AR 15 Build question

[Rednine11]

I already have a Colt but I want to build another one.
I found Bushmaster stripped lowers for 50 bucks.
Should i go that route or just pick up the complete S&W M&P lower I found for 349
Arent Bushmaster's polymer now anyway?

[Jrboulder]

I ordered one of the $49 bushmaster lowers a couple days ago. They say it's a mil spec anodized forging.

If you want to build one get a stripped lower. If you want to assemble 2 halves get complete assemblies.

[Rick Lee]

I think that M&P full lower is not a great deal.

You should be able to save $50 buy sourcing those parts yourself and I'd rather customize the grip and butt stock anyway.

[Rednine11]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I think that M&P full lower is not a great deal.

You should be able to save $50 buy sourcing those parts yourself and I'd rather customize the grip and butt stock anyway.

My thoughts exactly

[Rednine11]

For your time, a pic of my buddy's car I saw yesterday

Building up a stripped lower is slightly tedious but it's a cool process and enjoyable. You'll probably want a few inexpensive tools to make it easier - roll pin punch set, roll pin starter set, mag block to hold lower steady in your vice. When you order your lower parts kit, order a couple extra takedown pin keepers and springs. There is a good chance you'll lose one or two of those little bastages. Good luck!

[cashflyer]

Originally Posted by Rednine11

... complete S&W M&P lower I found for 349.

How about a complete lower, with Magpul stock & grip, for $189? LINK (SKU: 36025)

I have built up a few stripped lowers. It's a fun little project that consumes only about an hour of your day, and I enjoy the process.
I buy PSA lowers when they are on sale, usually for about $50.

I don't think there would be anything wrong with a Bushy lower; it's mil spec. Bushmaster used to be owned by Freedom Group (along with Remington & DPMS) but I think they are independent now.

[Rednine11]

Originally Posted by cashflyer

How about a complete lower, with Magpul stock & grip, for $189? LINK

In my best Joe Dirt voice......"Dang"

[E38Driver]

Originally Posted by Mark Wilson

Building up a stripped lower is slightly tedious but it's a cool process and enjoyable. You'll probably want a few inexpensive tools to make it easier - roll pin punch set, roll pin starter set, mag block to hold lower steady in your vice. When you order your lower parts kit, order a couple extra takedown pin keepers and springs. There is a good chance you'll lose one or two of those little bastages. Good luck!

If you use one of these 1/4 in. x 2 in. Zinc-Plated Universal Clevis Pin-88008 at The Home Depot You will not loose the spring. Line up the hole in the clevis with the spring, insert spring, turn clevis, slide in the take down pin. Easy peasy

Dave

[varmint]

never really cared for the AR-15. but a friend is holding a build party in a few weeks. figure this may be the time to finally join the herd.

i admit to near total ignorance of the platform. would want something very simple, reliable and accurate, minimal mall ninja crap. who wants to tell me where to begin?

[HHI944]

Originally Posted by varmint

never really cared for the AR-15. but a friend is holding a build party in a few weeks. figure this may be the time to finally join the herd.

i admit to near total ignorance of the platform. would want something very simple, reliable and accurate, minimal mall ninja crap. who wants to tell me where to begin?

I'd start here.
PTAC 16" M4 5.56 NATO Slick Side 1:9 Classic Rifle Kit
Nothing fancy, nothing super premium, but all solid components that will leave you with a basic carbine to begin the long slippery slope of AR spoons. All you need in addition to this kit is a lower.

[varmint]

thanks.


wonder if it's possible to make something that looks like it was issued to the troops in 1963.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

See cashflyer's thread: AR spoon builders - any help?

Sadly it isn't trivial these days because several of the components have gone out of style. Hell, 20" uppers are like hens' teeth.

After shooting your $450 rifle the first thing you will want to do is upgrade the FCG (fire control group - trigger/hammer). I strongly recommend the Rock River Arms 2-stage National Match trigger. Best $100 you can spend on an AR-15. IMHO.

[cashflyer]

Originally Posted by HHI944

All you need in addition to this kit is a lower.

And a scope, red-dot, traditional sight, MBUS.... something to go on that flat-top.

[HHI944]

Originally Posted by cashflyer

And a scope, red-dot, traditional sight, MBUS.... something to go on that flat-top.

Ahh, knew I forgot something...


BAM
Amazon.com : UTG Model 4/16 Complete Match-grade Rear Sight : Airsoft Gun Sights : Sports & Outdoors
$25, standard A2 style, reasonably durable

[varmint]

i like my M1A. am doing this for the fun of learning something new. will probably give it to the girlfriend.

have been looking online. the choices are overwhelming. thanks for the advice. the pelican threads cut through a lot of the bull**** without assuming i know more than i do.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by varmint

thanks.


wonder if it's possible to make something that looks like it was issued to the troops in 1963.

Why not? The Armalite M15 used to be basically a semi-auto with the standard fixed stock and barrel shroud and a 22" barrel. Not sure if they still make it that way, since most people don't care about the "carry handle" and fixed military sights.

[abisel]

Seems the early AR15A1 is hard to find for whatever reason. Wish I had kept mine and not traded it in on an A2; however, the A2 turned out to be a tack driver after I got done with it. Two-stage match trigger, SS Krieger barrel, match front and rear sights, floating handguard, added weight in butt stock to balance out.

I did find this A1 and it looks really nice.

Pre-Ban Colt AR-15 Model SP-1 Rifle Built 1974 - Colt AR 15 Rifles

Early "slap side" without brass deflector or forward assist. Makes me think I should buy it.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

"Slab side".

[abisel]

^^^ Opps!

What he said.