the EE $600), mated to a Stag lower($110 transferred), A2 stock (used from the EE $35), and RRA NM 2 stage trigger (from a Del-ton kit $80 upgrade). |
J&T has been top quality every time i've built rifles for me and my friends, excellent fit and finish, excellent accuracy, and excellent customer service. lots of guys like del-ton around here, i'm sure they are great. J&T also sends extra parts in the LPK's so when launches to the moon have have another good luck and welcome to the sickness
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