Building my first AR.. need some tips, tricks and info

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wonger

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Hello,

First off, I am an AR noob. I am currently researching this forum and ar15.com.

Based on this thread:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5257051#post5257051

I was thinking about using other lowers available

I was sold on the spike's tactical, but could not find anybody that has it in stock. So I checked out Questar, they have Rock River Arm lowers.

Does anybody know the difference between:

Rock River Arms stripped lower receiver:
https://shopquestar.com/shopping65/shopexd.asp?id=439&bc=no

and

Rock River Arms stripped lower receiver .223/5.56 Pistol Marked
https://shopquestar.com/shopping65/shopexd.asp?id=440&bc=no

Since they only have the second one I mentioned in stock, I was hoping to build the lower with the RRA lower.

Once I have that complete, I will start shopping for an upper.

Any tips, tricks and info is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
 
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Most of the installation of the parts for the lower reciever can be accomplished without any special "AR" tools however, you will need, depending upon what butt stock you are going to put on, a special wrench. There is also a neat little tool for installing the front detent pin and sping for the forward pin. There is even a special punch for instaling the split pin for the bolt hold open catch, it helps so you don't scratch the finish on the receiver.

Scott
 
simpleton said:
Try Blueline (sight sponser), I think they have a good deal on lowers right now....Canadian made lowers to boot ;)



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What if i'm american at heart? ;)

I will check out Blueline.

How are their lowers? I have been researching reviews, and so far RRA has some really good feedback.

Does anybody know the difference between the RRA lowers I mentioned above?
 
hbean said:
same lower just different marking, because of US gun laws doesn't allow stocks on pistols, so they need to be clearly identify as such.
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Thats so lame!

Well, I am thinking about ordering that lower. Based on the thread I mentioned above

ill paste it here:

angryeyebrows said:
First, if you intend on building a custom rifle do not go for a Chinese as a base. Save a bit more and you could build it with American parts. For example here is a build I did for a friend:

Upper:

Armalite Gas Tube (EC0060) & Pin (EU1060) – Wolverine $18.05
Daniel Defense Flat Top Upper (DD-9003) – Wolverine $160
Daniel Defense FA Bolt Group (DD-9300) – Wolverine $185
Armalite Charging Handle (EU0010B) – Wolverine $36.40
Magpul MBUS Rear – Brownell’s $48.29
A2 Flash Hider – Wolverine $29.95
Rock River Arms 10.5” Barrel (RRA-AR0225ASY) – Questar $299.99
Magpul Mil Spec MOE Kit – Brownell’s $95.97
Armalite Delta Ring Kit (EMK027) – Wolverine $23.10

Lower:

Aero Precision – Kodiak Outpost $149
Mil-spec Buffer Tube (EL0370) – Wolverine $42.00
End Plate (EC0054) – Wolverine $6.44
Castle Nut (EC0053A) – Wolverine $6.44
Daniel Defense Lower Parts Kit (DD-23007) – Wolverine $105
Armalite Buffer (EC0030R) – Wolverine $16.80
Armalite Buffer Spring (EC0040) – Wolverine $3.50


Total Before Tax and Shipping:

$1195.98

Keep in mind, this example carbine is made from quality parts: Magpul furniture, BUIS, Milspec receiver, FA bolt group and 1/7 5.56mm NATO barrel.

For tools, I would recommend the following:

- Vice
- DPMS Action Block (Brownells)
- SEI USMC AR Wrench (ATRS)
- Spike's Tactical Stock Wrench
- Quality Brass and Steel Punch Set
- Hammer
Click to expand...

Would the parts listed be ok with the RRA lower?

Also, can anybody recommend a quad rail setup that wont break the bank? im hoping to use the money I save on optics.

Thanks!
 
Troy makes a really nice quad rail that free floats the barrel and is easy to install and rock solid. Did you check Alberta Tactical Rifle or Dlask? I believe both make a nice lower (Made in Canada). It's always nice to support Canadian manufacturing, especially in this game, thay also have nice barrels and other parts that might be nice on your build.
 
Alberta Tactical Rifle lowers are very pricey at $550 but will be the one I buy when I start building my 6.8spc. Since you are in Calgary you should go down there and check them out.
 
A good lower is a good lower. A $550 lower is no better than a $200 Stag. The holes are in the right places and they are the right dimensions or they are junk.

The barrel is what really matters when it comes to accuracy for money and a match barrel is only $400-500 ready to drop in.
 
Gunnerlove said:
A good lower is a good lower. A $550 lower is no better than a $200 Stag. The holes are in the right places and they are the right dimensions or they are junk.

The barrel is what really matters when it comes to accuracy for money and a match barrel is only $400-500 ready to drop in.
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Best advice I've read here yet. If everything lines up, thats a good one! Stick with name brands and you will be fine There's nothing to putting a lower together even for a total noob. First thing I did was print off a web page (I believe AR.com) in actual size that showed the whole LPK with each part named( the LP kit is a bag of parts). Then I laid all the springs, and pieces, on the printed photo and taped them down. Then I followed the instructions and peeled up the part I needed from the LPK photo. No special tools required. Use tape to not marr the lower. For the upper, if you don't have the special tools, most gunsmiths can do the necessary installations for a reasonable price( or go to a CGN buddy with a doz)
 
just recieved an aero precision lower today from kodiak outpost. looks great considering I paid $149 for it!
 
Thanks for all the suggestions everybody!

I did however went to Alberta Tactical last year, and did not like the prices I saw in there. They have nice line up of rifles and parts, but the prices are ridiculous. I called up a vendor and even they thought Alberta Tactical was a little outrageous, but said to go with whatever I wanted.

I have PM'd a couple people from EE, and the person above with the Tactical Innovation for sale.

Is there any drawbacks from purchasing a used lower?

Thanks again for the tips, tricks and info! :)
 
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