The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: dj454 on April 13, 2012, 10:59:38 AM
-
Hello guys I am starting my first ar15 build. I am ordering a stripped Spikes Tactical lower reciever today. I am not brand loyal to any company I just want decent American made parts that aren't rediculously priced. In my research it seems prices range from reasonable to "what are they made of gold?" type prices.I want mine to fire 5.56/.223 and I want a 16 barrel. I want a collapsible buttstock and flip up sights. This is a budget build I don't need a lot of money tied up in a rifle I just plan on playing with. Here's where I can use some help. Who is a good supplier to buy the rest of what I need. I will be accumulating parts and I am not in a rush now that I have my lower coming. I wanted to make sure I had it before the election. There are so many gadgets and gizmo's and tools listed for the ar's help me cut through the BS what do I need to build my rifle. I don't see me building a lot of them maybe a .22 lr upper and maybe a 6.8spc or 6.5 Grendel upper. I know opinions vary but advice is appreciated. I will add I am not a gunsmith but I can work on most things. I do know a good gunsmith if I need help but like I said this is a buget build. Also I will add I don't need it to be a tackdriver. If it shoots 4-5 inch groups at 100 yards with bulk ammo I'm fine with that. I appreciate the help.
-
2 words,
1) Brownell's
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=10001/Products/Rifle-Parts
http://www.ar15builder.com/ (Step by step "how to" videos )
2) Midway
http://www.midwayusa.com/
If they don't have it you'll have to invent it.
-
DJ454,
If he doesn't weigh in here, PM bafsu......he has detailed in several threads about what, where, and how to do quality builds that won't kill the budget.
Good luck on the build.
-
dj...there are some specialty tools needed... good barrel nut wrench... good pin punches to remove sight tower, and barrel "v" blocks or receiver blocks to allow you to clamp the upper in a vise to assemble the barrel to the upper... its a lot easier to buy a complete upper unless you want the experience of doing it
the lower is not much problem needing specialty tools...castle nut spanner if you go with a collapsible stock, but a good punch will work
go with "mil-spec" parts if they are within the price range
I'd recommend
a chrome-moly barrel with hard chromed chamber and bore
bolt carrier that shrouds the firing pin (M16 carrier is legal in an AR15)
full float tube for consistency
if you plan on playing rifle games, a good trigger is needed... I like RRA NM two stage triggers, but there are a lot on the market
the SOPMOD style cheek piece on a collapsible stock like the RRA Operator aids long range consistency
a pistol grip that extends the finger to trigger distance like a Faclon ERGO really helps.
if you plan on playing rifle games, an ambidextrous safety allows you to manipulate the safety as you change side to side barricades
save your money, and buy good optics if possible... there are some very good scopes out there
good luck and enjoy... you will really appreciate your rifle if you play games and really learn to shoot it... like 3gun or tactical rifle matches
-
Les I will probably end up shooting some competition. They have a 2 gun tactical match at my range. I know I'm going to want a good trigger no matter what but for now I'll have to stick with the mil spec trigger. Most of the good triggers I have looked at are in the 200 range. I thought about buying a complete upper but most of them are fairly exspensive. I don't mind building the whole rifle but I would have to buy,borrow the tools or pay a gunsmith to install it. I will look at the cost of the tools since I will probably build more uppers later. If I could find a complete upper in the price range I'm willing to pay I'd go that route and that might be my best bet. Theres just so many tools and "must haves" everywhere I look it makes sorting out the facts difficult sometimes.
-
bafsu (and me), also highly recommend http://palmettostatearmory.com/ good bunch of guys, prices are very competitive with the same stuff BCM and Brownells have. Just an FYI and a very reliable source.
When I built mine, I had a bug telling me "I'll get a super dee duper trigger later"......I used a Bushmaster Lower parts kit on my P.O.F lower, and with the stock Bushy trigger, was a match made in heaven... It is very snappy, take up is minimal and reset is as crisp as fresh garden celery.
You do not need a gunsmith, as posted just a few tools. Do you plan a Delta Ring or free float? I like the free float, but it's a matter of personal preference.
