I could use some help...

[rbeau30]

I guess I don't know too much about building an AR, what do you mean?.

If you put a barrel on a rifle that is shorter than 16" you are looking at a "federal pound-me-in-the-ass-prison" offense.

Take the first picture to the left on my last post. It has a 14.5" M4 contoured barrel, but the flash hider is permanently attached by a gunsmith (pinned and welded) to make the barrel at least 16". If you have anything shorter than 16" you technically have a short-barreled rifle. If you want to go that route, start researching NFA regulations.

I guess the only reason I'm asking what you guys think is because I don't know what are reputable brands and what's crap. I definetly want to do this because I would like to build something completely custom that I can call my own.

Everyone starts somewhere. This is the place to ask questions. That is why I built my first one... I wanted something I new inside and out and besides machining the item myself, was MINE, and what I wanted.

Be careful of extra pieces, they turn into more rifles.

In my honest opinion... with brands you will get those who like Chevy's and those who like Fords. If the company has been around for a while they either 1) don't make crap 2) make crap some of the time but stand by their stuff and make it right, or 3) people just keep buying crap from them and don't build rifles with the components. lol

Don't loose your ambition to take on a project. if you hit a brick wall you have joined the right forum, there is many many years of experience here, and even some professionals here that can help bail you out of a bind.

[Roy7]

Ohhh haha I was just confused by what you had said. I'll either go that route or just go with a 16 inch barrel instead then. Thank you for clarifying though.

That's the way I'm looking at it, I'd like to be able to know how to build one and say I did it myself. I kinda figured this would be a good place to come to ask these kind of questions, especially since it's all local.

[BPTactical]

If you need the pin/weld done I just happen to know somebody who is pretty good at it

[rbeau30]

If you need the pin/weld done I just happen to know somebody who is pretty good at it

^ Yeah, that guy ^

I have lots of work for him, I just need to call.

[Roy7]

I actually know a guy up here in foco that's a gunsmith who could do it for me. Thanks for the offer though!

[Wulf202]

I was going to go with the 14.5 for this barrel.
http://shopnoveske.com/collections/b...ainless-barrel

And this is going to be the handguard I was gonna go with.
http://fortismfg.com/index.php?route...&product_id=63

What do you guys think of that set up so far with a black rain ordinance upper and lower.

with a quality bcg it should turn into a fine rifle

[Roy7]

with a quality bcg it should turn into a fine rifle

I'm a complete novice when it comes to this stuff, BCG?

[JM Ver. 2.0]

I'm a complete novice when it comes to this stuff, BCG?

Bolt carrier group.

Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.

[Roy7]

Ahhhh ok hah that's what I thought. This is the BCG I'm looking at
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-B...0auto%20mp.htm

[theGinsue]

I like BCM just fine.

My 3 simple pieces of advice are this:
1). Get a metal lower, not a polymer lower. Plenty of folks will argue against this, but plenty of others will give horror stories of those lowers failing. Why take the chance?
2). Avoid doing business with RGuns like the plague. Their products are okay (NOT high end, but usable), if & when you finally get them. They have the worst customer service I've ever encountered.
3). If you're looking at a .223/5.56 gun, go with a lower that is made for 5.56 or "multi" versus .223. It probably won't be obvious right away, but shooting the higher pressure 5.56 out of a .223 lower will cause stress damage to the lower.

If you're just planning on shooting the AR for recreational shooting, the barrel twist rate and length isn't so important (so long as you've got 16" or a tax stamp for an SBR). But, if you're looking to shoot long range, competition, or varmint hunting, the intended purpose should drive the barrel choice.

Just some thoughts.