Over the last few weeks, I have decided that I would like to assemble my first AR 15 instead of purchasing one off the shelf. I have done a plethora of research, (Although, I am sure that there is a lot more that I can obtain), and have come to the conclusion that to get what I want in a rifle, assembling one would be the smarter choice. It would also give me the knowledge of how to put one together, learn as to what each part does, and just know that rifle inside and out.

 

Mind you, I will be building the rifle at my dad`s who live in IL, so I won`t have to deal with NJ`s restrictive laws. I do visit him on a monthly basis, so it will be used, shot, and cared for.

 

Please comment, as I am always interested as to what other have to say or any criticisms that you may have.

 

So, here is the parts list that I have come up with that will fit my needs. Again, feel free to offer suggestions.

 

Barreled upper receiver with free float rail - PSA 16" M4 Premium ss12G2 Chambered in 5.56

PSA AR15/M16 Charging handle

Spikes Tactical Complete 5.56/.223 BCG

PSA Gadsden Stripped Lower Receiver

PSA AR Lower parts kit w/ MAGPUL grip and trigger guard

Spikes Tactical 6-postion Mil. Spec buffer tube kit

Magpul CTR Carbine Mil. Spec Stock

Daniel Defense flip up front and rear sights

Vortex Strikefire II Red dot sight

 

I`ll probably get about 3 or 4 mag`s and an angled fore grip.

I've got the same upper.  I'm pretty happy with it.  The function has been flawless and the SS12G2 is extremely light, although not the easiest to mount picatinny accessories to.  The only change I made to the upper was a swap to a BCM charging handle, really just because I like the look better.  

 

I went with a Vortex Sparc.  Now I haven't been able to shoot it past 50yds, but off a bench with the RDS I can get a pretty tight group, standing off hand rapid fire I can move around the corners or a target paper with ease.  I was looking to keep my first AR somewhat budget and it worked out great, although it started a little bit of an addiction. 

Looks like you need a comp to replace that A2 flash hider.

I'm a little jealous. I want to start a build but have a few more things I want to get beforehand and learn about too. I've been doing some research here and there...it hurts my head how many different versions of even a bolt release there are out there . And with the number of manufacturers I find it hard to know which are great/good/bad/bomb-in-your-hand quality but it is kind of fun thinking of all the possibilities!!!     

 

Good luck with the build. 

 

 

KCCO

Looks like you need a comp to replace that A2 flash hider.

Does IL require a comp like Jersey?

Looks like you need a comp to replace that A2 flash hider.

 

If he's building it in IL it's fine the way it is, AFAIK they don't have an AWB.

I'm a little jealous. I want to start a build but have a few more things I want to get beforehand and learn about too. I've been doing some research here and there...it hurts my head how many different versions of even a bolt release there are out there . And with the number of manufacturers I find it hard to know which are great/good/bad/bomb-in-your-hand quality but it is kind of fun thinking of all the possibilities!!!     

 

Good luck with the build. 

 

 

KCCO

 

 

I have been the same say as well. Even though I have all the parts I need and want, I am still looking at other possibilities.

 

 

If he's building it in IL it's fine the way it is, AFAIK they don't have an AWB.

 

From I`ve been reading and seeing around there, (Illinois), there is not one. I even had someone at Gander Mountain tell me that they can order me a drum if I so desired. I even asked him if that`s illegal, having been from Jersey and all, and he said nope. I was floored to say the least.

If there is only one piece of advice I can give you, it's this.  Build your rifle around the barrel.  First figure out what kind of rifle you want, more to the point, what is the rifles purpose in life.  Is it home defense, competition, hunting, just a few fun weekends each year at the range breaking shit or some other purpose? 

 

A short light barrel (14.5" with muzzle device to bring it to 16+ inches) will get you out of most bad situations in tight spaces.  A heavier 16" barrel will do the same as the aforementioned with more endurance.  If you want better accuracy look into Wylde chambered barrels, If you want to shoot longer ranges without having a big long honking barrel an 18" heavy bbl can help you reach out and touch something.  If you tend to neglect your firearms get a stainless steel bbl.  If you want to shoot rodents at 400 yards a 20" or longer heavy or bull bbl is the ticket.  If you are going to overspend on anything, it should be the barrel.  The best trigger, laser, scope or stock wont help much if the barrel is shit.

 

EDIT: Also, twist rate is important.  If you will be shooting cheap 55gr or 62gr milsurp range fodder then a 1:9 will be fine.  If you plan on shooting longer ranges with heavier bullets (67gr or heavier) then a 1:8 or 1:7 should be considered.

 

In many regards, rifles are like golf clubs.  Sure you can play the entire course with a sand wedge, but having the right club (rifle) for a particular shot will make the game a lot easier.  In any case, the bbl is the club head and the rest is just a matter of accessories.

If there is only one piece of advice I can give you, it's this. Build your rifle around the barrel. First figure out what kind of rifle you want, more to the point, what is the rifles purpose in life. Is it home defense, competition, hunting, just a few fun weekends each year at the range breaking shit or some other purpose?

 

A short light barrel (14.5" with muzzle device to bring it to 16+ inches) will get you out of most bad situations in tight spaces. A heavier 16" barrel will do the same as the aforementioned with more endurance. If you want better accuracy look into Wylde chambered barrels, If you want to shoot longer ranges without having a big long honking barrel an 18" heavy bbl can help you reach out and touch something. If you tend to neglect your firearms get a stainless steel bbl. If you want to shoot rodents at 400 yards a 20" or longer heavy or bull bbl is the ticket. If you are going to overspend on anything, it should be the barrel. The best trigger, laser, scope or stock wont help much if the barrel is shit.

 

In many regards, rifles are like golf clubs. Sure you can play the entire course with a sand wedge, but having the right club (rifle) for a particular shot will make the game a lot easier. In any case, the bbl is the club head and the rest is just a matter of accessories.

I like the way you put that. Thumbs up....

 

 

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