First-Build Advice Appreciated

[Whytep38]

I have two ARs and have decided it's time to build my own. What I plan to build is a general purpose 16" AR in 5.56 with good parts but nothing fancy. Because this entire build will take at least a year to complete (time and money constraints), I've decided to start slowly and begin with the lower. Here's what I'm considering and would appreciate any feedback on my choices:

1. Stripped lower - either LCW or Stag (not sure which of these two are considered better than the other, or whether there's something better for about the same $$)
   
2. LPK - again, either LCW or Stag (not sure which of these two are considered better than the other, or whether there's something better for about the same $$)
   
3. Collapsable 6-position M4-type buttstock - Stag (because I've read that Stag stocks follow mil spec)

Like I said, nothing fancy; that's not my style. I just like good, solid products that consistently do well what they are supposed to do.

Thanks in advance.

[Alakar]

I have two ARs and have decided it's time to build my own. What I plan to build is a general purpose 16" AR in 5.56 with good parts but nothing fancy. Because this entire build will take at least a year to complete (time and money constraints), I've decided to start slowly and begin with the lower. Here's what I'm considering and would appreciate any feedback on my choices:

1. Stripped lower - either LCW or Stag (not sure which of these two are considered better than the other, or whether there's something better for about the same $$)
   
2. LPK - again, either LCW or Stag (not sure which of these two are considered better than the other, or whether there's something better for about the same $$)
   
3. Collapsable 6-position M4-type buttstock - Stag (because I've read that Stag stocks follow mil spec)

Like I said, nothing fancy; that's not my style. I just like good, solid products that consistently do well what they are supposed to do.

Thanks in advance.

I just did a build with a DPMS lower. The fit and finish on it were excellent and I paid around $110 for it locally, although I have seen it cheaper online.

I also used a DPMS LPK. Quality is good and the trigger is about what you would find on a military issue M16, about a 6 pound pull with some creep. The kit was $55.

A mil-spec stock will be determined on whether you have a mil-spec buffer tube. Here is a good diagram showing the difference mil-spec and commercial:

http://www.magpul.com/pdfs/technotes...ffertubeid.pdf

I ordered the Magpul CTR Mil-spec Kit. It consists of a Magpul CTR stock, mil-spec buffer tube, mounting plate, castle nut, buffer and buffer spring all for $150. The CTR is an excellent collapsable stock that has a friction lock that locks the stock to the buffer tube for zero movement.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...product_id=484

[ARinNC]

I agree that DPMS is a great lower to build off of. I have 2 of them. I also have a Mega Gator Lower that is great. It has a near billet finish to it, plus the gator grip on the mag well is really useful and cool.
As far as Buffer Tubes go, it is my opinion that a tube is a tube. MilSpec is how you want to go, as it is stronger than commercial tubes. Go with a CMT (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Milsp...0extention.htm)
or VLTOR (https://ssl31.pair.com/padef/gobbels...roducts_id=245)
The reason being is that you will pay $29 for a cheap BT, why not spend $15-$20 more on a good tube. 4 Grande Latte's, or 2 tickets to the movies difference. The VLTOR is nice because it has the cool laser etched stock position numbers.
Go with a H or H2 buffer, a decent spring. I use Bushmaster Springs. Don't go spend $40 on a spring, as it is not worth it.
As far as stocks go, it is purely a matter of taste. I like 4 Position CAR stocks and the CTR stock

As far as lower Parts Kits go, RRA or DPMS is also great. Stag makes junk in my opinion. LCW is just Lauer's name stamped on other parts. They have their lowers custom cast, but I would go with DMPS in that case. Best bang for the buck, DPMS preassembled DPMS lower, you can get them with a 6 position stock for $269 on most gun auction sites. It takes the guess work out of the lower. The only drawback is that most of these lowers come with a commercial buffer tube. Here is where you need to shop. http://www.colemantyler.com
You can get DPMS lowers for $97.00, they will put a DPMS parts kit in it for you for $65.00, that is $162.00. If you order before noon, you will get your stuff 2-3 days later. ColemanTyler is the BOMB!
Other parts?
http://www.del-ton.com

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com
http://www.laruetactical.com
http://www.cmmg-inc.com (careful these guys have great stuff, but they are kinda jerks.)
Rainerarms has cool stuff, but i you are East of the Mississippi it is not worth it. They are located on the Pac-Coast, and shipping thru the square states takes forever. Bravocompany is also really great! They ship Priority mail like Colemantyler, so 2-3 days and you have your stuff. Also Rainier rarely has stock on what you need. BravoCompany always have stock on almost everything they carry. They are great for finishing parts, like castle nuts, gas tubes, grips, screws, you name it. IMHO Bravocompany beats nearly everyone for price and availability.

Here is a great deal:
http://www.talonarms.com/talonarms/i...8fd097d66408a7

SDI Lower Receiver w/ LPK, Magpul CTR stock and MIAD grip

[Paulinski]

I like Sun Devil lowers personally.

[ARinNC]

When you can find them......
Seriously, you would be lucky to find one.

I like Sun Devil lowers personally.

[Whytep38]

Great inputs, guys. Thanks.

I got a pretty good deal on a Stag lower: $105 delivered (not including FFL transfer fee of $20, which is the local standard fee).

I noticed Coleman Tyler has A2 uppers but doesn't say what brand. He also has 6-position M4 stocks (the ones I prefer) but does not state whether they are mil-spec or commercial. Does anyone here know?

Speaking of M4 stocks, if the commerical ones have a slightly larger outside diameter, does that mean a commercial tube will not fit my Stag lower?

[GunLovinTexan]

There is no 6 position true milspec collapsable stock......MIL spec is 4 position, Thats the way all LE Colts come in. All 6 position stock are going to be Civilian.

Rob

[fivepointoh]

The 6 position Stag/CMT receiver extension (tubes) are mil-spec.....

[dubb-1]

If it's going to take a year to get the cash together anyway, why not just save all of your money until you're ready? Spend that time researching all of the constantly evolving gear, and your changing preferences so that when you do finally plop down your green, you'll get the perfect rifle for YOU.

[ARinNC]

Dubb-1 has a partially good point.
Your tastes and requirements might change over the next year, so yes save your $$ until you are ready. There is one piece you need to buy right now. Your lower.


Warning, political jargon is contained in the next few lines, beware
(H.R. 1022 is being debated daily in Congress, this ban aims to take away "assault weapons" for good. Buy your lowers now. Hell stock up. I know I am. I plan on buying 12-15 lowers in the next year. Who knows what that super-flake GW is willing to trade for our Constitutional Rights, maybe he will trade them for continued funding for his illegal wars or permission to invade Iran. Whatever the case may be, buy your lowers as soon as you are able.)


Also barrels are very constrained right now, because of the above mentioned conflicts, buy your barrels soon too.

BTW, no flaming me on my comments about GW, I was merely illustrating the tenuous state of our freedoms in this tumultuous time.


EDIT:
I am not trying to derail this thread, my point is that if you wait a year to buy your lower, you may be left high and dry.