Good Entry Level "Off The Shelf" Buy

[MidwestPX 172]

http://www.dpmsinc.com/A2-CLASSIC_ep_104-1.html

 

What do you guys think about DPMS rifles like this one?

 

Any one ever have one?

How would it hold up for 4000 rounds a year?

DPMS makes decent .308 rifles.  The .223 ones are meh at best.  Similar price point would be a M&P15 or Stag and in either case, you'd get a better rifle.

[High Exposure 5,664]

I would not by a DPMS rifle. For that $ you could do better. For a little more $$ you could do much much better.

 

Why do you want an A1 upper with a fixed carry handle? You are severely limiting yourself on any optics choices.

 

In my experience with DPMS - at 4k rounds a year - you can consider yourself lucky of you got more than a full year without having to swap BCG or internal lower parts.

[louu 399]

Thanks guys

 

I ordered a White Oak complete service rifle upper because I want to start shooting service rifle matches. The problem is it wont be in for about 3 months.

 

I want a complete A2 rifle with a 1:9 twist so I can shoot 55 grainers for fun and 3 gun matches. 

I want a complete rifle so I can just switch uppers.

I dont really want any glass on it and dont like short barrels. 

 

I'm thinking about the Colt but they dont have much good said about them online.

[T Bill 649]

For service rifle matches, your lower will need an A2 stock, A2grip, trigger can be changed, can be single or two stage, but must have a minimum total pull weight of 4.5 lbs.  So not much to do here.  I have a Colt MT6700 that I use for service rifle matches and it has worked great since 1998.  Don't see how anybody could bad mouth them.

[Displaced Texan 11,752]

You ought to find yourself a Colt MT6700. HBAR, 1/9 twist barrel, A4 upper.

Very accurate.

I have an upper laying around I enjoy swapping out on one of my rifles from time to time. It's a pig to carry around, though.

[louu 399]

Thanks guys, I probably will go with the Colt and drop in the Giselle (spelling) high speed 2 stage trigger.

 

Whats the average price for one?

[Displaced Texan 11,752]

I bought a complete, brand new MT6700 5 years ago for $1050 OTD.

 

I see just the uppers on gunbroker fairly regularly. I have toyed with the idea of selling the upper on mine, since I don't use it all that much, but haven't committed to it.

[gleninjersey 2,141]

Do any local shops sell Lower Parts Kits (LPKs), Bolt Carrier Groups (BCGs), etc and have them in stock? I'm near Bridgewater. I know I read something similar in another thread but can't find it now.

 

Going to give Effingers in Bound Brook, Heritage Guild in Branchburg and Garden State Armory in Warren a call to see what they have in stock.

 

I also need some recommendations for a comp. It's a 14.5 middy so has ti be long enough to make it legal.

[n4p226r 105]

i know i always see lower parts kits and bolt carrier groups in stock at ottomanellis.  i think they carry cmmg parts.  

[Avalanche 42]

Nooooo effingers is the devil!

 

Yeah.   Im happy they are in business and any gun dealer is better than no gun dealer but they are very expensive on almost all their items, firarms related or not. 

[gleninjersey 2,141]

I found the link that compared several compensators.  Here is is:

 

http://vuurwapenblog.com/2014/01/12/ar-15-muzzle-device-comparison/

 

I found it imbedded in a compenstor discussion in this thread:

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/65312-help-me-decide-on-a-brake/?hl=comp

 

I'm leaning towards the FSC556 because it seems the most well rounded.  It maintains the muzzle on a level plane and doesn't throw off giant fireballs.  The 2nd isn't a major issue but a bonus for me.

 

I'm also interested in the Wheaton Deployment Comp that I saw on Sootch00's Youtube site:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5jGyFpOBgs

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_197350&feature=iv&src_vid=O5jGyFpOBgs&v=Xb8s30Hf0pQ

 

It sounds from the description that the Wheaton Depolyment Comp is about same the same width and just sightly longer than a standard A2 flash hider.  I believe if it is slightly longer than a standard A2 than it should bring a 14.7 length barrel to the legal length of 16 inches.

