First Build Advise?

[killianak9]

Building my first AR-15 and after reading a lot from this forum, I am ready to buy a stripped lower, Double star and spikes are two contenders. Any reason one would be better than another? I know its an age old question but I ask cause I want to build a middle of the road rifle for plinking and to get familiar with and Not break the bank right out of the gates .

Any advise and thoughts are welcome.Thanks.

[ray1970]

Just about any lower will probably work just fine. I prefer the Spike's ones myself mostly because every one I have had has been very nicely finished. I'm also partial to the Surplus Arms & Ammo lowers if you're looking to save a couple of dollars. If they're manufactured to "military specifications" they are pretty much all the same.

[MarkCO]

Get yourself one of these: http://www.tacticalinc.com/ar15-lower-receivers-c-432_434.html Probably the best value in lowers on the market. Shooters Connection has Firebird lowers on sale as well.

[ray1970]

I've gotten excellent prices and service from Aim Surplus.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/catalog.aspx?groupid=577&name=Lower+Receivers

[killianak9]

Thanks for the info. From what I have tried to locate,I have only found the Double Star @$140 locally and the spikes @AIM, Buds and few other are back ordered and waiting for an email for when its in stock. I am checking the forum as well for when and if something comes up but slim pickins [M2]

[ray1970]

Since you're up on the north side of town, check with Mike at Loack and Load Armory. He might have some in stock.

http://www.lockandloadarmory.com/l-3-contact-us.aspx

[Mazin]

Spikes is a personal favorite of mine.

Advice:

Wrapping the lower with electrical tape always helps keep the finish, especially when tapping in the pins (a little bit of tetra grease helps with this also) in for the bolt release and trigger guards.

Keep us up to date with the build [Beer]

[ray1970]

And if you break one of the ears off the lower where the trigger guard goes make sure to post some pictures so we can bust your chops about it. [Awesom]

[killianak9]

Since you're up on the north side of town, check with Mike at Loack and Load Armory. He might have some in stock.

http://www.lockandloadarmory.com/l-3-contact-us.aspx

I was in his shop last week. he told me to check back every few days ;) He has a few complete lowers available. he has a pretty nice shop

[killianak9]

And if you break one of the ears off the lower where the trigger guard goes make sure to post some pictures so we can bust your chops about it. [Awesom]


lol its pretty much a paper weight at that point right?

[killianak9]

Spikes is a personal favorite of mine.

Advice:

Wrapping the lower with electrical tape always helps keep the finish, especially when tapping in the pins (a little bit of tetra grease helps with this also) in for the bolt release and trigger guards.

Keep us up to date with the build [Beer]

Will do, I'm sure it happens but would really suck

[ray1970]

lol its pretty much a paper weight at that point right?

Nah. It'll still work. Just kind of says "Look at me. I f**ked up." [Beer]

[birddog]

lol its pretty much a paper weight at that point right?

Not for the right guy. Tinelement did a real nice job of repairing one along with a few others if I remember correctly.

[killianak9]

Nah. It'll still work. Just kind of says "Look at me. I f**ked up." [Beer]

LMAO, it happens to the best of us right.

[killianak9]

Not for the right guy. Tinelement did a real nice job of repairing one along with a few others if I remember correctly.

have to keep that in mind. Thnx

[Mazin]

lol its pretty much a paper weight at that point right?

Been a few here that have fixed them, but its a PIA regardless.

[dwalker460]

fixing a broken one is no issue really ;)

[killianak9]

i just wont jack it up and be better off. [Beer]

[SA Friday]

Best advise I can give you;
Buy the best parts you can afford. If you can't afford quality parts, don't do it.

Best tools you can afford. If you can't afford quality tools, don't do it.

Best experience you can get. If you have no experience, get someone to help you, teach you, or do it for you.

See a lot of unshootable home brews over the years. It always boils down to the above.

[SaigamanCO]

+1

[driver]

You should check with Lewis at indie arms in Ft Collins for spikes. http://indiearmscolo.com/ar15-parts-and-accessories/
Good luck with your build.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

[killianak9]

You should check with Lewis at indie arms in Ft Collins for spikes. http://indiearmscolo.com/ar15-parts-and-accessories/
Good luck with your build.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

will do thanks.

[killianak9]

Best advise I can give you;
Buy the best parts you can afford. If you can't afford quality parts, don't do it.

Best tools you can afford. If you can't afford quality tools, don't do it.

Best experience you can get. If you have no experience, get someone to help you, teach you, or do it for you.

See a lot of unshootable home brews over the years. It always boils down to the above.

Any one tool better than the other or is there a kit that is available?

[JM Ver. 2.0]

And if you break one of the ears off the lower where the trigger guard goes make sure to post some pictures so we can bust your chops about it. [Awesom]

Been there... Done that...

[MarkCO]

Any one tool better than the other or is there a kit that is available?

The PRI barrel nut wrench is the best. You will need a good torque wrench. Roll pin specific punches are almost a necessity.

You can use a cheap mallet, they hit the same as expensive ones. You will need a set of action blocks as well. Expensive does not mean the best here.

[BPTactical]

If you are only building one or two the expenditure on decent tools will not be cost effective.
You have to build a few to recoup your investment.
For the cost of a GOOD multi wrench you can have it assembled and have the piece of mind knowing it was done correctly and attention payed to the details, proper torque values observed etc.
I may know somebody[pick-me]

[killianak9]

If you are only building one or two the expenditure on decent tools will not be cost effective.
You have to build a few to recoup your investment.
For the cost of a GOOD multi wrench you can have it assembled and have the piece of mind knowing it was done correctly and attention payed to the details, proper torque values observed etc.
I may know somebody[pick-me]

ok, Sounds great. Thanks man.

[Tim K]

Get yourself one of these: http://www.tacticalinc.com/ar15-lower-receivers-c-432_434.html Probably the best value in lowers on the market. Shooters Connection has Firebird lowers on sale as well.

I just order an upper and lower from these guys today. Thanks for the tip.

[MarkCO]

I just order an upper and lower from these guys today. Thanks for the tip.

No worries. Did you get the fancy pin holes or the standard ones?

[Tim K]

The standard. I was surprised to see the uppers are complete with cover and forward assist for $100 or whatever it was. Quite a deal.

[MarkCO]

The standard. I was surprised to see the uppers are complete with cover and forward assist for $100 or whatever it was. Quite a deal.

Not bad. They are still making more than $50 on them. However, they are a good company with good prices on great products. If you ever get a hankering to build a 10/22 from scratch, they make great receivers.

[ray1970]

I may know somebody[pick-me]

Can you just add this to your signature thingy? It's awesome. [Awesom]


(I'm still a little curious who this guy is that you know who can help everyone with all of their gunsmithing needs. [Coffee])

[killianak9]

Well chances are I might need him ;) should have my lower by next week maybe,
Going with spikes

[BPTactical]

(I'm still a little curious who this guy is that you know who can help everyone with all of their gunsmithing needs. [Coffee])



You know.................






[pick-me]

[USAFGopherMike]

I'm feeling like an idiot now for not buying a lower a month ago.