Anyone Build AR's?

[B6A4Dave]

I'm hoping to find someone on here that build's there own AR's from stripped receivers to fully functioning rifles.

I'm trying to plan out and price out a build right now but I'm not sure if I should go with some different equipment or manufacturer.

I've been shopping around and pricing out parts and trying to get an idea of where I stand....I'm looking around $1400 right now before assembly, shipping, etc. I have a good friend who assembles AR's so I'm not too worried about that...but Im sure I can find some alternative places to buy what Im looking for... Or if anyone knows where I can get Magpul parts for a good deal that be great!!

I'm a very big fan of Bravo Company USA, Magpul, Vltor and Spikes Tac....if it wasnt about to become obvious..

However, without further delay, this is the current plan for my next Rifle..
LOWER:
Spike’s Tactical ST-15 Stripped Lower
Rock River Arms Lower Parts Kit
Stag Arms Ambi Safety Selector
KNS Non-Rotating Pin Set
IKICKHIPPIES SLAP Plate (Sling Plate)
BCM Receiver Extension Nut (Castle Nut)
BCM Milspec Receiver Extension (Buffer Tube)
(OUT OF STOCK)
BCM Carbine Action Spring
BCM H Carbine Buffer
Magpul ACS Carbine Stock (Mil-Spec model)
Magpul MIAD Pistol Grip
Magpul MOE Trigger Guard

UPPER:
BCM USA Upper Receiver
OUT OF STOCK
BCM Standard 16" Mid Length Upper Receiver Group w/ Troy BRAVO 11" (FDE)
BCM USA Bolt Carrier Group
BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle Mod 4
Troy Medieval Muzzle Brake
Magpul XT Rail Panels
Magpul AFG2
Magpul MBUS – Rear
Magpul RSA

Estimated cost is around $1600

(EDIT: Updated to new parts list, Removed Pricing, Changed to estimate cost)

[viperdsa]

is that upper gas or piston operated?

[B6A4Dave]

Gas.

I was debating piston operation...but the price puts it a little over my means.

[seal66]

Man I should show you my magpul colt le ar-15 that I grabbed brand new or 1200

[B6A4Dave]

BAAHH!!

Vltor compensator, BCM Buffer tube, BCM Upper Reciever are all out of stock.

I can replace the Vltor for a Troy Medieval Muzzle Brake...but Idk about the tube and reciever.

I do want the Vltor upper...but damn is it expensive....and idk about the tube...go with DMPS or some junk company?

[seal66]

lol. This was one reason why after 3 yrs of searching to build my ar I decided to go with the magpul colt that I bought. too many damn decisions, and too many parts that dont fit well together.

[B6A4Dave]

I can definitely understand, I'm just a persistent bastard and I like things to be designed, built, and operate the way I see fit.

I'm not a big fan of buying something for a good price that I dont completely like and have to invest more into, when I simply could've done it myself to begin with.

I am having to modify my plans for the build slighty, I'm going to be using a different rail system and barrel now after further research, I'll be switching to the BCM Standard 16" Mid Length Upper Receiver Group w/ Troy BRAVO 11" rail system in FDE.

I still need to call BCM or check locally for my buffer tube and other Out of stock parts but..hopefully I can start ordering goodies next week.

[jjvwg]

looks like a pretty solid build list. im still a noob to AR's though. just built my first one this spring. only thing i have a suggestion towards is the lower receiver. are you set on a spikes? last i heard back in march/april they were sold out everywhere. I picked up my aero precision lower at the tanner gun show for $95 out the door. might be something to think about as you forego the shipping cost and transfer fee from buying over the internet. unless of course you know of a gun shop here in the denver area that is selling the spikes for that price.

[nynoah]

Generally speaking any rifle that has Stag or Rock River Arms or Spykes has poor resale. Those companies to the guys who know ARs are considered utter crap. It is good that you are buying BCM stuff. But don't ruin the good parts cutting corners on the other stuff.

For the cash you are willing to spend, I would go this route.
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...roduct_id=1004 for precision shillen barrel
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...roduct_id=1687 for more combat tough (uses a Daniel Defense barrel at least that is what the last one did that I had my hands on)
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...roduct_id=2697 for a standard AR A frame iron sight upper (cheapest still quality but not a free float barrel)

and for lower
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...roduct_id=2746

I know you wanted to build. But I have to say, you will not be able to build a nicer rifle than the prices that Rainier charges. Not even close. I've had their match upper for a while and have been very satisfied with it. Its a tack driver. Don't worry about piston stuff. It is not worth it. It will not be as accurate and its a heck of a lot more weight for next to no benefit.

The only other stuff I think is kick ass is Noveski. I would get a Noveski upper if I was going to invest in a can. Mainly for the adjustable gas block. But they are just amazing for everything regardless.

