Special K's AR build

[SpecialK 193]

So far all I am in is research mode, but I have come up with a list of potential parts. It is looking like the build would cost me around 1500-1600 bucks which is a lot more than I was thinking, but oh well Here is what I got so far, the list is not set in stone I may change what parts and/or where I buy them. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

-Stripped Lower (

Spike's Tactical AR15 Lower Receiver http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1STSL $105)

-Lower Parts Kit (Palmetto State Armory Ergo LPK http://palmettostatearmory.com/2037.php $66.95)

-Grip (MonsterMan Grip & Ambi Selector Combo http://www.riflegear.com/p-208-monsterman-grip-ambi-selector-combo.aspx $75)

 

-Stock ( VLTOR EMOD http://midwestpx.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=226 $118)

-Buffer Assembly ( LMT Carbine stock component kit http://midwestpx.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=330 $82)

-Upper Receiver ($222)

-Charging Handle Assembly (LMT charging handle http://midwestpx.com/product_info.php?cPath=52_94&products_id=394 $25)

 

-Bolt Carrier Assembly ( LMT full-auot BCG $130)

-Firing Pin ($6.50)

-Muzzle Break/Flash Suppressor ($50)

-Barrel ($200?)

-Barrel Nut (11.50)

-Barrel Snap Ring ($3)

-Handguard Spring (2.50)

-Delta Ring/Handguard Slip Ring ($12)

-Gas Tube ($13)

-Roll Pin

-Front Sight/Rear Sight and/or Optics (front http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=26728/Product/AR_12_M16__41_BL_SILHOUETTE_FOLDING_FRONT_SIGHT $160/rear http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=26607/Product/AR_15_M16_BACKUP_A2_STYLE_REAR_SIGHT $125)

-Rail/Hand Guard ($30)

-Sling Mounts ($20)

-Sling ($50)

$1507.45

[Dan 177]

So far all I am in is research mode, but I have come up with a list of potential parts. It is looking like the build would cost me around 1500-1600 bucks which is a lot more than I was thinking, but oh well Here is what I got so far, the list is not set in stone I may change what parts and/or where I buy them. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

-Stripped Lower (

Spike's Tactical AR15 Lower Receiver http://www.aimsurplu...spx?item=F1STSL $105)

-Lower Parts Kit (Palmetto State Armory Ergo LPK http://palmettostate...ry.com/2037.php $66.95)

-Grip (MonsterMan Grip & Ambi Selector Combo http://www.riflegear...ctor-combo.aspx $75)

 

-Stock ( VLTOR EMOD http://midwestpx.com...products_id=226 $118)

-Buffer Assembly ( LMT Carbine stock component kit http://midwestpx.com...products_id=330 $82)

-Upper Receiver ($222)

-Charging Handle Assembly (LMT charging handle http://midwestpx.com...products_id=394 $25)

 

-Bolt Carrier Assembly ( LMT full-auot BCG $130)

-Firing Pin ($6.50)

-Muzzle Break/Flash Suppressor ($50)

-Barrel ($200?)

-Barrel Nut (11.50)

-Barrel Snap Ring ($3)

-Handguard Spring (2.50)

-Delta Ring/Handguard Slip Ring ($12)

-Gas Tube ($13)

-Roll Pin

-Front Sight/Rear Sight and/or Optics (front http://www.brownells...ING_FRONT_SIGHT $160/rear http://www.brownells...TYLE_REAR_SIGHT $125)

-Rail/Hand Guard ($30)

-Sling Mounts ($20)

-Sling ($50)

$1507.45

 

 

Just my personal observations...

• Curious as to why you are going with a Monsterman grip? Are you freeing up the evil feature for say , a threaded barrel? Perhaps for shooting style or comfort? If you are going to use it, they recommend using it with an A2 style stock.
• Upper receiver for $222? Which one is that? If you are building from scratch like this, you will need the forward assist and ejection port cover assemblies.
• My opinion, this build seems pretty overpriced, especially being I don't see a handguard that gives you a continuous top rail such as ones from Daniel Defense, MI , and LaRue to name a few.
• With a continuous rail, you could go with rail mounted flip up sights, could save some money over the flip up A2 integrated gas block version you have listed
• I'd weigh the cost of putting together your own upper, versus purchasing a pre-built. Of course depending on your objectives here.

[Soju 153]

What he said above.

 

And if you don't already, you're going to need to have a barrel nut wrench and a vise at least.

[deni 16]

surprised by the way you listed your upper parts it seems your doing it piece by piece

like stated- i wonder why you don't just buy a custom upper built up already...

you can find upper assemblies for around $300(just wouldn't included a handguard/BCG group or rear site)

[bbk 188]

I do appreciate the fact that you're doing a build, and not just an assembly. But it does seem like its a lot more work as uppers come in a lot of different flavors or can be customized to fit one's needs.

