I could use some help...

[Brian]

One thing to think about - I doubt anyone here would disagree...

Instead of trying to get everything you need/want on one rifle, realize this is a disease and you're likely to end up building another upper if not an entire rifle at some point. So for example, build up a good 16" carbine M4 setup the first time and shoot it up and enjoy it. Then figure you're going to want to put together a 20" govt profile setup at some point for "long range" or whatever. If you're unlucky, you'll get bit by the NFA bug and decide you can't live without a 10.5 or 12.5 short barreled upper too, with a noveske pig - or eventually a suppressor. Maybe a slide fire stock or a 22lr conversion kit (or a 22 upper). Plus now that you have 3-4 uppers, someone's going to point you to a sale on stripped lowers, so you might as well build up the lowers to match all those guns, too. And then you'll have several rifles, a box of leftover parts that you'll be trying to sell/trade on the boards just like the rest of us, and you'll be eating ramen because you can't afford steak anymore.

LOL - really though, my only point is not to stress over it too much. Most guys when they build their first rifle spend a ton of time stressing over the parts. I'm betting everyone has been in your shoes at some point. The good thing about the AR platform is you can always switch it out, and you're likely to keep messing with it as you go anyway. Pick a good set up, or copy someone's and get shooting. SAVE SOME MONEY FOR AMMO - it's still stupid expensive. Lots of good advice here and on other boards, but nothing will be as good as your own personal impressions and needs once you get to shooting your gun.

[Roy7]

One thing to think about - I doubt anyone here would disagree...

Instead of trying to get everything you need/want on one rifle, realize this is a disease and you're likely to end up building another upper if not an entire rifle at some point. So for example, build up a good 16" carbine M4 setup the first time and shoot it up and enjoy it. Then figure you're going to want to put together a 20" govt profile setup at some point for "long range" or whatever. If you're unlucky, you'll get bit by the NFA bug and decide you can't live without a 10.5 or 12.5 short barreled upper too, with a noveske pig - or eventually a suppressor. Maybe a slide fire stock or a 22lr conversion kit (or a 22 upper). Plus now that you have 3-4 uppers, someone's going to point you to a sale on stripped lowers, so you might as well build up the lowers to match all those guns, too. And then you'll have several rifles, a box of leftover parts that you'll be trying to sell/trade on the boards just like the rest of us, and you'll be eating ramen because you can't afford steak anymore.

LOL - really though, my only point is not to stress over it too much. Most guys when they build their first rifle spend a ton of time stressing over the parts. I'm betting everyone has been in your shoes at some point. The good thing about the AR platform is you can always switch it out, and you're likely to keep messing with it as you go anyway. Pick a good set up, or copy someone's and get shooting. SAVE SOME MONEY FOR AMMO - it's still stupid expensive. Lots of good advice here and on other boards, but nothing will be as good as your own personal impressions and needs once you get to shooting your gun.

Hah the sad part about this is, I could see that exact situation happening to me. I guess I just wanna make sure that for my first build I'm buying quality parts so that it will be a long lasting gun. Like you said though, I'll probably make more and keep messing with them and switching things out. I really appreciate all the help I've gotten from everyone on here, I didn't think a gun forum wouldv'e been so welcoming haha

[Great-Kazoo]

One thing to think about - I doubt anyone here would disagree...

Instead of trying to get everything you need/want on one rifle, realize this is a disease and you're likely to end up building another upper if not an entire rifle at some point. So for example, build up a good 16" carbine M4 setup the first time and shoot it up and enjoy it. Then figure you're going to want to put together a 20" govt profile setup at some point for "long range" or whatever. If you're unlucky, you'll get bit by the NFA bug and decide you can't live without a 10.5 or 12.5 short barreled upper too, with a noveske pig - or eventually a suppressor. Maybe a slide fire stock or a 22lr conversion kit (or a 22 upper). Plus now that you have 3-4 uppers, someone's going to point you to a sale on stripped lowers, so you might as well build up the lowers to match all those guns, too. And then you'll have several rifles, a box of leftover parts that you'll be trying to sell/trade on the boards just like the rest of us, and you'll be eating ramen because you can't afford steak anymore.

