LMT; Build or buy complete

[Krp7894]

Hi all. I’ve been interested in buying an LMT. I really like the Estonian clone they have and have found some for around $3k. Problem is right now money is tight and if I bought that, I’d probably have to sell off a gun like my KAC SR15 MOD2. Now I was wondering, I know LMTs fit nice and tight (my SR15 wobbles just like my other guns), but if started off with an LMT stripped lower and built a rifle up from scratch, do all uppers/lowers made by LMT fit the same? I guess what I’m asking is do you get the same fit and finish with a completed LMT versus one built from scratch (all LMT parts, of course)?

[Dutch110]

One of the things that is just a fact of building your own AR is that of tolerance stacking. Buying parts from the same manufacturer certainly reduces that risk, but it still exists. Compared to buying a complete rifle from the factory where the entire rifle is QC'd as a whole in addition to its individual components. I also think there is value in having a factory built rifle when it comes to resale. Especially in that price range.

[Krp7894]

I thought of this as well. I really like the Estonia rifle and how it’s 14.3” for the barrel. I’d like to suppress the gun eventually, and unfortunately, if I want the KAC suppressor I don’t think you could even find one.

[crosseyedshooter]

LMT uppers have little "speed bumps" that help tighten the fit, so your chances of having a tight fit are pretty good.

[Clubmanager]

I'd say with a lot of brands it really doesn't matter a whole lot but with LMT/KAC and other brands of that tier, I'd stay with a weapon that is factory built if possible. The only possible exception (to me anyway) is changing the trigger and CH as I'm a Lefty shooter. With LMT/KAC, I just don't see the reason to go down Rabbit Holes of buffers, springs, etc. Some here may argue that and that's fine; they may be right but I like the piece of mind knowing the engineering that went into these firearms.
As it happens, I have a factory MARS-H and a factory SR15 and plan to do literally nothing to them both except get an optic and shoot. To be fair, the PO put a Geissele trigger in the LMT

[Krp7894]

Ugh, I really want that Estonian rifle. Just can’t justify the $3k right now. Unless of course I sold the KAC. If I could sell it and buy the LMT with money left over it might be a no brainer.

[lowprone]

Rare on one hand and rare on the other !

[Krp7894]

I found brand new LMT MARS L lowers for $325 and I couldn’t resist. I ordered one. Going to take some time on this build, and I’d rather not give up the KAC. So right now I’ll grab the lower so I can have both. I figure to build this over the next 6 months should supplies be available. I’d like that Estonia rifle but I’m not looking to spend over $3500 on an AR. I’m hoping I can keep this below $3k.

[AndyLate]

I bought a complete, barely used, SPM14 upper and a complete, new, LMT Defender lower. Fit is good, can push the takedown pins out with a thumb but no rattle or excess play.

I replaced the carbine buffer, trigger, and pistol grip, mostly personal preference not a reflection on the quality of the components.

Andy

[Stickman]

Ugh, I really want that Estonian rifle. Just can’t justify the $3k right now. Unless of course I sold the KAC. If I could sell it and buy the LMT with money left over it might be a no brainer.

I don't know that you would be getting over $3k for a used KAC 5.56 gun.