So first off I appreciate the information that some of you guys provided as I listen to all of it, some I will use and some I will discard.
You didn’t run me off. After being overseas I have a pretty thick skin. I just needed to head to bed and go to work today.
This will be my one and only AR. Therefore I can’t see any sense in buying assembly tools for just one build. Also I’m not into having 30 different kinds of guns. It’s just not my hobby, I have other hobbies that I find enjoyment with.
The last AR I had was Army issued so when you guys talk about the trigger breaking a certain way and a middy having a milder recoil. It is all foreign to me as I have never shot a “quality” AR. I just know what I used to keep me alive.
My other hobbies are ones that I can share with my wife which is why I care about where my money goes, otherwise I would just drop 1500 on one and then more money on hardware I like.
To me it makes sense to do as one gentleman suggested to buy a stripped version and add the hardware I like. I like that idea. Now If I were to do that, what would be your suggestions as to the make and model of the lower and upper?
Also if there is anyone in the Phoenix area that wouldn’t mind letting me tag along to a range I would be more than happy to spring for some ammo.
You listed your requirements for the rifle, which is pretty much the requirements of a lot of people getting into the AR system. The problem isn’t that you can’t spend $1000, the problem is you won’t spend $1050-$1150. Getting an AR in the $850-$950 range is OK, but $1050-$1150 is out of the question? Really, seriously? You’re limiting yourself over a measly $200? You can get a Colt 6920 right now that will fulfill your requirements to a T and then some. Make some sacrifice and be done with it.
If your a “member”, and have read any threads at all on here, then you would have never offered that advice. Don’t get your panties in a wad and get offended. Instead read, learn and absorb some of the knowledge and advice from Members who don’t want you and others going down that long road, that through much trial , error and cash, eventually leads to a quality, mil-spec firearm.
Agreed! I picked one up from Grant and picked up a nib BCM BCG from a member here in th EE for $110. If the funds don’t allow for the purchase of a quality complete rifle, get a quality lower first and save for a quality upper to attach it to when the funds become available.
I would say that this is probably the best thing going right now. Even more so if you want it “right now”. You dont need to add anything except ammo.
The problem with building a rifle piecemeal (especially given the events of this past week) is availability of quality parts. You could be waiting quite a while for the in demand parts like BCGs, LPKs, etc from reputable manufacturers. When they do come back in stock they are gone within hours.
The days of loading up your cart and comparing prices, specs, reviews, and waiting on the best price are over. Make a short, quality list (BCM, DD, Colt, etc) and be ready to pull the trigger as soon as that “back in stock” email gets to you.
This was built (or put together rather) for a total of $1,185 after shipping charges and what not. i could have shaved about $200 not getting the extra goodies and ordering a lot of the parts from the same place once,but, i was doing it in stages as you seem to be. Grtactical, Bcm, and a ottofirearms pretty much build this entire rifle except for the castle nut. i used a mega lower and dd parts kit. i think the rest can speak for itself.
as others have said, look to the EE and search for deals. there are a lot out there if you’re patient.
This is pretty much what I want only in FDE although the gray does look pretty cool. I think I am going to go with BCM as it looks like a pretty good platform. Thanks all for your help.
This. Furthermore, with a Colt, if you ever do decide to sell it, Colts typically retain their value. If less than $200 is going to prevent you from getting a “top tier” carbine you should take the time to think about no much ammo is running these days…if you can find any. If you can afford to shoot a couple hundred rounds a month, you can spring for a better carbine…ie the Colt.
Also, is shooting something that only you can do and your wife can’t? My girl and I both shoot together. So I would argue that both of you can enjoy the carbine. My two cents.
I am in a similar spot I have built out a lower (S&W with cmmg parts kit and magpul moe stock kit). Now I am looking for a complete upper.
I found a couple via PKfirearms in particular I am trying to decide between Sabre, YHM and DD. I am leaning towards the DD. If anyone has any suggestions or experience with any of those uppers or PK in general please let me know.
I hope I am not breaking any rules by “promoting” a non site sponsor dealer. Also, my intention was not to jack the thread just to try and kill two birds with one stone
Warlock, I was in a position similar to yours just a few years ago. I wanted a “dependable” rifle for the same basic reasons you listed. I couldn’t do it cheaply. I recently bought an AR that was supposedly from a reputable source. Three failures to feed, just while I was sighting in, followed by some mysterious problem that refused to let 5 different mags seat, was enough to convince me that all the “hoopla” about Colt, DD, BCM, LMT, Noveske, etc… was for a good reason. I’ve been running two BCM uppers on LMT lowers for three years now and neither has EVER had one single failure of any kind. I have to intentionally set up with dummy rounds to practice malfunction drills, other wise I’d would never get to practice one. I didn’t want to spend a lot, but the opportunity to buy this other gun popped up, so I took it. Big mistake. I returned that gun and instead spent the extra money on equipment that I KNOW is gonna work. If this is going to be a SHTF gun for you, then please don’t compromise quality over a couple hundred bucks. If it fails to feed or just goes click during a SHTF situation, you are not going to care about a couple hundred bucks one way or the other…
if youre tight on cash (believe me i feel ya) go the PSA route. I love my psa m4 and its been 100% reliable. Buy the lower, lpk, and an upper and it’ll go together in minutes.
