AR-15 Upper Question

[lekkkk]

This is my first post so hopefully I don't get flamed too hard for my apparent ignorance.

I purchased a complete polymer lower just because I didn't want to go full bore on something expensive. If it fails, it'd be a learning experience for my real next build. With that said, I'm trying to find a (cheap) complete upper to finish the (cheap) lower. I've been searching high and low and it's been pretty expensive thus far.

So my next step is buying the parts of the upper separately. To my knowledge, I need to get a barrel (dunno the different types of lengths), rail system, BCG & charging handle. I think I covered all the major parts and hopefully this is correct?

Btw, the lower is a complete New Frontier Lower (http://www.slickguns.com/product/new-frontier-armory-complete-lw-15-lower-receiver-14995)

Any help on what type of brands I should look out for and what a novice AR-15 owner would need to know before purchasing would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

p.s. my only firearm experience lies in hunting so I'm only familiar with slaying deer, ducks, doves, geese & varmints, etc...

 

[allaroundhunter]

You also need an upper receiver, gas block, gas tube, and usually a muzzle device. There are other smaller parts that others here can come by and name for you.

I don't think you will be able to build one for as cheap as you can buy an upper for, though. Right now BCGs are going for anywhere from 2 to 5 times what they used to cost.

Sent from my HTC One X

 

[Hatter]

Here is a web page that helped me out a bunch when I got into ARs. http://www.midwayusa.com/General.mvc/Index/how-to-build-ar-15-rifle

Here is another one that is good for knowing parts, and printing to do a "Checklist" of parts. http://www.brownells.com/UserDocs/Miscellaneous/ARCLform.pdf

Hope I helped have a good day and a happy build!

 

[lekkkk]

Building for me is a difficult task. I'd prefer to break something down completely and put it back together but it seems this route is expensive so I'd have to go with a start-from-scratch build.

Thanks for the link!

 

[justice06rr]

I would also recommend getting a complete upper instead (usually without the BCG and charging handle) from a place like Palmetto State Armory online, Core15, Aimsurplus, or other manufacturers. Then keep a lookout for a good BCG because those are usually hard to find; charging handles are the easy part.

Reason I recommend that option is that it will save you time and money in the longrun, unless you really want to go the route of building the AR piece-by-piece. it will also come with a factory warranty and will usually be good to go; if you build on your own you will need to make sure everything is installed correctly, check headspace, and overall function.

Otherwise if you want to go ahead and build, I highly recommend Palmetto(PSA), Aimsurplus, Midway, Brownells, and SOTA Arms. Aimsurplus has a good deal going for 16" barrels for $139 right now.

 

[lekkkk]

thanks, justice.

 

[TrickyDick]

Try http://www.Joeboboutfitters.com they have that very lower for a lower price with free shipping