First AR, First Build

[Tango2]

Well after wanting to pick up an AR for some time now I figured it's time to get one while I can. Did quite a bit of research, and decided to put one together myself. Started off by picking up a PSA STR lower build kit on Black Friday. Really liking the Magpul STR stock. Went to the gun show and found a Spike's Punisher stripped lower, which was exactly what I wanted. The guy standing next to me bought the last one after I got mine. For the upper I had planned on a Vltor MUR 1, BCM barrel and BCG, and most likely a Seekins Precision or DD rail. Wandered around and came across a Spikes 16", mid-length, LE upper and BCG for a heck of a lot less than I was going to cost for what I had originally planned so I jumped on that and added a MOE mid-length hand guard.

Assembly went well with no problems or lost parts and first time at the range preformed flawlessly. I used mostly steel cased and some brass 55g Monarch. I was very pleased with the accuracy that I got with just iron sights and my first time shooting the gun. One small adjustment and it was on target.

All in all I have
Spikes lower - $120
PSA STR build kit - $150
Spikes 16" LE upper and BCG - $525
MOE hand guard - $30
A little over $825 for the base gun
More than happy with it.

I have a Troy Bravo rail coming in tomorrow. Got to get the FSB cut down so I can get it on. Will post up some new pics after the install.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/Evil5/20130123_220808_zps28cc595f.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/Evil5/20130123_220834_zps31ed3848.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/Evil5/20130123_220849_zps51d38097.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/Evil5/20130123_220954_zps753d334b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/Evil5/20130127_224718_zpsfbcb1952.jpg

[RMiller]

My opinion is its a decent platform.

Now sights. I would get a good RDS like an Aimpoint Pro or used comp series. If a RDS is not within your grasp, put a rear Daniel Defense fixed sight on the rear keep the FSB and MOE handguards.

If the rail is already happening, then put a DD front sight on as well. Shoot it, and spend your money on mags and ammo. Save for an aimpoint.

You also may want to look into the VCAS sling.

[morpheus6d9]

nice build cant wait till mine is finished

[Tango2]

Aimpoint PRO is at the top of the list. Really like the T1 but thats quite a price difference. Use to see a few used ones for sale but not so much anymore. Most likely will go with a good 2 point instead of the MS2.
Love the new Troy rail. Will try and get some pics on when I get back home.

[gashooter]

Nice rifle. I have a Stag lower with the Magpul ACS stock and moe plus grip in the same color scheem as yours. The upper is a Areo Precision with a Black Hole Weaponry 16" M4 barrel.

I too want to get into a railed Free Float tube but I can't fid one in FDE that I like.

[Tango2]

My new 13" Troy Bravo rail

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/Evil5/M4/2013-01-29231739_zps1c3888a5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/Evil5/M4/2013-01-29231712_zpsc5fcb36b.jpg

[RMiller]

Throw some DD fixed sights on that baby!

[phx223]

Throw some sort of sights on there. I don't think I would have changed out the moe and FS for a rail until I had a front sight. You have a "hip shooter" until you get a forward sight on that bad boy.

[Tango2]

I really like the DD fixed sights but since I'll get an optic as soon as I bank a little more overtime I'll just go ahead and get a folding sight. Only reason I don't have one on there now is because LGS won't get their Magpul order in until late this week.

[Shooter07]

What kind of budget are you looking at for sights/optic?

[Tango2]

Right now Aimpoint PRO is the frontrunner for an optic although I do have my eye on a very lightly used CompM2 for $400

[RMiller]

The DD fixed sights are actually well suited to aimpoint optics when they are lower 1/3 cowitness.

You don't have to worry about folding them up in a situation. They are always up.

[Bizzarolibe]

Very nice rifle. I've always been pleased with Spikes products.

As others have said, the Aimpoint Pro is the best for the money hands down.