[nynoah]

Also If you are looking for cheaper and still want to build. I would ditch the RRA, Stag, Spikes stuff and just go with Palmetto Armory stuff. The price is the same and this upstart company actually is gaining a great rep for the price point. http://palmettostatearmory.com/ Pay attention to the lower parts kit or build kits. They also sell lowers at 75$ sometimes on sale. For the most part all regular lowers are the same. Billet ones weigh more but can have more custom ambidextrous parts options. If you are a lefty those may be worth it.

[B6A4Dave]

Wow!!

The price on the Rainier arms Lower is definitely a steal!! Unfortunately I'd be wasting money on some parts, I did look at lot of companies that offer premade lowers and uppers and all that...I just couldnt find one that 1) had what I wanted on it for a good price, 2) would substitute what I wanted on it for the difference in price.

Which is why I'm going to just build my own..

For $325 for the complete lower...wow what a deal!! I think my lower comes to $486.xx

It would be nice if I knew what buffer and spring was in their lower...It might be worth it to me!

It definitely has some of the features I want...I just am not sure about the other internal components...which is where building yourself is a great asset too....knowing exactly what is in it..

With the Rainier I'd have to pull the buffer tube off anyways and change the back plate, so their "staked" tube doesnt really mean shit to me...


I however cant justify the prices of their uppers....not by any means.

[nynoah]

If you have a 1400 dollar budget this is what I would buy.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...roduct_id=1687 $850

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...roduct_id=2746 $500 with Timney 4.5lbs match trigger

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...roduct_id=2209 $150

Then sell the Rainier XTC battle comp for 50 and you are at a grand total of 1450. If you want to shave cash skip the battle comp and down grade the trigger. But I think both are worth it. Only other trigger I would go for would be a SSA Geisselle. (not the SSA-E its too light for my piece of mind 3.5lbs) If you want a tack driver then save for the stainless one. Its a great barrel.

[nynoah]

You can't justify the price on the upper? Dude... its a Daniel Defense barrel with a Centurion Rail. That rail system alone is 300 dollars separate. They are one of the best rail systems out there. I would not touch Midwest industries if you paid me to put it on my riffle. Heck you could buy the Rainier stuff and part it out on the forums for more than you paid.

But if you are trying to shave costs then go with the A frame upper. Its still a DD barrel.

The lower... well you will not find another better deal. If you don't like the stock sell it and get a magpul. You will be able to sell it easy. But you may find you like that stock once you put your cheek on it.

[nynoah]

This is a forum review on the Centurion C4 rail. http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=74894 Also M4carbine is the best board out there. Those guys know their crap. They also are not always nice. They do not tolerate people posting like dumbasses.... like my Stag is better than a BCM. But there is no forum out there that I have found that is more full of knowledge and not filled with BS and crappy products or bubba gun morAns.

[B6A4Dave]

I ran a Vltor stock on my last AR, I did like it...I'm just moving on to a different style.

The thing about all that is man, I would be spending the same money and not have what I want...

Im not sure if I updated the build but I'm ditching the Midwest Industries and replacing it for a Troy Rail.

(2nd link didnt work btw)

Cant argue with Centurion on the rail, its good shit, as is Daniel Defense...that was my original rail system plan was for a 10" DD LITE.

I also dont need the super light trigger set, and I looked at the Battle Comp 1.5 Flash hider actually, and decided on the Troy instead, simply because Ive always wanted the troy, and the better price.

And dont even try and tell me Troy makes bad products...cause that be some bullshit!

[nynoah]

If you insist on building your lower, then I would go with this parts kit.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...build-kit.html $369

and then the PSA lower for only 80 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...r15-lower.html $80


So you get a CTR stock, Magpul grip, Geiselle SSA trigger (great trigger) and the lower for less than 500. If you don't like the Rainier Lower, this is the way I would go. You could also get a different lower. The Spikes one is not bad. But I will tell you, it has crap resale.

[nynoah]

I have a Troy TRX rail on my rifle and I like it. No problems with it. Its light and well worth the cost they charge. The battle comp is not all looks. It actually works amazingly well. I was surprised when I tried one. No issues with follow up. It shoots with little recoil and next to NO muzzle rise. Every other system still has jump and the battle comp did not.

Not sure which link you mean. Can you repost the bad one or point it out better.

[nynoah]

Also if you don't need the match trigger, then go for this
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...kit-black.html

Or this

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...build-kit.html

Call them up. They do sell out fast, but that is because they are cheap and the parts are good. Not many people on forums complaining about them.

