opinion on my build

cjstmw · #1 03-29-12, 12:28

Hey everyone, really just want some opinions/tips on my build. This is going to be my first ar/build. i feel ive done a good amount of research but let me know if you think a different route would be better. please note a price difference and what would make it better and thanks, on to the build

first i plan to build on whatever stripped lower i can find while im visiting family in utah (still have my utah drivers license) heres a good deal ive found never heard of the company but there local out of utah and it is forged. http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218...lpid=3&search=

lower parts kit-http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=388 its the top one with the single stage trigger and standard a2 trigger. i've heard alot of good things about the rra. great price for a really decent lpk, i know it may not be the best but i feel its a great value.

stock-http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=300 just a standard 6 position tactical stock, is this a decent price for this keep in mind this has the buffer spring, and buffer.

upper-http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/complete-uppers/16/psa-16-mid-length-chrome-lined-upper.html
not going to build the upper, requires alot more tools and just seems like a pita lol, so thats the upper im thinking its constantly out of stock and if it is when it comes down to it i might upgrade to the hammer forged.

again let me know what you think and please let me know if you think i could save some money on any of the parts.

Iraqgunz · #2 03-29-12, 12:52

You mention RRA a few times which tells me that you haven't done much research (at least here) so I suggest that you take the time to look around more and use the search button.

ac130usnsr · #3 03-29-12, 12:59

Aero Precision makes a good lower receiver.

As to your choice of LPK and receiver extension/buttstock, I would skip RRA.

Since you are going to order your upper from PSA, why not just order their lower build kit as well. Better parts and save yourself $65 as well.

Palmetto State Armory Classic Lower Build Kit

Or, even better, save a little more money and get either the 16'' Hammer Forged Mid-Length Light Profile Rifle Kit or the 16'' Hammer Forged Mid-Length Rifle Kit. Both of them are currently in stock.

ETA: I missed that this will be your first AR, thought it was just your first build. I'd recommend skipping all of the above for your first AR and finding a Colt LE6920 for ~$150-200 more (more likely to be a wash if you don't have all of the tools and vice blocks to complete a build anyhow). Learn it, shoot it, take a class or two. Then when you are familiar with the weapon and know what you like and don't like you'll be in a better position to build.

Moltke · #4 03-29-12, 13:35

Colt, DD, BCM, or LMT

Generalpie · #5 03-29-12, 13:39

I didn't crunch the numbers on your parts list but unless you are building something that isn't available otherwise you are way ahead in buying your first carbine as a complete rifle or as an upper/lower assembly.

If you look around you can find an upper with low rounds complete for under 400, a blem BCM lower is about $290 with a M4 stock plus you have options for stock upgrades that will be cheaper than changing later.

$140 or so for a bolt carrier group and 25-45 for a charging handle depending on which one.

$850 without sights and ready to shoot, or pick up a 6920 for around 950 and shoot the irons for a while.

Both of those options are top of the line parts with a proven track record. The advice to get some trigger time with a stock gun is very good advice. It is difficult to know what you want until you have some time behind the trigger.

cjstmw · #6 03-29-12, 14:16

spent some time as a 11bravo in the army i definetly have adequate time behind an m4!!! just not an ar lol thanks for bringing up the psa lpk had looked into it a bit but had a tough time finding a review.. but you seem to know whats good and whats not so ill go with that lpk and save some money.. thanks a ton. just pre bought the lower so i know he'll have one when im in slc. then in a few weeks i can buy the upper. any other advice?

Just ordered the lpk from palmetto thanks for the link couldnt find it through there lower parts page lol.

ac130usnsr · #7 03-29-12, 14:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjstmw

spent some time as a 11bravo in the army i definetly have adequate time behind an m4!!! just not an ar lol thanks for bringing up the psa lpk had looked into it a bit but had a tough time finding a review.. but you seem to know whats good and whats not so ill go with that lpk and save some money.. thanks a ton. just pre bought the lower so i know he'll have one when im in slc. then in a few weeks i can buy the upper. any other advice?

Just ordered the lpk from palmetto thanks for the link couldnt find it through there lower parts page lol.

If you're going to go that route, I'd recommend just getting one of the complete rifle kits above. Will save you a little $ and they are in stock.

