Advice on an AR-15 build

[djmcmath]

I'm looking at two different uppers to finish my build, and would appreciate the inputs of the experts here. I'm open to other options as well, but have worked with this seller on some other parts, and he's been great so far.

Option 1:



M4A3, 16", mid-length, $740 depending on other options (sights, flash hider, etc).
Custom M-4 A3 with UTG Quad rail - Top Notch Top Ends Store

Option 2:



Custom MK-12, 16", full length, price a little over $1000, depending again on options.
Custom MK-12 5.56 - Top Notch Top Ends Store


Purpose: General self defense and shooting range entertainment. I'm not joining the militia and planning on burning 10,000 rounds/month in combat training, and I'm not planning on routinely engaging in close-quarters battle with trained soldiers. Is the full length system worth the extra $300ish? Or should I be spending that $300 on pushing my BMW farther down the slope to being a full-on track car?

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
Dan

[cashflyer]

I had one with Option 2.
Is it worth $300 more? Probably not.

I liked the longer hand guard because it "fit" more stance options, IMO. Plus, I like not having so much barrel hanging out the front. And the longer rails gives you more room to attach unnecessary junk.

[red-beard]

Wow. Just a few weeks ago (end of last year) I picked up a Bushmaster 20" Fluted complete upper for $679

[JAR0023]

The first upper you have listed is carbine length not mid-length. Either way pay up for a chrome-lined barrel. I like simple(cheap) to a point. My current goto is a stainless mid-length 1/8 barrel. Fixed front sight and Magpul handguards. Primary use is coyotes. -J

[John Rogers]

Depends on what you want the gun for? If it is to be a serious shooter and get those critters 3 or 4 hundred yards away a very good chamber and barrel is one thing but for a fun shooter then the barrel is not as critical. The bolt can be included but make sure they have a good reputation for reliability.

[djmcmath]

Cash -- love the tactical gear loadout on that thing, lol. Awesome. I don't have any intent to do that to mine.

RedBeard -- I too am SHOCKED at the price increase. In early December, I held off on a PSA system with a gas piston system for $950 because that just seemed like too much. Today, $950 may buy you a box of ammo. Crazy.

JAR -- thanks for the clarification. I'm new to this business, obviously. First AR build. So thanks.

[MotoSook]

Wow. I could fund a race engine selling my uppers at those prices.

An upper with UTG hand guard for $700+!

I would just get a barrel length you want and get a plastic hand guard until the crazy prices subside. For what you're looking to do with the riffle a 16" carbine is just fine. A Daniel Defense hammer forged chromed lined barrel use to go for $180 ... I'd wait if you can't find them for that or so. You really could just build your own upper. It's damn simple.

Anyhow if you have to buy an upper just go simple. You can always upgrade later when prices settle down.

[MotoSook]

Holy crap. I just looked on Spike Tactical's website and 5.56 uppers are 6-8 months back ordered and the 300 BLK Out uppers are 12 months out! Crazy. I think I'll go hug my rifles now

You might be better off buying a whole rifle if you must have one in firing order in the next 6 months. I saw some on AR15.com classifieds for a little over $1000. That's about what they were going for 4 yrs ago. About a 200-300 premium in most cases. So you have to decide what it's worth to ya. Good luck.

[Joe Bob]

Self defense? Maybe against the Black Helicopters or the Local Crips/Blood gang reunion.....I'd use an alley sweeper....

As to the choices both are good, just get what is available and don't save shekels on bad magazines. A jam in the middle of dispatching zombies isn't good.

[djmcmath]

MotoSook -- I've been looking at whole, complete rifles as well. The pricing situation there is really no better. No-name rifles that used to sell for $450 are going for easily triple that. I've been keeping my eyes on the various websites for anything reasonable, but ... yeah.

On the bright side, the political winds don't seem to be favoring renewal of the AWB, so maybe this will all pass, for now. Fingers crossed?

Thanks again for the advice,

Dan

[Rick V]

It's all a matter of preference but I don't like those foreends that are nothing but tac rails. They just don't feel great, I like to have a good connection between my gun and my hand.
I went with a magpul forend and added a couple of short tac rails for the couple of things I wanted to add to my AR.
For me it just works better, it feels better and my wallet liked my choice much better.
You do or get what ever fits your needs/wants the best.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Rick V

It's all a matter of preference...

It sure is. I had a Bushmaster Varminter woth the longer, fluted barrel and hated it. It never felt quite right to me.

My neighbor, on the other hand, loved it. We traded a few things around and he is very happy, as am I.

If you want to come down and shoot, Dan, I can have just about every variety of upper you could want available for you to try. The boys around here love to share

[John Rogers]

I have a Spikes Tactical ST-22 for sale if anyone might be interested???? Red dot halo sight. 8 Black Dog magazines and double rifle drag bag included.

[svandamme]

you might wanna pass on the chrome lined barrel if accuracy is your goal.

[fintstone]

Dan...I thought those were banned in DC. Are you a VA resident?

[dhoward]

Haven't seen a no-name rifle for $450 in years. Now is not the time to be buying anything if you can help it. Don't spend extra on a chrome bore. That's really for high rate of fire applications.
Prices are way too high now. $2300 for frankenrifles on GB. Besides, there's no ammo to be had.

[targa911S]

What he^^^ said.....

[Jim Bremner]

Buy what you can.

Buy the other upper later.

Legos for men.

[djmcmath]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

If you want to come down and shoot, Dan, I can have just about every variety of upper you could want available for you to try. The boys around here love to share

Seahawk, I am sold. I actually need to find a place to practice with a shorter shotgun (my local skeet place won't let me shoot clay pigeons with an 18" barrel). I'd absolutely love to try out some AR-15's, too. Is it a range that you shoot at, or just people's back yards?

[djmcmath]

Originally Posted by fintstone

Dan...I thought those were banned in DC. Are you a VA resident?

Virtually everything is banned in DC. Fortunately, I just commute through DC, and live in MD. I got the lower that I have legally, through an FFL, complete with all the appropriate checking of background and what-not. I know there are local shops that used to sell them (nobody has them anymore), so I'm guessing they're legal here.

Thanks for the concern.