AR build in the works

BigBlue · Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2010 5:08 pm Post subject: AR build in the works

For a while now I've been thinking about building another AR. Unfortunately they can't be used in PA. for varmint or any hunting so I'm looking more towards making it a target and a just in case rifle. I ordered a DPMS stripped lower and will have to give some thought as to what I want to build. I'm leaning towards a 5.56 in either a 16" or 20" barrel with a flat top A3 upper. I'm sure I'll end up putting a scope on it of some sort, but it would be nice to be able to back it up with sights. I'm not really sure what's available for the ARs right now, so I'll have to do a bit of looking around before I finally decide on the configuration.
Don

slimjim · Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2010 9:55 pm Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

BigBlue wrote:

I'm not really sure what's available for the ARs right now,

Stand by to be overwhelmed! There are so many choices. After getting my flat-top AR with 16-inch 1:9 barrel and admiring it, I bought a lower to build another. I've been shooting carbine matches and loving it but I can't figure out what I need to shoot next so the project has not progressed. You may be in the same boat as a target, varmit, and just in case rifle could all be different. There is a barrel/length for each one of those situation and a 16-inch barrel most likely fall into the target catagory and 24-inch may be the best for varmit but not advised for home defense.

Suggest getting something and just start shooting it so you learn as you go and determine what you really want. I'm not sure there is a bad choice - other than one that delays shooting!

Vince · Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2010 10:53 pm Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

Gidday Don. At least you are allowed to have one mate. We are not allowed anything semi auto over here with the exception of some pistols, so long as they are a maximum of .38 calibre.

Check out this link mate...there is heaps on the AR and its componentry:

www.huntingnut.com/ind...pic&t=5984

Cheers, Vince

BigBlue · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:38 am Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

Vince wrote:

We are not allowed anything semi auto over here with the exception of some pistols, so long as they are a maximum of .38 calibre.
Cheers, Vince

It sounds like an AK, in it's pistol configuration, would meet those standards. Thanks for the link. I've been reading whatever I can.
Don

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 7:51 am Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

There a blast Very Happy

there is soooo much out there to choose from. It gets addicting........ Very Happy

BigBlue · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 3:43 am Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

Well I have my lower together. I used all DPMS parts, including the lower parts kit and a 6 position collapsible stock. I'm not crazy about the trigger and may change that in the future, but I'll see how it wears in first.
I never knew a gun could have so many different after market parts available. Shopping for AR parts is like going to a restaurant with a 50 page menu. Sure it all looks good, but what the heck do you choose? I've been reading here and there and gathering as much info as I can on the AR. In PA. you can't use a semi-auto for hunting so I'm limited to punching holes in paper and using it as a just in case rifle. As a just in case rifle, I want it somewhat light weight and using a standardized AR cartridge so I'm leaning towards the 5.56x45 NATO chambering and a 1-7" twist rate. That way I can use some of the 2000 or so milsurp rounds I already have and develop heavier bullet .223 loads for it. I saw a nice 16" M4 configured flattop upper for sale at Bravo Company USA, it's made by Lewis Machine and Tool (LMT). They seem to have a pretty good reputation among the AR crowd. It comes complete with the exception of the carrier and bolt group, so I'd still have to get that as well.
Don

slimjim · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 4:04 am Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

Your choice of options and having to choose is far from over. Flat tops are great but now your going to have to figure out what optics and back-up sight you will install on it.

Dawgdad · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 7:58 am Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

It is like Barbie's for men. So much accessorizing!

PaulS · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 12:21 pm Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

Barbie's for men? Isn't that a grill for steaks and ribs?

BigBlue · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 3:47 am Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

After arguing with myself about the pros and cons of ordering a complete upper half or building my own, I decided to build my own. I ordered a stripped M4 flattop upper from Bravo Company. It comes with machined M4 feed ramps and laser engraved T-markings. I also ordered a BCMGUNFIGHTER™ charging handle and an ejection port door from Spikes. I'll buy a few parts each week and put them together as I can. Frankenbuild here I come!
Don

BigBlue · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 3:53 am Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

PaulS wrote:

Barbie's for men? Isn't that a grill for steaks and ribs?

Don't forget to put the shrimp on the Barbie!
Don

slimjim · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 6:37 am Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

BigBlue wrote:

I decided to build my own.

Sounds like fun! Please keep us updated and post some pictures as you progress.

BigBlue · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 7:47 am Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

Here's the lower. It's all DPMS with the exception of the Magpul trigger guard.
Don

slimjim · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 11:37 am Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

BigBlue wrote:

Magpul trigger guard.

I like Magpul's products. Most of the aftermarket components on my ARs come from Magpul.

Keep the pictures coming as the upper starts to come together.

BigBlue · Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:27 pm Post subject: Re: AR build in the works

Took a few more steps with this project this week. The upper, ejection door and charging handle got here. For this week's contribution, I ordered a 16" Daniel Defense M4 contour barrel with feed ramps and chrome lining. I already have my shopping cart filled at Midway for next week.
Don