First AR build, would like your opinions on it

[Blazer guy]

Well this will be my first AR build and i would just like some feed back on my choices. It will be a range gun, or if i ever need it for home defense (hopefully never needed). Well here is my list of parts.

Upper: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-mid-16.htm
BCG: http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/1746.php (with the charging handle)
Rails: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Midwest-Industries-MCTAR-18-p/mctar-18.htm
Lower: http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/1726.php
Rear BUIS: undecided, could u please suggest some quality folding ones, thank you.

To add later on in my build

Scope: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=994114
Mount: http://www.amazon.com/Burris-Optics-AR-P-Picatinny-Finish/dp/B0028JNRW4

I would like to hear your comments on what i could change or do better. I really would not like to spend much more money then what i would have in that set up but i would be willing to add $100 if it would be a worthy change (maybe the rails). Thank you guys for your time.

[DeltaSierra]

Well this will be my first AR build and i would just like some feed back on my choices. It will be a range gun, or if i ever need it for home defense (hopefully never needed). Well here is my list of parts.

Upper: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-mid-16.htm
BCG: http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/1746.php (with the charging handle)
Rails: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Midwest-Industries-MCTAR-18-p/mctar-18.htm
Lower: http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/1726.php
Rear BUIS: undecided, could u please suggest some quality folding ones, thank you.

To add later on in my build

Scope: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=994114
Mount: http://www.amazon.com/Burris-Optics-AR-P-Picatinny-Finish/dp/B0028JNRW4

I would like to hear your comments on what i could change or do better. I really would not like to spend much more money then what i would have in that set up but i would be willing to add $100 if it would be a worthy change (maybe the rails). Thank you guys for your time.

Why not just buy a BCM lower and a BCM BCG?

It wouldn't cost that much more, and then you would have a higher quality BCG, and a matching lower...

You can get a BCM lower (Cosmetic Blemish) for $289...

Building your own lower won't be all that much cheaper if you use quality parts...

[Brennan]

-I would probably pass on that scope.
-Why not a BCM BCG?
-As far as a rear BUIS, I've alway been fond of Troy, Noveske, Daniel Defense, etc.. You can go Magpul for a quality part on a budget.
-Check the EE section for used rails to save some money (I would honestly just go Magpul MOE on that upper. Snaps in, fits like a dream, looks awesome)
I'm not positive if this is the right size you'd need, but you get the idea. http://www.amazon.com/Magpul-Black-Drop--Hand-Guard/dp/B001RXT7BC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311132954&sr=8-1


-You can build your lower for cheaper if you assemble it yourself.

A prebuilt lower *$239.00 total*

Here's your stripped lower receiver
http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/1560.php

with either...

Stock parts *$179.94 total*
http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/1633.php

Or Magpul parts for a bit more *$219.94 total*
http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/598.php

You come out ahead either way, just a thought.

[Blazer guy]

How hard would it be to assemble the stripped lower? DeltaSierra So your saying that it would be worth the extra $100 for the BCM BCG and the BCM lower?

[DeltaSierra]

I really do not feel comfortable assembling the lower myself, so i would like to buy a complete one. So your saying that it would be worth the extra $100 for the BCM BCG and the BCM lower?

Absolutely....

Even if you had to go without the rail system for now, to get the BCM BCG and lower, I'd personally say that it would be worth it to have all matching parts, that are backed by a company with an excellent reputation...

You can build a lower in about an hour if you have any knowledge of the AR platform, and a tutorial (there should be one here on M4C, or you could search Google.)

Even though I can build up my own lowers, I usually buy them complete as none of the places that I buy from sell stripped lowers (LMT, Daniel Defense, Bravo Company) and I am particular about completing a build with parts from one manufacturer, as I don't like to mix and match parts....(Stupid, I know, but that is one of my vices...)

[High Tower]

The BCM kit is an excellent start. I have no experience with Palmetto stuff, so no comment there.

As far as the irons go, I really like the Knight's Armament flip ups. Daniel Defense is supposed to be coming out with some flip ups that I'm sure will be good as well.

As far as the optic goes, it would not be my first choice. I'd rather have a red dot for both plinking and HD, but that's just me.

[Casull]

Not a bad idea to go all BCM on the lower and bolt (or a Daniel Defense bolt!) Here's an easy lower builder for BCM:
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=LWR-BCM
(scroll down on the page)

But hey, If that company is actually real good go for it.

As for the scope, check out the Leatherwood CMR instead. You might like what you hear and see about it.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=725900&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Optics%20-%20Scopes%20-%20Under%2012X-_-PriceCompListing-_-725900

[120mm]

I'm not afraid of the PSA lower components at all. The matching lower receiver will most probably increase the value of the M4 though, if you ever want to sell it.

Same thing with the PSA premium bolt. Mine functions and appears to be fine. but I only have a few hundred rounds through it.

I was bit, hard, by a Leatherwood auto-ranging pile o' poo back in the '90s. I do not know if they've improved since then, so take that with a grain of salt.

Nothing wrong with the Magpul BUIS. They are $55 and work good.

[rob_s]

OP, How did you arrive at this list of parts?