[nynoah]

Also lastly... if you don't know this forum, you might be able to pick up some deals on parts here too.

http://www.ar-15.co/forums/index.php

[B6A4Dave]

If you insist on building your lower, then I would go with this parts kit.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...build-kit.html $369

and then the PSA lower for only 80 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...r15-lower.html $80


So you get a CTR stock, Magpul grip, Geiselle SSA trigger (great trigger) and the lower for less than 500. If you don't like the Rainier Lower, this is the way I would go. You could also get a different lower. The Spikes one is not bad. But I will tell you, it has crap resale.

Dude....do you work for these people or what? Serious nut swinging going on...

I agree that a Geiselle would be sweet.

That ultimate build kit is sweet, except the fact that once again Im stuck with parts I DONT WANT, and I have to pay for and will have to pay to get the stuff I really do want.
I'm not negating the value at all, for what you get, its a sweet deal.

If you want a built AR and dont really care about the Fine details...like the buffer weight and spring and dont mind buying another stock.

If they advertised what Buffer and spring it was, I may consider it. but I know what I like for the weight of my buffer and strength of my spring and I would hate to spend the same money on a build and not like it... that is purely money down the drain.

I dont really give a F**K about resale value either....Who builds these things from the ground up and then wants to sell them? everyone knows when you put money into something and customizing it, you will never get your money back...thats why we CUSTOMIZE things, to CUSTOMIZE them to US. Individually, not to suit the masses.

I hate the CTR/MOE stock...its f**king awful! I hate the crap out of it...I like the ACS and the Vltor (numerous models.)

I'm thinking about getting the Zombie lower I saw on their site however simply cause I like it more than the Spikes Zombie lower..

This however does look appealing to me.
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...-miad-lpk.html

not a bad price for an LPK AND a MIAD

[nynoah]

I guess I should have paid attention to your list more. I was more looking at the bad and not the good. The rest is all super solid.

I have a Palmetto lower parts kit. It has run fine for me for over 5K rounds.

I guess I am enthusiastic because I was searching for a long time going through all the boards a few years back and found that Rainier and PSA could not be beat for quality and price point. I built my AR from parts too. Which the build is part of the fun. But I still want to trade out my lower. I have a CTR and don't mind it. I like the fact that it is rock solid, but to each their own. I do want to trade it out for the STR stock though.

[B6A4Dave]

I guess I should have paid attention to your list more. I was more looking at the bad and not the good. The rest is all super solid.

I have a Palmetto lower parts kit. It has run fine for me for over 5K rounds.

I guess I am enthusiastic because I was searching for a long time going through all the boards a few years back and found that Rainier and PSA could not be beat for quality and price point. I built my AR from parts too. Which the build is part of the fun. But I still want to trade out my lower. I have a CTR and don't mind it. I like the fact that it is rock solid, but to each their own. I do want to trade it out for the STR stock though.

No worries man, we all have our likes and dislikes and our personal preferences and opinions.

I cant deny the awesome prices PSA has, it's really a lot of great deals on some high end parts. It's just not exactly what I want for my rifle.

I believe rifle builds are like cars, A million people can tell you that *Insert part here* doesnt look good, or doesnt work...but if YOU like it, then its YOUR car...ya know?
And while you can be told that *insert brand here* is crap, or garbage or whatever...then its your call to find out for yourself or do some further research.

I'm absolutely glad you brought up PSA, I never knew about them before and I think I may have found a new Buffer tube for my build which was a part that was going to hold me back because BCM is out of stock, so I ended up with a lower cost alternative buffer stock of greater or equal quality, so thank you for that!

I dont like the MOE stock for a few reasons, how it feels against my cheek, and that everybody and their mother has it..I like to do things differently. I do however like the Vltor imod/emod stocks, they do feel great. but I'm also a Magpul truist, I thoroughly enjoy a lot of the parts they make.

I will say I dont like their Butt plate for the ambi sling, I ran one on my other rifle and didnt like it so I'm trying the IKICKHIPPIES Slap plate cause 1) the name is awesome, 2) it comes highly recommended, 3) I like the look of it, it appears to be functional for what I want.

The STR stock from Brownells looks very similar to the Magpul ACS.

[biketsai]

I just built my AR and got it last week! Palmetto upper and lower, BCM BCG, VTAC sling, Magpul PMAG. Ive also heard to stay away from spikes and rock river.
Its so much fun!

[B6A4Dave]

I just built my AR and got it last week! Palmetto upper and lower, BCM BCG, VTAC sling, Magpul PMAG. Ive also heard to stay away from spikes and rock river.
Its so much fun!

Which goodies did you get in your PSA Upper and lower?

and I dunno if I call furniture and assembling upper and lower "building" but to each his own...

Im not the guy to call a motor with rods and pistons "fully built" either like seems to be the trend >_<

[nynoah]

Yeah the ACS is a great stock. I want to try the ISLAPHIPPIES part too. I have the Magpul and don't really care for it. I don't like the fact that it makes noise.