 

According to a post from Wheaton in the second video, "This brake was designed to minimize side blast for entry teams." so it doesn't sound like it will be too "blasty".

 

Wheaton Arms also mentions in the comments of the 2nd link, "We are working on a new video now that will compare the flash of several of the top selling brakes. The video should be completed within a week. The tests will all be conducted using a 16" barrel with a mid length gas system. We will use M193 ball for the tests."  I haven't been able to find any such video (and the comment was posted 9 months ago.

 

From the video and reviews it appears to do a very good job at leveling the muzzle and keeping it flat.  On their webite it lists $119.99 as the price (so about $25 more than the FSC556).

[gleninjersey 2,141]

Guess I'll need some rear sights as well.  Was looking at these MBUS Gen 2 Rear Sights.  What do you guys recommend for rear sights?

 

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/sights/rear-sights/mbus-gen-2-rear-sights-prod42048.aspx

 

Thinking about ordering those and these all from Brownells and save a bit on shipping:

 

Lower Parts Kit (LPK) with ALG ACT trigger for $90:

 

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-amp-action-parts/parts-kits/act-trigger-w-lower-parts-kit-sku100010635-54550-105736.aspx

 

Primary Arms FSC556 Compensator for $95:

 

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/compensators/tto-compensator-sku100009393-24841-102766.aspx

[MidwestPX 172]

Guess I'll need some rear sights as well.  Was looking at these MBUS Gen 2 Rear Sights.  What do you guys recommend for rear sights?

 

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/sights/rear-sights/mbus-gen-2-rear-sights-prod42048.aspx

 

Thinking about ordering those and these all from Brownells and save a bit on shipping:

 

Lower Parts Kit (LPK) with ALG ACT trigger for $90:

 

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-amp-action-parts/parts-kits/act-trigger-w-lower-parts-kit-sku100010635-54550-105736.aspx

 

Primary Arms FSC556 Compensator for $95:

 

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/compensators/tto-compensator-sku100009393-24841-102766.aspx

MBUS sights are decent though I would spring for the Pros due to their extremely small footprint/profile.

 

We've got the ACT LPK for $85.95 and the FSC556 for $94.95.  Purchased together, you'd get free shipping to boot.  If you were interested, we also have the MBUS 2 rear for $49.26 or a the Pro for $89.21

[gleninjersey 2,141]

MBUS sights are decent though I would spring for the Pros due to their extremely small footprint/profile.

 

We've got the ACT LPK for $85.95 and the FSC556 for $94.95.  Purchased together, you'd get free shipping to boot.  If you were interested, we also have the MBUS 2 rear for $49.26 or a the Pro for $89.21

 

Do you guys have the ACT LPK in stock?  I called on Thursday or Friday and spoke to someone there and they said it hasn't been in stock for some time? I called b/c when I log onto an older version of the your site I can see it (called "Combo Pack" I think)

 

http://midwestpx.com/product_info.php?products_id=659

 

but when I log on to what I guess is a newer version of the site I don't see it?  I see just the $59.99 LPK:

 

https://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=103

 

I would much rather deal with a site vendor and I've heard good things about you. Maybe who ever I spoke with thought I was talking about the Giselle trigger?

 

Do you know anything about the Wheaton Deployment Comp?  If so how does it compare to the Primary Arms FSC556? 

[MidwestPX 172]

Do you guys have the ACT LPK in stock?  I called on Thursday or Friday and spoke to someone there and they said it hasn't been in stock for some time? I called b/c when I log onto an older version of the your site I can see it (called "Combo Pack" I think)

 

http://midwestpx.com/product_info.php?products_id=659

 

but when I log on to what I guess is a newer version of the site I don't see it?  I see just the $59.99 LPK:

 

https://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=103

 

I would much rather deal with a site vendor and I've heard good things about you. Maybe who ever I spoke with thought I was talking about the Giselle trigger?

 

Do you know anything about the Wheaton Deployment Comp?  If so how does it compare to the Primary Arms FSC556? 

Yeah, the ACT LPKs are in stock, we've got a bunch.  The first link you posted, the one ending in 659, is what you want.  The second link is to Midwest Industries, a completely different company.

