I have no idea how it happened but, as some may already know, I got bit by the AR bug.  I suspect it happened after I watched a YT video posted by one of the top gun guys. I think it was MAC.  During the mad scramble of 2013 to buy an AR before they got banned (again) MAC recommended buying a lower (or two or three) and just sit on it.  So I bought two lowers, just to have.  Well, looking at two stripped lowers got to be kind of boring so I started the "research".  The research turned into purchases and more research.

 

I decided on a $1,000.00 price limit with the goal of building the most reliable accurate rifle possible.  The following list is not written in stone but it is a fairly accurate representation of my objective.  I suppose it could be classified as a SPR, a DMR or a MK12.

 

LOWER

Stripped Anderson

PSA P-Tac MOE LBK, black

Pearce 1911 grip adapter kit.

Genuine surplus USGI 1911 grip panels (WW2 era)

 

UPPER

Barrel - Rainier Match .223 Wylde 18", SPR contour,  bead blasted stainless steel, M4 ramps, 1:8, mid port, 11 degree target crown.

Upper Rec - Rainier A4 forged upper rec.

Upper Rec. - PSA blem.

BCG - PSA (complete) NiB, FA profile, Carpenter 158 , HPT/MPI

Forestock - DelTon 12" vented free float tube.

Gas Block - Vltor low profile.

Gas Tube - ???

Charging Handle - Plain vanilla $20ish for now.

BUIS - PSA same plane front and rear flip sights.

Optic - Nikon P-233 3x32

Scope Mount - Still researching but I want a solid QD mount.

 

So far, only the lower is complete, I'm hoping to have the whole thing done by April.  The fire control group that came with the PSA kit is very basic.  I intentionally got the most basic because I want to know what a crap trigger feels like and see how much I can improve it by doing a trigger job myself.  Depending on how I like the look of the 1911 grips, I may Cerakote the hand guard the same color.  It's also possible I'll abandon the whole 1911 grip idea and do a custom camo job.

 

Based on the prices of similarly configured rifles, I think I'll be saving somewhere between $500.00 and $750.00.

Just some advice, I would go with a better LPK, psa ptac isn't the best quality. Also ive read some bad reviews on their BUIS, not tight, stripped screws, etc..

If you can find a Daniel Defense LPK I would use that.

Fancy coatings on the BCG are, IMHO, not needed. A standard phosphate finished, mil-spec BCG will serve you just fine.

Home trigger job??? I wouldn't.  A mil-spec trigger will smooth out nicely after a thousand rounds or so.

If you feel you need a better trigger, there are a plethora of drop in aftermarket triggers to use.

If you can find a Daniel Defense LPK I would use that.

Fancy coatings on the BCG are, IMHO, not needed. A standard phosphate finished, mil-spec BCG will serve you just fine.

Home trigger job??? I wouldn't.  A mil-spec trigger will smooth out nicely after a thousand rounds or so.

If you feel you need a better trigger, there are a plethora of drop in aftermarket triggers to use.

DD LPKs are hard to keep in stock due to scarcity but they're pricey.  I'm down to my last one at $99 as of this post.

 

Agreed on the BCG and trigger comments 100%.  

I would, and did, go with MidwestPX LPK, Enhanced BCG, and the Geissele ACT trigger. The LPK from MidwestPX is American sourced. The BCG is one of the better deals out there for what it is and the trigger is awesome for the price.

 

Regardless, have fun with it. I did.

 

C

I love PSA!  I just ordered a blem stripped upper for $40.  Also ordered another 150 rd box of 62gr green tips @ .40/rd and a NiB BCG.