I’ve been shooting firearms for fifty years, and reloading for five, but I’ve never been around ARs at all, never even held one. With the recent “climate”, I’ve decided to build my first. I’m not looking for a competition rifle, but quality is important to me. I started with stripped Aero Precision upper and lower. The upper received a BCM BCG, and BCM port cover and forward assist, and Spikes MilSpec buffer assembly - SLA500R-K. Into the lower went a CMMG parts kit, which will soon be replaced (trigger isn’t particularly crisp, hate the feel of the grip). Oh, and a standard Troy barrel nut to hold the ejection port cover pin in place.
I still need a barrel and furniture. I was excited about going the 300 AAC BLK route, until I found ammo to be non-existant. I don’t mind loading my own, but I’ve decided to stay with 556 for now, until I accumulate some brass and maybe find a better selection of 300 barrels to choose from.
Does it sound like I’m on the right track?
I love the forum already, I’m sure I’ll be asking many questions and seeking much advice!
YES…I decided in Dec. to grab a Daniel Defense .300 ACC upper and build the lower…ugh, fun , but NO ammo, or in my case, luckily got 9 boxes of CorBon blem box Whisper…at 35% off MSRP. , but I won’t shoot it …until I can at least get 500 Rnds more of brands closer to pre-uncle “Joe” prices.:alcoholic:
Maybe you should of as a “newb” bought a complete rifle if possible, however, you will learn a lot and know the platform better by building, a PLUS !
Tracking, just want to make sure.
I would def upgrade the lower parts kit to a Colt, LMT, DD, etc and FCG to one of those or Geissele. Not a fan of the CMMG kits, PSA has been better for that money.
Not a fan of Spikes parts either. I usually try to stay towards top tier brands now b/c of fitment issues and other issues with ADCOR, CMMG, Spikes, etc.
There are a few barrels for sale in the EE here for 556 to include BCM barrels I believe.
Definitely some QC issues with the CMMG LPK I received - the safety selector detent was only about an eighth of an inch long - didn’t even protrude into the opening for the selector lever. And the bolt catch literally crumbled in my hand…the tab just broke right off. You’d think (I did) that the bolt catch would be a forger part, but this one looked cast. These two issues in one kit really make me leery of every other part in the kit. Thanks for the tip on the barrels, I haven’t yet had a chance to look at that section of the forum.
Ammo availability is the same reason I’m holding off on a short barreled 300AAC upper myself.
While you’re waiting for the remaining upper parts, I’d recommend picking up a DPMS .22lr upper, so you can at least have fun on the cheap while you wait. …only problem is, that upper is also hard to find.
Can’t win 'em all.
As far as parts, I think DD and BCM give the best balance of price vs quality.
Welcome to the club!
Pick up a barrel of your choice from BCM. They usually have plenty to choose from in stock. I’d also replace your trigger with at least an ALG. The ACT is sometimes hard to find but the QMS would also suit you fine.