Rock River sells complete uppers, made in the USA, and are very reasonable as well. I nit picked with a Colt HBAR cold forged barrel, Daniel Defense upper, Yankee Hills free float carbine handguard, and A.R.M.S 71 flip up BUIS.
Not many tools needed. and AIM Ar-15 wrench is $20 it's a multi tool of sorts for the AR. Check out Brownells "How to" videos on the AR... a small punch kit can be had pretty cheap. A razor blade holds the front take down spring in place for the pin to be installed you don't need that tool....
I actually used this vid to help. Went without a hitch..... Little blue masking tape, urethane, or solid rubber mallot, for the bolt release pin. and everything else is no problem...
Good luck, post pics..It's nice shooting one you built for the first time....
Shameless Papa Plug for my Frankenstein:
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/FaceliftForFrank004.jpg)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/FaceliftForFrank002.jpg)
Before the vented YHM handguard.
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/Frankenstien007.jpg)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/Frankenstien001.jpg)
all started with this
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/ARBuild005.jpg)
8)
-
TWYacht it's funny you should mention Palmetto State Armory. I ended up ordering my lower from them because the Spike's lower was sold out. I had been thinking about them they were a little cheaper and I live in NC and SC is like our little brother. I looked at Del Ton also since they are made here in NC but they were a bit more exspensive. I do want a free float barrel but cost will be the determining factor. I have been looking at DPMS lower parts kit but I'm open to other manufacturers again the DPMS was the cheapest but I'm open to.suggestions.
-
I like the Wison Combat drop in single stage trigger because of how it breaks, resets and drops in easily. Take a gander at the FailZero uppers....especially if you are going to run a can and need to cut back on lube to reduce the gunk from running a can.
-
Here's another Carolina resource you might not know about out of Murrels Inlet.
http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-AR15-PARTS/Categories
They also have fantastic Saiga parts and accessories...(which I utilized)... ;)
Spent 20 years in NC, from Mooresville to Wilmington. Compared to S. FL, I miss it. :-\
This site has a complete Del-Ton upper for $399. or a complete upper with 6 pos stock, tube, buffer and lower parts kit (everything but the lower), for $469.
http://www.classicfirearms.co/semi-auto%20rifles.htm
I keep my C&R on file with them. They get good deals on Moisins and AK variants all the time. Good ammo prices also.
-
TWYacht it's funny you should mention Palmetto State Armory. I ended up ordering my lower from them because the Spike's lower was sold out. I had been thinking about them they were a little cheaper and I live in NC and SC is like our little brother. I looked at Del Ton also since they are made here in NC but they were a bit more exspensive. I do want a free float barrel but cost will be the determining factor. I have been looking at DPMS lower parts kit but I'm open to other manufacturers again the DPMS was the cheapest but I'm open to.suggestions.
DPMS is good.
A word of advice, don't compromise, build what you want the first time.
You said early that once you got the lower before any new laws the time was no longer an issue.
If it takes a little longer to save for the free float barrel then save a little longer and build the gun you want instead of one that you will always have regrets about.
-
Twyacht I live in the Mooresville area now. I moved here almost 2 years ago. Tom you are right I think I would like the free float tube better so I might as well save up and get what I want. As far as thw trigger a mil spec trigger comes with the lower parts kit anyway so I can use that until I save up for a nice drop in trigger group.
-
Another thing, build your lower inside a clear freezer bag or trash bag.
That when (not if ) something , (one of the spring loaded detents ) goes pinging it stays in the bag instead of getting you in the eye or getting lost.
-
Another thing, build your lower inside a clear freezer bag or trash bag.
That when (not if ) something , (one of the spring loaded detents ) goes pinging it stays in the bag instead of getting you in the eye or getting lost.
Safety glasses? I wear them all the time at work and at home when working on my Jeep but not when I work on my guns. Just popped into me wee leetle head when I read that-safety first ;)
-
Safety glasses? I wear them all the time at work and at home when working on my Jeep but not when I work on my guns. Just popped into me wee leetle head when I read that-safety first ;)
They are fine to protect your eyes, but they don't save you from lost parts which is the bigger issue .
If the flying pin sticks you in the eye at least it can still be found and you don't have to buy a whole set of pins to replace the one lost.