Hey everyone, I’m Will. I’m new to this site and new to the AR15 world (not new to shooting or handguns, shotguns AK’s etc.) I recently had some unexpected bills come up that forced me to sell my DPMS Oracle flattop chambered in .556. I bought the weapon earlier this year and had a few hundred rounds through it.
So, it took me a couple weeks but ive managed to save a few hundred dollars towards buying a new rifle. I have asked people on other sites, and my local gun shops what I should buy and what route I should go so I figured I would test the waters on here. I have decided instead of buying a complete rifle, to build my own Whether that means buying parts kits, or slapping together a complete upper and lower I havent decided yet. I want a rifle that is reliable and made well. I want this Rifle to last me a long time whether i buy a new one down the road or not. Maybe something I can pass down to my kids someday and be like “I built that.”.
I have heard alot about PSA (great deals, and so on) and I have really been interested in the Spikes tactical lowers. My local gun guys tried to sell me a CMMG complete lower the other day for about $275 but I did not pull the trigger because I didnt know anything about the company yet. He said it was full mil-spec and comparable to Colt. Is that legit or is he trying to just sell me something he thinks is great. I just really want some solid facts and opinions from you guys on here that have put the rounds down range and know who makes what quality.
As far as uppers go I love the Daniel Defense uppers Ive seen online. I got to handle a complete Daniel defense rifle and the weight and fit was fantastic. PSA, Spikes, Smith and Wesson? Whatever upper I decide on I would love to have an A2 front sight and a flattop OR removable A2 carry handle. the DD’s come with a rear fixed sight which is pretty solid but I would probably go with some flip-up troys when I get and optic. I have also wanted to get a mid-length gas system because I have been told they are more reliable and accurate.
basically guys I just needs some truths and no BS. Thanks to everyone who takes time to answer this I really do appreciate it. Still learning the In’s and Outs of the “black rifle” and could use a little guidance. Thanks.
I’ve heard really good things about PSA and own a PSA upper that I really like. i know a guy that says his PSAs are as good of quality as colts and would put his up against one any day. And from what I’ve heard their “blemished” lowers for $60 are a great deal. So if you could pick one of those up, a LPK for $50 or so, and $30 for a mil spec buffer tube and spring that’s $140 for a complete lower that is good quality (minus butt stock). So I guess there would be a good start.
as far as CMMG being comparable to colt, thats not very accurate.
Lowers aren’t as important to the final rifle as the upper, so a CMMG wouldn’t be a bad option. Look at PSA or Spikes for the upper over it though. Daniel defense uppers would be good, and so would BCM. Hell, if you’re on a budget, PSA isn’t a bad option either if you’re not going to war or anything…
Most local gun stores employ people with limited gun knowledge and great sales skills. CMMG is nowhere near milspec or the quality of Colt. I am pretty sure that part of your motivation has to do with the election and President Obamas declaration.
I think you look closely at the several dozens of similar threads that have been started.
Here’s my deal. My first AR was an LMT. Do a search. They are top tier.
I am currently building my second one. I can tell you this. It’s going to cost me MORE to buid my second rifle than my LMT cost.
Granted I’m using a Mega upper and lower, SSA-E trigger, BCM bcg and charging handle, DD barrel, etc. I don’t think it will be any “better” than my LMT but it will be my build.
My point is do your research if you are going to build and use quality parts.
Or better yet just get a good one right off the shelf and throw on the accessories you would have bought anyway.
I am learning from that saying “you can build a better rifle or you can build a cheaper rifle, but you can’t build a better rifle cheaper.”
Im estimating a can get a decent spikes lower and a DDM4V3 upper for about $1100. thats a few hundred less than retail. I will keep looking into PSA though because like Ive said, all I have heard is good. Never heard of LMT (but im a Rook) so I will check them out also.
maximum $1200 I think for now. Ive been told that Colt is alot like cadillac’s, your paying for a logo is that true? I would buy a nice Colt 6920 if the price is right.
Run a search.
Colt is not just a name.
This forum is not a place for spoon feeding information.
We encourage members to find the info they need on their own.
I have done alot of searching and talking to people and I just dont know whats bullshit or not. I have done alot of research on my own and this is kind of a last resort for me. thanks tough.
Which is why I suggest reading stickies on this forum.
Read all of the stickies and you will be more informed than 90% of this boards members.
This forum will not tolerate misinfo, so you will not have to wade through BS to find good solid info.
But you need to do the leg work yourself.
We discourage the posting of bullshit here and will attempt to quash it whenever possible. Most knowledgeable people will tell you that Colt is not just logo.