My first AR

[Freebird]

Hey, I'v been lurking calguns for a long while now and I have decided to finally get my first AR. I was planning on assembling a full Noveske, but after much thought I decided I didn't want to blow 1350 on the upper of my first AR. So, I have been looking around and (at least on calguns) people are liking BCM. I was initially looking for a midlength upper with round handguards but didn't know if it was worth springing the extra X amount for having some free-float rails. (Forgot to mention, I have already purchased a Noveske lower.)

So here comes the irritating part, my questions.

1. Is there any measurable difference between a BCM standard 16" mid-length upper and a BCM BFH (Barrel, Forged, Hammer) 16" mid-length? I understand that the manufacturing process differs a bit, but does it justify the extra $90?

2. Is there any real difference between companies free-floating rails? Such as Troy, LaRue, and Daniel Defense?

3. Can an upper with a fixed front sight have that sight taken off and a low-profile gas block attached at a later date? Is it expensive/difficult? Would it be smarted just to shell out for the low profile now rather than later?

4. Is it worth shelling out for one of BCM's Superduper IONBONDED bolts or is there a company that makes better ones? Does (Auto) when talking about a bolt mean that it is sturdy enough to withstand automatic fire? or is there something I am not understanding?

5. If you had to choose between buying an upper with rails and a low-profile gas block, and an upper with round handguards and a fixed front sight, what would you choose? (Keeping in mind this is your first AR)

Again, sorry for the questions, but I couldn't seem to find the answers I needed using google or the search function and I am absolutely desperate to assemble this thing and go test it out.

Thanks again!

[Kerplow]

welcome to calguns, your questions aren't the irritating part, its the people with no patience to answer them that irritate me!

what do you want to do with the rifle? how much are you looking to spend? these are really the first questions to be answered before you make any real decisions. to me, it sounds like you want something rather specific. that being said, have you given any thought to piecing together your upper and getting exactly what you want rather than settling for a complete upper that is a compromise?

[Freebird]

I am mostly planning on target shooting with this rifle, but i'd like to keep my options open and I'm looking to spend about 800-1000 max (on the upper).

The reason that I was planning on a complete upper is because I really don't know what i'd need, or how i'd get it done. There arn't many gun shops that i would trust (around here) with fondling new parts, i'v heard too many horror stories.

[gmcal]

IIRC, the BFH barrels will have a longer life and be slightly more accurate.

Larue and DD rails are top quality rails. Not sure about Troy.

As long as you don't have a permantly attached muzzle device it can be done relatively easily by someone with the proper skills and tools. You could get a DD front sight that attaches to the top rail or flip up sights. Very easy to install/remove. If you know you'll be putting a low profile gas block on then that is what you should get to save money and the hassle.

I, personally, would not spend the extra money on the ionbong bolt just because I don't think it is necessary. I forgot why, but full auto bolts are better than semi auto (sorry, but you could probably google it). BCM, Colt, DD, and LMT have very good BCG's. LMT and BCM usually cost less from my observations.

I wanted to use optics without the front post being visible and have the ability to easily attach and remove a bipod and light so I decided that a longer rail (DD Lite 12") with low profile gas block and flip up front and rear sights were the best choices for me.

The nice thing about BCM, besides their great quality, is they have so many configurations that they will likely have an upper that will fit your needs.

[Freebird]

Thanks =]

[karl9422]

http://www.parallaxtactical.com/store/

Call joe over at parallax tactical. He helped me put together my first and is now building me a custom upper in 7.62. Joes shop mostly carrys ar part. Great prices also

[orangeglo]

I forgot why, but full auto bolts are better than semi auto (sorry, but you could probably google it).

Auto bolt is heavier and a heavier bolt may aid in extraction. Seems to help more with carbine length gas systems in my experience. Although very few people have problems with semi auto BCG in most configurations.

In my limited experience with AR's.

1. Hammer forged barrel should last longer. Mine is hammer forged but I have only put a could hundred rounds through it.

2. Better explanation of the differences than I could ever give.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Ajl2UPK0UHPscHdzd2hlZ2hOUXNGblVaTWtaTkYyRFE&hl=en#gid=0

3. Yes it can be done later. If you are using a 14.5 barrel with a pinned muzzle device one may need to be cut off to remove the front sight. Not to expensive most of the time. If you are assembling from the ground up you may want to do it from the get go if that is what you want.

4. I have not found a reason to shell out for the ionbond. But I don't get to shoot my AR very often. Regular BCG works just fine for me.

5. Railed with a front fixed sight. I like the options of attach points on the rail paired with the improved barrel harmonics of a free float. I also prefer the simplicity, ruggedness and function of the fixed front sight.

P.S. I am also an AR noob. If I said anything wrong I am sure someone will correct me.

[Freebird]

thanks for the post.

[Freebird]

Bumping for more opinions.

[karl9422]

not sure if you have all the parts or not for your first build but you could get a kit like this one.

http://www.marksarmory.com/50701.html

[GunOwner]

I would keep the first one simple. You may want to go for an upper with the gas block you want. Replacing them is doable but if you don't have a gunsmith you trust nearby could be a big hassle. I would conserve some budget - keep the initial set up simple - go shoot the gun and adapt it from there. The beauty of ARs is they are so customizable but until you use it you are likely guessing as to how you want the gun to be. You would probably lose more money buying and selling tacticool parts you end up not wanting rather than throwing away stock stuff after you figure out what you like. FWIW your mileage may vary.