AR options reccommendations

[223kev]

I'm going to build my first AR and so far, here are my major wants:

18" barrell light weight
Mid-lentgh free float Hand Guard
multi position stock
No front sight - will have scope mounted

I have a PSA stripped lower receiver ready for the platform and a 20 round PMAG ready to go but that's about it. It isn't going to be a high dollar build and will take most of the year to complete.

This is going to be a general purpose AR with the most use coming from predator hunting. My 13 and 12 yo boys are going to be behind it as well so I have to consider them. Just on that, I'm thinking 223 since it will be the cheapest to reload. We will probably do a camo paint job so that is something to consider as well.

I'm going to hit the Tanner show this weekend in Loveland to see what they have so if anyone can recommend some decent equipment based off of my wants, that would be great!

Thanks,
Kevin

[ray1970]

Pmags come in 20 and 30 rounders, not 15. The 18" barrel is a good idea but just about every one I have seen has used a rifle length gas system so getting a mid-length handguard on it will either be difficult or at least look kind of funny.

This is a great place to get advice, ideas, and opinions.

If the Loveland Tanner show is anything like the Denver one, you might be a little disappointed with the selection and prices of AR parts and accessories.

Good luck with your upcoming build.

[cstone]

I assume by your location you have checked on what is available at Jensens. If you get down to Denver you may want to stop by Bowers Tactical.

18" seems off to me, as I like 16" or 20" but to each their own.

This board is an excellent resource as there are some very knowledgeable, helpful individuals around here.

Welcome to the addiction. ARs: They are all about the accessories : )

[BPTactical]

Start simple, carbine or rifle length. Learn the platform.
Your not going to find any deals at a show.
+1 on Bowers, Mike and Rob know their stuff and are industry partners here as well.
You might want to give Bear Arms a yell as well, they are in Windsor.

[Great-Kazoo]

If you don't find what you're looking for or would like some assistance, there are a fair amount of board members literally within 10 blocks of each other, here on the "east side" of 25.

[223kev]

Ray1970, I stand corrected, it is a 20 round PMAG. The carbine/mid/rifle length gas system is still a mystery to me so I appreciate your input about the 18" and mid length issue. Sounds like I might have to be a little more flexible for that.

cstone, I didn't want a 16" and thought that 20" would be to long for the boys so settled on the 18". That is the only reason and I'm flexible but hopeful. Jensen's is great but I just haven't decided on anything yet. I do want to get down to Bowers just from everyones comments on here about him being a great shop.

Thanks guys!

[Kaiser.Shooter]

DPMS makes 18" Mid-Length gas barrel:

DPMS Mini SASS Barrel AR-15 5.56x45mm NATO .920" Muzzle Diameter 1 in 8" Twist 18" Fluted Stainless Steel Black Teflon Pre-Ban

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/688404/dpms-mini-sass-barrel-ar-15-556x45mm-nato-920-muzzle-diameter-1-in-8-twist-18-fluted-stainless-steel-black-teflon-pre-ban

[TriggerHappy]

Just curious, but why 18" and not 16"?

[jackthewall81]

I reccomend a BCM 18in rifle length system. BCM is reasonably priced, and, well I am a fan boy! Never had short stroking, malfunctions, or even a jam in my BCM uppers.

[cstone]

I reccomend a BCM 18in rifle length system. BCM is reasonably priced, and, well I am a fan boy! Never had short stroking, malfunctions, or even a jam in my BCM uppers.

Agreed. For a first upper, its tough to go wrong with BCM. Most people have a preference on Lower Parts Kits. Mine is Rock River Arms. Doesn't cost much more than a DPMS or Spikes LPK, but the triggers seem to be very smooth without any extra work.

[223kev]

Just curious, but why 18" and not 16"?


When I first started looking at options, I couldn't decide between 16" or 20". The 18" popped up as an option and I thought a perfect split for the decision. Have had my mind set on that since then but it sounds like it might be tough to get that and a mid length paired up.

[223kev]

If you don't find what you're looking for or would like some assistance, there are a fair amount of board members literally within 10 blocks of each other, here on the "east side" of 25.

I appreciate that Jim! Any help and direction on this is great.

