My first objective here is to source a good lower receiver, as I know it will be mine forever. Get the engraving done and start the NFA process while I save/find the rest of my build.
I’ve been looking at LMT, BCM, and POF. Two questions regarding this: is POF worth the money over an LMT, and what is the difference between the various LMT lowers available?
I’m also having trouble sifting through the options and configurations for upper assemblies. I’m thinking I’d like to list the SBR as anywhere from 10.5-20 inches so I can switch out uppers without worrying about length, but primarily, I’m looking for a 10.5 or 11.5.
Don’t know whether piston or DI. Another consideration for the barrel is I have an AAC M4-2000 coming down the pipe and I want it to fit (this is regarding what rail system I use). I’d like to find an assembly with a rail already installed.
I’d also rather not get anything with a standard A2 front sight system. I’d like to have a low-pro gas block and use rail mounted (troy) BUIS and such.
I’m trying to source as much of this stuff myself as I can, but I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. Thanks for any help!
For what you described, as NOT wanting a standard FSP, etc, I would suggest you look heavily into the offerings from BCM. In this type of situation is where I feel you get the most bang for your buck with all of their offerings that already have rails installed.
Also check with Grant @ G&R, from time to time they get “factory” BCM SBR lowers, then you don’t have to worry about the engraving, and Grant also builds custom uppers.
You can also contact Neil @ gun gallery for a custom upper for your needs, as they offer quality work for good prices and they give it to you straight. Neil has always treated me well, and they do a lot of SBR builds for people who are going to run cans.
Another option would be if you could source a complete Colt 6933 for a decent price and then just have neil install a new rail and shave down the FSP…
These are just some things off of the top of my head, a lot depends on your budget and what not.
Good luck and keep the thread updated as to your progress…
You’ll have to pick a barrel length for the application - can’t use a range. You can later put whatever upper or barrel length on it you want without notifying the ATF as long as you can return it to its registered configuration.
Definitely thinking about a BCM lower from G&R with a trigger upgrade. Looks really good for the money. Or just plain good…
BCM doesn’t appear to have much in the way of 10.5" upper options, and almost all of their 11.5"s that I’m interested in are out of stock…
having trouble finding another site with that many options…looks like calling G&R is my best bet?
It is my understanding that it is no longer acceptable to buy a “registered” lower receiver. I spent the first few months of this year looking for one and could not find one. Most people just said that they were out. I ended up going the form 1 route.
There was a Noveske (i believe) article on their site that explained exactly why. You may want to look that up.
I think this is basically because the lower receiver is really only an NFA item when a barrel is attached. Had a friend who bought one of these “registered” receivers last year and ended up having his form sent back because of the barrel length question. If I remember correctly the manufacturer basically made up a barrel length when they registered it. Fast forward several months when I wanted to buy one, no dice.
. Speaking of noveske, they offer what I would call an “SBR service.” If you build one of their lower receivers and buy an upper from them, they will register it as an SBR for you. It must be all noveske receivers IIRC.
If you do a lot of searching on these forums you will basically find that any lower made by “someone good” will be acceptable. And lets face it, is it really a big deal to have it engraved. Less of a big deal if using a trust. If it comes down to it, strip the lower, sell the parts, and chop the receiver in half. Your out what, $350. Or just put the receiver in a closet somewhere and forget about it. YMMV.
As to the barrel length question, here is my opinion. Make the first barrel that you buy be the shortest one that you plan to own. If you dont want to go any shorter than 11.5, start with that one. Then, as long as you keep that barrel with the gun you may use any length barrel that you want. Some people will say that you can go shorter provided that you keep the origionally registered length with the gun, I wouldnt but that doesnt mean that its illegal. If you make a permanent change to the gun then you need to notify the ATF. Notify does not mean wait. Buy a different upper, mail them the form (delivery confirmation can be your friend), sell the original upper, and your good to go. You do not have to wait months and months. OR, if you use a barrel that is greater than 16" it is no longer an NFA item and you can do what you wish. Its that simple.
If you go Noveske you don’t have to have the receiver engraved. It’s an issue for some. If you go that route you can build your own lower, as long as it is a Noveske, and send it to them.
Medicman- Thanks for the info, I did not know there were any issues, I have not looked into any of this in a while, last time I was there were no known issues.
The Noveske deal looks good, but you need to already have a Noveske lower, and they don’t just sell the lowers last time I checked on that too.
If you decide to go the form 1 route and build your own, make sure that you run the lower that you plan to use on a non NFA upper to make sure there are no issues. If it’s good to go, go ahead and get your paperwork submitted (once you decide what length bbl you plan to go with, so you can determine OAL) and get the ball rolling. You’ll then have a few months to aquire the rest of your parts, just leave your bbl with a friend or someone who doesn’t have an AR in the house.
^^^^^Thats good advice. As for lowers there are an unlimited ammount of how you could go. It depends on what you want/looks cool to you. I only really have experience with a few. So not a subject matter expert. I do know that all you have listed are GTG. Just built a buddies rifle with a POF gen II. PWS(primary weapon systems) is also GTG IMHO. Also as an addition make sure you read the thread on proper engraving of lower. I’m sure someone here can add if they want but I saw something about getting it engraved before you send in for form 1 just in case they botch your lower you dont have a messed up lower on your form and lose out on that much cash/time. Hope this helps. Good luck and looking foward to see your progress.
I feel your pain. I am looking down the same road. After drooling over the pic thread, I’ve noticed a lot of Noveske and LMT SBR’s. Both companies offer complete builds and are very reputable. I have a KAC and really like the ambi features. If you haven’t checked LMT out, you may want to. However, the full service registration from Noveske seems pretty convenient. I’ll have to check with my LMT rep and see if they do the same. My guess is, they do. Anyway, good luck and continue to post your progress.
You can always buy this upper for $485 and shave the fsb down and install a new rail. That is my intentions. For $310 you can buy a LMT lower from Dynamic Armament.
