KP15 AR Lower - Build Ideas?
 

I know there’s some AR experts here. I ordered one of the KP15 polymer one-piece lower/grip/stock from Brownells. https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/lower-receivers/ar-15-kp-15-stripped-lower-receivers-polymer-prod132660.aspx

When it arrives, I will need the rest of the bits. Trying to get some inspiration and break through the deer-in-headlights feeling that the dizzying variety of AR stuff causes. How should I build this?

Since the KP15 has a sort of traditional profile to my eyes - full stock, not a collapsible - I initially thought of the vintage SP1 look with long barrel, triangular handguard, and carry handle. Then I thought since the lower is so light, maybe I should instead try to build the lightest AR carbine I can, that isn’t a SBR. And there is the option of getting the SBR stamp too.

What would you do?

I guess I should mention there is no real “functional mission criteria” here. I have no need of an AR, it’s just going to be a range fun thing. In fact I will probably look into a .22 kit.

I have a Colt Match grade in SP1 style I like them all

Just to make it a bit more confusing, if you use a 22 bolt conversion kit on a 223/556 barrel, you will lose some accuracy due to the turns of the rifling. In my case, the rifle is still more accurate than I am, so nothing lost.

The nice thing is, these things are so modular it is easy to replace a component you don't like. The hard part is finding the component you do like.

I didn't buy a top of the line barrel, I just didn't feel like I was going to be shooting enough rounds through it to make sense. 30k rounds means I probably spent 15k on ammo, and not doing that soon! And I can always replace it later. Also, see accuracy thing earlier...

But you could always buy multiple uppers. Want the vintage look? Swap the upper. Want lightweight? Swap the upper.

Hopefully someone else will chime in with better knowledge. I just plink at the range, and I actually like it better than my 10 22. But I like my ar7 better than my 10 22, so you should take that into account.

I’m wondering whether, with polymer lowers, it is best to not remove/replace the upper too often - due to wear on the pin holes? Speculation only.

I'd probably be more concerned with the trigger/hammer pin holes, and maybe the buffer detent hole.