 

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about the Wheaton comp.  This is actually the first I'm hearing of them.

[gleninjersey 2,141]

Yeah, the ACT LPKs are in stock, we've got a bunch.  The first link you posted, the one ending in 659, is what you want.  The second link is to Midwest Industries, a completely different company.

 

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about the Wheaton comp.  This is actually the first I'm hearing of them.

 

OMG   I'm SO embarassed....truely a blonde moment.  I don't know why I was thinking "Midwest Industries" when in your signature it says, like 10 stories tall, "Midwest PX"  DUH!  Prob b/c I was using my phone at work when I called.  No wonder the guy on the other end of the line and myself were both confused! 

 

I sent Wheaton Arms an email earlier with a few questions about the their comp.  I'll def be setting up an account with you in the next few days and ordering the LPK with ALG ACT, one of the Magpul sights, maybe some mags and perhaps the Primary Arms FSC556 as well.  Just want to learn a little more about the Deployment Comp.

 

Thanks for letting me know the YOU have the LPK with the ALG ACT.  Set one aside for me.  I'll be ordering soon.

[MidwestPX 172]

Haha, no worries. If it makes you feel any better, you are far from the first to mix us up.

[gleninjersey 2,141]

Orders all sent.  Went with the Wheaton Deployment Comp and ordered everything else from MIdwest PX (Lower Parts Kit with ALG ACT trigger, MBUS Pro Back Rear Back Up Sight, and 4 mags). 

 

Almost done!

[gleninjersey 2,141]

So where can I gen the tools needed to finish a lower?  I'm assuming I only really need a roll pin punch set and maybe a roll pin holder.  Can I pick those up at Lowes, Home Depot or Harbor Frieight?  I've also watched videos that say getting a "Bolt Pin Catch Punch" could be helpful.  That sounds pretty specific and sounds like it would have to be ordered......so hopefully I can skip it.

 

Edit...so with a little "googlefu" Lowes, Home Depot or Harbor Frieight all sell Roll Pin Punch / Sets.  Do I need an entire set or just a few specific sizes? 

[checko 180]

You don't even need that man. A pair of small pliers and a hammer will work. And tape. Tape everything.

[High Exposure 5,664]

I use channel locks for the bolt catch pin.

[MidwestPX 172]

Brownells sells a specialized roll pin punch however I now use anything that's cylindrical and handy at the time. Delrin works great and can't mar your lower if you slip. It's best to lube the pin and the bolt catch pin hole though.

[T Bill 649]

The toughest parts to install on a lower are:

 

1. Front take down pin.  Use a razor blade here to hold everything in place while sliding in the takedown pin.

2. Trigger guard roll pin.  Make sure you support the "ears" or it will brake for sure.

3.  Magazine catch roll pin.  Use a twist drill bit of appropriate size to hold everything in place.  Use roll pin punch or nail set of correct size to tap roll pin home. Tape lower under this area to prevent scratches.

4.  Hammer spring, Trigger spring.  Make sure the springs are oriented the right way when assembling.

5. Rear takedown pin.  Make sure not to crush the detent spring when mounting the CAR receiver plate.

 

Get a large clear plastic bag.  Assemble Step 1 in the bag.  You'll thank me later.

 

It's easy.  The first seems tough and confusing, but it's not.  Number 2 and the rest you will almost be able to do in your sleep.  After a while it is almost scary how fast  you can put a whole rifle together.

[gleninjersey 2,141]

Fingers crossed!  Going to tackle the lower.  Picked up a $9 set of punches from Harbor Freight.  Have lots of painters tape and electrical tape on hand.  Wish me luck! 

[gleninjersey 2,141]

Magazine release installed.....that was easy.  Bolt catch next.  Deep breaths, DEEP breaths....

[checko 180]

Lol. Youre gonna make it kid

[gleninjersey 2,141]

Bolt catch done.  Next!

[gleninjersey 2,141]

Trigger guard in.....

[gleninjersey 2,141]

Pivot pin in....was a little worried about that one! 

[checko 180]

Pivot pin sucks! First try?