You didn't do too badly but as others have already pointed out, you could cut some costs by ordering commonly available items such as a Muzzle Brake elsewhere. Were it my new Raven (I've had a Platinum for 3 months at 400+ rounds), I would do the following:
Ditch:
- Anti-Walk Pins - completely unnecessary, especially with a cassette-type Trigger Group such as the TriggerTech you have wisely opted for
- Muzzle Brake - competing designs with more conventional appearance are available for less money
- 13 and 5 Slot Picatinny Rails - buy polymer picatinny rails just about anywhere for a fractioin of the price of these alluminum versions
- Spare Wear Parts Kit - not at all necessary. Buy a spare, complete AR15 Bolt, put it in your shooting bag, and you are done for needed spares
- Magpul Buttstock and Pistol Grip Upgrade - Buy exactly what you want instead of the basic CTR stock offered. Magpul furniture is available everywhere
Add:
- Mid-Length Upper Brass Deflector - Folks will tell you to buy a cheap polymer version on #######. Those will not work with the nice Ejection Port Door (if you want one), and they are a bit "rough" in comparison to the anodized Aluminum Lockhart Version
- Mid-Length Side Charging Cover - As above. The Aluminum Lockhart version is much nicer than the cheap Polymer version. Otherwise, the Polymer will do the job if you want to save a few $$
Not Offered By LTAC:
- Standard H1 Buffer. Buy yourself a standard, H1 Buffer with the loose weights or Powdered Tungsten in the hollow interior. Those weights (or Tungsten powder) will provide a "dead-blow" to the rear of the Bolt-Carrier upon closure, eliminating the Bolt-Carrier Bounce that you will undoubtedly experience with the LTAC solid Buffer. Bolt-Carrier Bounce is a bad thiing, as it can cause (among other issues) light primer strikes depending on the timing of your Trigger press.
- Extra Magazines. These are readily available from numerous site sponsor vendors. Just google "PMags - Canada" and search for the best sale price,
- Muzzle Device. There are many designs/models and vendors to choose from
- Sling and QD Sling Loops. You bought the Sling attachment points, so I assume that you plan to run a sling. For a basic 2-point sling I recommend the Ferro Concepts "Slingster" available from RDSC (Red Deer Shooting Center)
- Upgraded Buttstock and Pistol Grip. I recommend shopping at RDSC, but any carrier of Magpul products ought to suffice so long as they have the model you want in the colour you desire (FDE)
Best of luck with your build! Keep the questions coming....
