Yes, another New Guy Building over Buying

AR/M4 Custom Build Forum
1

So, here I am, on M4C wondering what kind of a mental beating I will receive after posting this. Hopefully, I have made some good, solid choices. If not, I am 110% positive y’all will tell me about it.
So, as with most people on forums in general, I have been a lurker for many months now (as well as another forum similar to this) in order to gather as much information as possible for a first AR. I think I speak for the general public when I say I was looking at the least expensive rifle I could find for justification purposes to the CFO of the family. It started with the Smith &Wesson M&P Sport. That ended very quickly when there are none in stock…anywhere! And, when they do come in stock, they are only at the GS for a short visit/rest stop. Anyways, I went on with possibly building one. I had been reading a good bit here and there and theoretically, it seemed pretty straight forward. My online window shopping and bookmark library began. At one point (about a month ago) I had a complete rifle for a mere ~500.00. Again, after more reading on forums and some info from a LEO/former Teams friend, I started to raise the bar on parts. Mil-Spec. Do I need Mil-Spec for the amount of rounds down range I will put through the weapon? Probably not. Do I want something that, when well and correctly taken care of will, save my life? Absolutely. Do I want a rifle that could take down a 200 lb. hog (or something of similar bio make up if need be)? Yes, but not sure if it will–correct placement of the projectile will make that decision for me. So I have come up with the following for any criticism (good/constructive) from self proclaimed or actual experts on this fantastic forum.

Although, it is not a complete build from the ground up, I would rather make sure I know the rifle well enough to feel comfortable fiddling around with barrel/receiver make up. With that being said, I guess this is a semi build.

Upper - Complete: Rifle gear - 4150 chrome-lined cold hammer forged barrel parked under the FSB 1:7 and tapered pins in the FSB(Made by DD), full-auto bolt carrier group and charging handle (BCG Made by DD), HP and MPI tested barrel and bolt 599.00
An email from RG Customer Service
Mega makes our lowers. We source our uppers from another Mil Spec cutter who we do not disclose per an agreement we have with them. Shipping is running a few days behind right now.
Thank you,
Nick
RIflegear.com

Lower: Mega Arms (Since MA makes the lowers for the RG uppers, I thought it was appropriate to grab one at 120.00
LPK: Daniel Defense 89.00

In my opinion, the most important parts are listed above. Below are simply there because of price and availability, and the fact I do not feel like carrying around an additional 10 lbs of rifle bling like some people so much love. All I need is lead to enter and exit the rifle in the direction I intend for it to go. The light saber and plastic-vertical sand bag can stay in the truck as well.

And then another 100.00 for a Magpul MOE stock, hand guard, pistol grip and Mil-Spec buffer, spring, etc (package deal I could not pass up)
Magpul MBUS 60.00

So, total without shipping is 970.00 1093.00 with shipping and a couple of mags

So, without breaking the bank, I get decent parts (most importantly parts that are in stock) but are not showing the manufacturers name (ie BCM) and from what I have researched, will do just fine.

Thoughts? Something missed?

Also got the RG Builders kit as well as a few MB of info from the articles and guides plastered all over the interweb.

Thanks for the input

2

I think that build is fine.

Just for comparison sake. A BCM upper, lower, BCG, GI CH is $999.

When folks build or buy guns, I try and get them to look at the long term sell ability of what they purchased. Components with the name BCM on the side will always sell better.

C4

3

I agree, a rifle with one name on it will sell better. Colt, BCM, and Daniel Defense are good examples.

I built a mutt, but using mostly good names. BCM, DD, Noveske, etc.

My build started up extravagant. I had a Boonie Packer RediMag, plans for a B.A.D. lever, a Troy rail, ambi selector. Etc, etc.

I soon realized I went too far, and that simple is really better, it’s lighter and I like my rifle even more than ever.

I agree with the above post, BCM is hard to beat for value. Use the rifle and then add things from experience. Saves money that way. Lol

That’s my advice for a first build.

4

When I was at the point of getting quality equipment, I was going that route (BCM), but as for finding things in stock or with the specs mentioned above, I could not find it until after the order was placed. By all means, I know this will not be the only build for me, but hopefully, it is a decent starting point.

As for selling… I think the term “Pack Rat” suits me in a way that will prohibit the selling of any firearm I own/will own.

Thanks for reading

5

I do not recommend the MBUS.
A good set of metal sights is worth the minor cost increase.
Would also recommend a decent light and mount.

6

Is there any optics being ran on here? Like an eotech, aimpoint, etc? If not ditch the mbus and spend a little extra dough for a DD fixed rear sight.

7

Yeah, I knew that before and actually was looking at some DD and Troy BUIS’s and it kinda fell through the cracks. I may just go to one of the local GS and get one of the two there as I plan on bringing it to the Gunsmith to have them check it out after completion to ensure all is well before it is fired.

Thanks for the reminder on one of the most critical parts of operation other than the internals.

8

Take a look at the Diamond head sights. I love mine!

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On this note I look forward to this coming back in stock.

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=MID-750-LWC

10

As I mentioned, it was top choice (BCM) but inventory issues seemed to have swayed my final choice. You have to understand, I only get 30 days off every other month, so the month I am in, I want to make sure I have everything I need to start-build-complete-shoot/practice.
*I work 30 days on and 30 days off in Brazil.

11

As for the light… it is not something I have thought much about, but for HD, it seems like a good idea. I am sure there is a light thread on here somewhere–I will take a look and see what people like/dislike and go from there.

12

I’m a big fan of the carry handle sights if your are going for irons only. PSA has mil spec ones for $70 or so brand new. And people sell others on here for less than that.

13

I am not too much of a fan of the handle. I do like the sight that LMT?puts out based off of it though.

14

F2S,

I agree with the comment concerning the argument against the MBUS but would
like to hear your reason for not recommending them. Thanks,

-Jax

15

When I first put a light on my patrol rifle, my budget was a consideration. I purchased a light mount from Brownells that installed on the upper handguard. The mount can be installed at the 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock position and it accommodated the light I used on my Glock 22. The light stayed firmly attached when I trained with it, but came off the rifle easily when I wanted to put it on my pistol. It was a viable option until I had more funds available.

How does your rifle shoot?

16

Did this install on a carbine handguard or did you have a rail?

17

It is a GG&G mount and it installed easily on a carbine handguard. I had to remove the heat shield from the upper handguard and drill two holes to install the mount. It was an easy installation. I use an Insight M-3 light. As luck would have it the brightest part of the flashlight beam co-witnesses with my iron sights at 7 yards.

18

^Ok thanks

19

For my carbine, I chose a Mossie Tactics Midnight Mount and a Surefire X300 weapon light. The flashlight wasn’t cheap but it’s survived being mounted on my rifle for over a thousand rounds and it’s very bright for being so small and light



If interested, you can learn more in this thread-
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=95251

The Surefire X300 also fits pistols

20

Does the X300 slip of and on with any kind of ease? Making it a possible solution to switch between a carbine and pistol if somebody wanting a quality light was on a budget?

My main reasoning is the OP isn’t mentioning the use of an optic. If he’s just running iron sights a fixed DD rear sight would be a much more solid option. Now, if an optic is planned to be added, an actual rear mbus would make sense.