First AR build advice

[RT13]

You guys are slowly but surely turning me into the darkside. Been here for years but never had a desire to own nor build an AR. But anyway, have decided to build my own AR instead of a complete one. Not sure when I'll start, when I find the right parts I guess. Still undecided which lower and upper to use. I want the uppers and lowers to match. And I know most start building from a stripped lower before getting an upper but it seems like it's harder to find the uppers. So what if I bought an upper first and then find a lower. Is there any particular lower or upper that you guys all recommend. It's my first build and want to do it right the first time. Thanks for all the tips. I have watched how to's on building lowers on youtube and read up "uclaplinkers" how to build which all helps a ton. Just want some advice on which brands are the harder ones to find over others. Thanks again.

[aplinker]

Don't focus on brand, focus on choosing parts for their specs/quality and how that fits into the plan of what you're building.

Think about what your needs are, then make some style choices, and pick a "model" or "prototype" rifle for what you want to build, using things like the photos here and elsewhere.

Now, start asking questions like, "If I'm building a shorter barreled upper, are there any improved barrels?"

Well, I'd assume since you're building short you want a bullet hose, so I'd say find a cold hammer forged barrel.

Repeat for your other parts.

[reidnez]

Don't worry too much about the lower, would be my advice. It's nothing but a frame; as long as it holds all the other parts together like it should, it's good enough.

And you don't "have" to buy a stripped lower, they're just easier to find that way. I bought my lower complete ($400 during the height of the Obama scare, probably cheaper now) from a Calgunner, telescoping stock and all.

In my experience, most of the stuff out there is plenty high-quality for a range toy. When you pay extra money, most of what you're getting is very slight differences in fit and finish. Worth it to some people, not to others--there is no right answer, just what you want. Just avoid Hesse/Vulcan and you ought to be GTG.

[Cody]

What kind of shooting will you be doing primarily?
What length barrel?
I just built mine and it's easy. The biggest thing with the lower is to make sure it's an OLL.
Some of the things to consider for the upper are:
.223, 5.56 or both?
Heavy barrel? Bull Barrel?
Flat top or EOP?
That's what's cool about the AR is that's there's million different configurations available.

-Cody

[mds2004]

Is the AR for plinking, hunting, benchrest target shooting?
Also what is your budget?

[GearHead]

Lowers (98% of the time) aren't really gonna matter. Pretty much, pick the one that has an engraving that you like. Not many people like the deer on the Stag lowers, but I think it's sweet, so that's the one I got. The only real exception here is billeted lowers, but you probably aren't gonna want one of those for your first AR (cha-CHING).

Uppers...first, decide on a length. Then decide if you are going to want to customize every part of this or just get a preassembled one. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT super hard to build your own upper. THen again, the cost savings aren't significant with these, it's more about being able to hand select each part that goes into the rifle.

Then you need to decide on optics, handguards, etc. Happy shooting.

[RT13]

After much reading here and looking at pics, so far the only thing I know for sure that I want on this build is a 1/9 twist 16" barrel with railed handguards and most likely just a standard not bull barrel. A flat top with a decent set of flip up iron sights (which brand) with possibility of adding a scope like an Eotech or something similar later on when budget opens up a bit more. A collapsible stock (what's a good one), and a raddlock. As for the pistol grip I'm not sure what is out there as long as it doesn't feel like plastic but something more rubberized or grippy. I guess for the LPK it's what ever decent brand is found locally at time RRA and CMMG are usually at the local shops. Just point me in the right direction boys. Thanks.

[rugit]

BUIS: you will here one brand 90% of the time. TROY

Pistol Grip: Get the Ergo grip or the Hogue depending on weather you like the beavertail or not.

LPK's: whatever you find cheapest. unless you want to upgrade your trigger. but since ive not done that to any of my ar's i cant help you there.

Upper: i have all 16" carbine gas systems. they work but the Mid-Length is all the rage these days. something to think about.

Stock: a lot depends on your budget. high end get a LMT Sopmod. mid budget get the mew Magpul ACS or one of the voltor stocks. Low end get the standard 6 pos. or spring for Magpul CTR... get a mil-spec tube and you will save yourself a headache and $$ later

[aplinker]

OK, so you jumped ahead a bit already.

Like, why do you want 1/9? Why 16"? What does standard barrel mean?

It sounds like you're building a straight, plain Cali- blaster.

Here's the right direction:
BCM complete mid-length rifle (G&R)
or any of these uppers:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15-16-Mid-Length-Group-s/27.htm

LPK? Armalite or RRA > CMMG/DPMS

Rubberized grip? ERGO SureGrip
BUIS? My favorites are the KAC 600m (there are 2 versions) or the TROY

http://www.operationparts.com/KAC_KNIGHTS_600M_FLIPUP_MICRO_REAR_IRON_SIGHT_BUIS_p/25650.htm

[Acorn556]

How much are you looking to spend? Troy sights run about $80 each and that's probably a used price.
For a lower I'd suggest a Noveske. They are selling on AR15.com for $145 right now. High quality lower that won't give you problems.
You will also want to by some tools to work on this. Since you're planning on building the upper you'll need the DPMS Claw or an action block to hold the upper. You'll need a barrel wrench and the CAR wrench as well. A good set of punches and a brass hammer will also be nice. This will help you with putting the lower together.

Read as much as you can about putting these together and owning them and shooting them. Parts break so if they are hard to get you might want to pick up spares when you can. I started building a lower in January after reading all over on AR15.com and finished my build just a month ago. If you're dead set on building it pick up a lower and go for it. Lot of little hidden costs that bump up the price compared to buying a new one.