With that said, it does seem a bit pricey, all things considered. A very good, complete lower from LMT would run around 400-500 (before NICS/taxes), and a complete upper would run about 600-700 (excluding BCG/bolt and CH, but including price for compliance work).

 

Still, I'm not trying to tell you how to spend your money! Just suggestions of how to be more cost effective is all.

I still think its pretty interesting to see that you would prefer to do a complete build.

[Cylinder Head 22]

Like others have said, save yourself some coin and buy a pre-built Upper at least. I for one will not be building my own AR's as long as companies like LMT, Noveske and KAC exist.

[Turbotezza 1]

Props to you if you want to build your own gun.

 

With that said, here are my opinions.

 

- A BCG should include a firing pin.

- Consider getting a free float handguard.

- A LPK will include a pistol grip.

- 16" carbine barrels start at about $125. I recommend a Walther SS M4 profile at $175

- You can assemble a buffer assembly kit for less that what you stated.

- You will need a barrel wrench and an upper receiver vice block. A vice is optional if you are willing to bolt the block to a plank!

[tbtrout 141]

AR's are like rabbits this spring.

The tinkerer in me can appreciate a complete build. Have fun. It is something I am conteplateing just to do it. In a different caliber though.

[NorthernYankee 94]

AR's are like rabbits this spring.

The tinkerer in me can appreciate a complete build. Have fun. It is something I am conteplateing just to do it. In a different caliber though.

 

I agree, I am in the middle of a complete build also.

 

What Upper Receiver are you looking at...that price seems steep.

 

Check out this Buffer Tube Assembly its half the price and great quality. http://palmettostatearmory.com/408.php

[SpecialK 193]

Just my personal observations...

• Curious as to why you are going with a Monsterman grip? Are you freeing up the evil feature for say , a threaded barrel? Perhaps for shooting style or comfort? If you are going to use it, they recommend using it with an A2 style stock.
• Upper receiver for $222? Which one is that? If you are building from scratch like this, you will need the forward assist and ejection port cover assemblies.
• My opinion, this build seems pretty overpriced, especially being I don't see a handguard that gives you a continuous top rail such as ones from Daniel Defense, MI , and LaRue to name a few.
• With a continuous rail, you could go with rail mounted flip up sights, could save some money over the flip up A2 integrated gas block version you have listed
• I'd weigh the cost of putting together your own upper, versus purchasing a pre-built. Of course depending on your objectives here.

 

-My one evil feature will be the adjustable buttstock actually.

 

- the upper I found on midwest site I believe was the more pricey upper. I only put that down as when I am unsure of what parts I want still I figure just list the most expensive one and hopefully find a cheaper one.

 

-I am not set on the sights 100% so far, but as of now I like this set up the best. I like the idea of my sights being attached to the barrel directly. Might just be nostalgia for the look, who knows.

 

-I want to build my own upper. I have taken apart an M16 lower completely in the past and reassembled it. I have never done the upper and would like to give it a shot, so even if it is a little more money I will get an experience and he exact upper I want.

[SpecialK 193]

Props to you if you want to build your own gun.

 

With that said, here are my opinions.

 

- A BCG should include a firing pin.

- Consider getting a free float handguard.

- A LPK will include a pistol grip.

- 16" carbine barrels start at about $125. I recommend a Walther SS M4 profile at $175

- You can assemble a buffer assembly kit for less that what you stated.

- You will need a barrel wrench and an upper receiver vice block. A vice is optional if you are willing to bolt the block to a plank!

 

Thanks for the lead on a barrel. I was not sure in which direction I was going with that yet. I'll check that one out for sure.

[SpecialK 193]

I agree, I am in the middle of a complete build also.

 

What Upper Receiver are you looking at...that price seems steep.

 

Check out this Buffer Tube Assembly its half the price and great quality. http://palmettostatearmory.com/408.php

 

I haven't found the upper I want yet, so I just put the highest price for a stripped one I've seen to be on the safe side. I am more concerned with my upper being high quality at first as once I have to mangle the damn barrel by welding and pinning the muzzle break to it, some things can't be added or taken away. What uppers would you suggest?

 

Thank for the suggestion for the buffer assembly. I am not looking to cheap out on this project, but I am looking to trim some fat for sure.

[NorthernYankee 94]

I haven't found the upper I want yet, so I just put the highest price for a stripped one I've seen to be on the safe side. I am more concerned with my upper being high quality at first as once I have to mangle the damn barrel by welding and pinning the muzzle break to it, some things can't be added or taken away. What uppers would you suggest?

 

Thank for the suggestion for the buffer assembly. I am not looking to cheap out on this project, but I am looking to trim some fat for sure.

 

I am going with this upper...

 

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Upper-Receiver-assembly-M4-Flat-Top-p/flat%20top%20-upper%20-m4%202.htm

[Turbotezza 1]

Thanks for the lead on a barrel. I was not sure in which direction I was going with that yet. I'll check that one out for sure.

 

You can get it directly from their agent in GA.

 

http://www.lothar-walther.de/473.php