AR Build

[J_McLeod]

The panic seems to be over, so I'm looking to finish the AR I started 2 years ago. So far I have a "frankengun" build with a Stag Lower, Spike's parts kit and Rock River Stock. Hopefully it all works.

I'm looking to make it shorter style build in the mid range of quality. Looking to spend 5-800 on the upper. Don't plan to put any high end optics on it, but might get the A4 style anyways. Palmetto state seems to be sold out of everything. Does anyone have any opinions on the quality of the ICE and Special Ops Tactical stuff at AIM Surplus? Otherwise I'm looking at Rock River and Stag. Are there any other good companies to consider? Do you gain enough accuracy and velocity to make an 18" barrel worthwhile? It's still primarily a tactical gun so I don't want to go to 20".

 

[boricua9mm]

If your budget is upwards of $800, then a basic BCM upper in the style of your choosing would be my first choice. Don't cheap out on the bolt carrier group, either. It's one of the most important components. The BCM bolt carrier group is priced high these days. The Spikes BCGs can be found for $60-$70 cheaper.

 

[gondorian]

I would go for a lightweight mid-length 16" upper. I have a del-ton build kit of this variety and it serves me well in the function you are seeking. PSA is a very good choice, and you could wait for something to be in stock or possibly go for something like something like the Daniel Defense upper on the very bottom of this link Or maybe a BCM upper like this. Both are very well regarded ar makers

 

[juk]

BCM sells a stag upper (2H I think) with a Midwest industries flip rear sight for $530. The barrel is 1/9, chrome lined, and 16" M4 cut. They come with BCG and CH. Mine has been absolutely flawless and accurate. For the money, they are hard to beat. The rear sight alone is worth almost a bill.

 

[boricua9mm]

Buyer Beware- I just got done practically reassembling a Factory PSA upper. It was not built properly. Improperly torqued bolts galore, improper hand guard installation, questionable gas block installation, and a bolt marked MPI but not HPT (what's the point of MPI without HPT)

Alas, I suspect this is a topic for another thread. I have pics, so I may do just that.

 

[Warp]

I would (and did) just buy a BCM upper.

 

[Girodin]

The barrel and bolt carrier group are the heart of the gun. For the kind of money you are looking to spend you can probably find a bcm upper and bcg. That would be a gun you wouldn't ever regret. Personally I'd buy this http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-...eiver-light-weight-p/bcm-urg-mid-16lw bfh.htm put a magpul moe handguard on it and a bcm bcg in it.