Opinions needed on my build...

**chat.josh** · 02-06-11, 02:59

My husband has been trying to get me into rifle and pistol shooting for the last 2 years and I have always refused to do so. This year I've had a change of heart and decided that I will surprise him with my own rifle.

I am looking at a Rainier Arms build and would like to hear your opinion(s). The build specs are as follows:

a. Ranier Arms Complete Upper CS16 - modified with a DD lite rail 12 and 14.5' barrel with Rainier Arms XTC comp pinned and welded....... $920

b. Ranier Arms Lower receiver..... 135.00

c. Lower Parts Kit CMT/STAG....... 69.95

d. MOE Stock Kit....... 119.95

e. MOE Grip...... 19.90

f. Assembly fee for lower..... 25.00

g. Pin & Weld compensator..... 39.95

h. Shipping..... 7.95

TOTAL: $1337.70 without FFL fee

What's the consensus on the quality of Rainier Arms products? Based on what I have read on this forum, service wise, RA is top notch.

Should I change anything on my build? Is there a better rifle that i can purchase for $1300?

Thank you!!!

**Iraqgunz** · 02-06-11, 05:02

To be honest, you can do better. For example.

1. BCM blemished lower no stock. http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-L...AR15-s/156.htm

2. Get this upper from BCM and in the BCG with charging handle- http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-1...-16%20ddl9.htm

Then add in a rear BUIS and a buttstock. Slap everything together and you are good to go.

I highly recommend not going the 14.5"route and pinning the flash hider. The little gain is not worth it. I believe that you will come put less than your current target price and you will have an excellent quality weapon.

Originally Posted by chat.josh

My husband has been trying to get me into rifle and pistol shooting for the last 2 years and I have always refused to do so. This year I've had a change of heart and decided that I will surprise him with my own rifle.

I am looking at a Rainier Arms build and would like to hear your opinion(s). The build specs are as follows:

a. Ranier Arms Complete Upper CS16 - modified with a DD lite rail 12 and 14.5' barrel with Rainier Arms XTC comp pinned and welded....... $920

b. Ranier Arms Lower receiver..... 135.00

c. Lower Parts Kit CMT/STAG....... 69.95

d. MOE Stock Kit....... 119.95

e. MOE Grip...... 19.90

f. Assembly fee for lower..... 25.00

g. Pin & Weld compensator..... 39.95

h. Shipping..... 7.95

TOTAL: $1337.70 without FFL fee

What's the consensus on the quality of Rainier Arms products? Based on what I have read on this forum, service wise, RA is top notch.

Should I change anything on my build? Is there a better rifle that i can purchase for $1300?

Thank you!!!

**MistWolf** · 02-06-11, 05:42

The customer service I've received from Rainier Arms has been very good.

IG offers great advice about price and barrel length. It sounds like you're a beginner shooter and you may not know what will work best for you on your carbine until you shoot it. Permanently pinning your muzzle device will make changes to your upper more difficult. Until you get to actually shoot a carbine, you won't really know what furniture you'll like best. Handling a carbine will give you an idea, but only an idea. I would suggest keeping forearm, grip & stock choices as inexpensive and simple as practical so they'll be less painful in the pocket book when you decide to change them. Of course, there's nothing wrong with trying something and selling it off if you don't like it.

Welcome to the world of shooting. I hope you can find a good coach and that the experience is enjoyable for you

**smschulz** · 02-06-11, 10:14

Originally Posted by Iraqgunz

To be honest, you can do better. For example.

1. BCM blemished lower no stock. http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-L...AR15-s/156.htm

2. Get this upper from BCM and in the BCG with charging handle- http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-1...-16%20ddl9.htm

Then add in a rear BUIS and a buttstock. Slap everything together and you are good to go.

I highly recommend not going the 14.5"route and pinning the flash hider. The little gain is not worth it. I believe that you will come put less than your current target price and you will have an excellent quality weapon.

I don't see the BCM being any better.
Both are nice, IMO but no particular advantage in the BCM (I love BCM btw).
Going to 14.5 is no real advantage unless that is what the OP wants and it will cost more.
Putiing together yourself always saves you money and trying to pin your own FH is no easy task.
Better No - Different yes.
.02

**Quentin** · 02-06-11, 11:46

I like Rainier Arms and have bought from them. Very polite on the phone and solved a problem quickly, then shipped to my FFL immediately. No complaints, only praise.

But I'd carefully look at the alternative Iraqgunz suggested. I think you'll save money and end up with a better AR. And one that will impress your husband and his buddies more! I would also look at a lightweight profile 16" midlength as it will knock off a few ounces. (Not crucial but I bet you'll enjoy the lighter weight, I do.)

Meanwhile make sure you know how to break down and reassemble an AR and safely lock'n'load. Nothing will impress him more than seeing you slap it together and say "let's roll"!

**chat.josh** · 02-06-11, 13:54

Thanks for the input guys! Please keep them coming.

I've shot a full 16" and it seemed too long given that I'm only 5'4" tall. Now the 14.5", I seemed more comfortable with it or maybe it'd just in my head. Nonetheless, I will give your inputs some thought.

My plan is to totally surprise my hubby. I have been spending a few hours at the range with my girl friend who has been shooting for 2.5years. I can't wait to see the look on his face.

**chat.josh** · 02-06-11, 16:57

Is it a common consensus here that BCM have more quality when compared with Rainier Arms products?

**smschulz** · 02-06-11, 17:02

Originally Posted by chat.josh

Is it a common consensus here that BCM have more quality when compared with Rainier Arms products?

NO ~ not at all.
The quality is is not the issue.
You really need to evalulate each item on a case-by-case basis on whether it is a proper fit for your particular need, IMO.

**MistWolf** · 02-06-11, 19:52

Originally Posted by chat.josh

Is it a common consensus here that BCM have more quality when compared with Rainier Arms products?

It's not that BCM has better quality, it's that BCM pricing is better. I've yet to deal with BCM personally, but I've yet to hear of any complaints about them. Many praise BCM customer service.

BCM tends to stock well made, basic parts and accessories. Rainier Arms tends to stock well made, upper end parts and accessories.

It's cool you want to surprise your husband and have been practicing with a girlfriend. You'll have to come back and let us know how it works out. So, what color are you going to make your carbine?