[ray1970]

For what it's worth, I put together an 18" barreled rifle and really liked the way it felt and the way it balanced. (Yes, the free float tube is kind of a 1980's/90's throwback but it was cheap)

I can't give you my impressions of it beyond that because I never got around to putting optics on it and actually shooting it before I needed funds for something else and parted it out and sold it.

The barrel actually started life as a 20" barrel and I just had Bert (BPTactical) cut it down to 18" and thread it.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/rjs1970/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNzI2LTAwMDQzLmpwZw.jpg

[ray1970]

When I first started looking at options, I couldn't decide between 16" or 20". The 18" popped up as an option and I thought a perfect split for the decision. Have had my mind set on that since then but it sounds like it might be tough to get that and a mid length paired up.

Maybe not as tough as I thought. While I am not a huge fan of DPMS, they do have a good reputation for having accurate barrels. Kaiser.Shooter was kind enough to point this one out.


DPMS makes 18" Mid-Length gas barrel:

DPMS Mini SASS Barrel AR-15 5.56x45mm NATO .920" Muzzle Diameter 1 in 8" Twist 18" Fluted Stainless Steel Black Teflon Pre-Ban

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/688404/dpms-mini-sass-barrel-ar-15-556x45mm-nato-920-muzzle-diameter-1-in-8-twist-18-fluted-stainless-steel-black-teflon-pre-ban

[223kev]

Well, I got a start on the build finally. I did pick up a Stag Arms lower parts kit and have it partially assembled. The fun begins!

We looked at a lot of options at the gun show and my son and I liked the Magpul CTR stock as an option. How would that figure in to the scheme of what I'm trying to build? Would it be a show stopper?

[Great-Kazoo]

Well, I got a start on the build finally. I did pick up a Stag Arms lower parts kit and have it partially assembled. The fun begins!

We looked at a lot of options at the gun show and my son and I liked the Magpul CTR stock as an option. How would that figure in to the scheme of what I'm trying to build? Would it be a show stopper?


Build within your budget then revamp from there. You see more Gems:) all over the internet, someone thought would look great on their gun. 2 weeks later it's for sale @ 1/2 price. The trading post is a good start for browsing acc for good prices. I'd wager a good portion of board members have something on their firearms that was purchased used here. Want to browse through containers of crap (oops) GEMS, stop on by.

[J]

Just got done building an 18" middy for a buddy.

They aren't hard to find, but light weight 18" are a bit difficult. Most are match heavy barrels. The one I built used a Rainier Arms 18" ultra match, 1:8 223 Wylde chamber. Pricy but shoots like a dream. Definitely not light weight though. But not terrible heavy.

The CTR would be fine on your build, if that's what you like.

[223kev]

I found an upper pretty close to what I was looking for with a little heavier barrel. It is an 18" Stainless mid-length with an aluminum free float barrell made by Specialized Dynamics. I just need the CTR stock and a winter trigger guard and will be ready to take it out and put it through the paces. It's getting exciting around here!

[pepito]

I am a fan of piston over gas. Dump a few mags in a short period of time and that CLP cooks off pritty quick. One will not have that issue with a piston system. Less foul and runs cooler...but a bit more expensive and a bit heavier simply because it is more metal.

Check out LWRC[Para]

Just trying to expand your options.

[marson3erk]

i would go with a heavier contour or a shorter barrel. a lot of the barrels accuracy comes from its stiffness. think of a piece of spaghetti, the longer it is the more it wabbles and the shorter you make it the stiffer it gets. any gas system longer than carbine will do good. longer gas systems will give you softer recoil pulses. 1x8 twist so you can shoot anything from 40 granin to 77 grain. if you want a high end build i would go with polygonal rifling. it has a tighter gas seal and produces more fps also less bullet deformation. i would use a stainless barrel and get it cryoed. i would also use a stiffer upper like vltor mod.(already cryoed). get a quality bolt and carrier. free float handgaurd. quality lower. good trigger like a timney or such. make it worth being a scope only gun. and get a set of backup flip ups. for the kids you can get a hydraulic buffer for softer recoil impulses. grips, stocks,bipod, lights, slings and other accessories. just some ideas, my 2 cents.

[marson3erk]

sorry you wrote it isnt a high dollar build. i take it back.