LOL - really though, my only point is not to stress over it too much. Most guys when they build their first rifle spend a ton of time stressing over the parts. I'm betting everyone has been in your shoes at some point. The good thing about the AR platform is you can always switch it out, and you're likely to keep messing with it as you go anyway. Pick a good set up, or copy someone's and get shooting. SAVE SOME MONEY FOR AMMO - it's still stupid expensive. Lots of good advice here and on other boards, but nothing will be as good as your own personal impressions and needs once you get to shooting your gun.

Which is where all the FOR SALE: used / take off tubes, bbls, optics, f/hiders etc are wallowing. Someones great build idea 2 months ago is for sale today.

Put a list together of your ideal build, then one for a basic shoot and go from there build. If not the trading post section, i have boxes of take offs collecting dust. Almost Free AMIGO, almost free

[theGinsue]

I really appreciate all the help I've gotten from everyone on here, I didn't think a gun forum wouldv'e been so welcoming haha

I joined several sites before I found this one. In almost every occasion I was mocked for my ignorance when I asked questions. When I joined COAR I was afraid I'd get more of the same thing. I was relieved and pleasantly surprised when I found out this place has a different breed of membership - people who really enjoy the sport & want to help others. As you can see from my post count, I dived in head first and haven't looked back. I love this community!

[Brian]

I joined several sites before I found this one. In almost every occasion I was mocked for my ignorance when I asked questions. When I joined COAR I was afraid I'd get more of the same thing. I was relieved and pleasantly surprised when I found out this place has a different breed of membership - people who really enjoy the sport & want to help others. As you can see from my post count, I dived in head first and haven't looked back. I love this community!

Well, that's one theory. The other theory is that you're just the smartest one here and the rest of us are the ignorant ones.

[Ah Pook]

Some musings.

I have been doing a lot of reading on audiophile forms lately. The best advice I've seen is "define what you want and stick to it".

What kind of AR-15 do you want? Home defense, range gun, plinker, competition, hunting, ultra light, handy, hood ornament...?

Have you had any time behind a "stock" AR-15? That might be a place to start. Figure out what works for you and what doesn't.

Don't get too caught up in the "best" parts. There are a lot of quality mid-grade parts that will work just fine.

I joined several sites before I found this one. In almost every occasion I was mocked for my ignorance when I asked questions.

[Roy7]

Some musings.

I have been doing a lot of reading on audiophile forms lately. The best advice I've seen is "define what you want and stick to it".

What kind of AR-15 do you want? Home defense, range gun, plinker, competition, hunting, ultra light, handy, hood ornament...?

Have you had any time behind a "stock" AR-15? That might be a place to start. Figure out what works for you and what doesn't.

Don't get too caught up in the "best" parts. There are a lot of quality mid-grade parts that will work just fine.

Yes I have a lot of trigger time with an AR already, I have a stock one right now.

As for what I'm building it for, it'll mainly be used for range shooting and a lot of it. I've thought about trying out some 3 gun competitions but I really need to work on everything before I even consider stepping up to that.

[Tim]

Good thread for me to read so far. I have two shadow ops lowers on order for my first builds.

[10mm-man]

Good thread for me to read so far. I have two shadow ops lowers on order for my first builds.

1st builds??? Thought for sure you would be on at least #50 already...

[Roy7]

Hey guys, It's been awhile since I've posted on this thread so I figured I'd drop in to give you guys a little update on my build. I have officially starting buying parts for the build! It feels good to finally get the ball rolling on it. So far the parts I've bought for the build are.....

Magpul ACS-L Stock
Magpul angled foregrip
Magpul grip
Magpul Pro metal flip up sights front/rear
Magpul extended trigger guard
Tapco rear sling mount
BCM charging handle
PWS FSC
Buffer tube, spring and other misc parts that I don't remember the brand of hah

That's what I've bought so far for the build, The parts I'm still purchasing are...

Failzero nickel boron complete BCG
Diamondhead VRS-T 15inch modular rai
Fortis low profie gas block
Rockriver two stage match trigger
KNS roll pin

I still haven't decided on the barre yet, I do know I want to go with a 16inch freefloat, I would love to have it twist fluted.
Same goes for the upper/lower receiver, I was thinking of getting an 80% milled lower but everyone says that if I do the upper and lower won't fit together as nicely (Compared to getting a full upper/lower set from Noveske, BCM, Rockriver, etc.)


Well, That's all I've got so far on my build. If anyone has any input on what I've got going on so far, Please share! Have a great day guys and gals!