[msstate56]

BCM upper is a great choice, I would go with the BCM bolt carrier group though. However, the PSA bcg is probably fine. I would also highly recommend the BCM Gunfighter charging handle. They are worth the price. Fear not the "cheap" lower. As long as it is in spec, it will work fine. The lower is really only a holder for the mag and trigger group. PSA has a pretty good rep, so they should take care of any issues. As far as the rail, I would second a Magpul MOE if you don't need a free floated barrel. Mount-N-Slot makes mounts for just about any light you want. If you really want a rail, save up and get a free float rail from any of the top brands (Larue, Daniel Defense, Troy, etc.)

[thehun]

Id go all BCM if I were you

[Johnny Rico]

Why not just buy a BCM lower and a BCM BCG?

It wouldn't cost that much more, and then you would have a higher quality BCG, and a matching lower...

You can get a BCM lower (Cosmetic Blemish) for $289...

Building your own lower won't be all that much cheaper if you use quality parts...

The BCG might be a problem. BCM makes great kit, but they're sold out more often than not. If he wants one, the OP must be willing to wait.

OP, I suggest signing up for BCM's email alerts. You'll get an email when they get the BCGs in stock. When you do receive it, be ready to pounce as BCM often sells out within a couple of hours.

[Mikesull415]

I just bought a Palmetto State BCG for three reasons....1 they're really well priced, 2, I live pretty close to the store, and 3. THEY'RE IN STOCK. lol. But seriously. If you pull up the specs they appear to be identical. The main thing palmetto state lacks that BCM has going for it is time on the block.

taken directly from each company's website:

BCM BCG

Features
Milspec Carpenter No. 158® steel
HPT Bolt (High Pressure Tested/ Proof)
MPI Bolt (Magnetic Particle Inspected)
Shot Peened Bolt
Chrome Lined Carrier (AUTO)
Chrome Lined Gas Key
Gas Key Hardened to USGI Specifications
Grade 8 Hardened Fasteners
Key Staked Per Mil-Spec
Tool Steel Extractor
BCM Extractor Spring
Black Extractor Insert
Mil-Spec Crane O-Ring

Palmetto State Premium BCG

Features:

Milspec Carpenter No. 158® steel bolt
HPT Bolt (High Pressure Tested/ Proof)
MPI Bolt (Magnetic Particle Inspected)
Shot Peened Bolt
Chrome Lined Carrier (AUTO)
Chrome Lined Gas Key
Gas Key Hardened to USGI Specifications
Gas Key Grade 8 Hardened Fasteners
Gas Key Staked Per Mil-Spec
Tool Steel Extractor
Extractor Spring
Black Extractor Insert
Mil-Spec O-Ring

[boomhower]

PSA ticks the right blocks when it comes to specs, but as you mentioned it's time on the market they lack. I wouldn't put one in a duty rifle but a range/training gun I wouldn't sweat it. I certainly wouldn't stress over the lower. I prefer matched guns myself but if money is an issue a PSA lower is fine.

[straitR]

Isn't Grant selling SP6920's for $980 shipped, or something like that? That seems to be a hard deal to pass up for anyone looking to score a proven rifle for less.

The build it (more like piece it together) yourself for much less days are gone. Quality rifle builders have priced complete guns well enough to skip the hours/days/weeks/months scouring the web for best parts kit deals.

Go with what works, and occasionally the warranty that comes with a complete rifle will come in handy, let alone give you more time on the range training or having fun than troubleshooting a garage build.

[Clarkm]

That scope and mount are good for squirrel hunting but they are not gear to bet your life on.

[Blazer guy]

Well i think i have changed my mind. The rifle i was going to build was going to be on more of a budget, but i think i will wait a little longer and save up some more money on what i really would like to have. Sorry for the first part of this topic, but i think i would rather save up and buy what i really want then to not buy it and buy something different and always wish i would have bout what i really wanted. I would still like your opinions though because i would like to start ordering parts soon. Thank you guys. Heres what i really want:

Upper: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Daniel-Defense-p/bcm-urg-mid-16%20ddl12.htm
BCG: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/LMT-Bolt-Carrier-Auto-M16-p/bcg-lmt-m16.htm or BCM if in stock
Charging handle: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR15-Charging-Handle-BCM-p/bcm%20charging%20handle%20ar15.htm
BUIS:http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Magpul-MBUS-Gen-2-Rear-Back-Up-Iron-Sight-Black-p/mag248%20black.htm and http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Magpul-MBUS-Gen-2-Front-Back-Up-Iron-Sight-Black-p/mag247%20black.htm
Lower: http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/1560.php
Lower parts kit: http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/598.php
Scope: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=994114
Mount: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/American-Defense-RECON-Scope-Mount-30mm-rings-p/ad%20recon%2030.htm

or would it just be a better deal to buy: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-RECCE-16-AR15-Bravo-Company-carbine-rifle-s/144.htm

Thank you guys very much for your time

[DeltaSierra]

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[strambo]

G&R Tactical has this (http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin...rchResult.html) in stock as well.I'd go w/ this option. Add MOE grip, stock and troy rear sight in the pull down menus and throw in a MOE hand guard for about $1200 total.

Get a rail later if you still want one after shooting it a lot this way. The MOE hand guard easily accepts rails for a light and VFG or the MVG that mounts direct.