planning out a first time build

[mark.dias27]

so ive been looking around at all the information on this site and i have to say its mind blowing. ive decided to start an ar-15 carbine length build with a budget of about $1000.00. i have most of the parts planned out and im looking for some opinions and maybe some critiquing of the system. heres what i have so far.

Spikes tactical complete lower w/ bullet button (ca legal issue)
Dpms a3 complete upper assembly
Quad free float rail (not sure what maker yet)
Magpul mbus flip-up site
Magpul moe rifle stock
Magpul moe trigger guard, polymer
Tangodown forward grip, medium size
Magpul xt rail panels
Optics? 3x red dot site

im really looking for any information on this. maybe possible upper configurations in 5.56 at around the $500.00 range.
im looking for mil-spec qaulity products.

please any information is helpful. thanks in advance.

[ssracer]

I would look at something like a BCM upper group over DPMS

[nynco]

I would stick with a fixed stock because of cali rules.

I would also go with a BCM upper of a Rainier Arms upper.

[payj]

Go with a diff upper. BCM, DD, LMT, or Rainier

[mark.dias27]

how does everyone feel about stag arms?

[DTHN2LGS]

For good mil-spec quality 16" Midlength uppers look here:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15...Group-s/27.htm

Get one of the BCM BCG's and a charging handle, then go from there. You won't be disappointed.

[BBJones13]

I would stick with a fixed stock because of cali rules.

CA has no restrictions on adjustable stocks.

I agree with others use a quality upper from BCM, DD or similar.

[pjchang7]

Hey Mark

Many people are going to tell you to go with a different upper receiver and I will have to agree with them on this one. Since you aren't building something under an extreme budget, I think you should really try to find a better upper. Maybe a used DD, BCM, LMT upper from a reputable seller. Now if you were on an extreme budget then my advice would be different however I think your budget will allow for a different upper. PM me on some of the prices you have gotten for your parts and maybe I could lead you to some good deals.

[BlueOvalFan]

I would stick with a fixed stock because of cali rules.

Not necessary if you HAVE a bullet button type device , you can then install all the evil features you like (adjustable stock, flashhide, ect).

CA has no restrictions on adjustable stocks.

They do if you are NOT using a bullet button type device and therefore CAN NOT have any of the evil features.

I personally like Aero Precisions stuff--it's mil-spec damn fair price and made from forgings and shoots just as good as the more expense manufactures. These things, look great, assemble nicely and function flawlessly. More over they are cheaper than the name brand guys--i fact I think AP actually machines the uppers and lowers for the big names anyway.

EDIT:
As far as I know you can only get AP stripped, so if you're not willing to assemble the upper and lower than you'll have to shop elsewhere.

[rob_s]

When assembling a new rifle from scratch, the best course of action is to figure out what is lacking on your current gun and try to address those issues. For example, if one had a set-screw gas block come loose on their current gun, they might want to go with a standard, pinned, FSB for the new one. If they had a hard time getting the grip they wanted on a carbine-length forend they might try a mid-length or longer. If they had too many accessories to mount on the standard handguards they might look at a 4-rail system. If they found the barrel to be too innaccurate for their needs they might try a stainless steel barrel.

In any event, buying high quality parts (actual high quality, not perceived high quality like billet lowers) will help ensure not only that you get a functioning firearm when you are done but also that the parts play well with one another. Deviations like billet this, monolithic that, proprietary-the-other-thing are what leads to problems.