I am going to build a new lower when ever this company makes more. https://axtsweapons.com/products/A-DAC-F

I run a PSA lower parts kit with the MOE grip. I prefer the MIAD which is what I will upgrade to in the future when I build a new lower.

[biketsai]

Which goodies did you get in your PSA Upper and lower?

and I dunno if I call furniture and assembling upper and lower "building" but to each his own...

Im not the guy to call a motor with rods and pistons "fully built" either like seems to be the trend >_<

Whoops, I guess I didn't necessarily "build" it, but I also did not buy a complete gun.

16" Carbine barrel, stock M4 grip, chrome lined-$300
The lower is the basic generic stuff from PSA - $240

[nynoah]

Also I forgot. This is something you may be interested in. G&R tactical has some sweet deals from BCM. Including regular and blemished lowers http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin...&category=BCOM

[B6A4Dave]

Thank for lookin out Noah!! Didnt find much on that site, but I appreciate the heads up!

[nynoah]

G&R tactical has a crappy site interface for sure. But it might be worth it to call. I know that Grant is a regular on the M4carbine forums and he seems like a really easy to work with guy.

[nynoah]

This is my AR. But I want to change a lot of things on it.

[Volstandigkeit]

If you can't get the VLTOR look at Seekins Precision. Also, they make receivers for Spikes. My next long range build will be a Seekins billet lower and monolithic upper with a 24" Shaw 6.5 Grendel tube.

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[nynoah]

I want a 6.5 Grendel too. But the availability of ammo in the past is what kept me away from one. If I did go with one, I think it would be a 20in. That 24 has to be really heavy. Is the ammo situation getting better with the standardization of the round?

[B6A4Dave]

Whats the barrel length on that bad boy Noah?

Thats a hell of a lot longer than I was going with :P

I want to do a 14.5" with a permanent flash hider..but I figured I'll just stick with the average 16"

[nynoah]

Its a 16 in shillen barrel from Rainier. Its this upper without the DD rail and I took off the brake because it was too loud for my liking. The DD rail is great, but too big for my hands. It felt like a baseball bat once the rail covers were put on. But for 1190 its a steal. Sell off the brake for 50 and the DD rail for 320 and you are left with a match grade upper for 830. Add a TRX rail and a simple A2 flash hider and you have a killer upper for 1K. Then you have a pined gas block (which is way better and costs more to do) a chrome national match M16 full auto style bolt and a PRI gasbuster charging handle (which is a 120 charging handle though I might add a larger latch to it. but they are great for people who run cans) The barrel is a rebranded shillen under the Rainier name. The sell the separate too. The chrome bolt is not always on the site but they have them perhaps if you call they will sell them separate. They are a heavier bolt thus negating the need for a heavier buffer. It makes it cycle real smooth. The upper is a Rainier billet one that they sell for 180 separate too. I love Rainier, great stuff, great prices and they are great to deal with.

While I like the idea of a 14.5 barrel. Its just not worth the hassle to me. I don't want to have to weld the hider on and then have to unweld it should I change my mind. I am not clearing rooms in real life with it. So why bother? Most of the guys who do 3 gun actually run 18in or 16in barrels and they swing those things all over the place with no issue. I think 14.5 is more for bragging rights. But to each their own. Only detriment to this barrel is the weight. But all match grade barrels weigh more due to the heavier profile.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...roduct_id=1004

This is the barrel http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...product_id=809

[Volstandigkeit]

It's getting better, but being a reloader I'm not above resizing 220 swift brass to get it done. I may end up backing off the 24" and go to a 22", but with spiral fluting, it should be about like a 20". Plus the added velocity wouldn't hurt for those AT&amp;T shots on mule deer and speed goats.

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[nynoah]

I have also been thinking about putting a 18in barrel. But that is because I like shooting at 500M. I also am attracted to the riffle length gas port. But you know AR's its a modding persons heaven and hell. lol

Nice on the Grendel. I also think that Bullet Boy might be buying a die setup. But you being a reloader, you can do as you please. I know that Wolf is carrying ammo for it and last time I was at 5280 they had a lot of Grendal Wolf brand ammo in stock. So check them if you are looking for some. Prices were good too.

[Volstandigkeit]

Between trying to get this goofy Remington 700 in 204 to shoot straight, and building a long range 6.5 setup as well as a supressed sbr in 300 blackout, I'm gona have my hands full over the next year or so. But I enjoy it.

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[B6A4Dave]

Pics coming soon.........


Super anxious...want my shit here already!!

[Volstandigkeit]

Pics coming soon.........


Super anxious...want my shit here already!!

Waiting is for the birds. I've got several more weeks waiting on a pistol scope from Nikon.

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