My Next Project

[bjtraz]

I decided my next project. I've never built an AR, so I'm starting slow. I bought a completed upper @ the gun show last w/e, and the lower and kit this week. Waiting on a couple of more parts/tools from the guy in brown shorts, and will attempt this week. My plan of attack is to just use the parts in the kit, and then when completed and I'm more familiar, then go back and replace the parts that I want with aftermarket. For thost that are experienced, is this better, or put aftermarket parts on from the beginning? I'm talkig ambi safety, maybe oversize mag release, etc. Just want to experience original, then branch out to get a better understanding of building. Anyway, am I way off base here?

Brian

[m25operator]

Not at all, go for it. There are several sites that show step by step building, including Brownells. Building inside a clear plastic bag will help you not lose flying springs and detents, have fun and post AR porn when done.

[tombogan03884]

What sites are you planning on ?

[bjtraz]

Haven't gotten that far. It is a flat top receiver, with a flat top gas block, so I'll need both as a backups. But am kinda thinking optic primary. I can assure you it won't be a $500.00+ Acog or the like. I just can't bring myself to spend that much on an optic. It liked to killed me to spend $250.00'ish for a "cheap" Leopold last year for a deer rifle. My preference for right now is leaning towards a red dot. Probably no magnification, or very low, at best. Any reccomendations for a set of BUIS or a red dot that won't bust a modest budget? Thanx.

Brian

[tombogan03884]

My BUIS came from Mag pull.
Don't skimp to much on the optic sight, I got a  $30 dollar one that just will not sight in. I going to get a carry handle instead because like for you, an ACOG is a bit steep .

[Sponsor]

[Big Frank]

Go ahead and build it with the parts kit. You'll know how to replace anything you don't like. I keep almost everything stock on mine except the pistol grip. I personally like Ergo grips a lot better than stock. It gives a longer LOP and is more comfortable.

[garand4life]

One thing I learned from starting with a complete rifle that was all "milspec" was that some things I liked just the way they were. I decided to keep some of the parts Milspec and changed out the pieces I didn't like one at a time to get the feel just right for me. Start slow as to not spend money on things you don't really need/like.

[capbyrd]

I recommend getting whatever trigger guard you want and installing it once.  Otherwise you will end up with a broken receiver like mine.  Oops!

[WatchManUSA]

Haven't gotten that far. It is a flat top receiver, with a flat top gas block, so I'll need both as a backups. But am kinda thinking optic primary. I can assure you it won't be a $500.00+ Acog or the like. I just can't bring myself to spend that much on an optic. It liked to killed me to spend $250.00'ish for a "cheap" Leopold last year for a deer rifle. My preference for right now is leaning towards a red dot. Probably no magnification, or very low, at best. Any reccomendations for a set of BUIS or a red dot that won't bust a modest budget? Thanx.

Brian

Just an suggestion on a sight to check out.  I work at a gun shop and we just got in some product from NcStar.  They have an AGOG type scope available that is a mil-spec 3 to 9x42 scope for about $140 or so.  The have a 2 to 7x42 available, too.  Customers are just buying them so I don't have any long-term experiences to share.  Might be good to check them out.