So I've decided to get an AR!

polskadude

polskadude

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But I don't know anything about them! :confused:

I read the sticky thread, "CGN Dealer Offerings - AR15s" and decided I want to build my own too. Instead of buying something, then swapping out parts to make it the way I want, I want to buy the right parts from the very beginning

Who wants to help me figure this out?

Lower Receiver
Stripped Receiver
Options 1
CMMG - MOD4SA AR15 Stripped Lower Receiver
$199.99
https://shopquestar.com/shopping65/shopexd.asp?id=875&bc=no

Option 2
Rock River Arms - Stripped Lower Receiver
$229.99
https://shopquestar.com/shopping65/shopexd.asp?id=439&bc=no

Option 3
Stag Arms AR15 Stripped Lower Receiver.
$219.99
http://armseast.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_36_4&products_id=1

I'm leaning towards option 1. Any opinions?

Lower Parts Kit
Option 1
Rock River Arms - Lower Receiver Parts Kit
$129.99
https://shopquestar.com/shopping65/shopexd.asp?id=441&bc=no

Option 2
Stag Arms/CMT - Lower Receiver Parts Kit
$117.95
http://armseast.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_36_6&products_id=129

Finished Lower
RRA - $359.98 ?
Stag - $337.98 ?
CMMG + RRA/Stag ?

Upper Configuration
I'm lost. I know what I want, but I cant find it.
I also don't know what I need to build what I want.
11.5" - 16"
1/9 - 1/12 twist
Threaded, preferably with a nice Flash Hider/Brake
.223/5.56 chamber
No Hand guard, but a something link Rock River Arms Quad Rail Aluminum Free Float system, or simular

Stock
Magpul CTR Butt stock with buffer tube

Additional Bolt
CMMG-22-CONV-26
CMMG - 22LR Caliber conversion kit
$334.99
https://shopquestar.com/shopping65/shopexd.asp?id=979&bc=no

Aiming for $1350.00 without the .22lr conversion or optics, doable?

Any idea's people? Do you think I can negotiate a little discount if I buy all the parts from 1 supplier, like Questar or Arms East?

What about buying a completed rifle off the EE? I could wait until I see exactly what I want. But it would be nice to find it at a fair price too.

Thanks,
Matt
 
As far as your lowers are concerned, these are all milspec and will look and perform the same. So save your money and get the deal.

The lower parts kit, if you havent done one before, buy the right tools first so you dont scratch up your reciever. (or get one already assembled)

Good luck.

Jeff
 
I am going to be the fly in the ointment but I think it bears mentioning: any idiot can slap together parts and build a gun that fires. A whole industry has sprouted up around this gun with 'custom builders' ranging from the pros that have humped that rifle through jungles, deserts and adverse environments - to the disreputable cretins that build rifles in their parents basements clad only in their underwear. The guys that are good at it know which components work and which claim to, they can pick the best ones for your needs, they understand the rifle inside out and they offer warranties in case of defective workmanship or parts failure - and you pay a premium for it.

If you are a newbie I recommend that you start with a good midgrade rifle and start from there. At least you know exactly what you're getting and you have a gun that works and works well.
 
Installing a LPK into the receiver is not considered 'Building' a Rifle.

The real building comes from the upper. There are some specific tools and 'Knowledge' that is required to that.

It is a good start. But in most respects it would be best to 'build' your lower, then buy a quality upper.
 
It's not rocket science but maybe twice as fun.

I had no idea what to do and just plunged in. Buy whatever lower you like the logo of.

I think the only choice of LPK is if you want a two stage match trigger or regular trigger (I went with latter).

I didn't have any special tools for lower assembly. Just followed online videos.

Upper - I cheated and bought one off the EE.

You won't find half the stuff you want until you get your hands on half the stuff you don't.

Just plunge in and enjoy the ride.
 
Thanks for the help guys.

I really don't want to just throw money at this and receive a finished AR in the mail, I want to get the best bang for buck, and have some fun learning about AR's.
But I also didn't plan on building the upper, I know that's a lot harder then the lower. I just need to find something that i like. I'll check out the EE until I find something that suits my needs.

Anyone know what uppers the CMMG .22lr conversion kit wont fit with?
 
If you are an AR-15 newbie, you'd probably be better served buying a good used rifle, shooting the crap out of it and learning to tear it down and put it back together first, before your first build.

By shooting/using the rifle, you'll quickly figure out what you like and don't like and will save yourself time and money in the long run as you'll be better prepared to build the exact rifle you want, not what you thought you wanted. For example, a 7.5" BBL AR looks good in theory, and the "Look Cool Factor" is definitely there, but when it comes time to actually shoot it and maintain it, a lot of guys find that it isn't quite what they wanted and a week or two later you find it up for sale in the EE. (not slamming shorty ARs, I've built and still own a couple myself!)

Basically, you want to be in a position to make an informed decision and you aren't going to be in a position to do that looking at ARs on the Internet. If you can, I'd suggest you also ask around at your club to see if there are any fellow members who would let you squeeze off a few rounds from theirs. I'm sure they will be happy to accommodate.

If you are still set on a build, check out the stickied thread over at AR15.com that shows you exactly how to do it. You probably already have the simply hand tools necessary to assemble a lower. To build an upper you'll need to pick up a receiver block for use with a vise to hold the upper firmly without crushing it. An AR armourer's wrench will also come in handy. A torque wrench is also handy, but you can live without it if necessary.

You aren't going to save too much building an upper these days unless you get a smoking deal on a barrel. Barrel prices are just crazy these days for quality examples and when you factor in the cost of the tools, upper, handguard or FF tube, gas block, gas tube, delta ring (if necessary) and you're well within new upper territory. You can do it for less, if you're patient, and snap up any deals on used parts that come up in the EE. You need to be fast though, as the real deals are usually gone within hours, if not minutes.

In any event, good luck and have fun!:)
 
Okay... noob question here. Sorry... Which part of the AR needs to be registered, the stripped lower only?

http://armseast.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_36_4&products_id=1

How about the lower parts kit:

https://shopquestar.com/shopping65/shopexd.asp?id=441&bc=no

Since I believe the parts kit is well, just parts... I'm guessing only the stripped lower reciever needs to be registered. Everything else, just buy and no need to worry about paper work or delays from the CFO, correct?
 
Thanks a lot guys and polskadude for starting this thread. I had my eyes set on the Norc M4 (again), now after reading this thread, I have itch to go slow and build one on my own (again). I figure, an extra $400, I will have an AR that is not made in China. Is it worth it? I don't know.
 
John777, I had the same idea at first, to buy the Norinco M4, and swap some parts on it to make it my own. But everyone said I can buy better quality parts, made in Canada, for only a couple hundred dollars more, and I get to build it too, which is a bonus in my opinion.
 
I'll be keeping a close eye on your thread. I'm stuck between flat rail or the one that sticks up (sorry, lack of better words). Doh! I better start my research again. Better do this from home and not at work. I spend enough time reading forums at work, trying to stay away from pics as much as I can. LOL!

Toally a bonus and not made in China to boot. Granted, most of the stuff I buy is already made in China, be nice for once I don't have to go there with something that can go BOOM! Hehe... Well, I'm not worried about it exploding on me, just that the finish on the M4 is not up to standards, IMO.
 
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