CrazyFingers · #8 03-29-12, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjstmw

any other advice?

Have your Shift key checked, it appears to be malfunctioning.
Also, people have given you quality advice on a Colt 6920/BCM factory rifle for a small price premium over your planned Frankenrifle. Seriously, a year after buying the Colt or the BCM, I guarantee that you won't be thinking "Man, I wish I'd spent $150 less on a PSA". However, if you go the PSA route, you might be thinking "Man, I wish I'd spent $150 more on that Colt".

Moltke · #9 03-29-12, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazyFingers

Have your Shift key checked, it appears to be malfunctioning.
Also, people have given you quality advice on a Colt 6920/BCM factory rifle for a small price premium over your planned Frankenrifle. Seriously, a year after buying the Colt or the BCM, I guarantee that you won't be thinking "Man, I wish I'd spent $150 less on a PSA". However, if you go the PSA route, you might be thinking "Man, I wish I'd spent $150 more on that Colt".

Don't cheap out, buy quality.

chavez556 · #10 03-29-12, 16:12

I would go with the Colt/BCM idea unless you already ordered the parts.

BCmJUnKie · #11 03-29-12, 16:29

Do it right the first time.

RRA is sold locally in my town. They are WAAAY overpriced and you dont get ANYTHING over a BCM or Colt.

In fact its quite the opposite.

Castlenut not staked.

Gas key is an absolute joke.

They make some pretty stupid uppers.

I will admit that the 2 stage trigger feels pretty good, however I dont have sufficient time on them

chadil1ac · #12 03-29-12, 16:32

A lot of good advice you got here.

I built my first AR rather than buying but it isn't necessarily recommended. I also didn't whip it up in a few weeks. It was over three course of 7-8 months as I researched the options. I went with BCM-Larue parts with moat everything and am glad I spent the money that I did on those parts.

Obviously hearing from some of your parts, it looks like you have either been getting some misinformation or not enough research. Depending on what you are using your rifle for, it can change things. I don't think you can go wrong with most of the options people listed though. Just in case the role of the rifle does change, you already have started with a quality/count your life on it rifle rather than a paper puncher that will now have to play that role.

Good luck.

TunaFisherman · #13 03-30-12, 00:32

I used to get kinda irritaded when Iraqgunz replies "use the search button" but after 50+ threads of "I wana buy a RRA or DPMS" threads on here, I argree totally.
So you have been using Colt in the Army, but still wana buy a lesser quality rifle???

Spend a few xtra coin and buy a complete Colt,or BCM,or DD in the $900 to $1,100 range. You wont ever regret buying quality.

I am no expert but I used to come on here to read great info and lately its people posting who havent even read the recent threads

Gargoyle · #14 03-30-12, 00:52

Whats wrong with RRA LPK?

TonyTacoma · #15 03-30-12, 01:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gargoyle

Whats wrong with RRA LPK?

Ohhhhhh boy...

Gargoyle · #16 03-30-12, 01:18

Site is full of smartasses.

TonyTacoma · #17 03-30-12, 01:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gargoyle

Site is full of smartasses.

Hey thanks for insult, I was actually referring to the ensuing debate you were initiating from your comment.

Have a nice day

DeltaSierra · #18 03-30-12, 01:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gargoyle

Site is full of smartasses.

Yeah, well... That search button is soooo hard to use....

As to the OP, get a Colt or BCM. They are well worth the extra money...

Gargoyle · #19 03-30-12, 02:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeltaSierra

Yeah, well... That search button is soooo hard to use....

As to the OP, get a Colt or BCM. They are well worth the extra money...

yet again, another fuckface. The site seems endless.

SMETNA · #20 03-30-12, 02:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gargoyle

Whats wrong with RRA LPK?

I'm sure all the miscellaneous parts are fine. (pins, springs and sitch)

But if it comes with a RRA trigger, get a PSA LPK or something. I'm trying to sell 3 RRA 2-stage triggers because too many people have either had the hammer snap in half, or had it wear prematurely to the point that it's no longer a 2- stage but a really really gritty single stage. I no longer trust my life to it after such a catalog of bad reviews.