So I'm really new to AR15 building, but have been researching and bugging some of the fine members here about parts, costs, tools, durability, and other boringly random questions. SMAJ and warchild can attest to this and have been immensely helpful in getting started. Thanks to you two! I will try to document my first build here in this thread. This process will take awhile, so come back early and often and enjoy the show. This is like Legos for adults. **A quick note, let's please keep this thread clean of any extraneous off topic chatter please to keep the continuity of the thread. Encouragement and discussion on topic is more than welcome.** Thanks for your understanding. Current parts list: Lower: Phase 5 pistol buffer tube, end plate, and castle nut. $35 Aero Precision Freedom Lower Receiver. $80 + tax Aero Precision lower parts kit. $60 + tax Upper: Aero Precision Upper Receiver, with forward assist and dust cover included and pre installed. $70 + tax
MY very first AR part has come in the mail today. I got a pretty good deal on a new, but previously owned buffer tube/castle but/end plate. A roughly 30% discount based on my quick math. Phase 5 pistol buffer tube.
Very cool! If you have any questions or hiccups hit me up! I have a good resource to help! He helped me build my two rifles!
Gonna have to get the ar pistol brace now! Me too. Just haven't ordered it yet due to my current fixation on knives!
for those looking at a SigBrace, I use a KAK tube and it puts my nose to charging handle on my AR pistol... the rubber end cap is a low budget alternative
Have you made any decisions regarding specific pieces you will be adding? Are you going for a piston or direct impingement build? Looking forward to see this progress!
I like KAK Industries, their tubes are quality. The Phase 5 I have will fit a Sig brace, but I'll have to remove the rubber pad first.
Some parts, yes. I'm going to purchase a Spikes Tactical lower receiver for this build. I can purchase them face to face within a reasonable distance from my house. I've also decided to use a Spikes Tactical upper as well, the M4 slickside for this build. I've had a good discussion with warchild about the forward assist and based on that conversation, I have come to the conclusion that it's not necessary for my intended use. I know others would disagree, but for now that's where I'm headed. This will be a 300 AAC pistol. I've got a barrel I'm almost 100% decided on but I'm still looking. As for GP vs DI, it looks like there are benefits to both. I'm still in research mode for that decision.
consider a closed muzzle brake like a LeVang... God forbid you have to use it without muffs... LeVang on my Mk18 upper
Things that you should not skimp on - gas tube, lower parts kit, and the trigger/fire control group. G&R Tactical Will let you mix and match a colt LPK, and an ALG trigger. It might be a little more expensive in the beginning, but it will make a world of difference when you are shooting the gun. Similarly, the $3-$4 you will save on a cheaper gas tube is not worth it all. Sent from 80ms in the future Much peace Jimmy
Considering you seem to be doing this on the cheap, look at Palmetto State Armory for blemed lowers, as well as uppers. Try to avoid their PTAC versions, as the quality control plummets and you may or may not get a decent piece of kit. Sent from 80ms in the future Much peace Jimmy
Hey brother...gonna add some more $$ to your build. My buddy today told me about a product that allows you to quickly remove the barrel assembly to make the whole rifle small enough to put in a malaga sized backpack. I will email you tomorrow....crazy! I am gonna have to get it for my AR Pistol....and then there is the Law Tactical attachment that allows you to fold the stock....
Both my builds include blems from PSA....if you can be patient with their shipping they have some great quality products! Agee on the PTAC!
For technical knowledge, I find M4carbine.net to be worth it's weight in gold, and for hard-core shopping, Calguns.net and AR15.com. The first two you can get here on Tapatalk, while the latter is an old-school hand coded HTML site, as such the search function Is not the most useful. The guys who pull triggers for a living, and teach others how to do the same, recommend that for 5.56 the minimum barrel length for reliability is 11.5 inches. If you are going to do a 300 BLK, I believe that 8.5 inches is the minimum Sent from 80ms in the future Much peace Jimmy
For my first couple, I'm going to avoid the FFL route by driving to get my lowers. It's only a couple of hours away and I can see my mom too. Everything else will probably come through the mail.
