Advice on AR parts selection

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Zephram

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Okay this is a hard post to write because there are a lot of questions I would have about assembling a new AR, but I'm not well versed in all the intricacies of the components, and I don't have a mentor. If I may, could I ask your opinions on what you like in reference to the different components of an AR, or how to achieve what I'm looking for, with maybe a few questions thrown in for good measure? Many thanks in advance:

UPPER/BARREL:
I'd want a flat top receiver for mounting BUIS and optics. Beyond that, I'm not sure what really matters. I've heard fair mention and nitpicking over gas keys and gas blocks and how they are sealed etc, not really sure why this is a big deal. For bolt / barrel etc I'd probably feel best with a stainless bolt and would want it to be easily cleanable and very tolerant of high pressures in case reloads or NATO 5.56 ammo used. Barrel, same deal, would be wanting a mid length barrel 14"-18" approx, and would probably buy milspec 1/7 twist / chrome lined if there was a clear winner for quality. Flash hider..not sure, isn't it mostly aesthetics on which to use?

LOWER:
I have no real idea who's products to look at or even what qualities lend themselves to the highest quality lowers. Define a good lower? Not sure. I guess it matters even more whether or not its available in Canada too. Do you usually purchase a trigger assembly separately? I'd definitely be interested in a really nice and comfortable pistol grip, maybe with some aggressive checkering or something.

TRIGGER:
I haven't felt many of them on factory models. I like a firm trigger with not too much pull or play, and one that feels solid, not giggling around in the trigger guard or anything like that.

STOCK:
Don't care at first, would be changeable later without too much trouble. Aftermarket stocks seem to be extremely expensive.

I don't mind a tactical look even if there is a floating quad rail all the way down the barrel, but would be wary this would make the gun too front heavy and I know I don't need that much rail. Would probably use Troy industries flip-up BUIS with the rounded HK style front sights. Would probably choose aimpoint optic in future for mounting between the BUIS, or some optic which had a parallax capable-red dot and maybe some variable small magnification like 1-3.

I'm not sure if assembling an AR for my first rifle is the best idea, maybe it is better to buy something factory that is close to what I think I want and customize it. Its a whole other ballgame locating a complete high quality rifle upper/lower match where you're buying nothing you want to replace, and nothing extra you don't want. Any pics for a barebones maker of ultra high quality milspec type parts that is at least somewhat reasonable on cost, and is available to Canadians?

Then again, the DI system seems to need a fair bit of cleaning, and does not seem like the most maintenance free gun around, so if you're in there getting dirty, you might as well be doing it on the parts you chose, understanding the rifle at a base level, and hopefully saving some money too.
 
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I can't really add much to this but also check out these other sites: ar15.com and m4carbine.net. There is an abundance of information out there that you'll have information overload. Probably the first symptom of black rifle disease.
 
Lol yeah. That info at brownell's is pretty in depth, I think that maybe buying a complete lower and upper already assembled might be the way to go, depends on the stock, barrel, etc offerings.

Let me ask you this, if you could afford any AR lower, what manufacturer would you go with and why? Are there any makes you would definitely avoid?

I guess another side question is, say you take the Ruger SR-556 or that SIG type AR seen at shot show, the SIG 516.....so correct me if I'm wrong but both those guns are gas piston design....and I was wondering if that is potentially an argument for being "non AR-like" enough that they would not immediately be classified "restricted" just by virtue of being an AR "variant".
 
I would get an offlist lower, anything that isn't specifically listed by name as restricted by the Canadian government in case the Henderson case wins and they may become non restricted. Right now any AR15 pattern rifle is restricted, piston or not.

I have a Sabre Defense XR15 and am very happy with the lower. Laser engraved and no unnecessary markings. Got it from Wolverine Supplies.

You need next to no tools to assemble a lower, but an upper requires quite a few.
 
I would get an offlist lower, anything that isn't specifically listed by name as restricted by the Canadian government
Click to expand...

I'm sure I'm just reading this wrong....but,

Are you suggesting he not go with an AR15? or are you suggesting that there are AR15 lowers that are classified as non-restricted?
 
I can't remember the details but the Henderson case is about what is defined as a variant, and if he wins his case that might open up the flood gates for us Canadians to have more selection and freedom of use from our firearms because presumably less of them will be caught by the "AR15 variant" net the government is casting.

Although I admit ignorance here, I understand there are legal ways to plink with a non-restricted rifle...like on crown land or something? (anyone want to clarify this?). If assuming many AR type rifles became non-restricted, you could have more fun with them and not be stuck only going to/from the range.

I'm not really sure how we got stuck with this 5 round garbage. I mean 10 rounds in a handgun isn't too bad. You can deal with that. A 5 round mag capacity is just stupid, its got to be the worst part of the canadian laws imo. Is there any legal way to use any kind of mag with > 5 rounds capacity in any kind of semi-auto rifle?
 
Yah, checking them out, thanks for the heads up.

What do you guys look for in a lower receiver in terms of features? I mean besides the trigger group, what else matters that would affect choosing A over B?
 
Lowers for me are two things. Markings and the finish type (ie dark black, light grey, deep purple ish) I don't really care if the upper and lower match, but its nice.

For my next build I am leaning towards a Stag Lower and LPK and then throwing a Gisselle trigger in there, then getting the Questar buffer tube kit (plate, mils-spec tube and castle nut) so when I decide what kind of upper I want to build/buy I can get the stock and buffer/buffer spring to suit my needs.

If I could find a Colt stripped lower and LMT lower I'd be all over it, but STAG is top notch aswell.

Questar has good prices on CMMG and Spikes, but I think I'll be staying away.
 
Heh, awesome legislation that is. I heard about this issue with handgun mags as well, apparently you can use Beretta 96 mags designed for 10 cap .40 cal to hold 9mm and feed into a Beretta 92, giving you legal 14 cap mag.

Now this is the same deal here with the .223, apparently RRA has designed something like a pistol but firing .223, giving it a 10 round cap in .223 cal, but the mags are interchangable with other ARs (lol).

This is good, because honestly 5 rounds in a semi auto rifle is just so intensely stupid. I could maybe understand legislation banning 100 round drum mags, bit limiting legal shooters to 5 rounds does jack to prevent crime, does not affect criminal shooters, who could just unpin the mag.
 
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