here is the history of my AR-15.
First set-up: I bought a Double-Star stripped lower for like $80, some six years ago. I then bought the Mid-length Del-Ton kit and put it together. This was the best thing I ever did; I came to achieve an intimate knowledge of the platform. My two main features were a chrome-lined barrel (for tolerating cheap ammo and ease of cleaning), and the 5.56 chamber that is pretty much standard. I also slapped on an A2 detach. handle because I needed a sight, and...why not? I came across a used milspec one for cheap and took it.
Eventually, I sold it. I made a profit during the panic and bought a Glock 17 gen-3 on my 21st Birthday, and a decent safe to throw everything into.
my second set-up: the reason I sold it was because I wanted to get a heavy-duty, milspec in every way kind of AR. I went with CMMG for my upper. I got a discount for not opting for their BCG, and instead got a Bravo Co. milspec one. I eventually pieced together a DPMS lower parts kit and a milspec-diameter buffer tube and standard M4 stock - all from CMMG. I ordered a standard carbine buffer and spring from BCM (I was told that the dwell on mid-length was softer and didn't need the extra weight of an H buffer, which so far has turned out to work quite well). I wanted a fancy fore-end, and when with YHM's two-piece, because it was affordable. I also had a Phantom 5C2 put on because it was a free upgrade and it looked cool (not very insightful on that one, I know).
The gun eventually saw me drop the A2 handle for a MI flip-up BUIS and an EOtech 512. Not much longer after that, I put on DanDef's Omega 2pc quad. I chose the EOtech because it seemed more rugged and durable, and the ring made acquisition seem easier - at least for me. The rail system was a massive upgrade from the Yankee Hill, because of its slimmer profile, lighter weight and monolithic top rail that gave me more options with the EOtech. The MI sight had a very low profile and was simple to operate, and worked very well with the standard F-marked post. It also co-witnessed well with the HWS.
Eventually, rumors circulated that CMMG's uppers were not as they seemed. I bought it because it had a milspec'd and tested barrel, which was said to not be the case; many were saying that the barrel steel was just re-labeled 4150 standard and that they only batched pressure testing and MPI (this was against their advertisement at the time of purchase). I sold it off during another panic, and broke even.
My next upper was a BCM midlength with cold-hammer forged barrel; this cast aside all doubts about quality. I still kept the lower assembly, the sights, and the BCG - which had not been broken in enough to discard with the previous upper. Oh, and that Omega rail stayed
. I then added a standard BCM composite VFG, which is used as a handstop for handling; I previously hadn't had one because I was thinking of throwing on an AFG instead, but I personally did not like them or the way they forced your hand. I also went with the ambi-grip over the big named grips, which is better than the A2, but I am thinking about dropping for an MOE instead.
So there you have it, my rifle thus far.
My next projects are as followed:
-get a new stock; there are way better stocks out there. I'm thinking about the VLTOR E-Mod, for the added weight to balance the heavy midlength contour and barrel - and extra storage.
-get a new grip; I want to try a few other grips out - namely the MOE, BCMGUNFIGHTERS, MIAD, and TangoDown's BattleGrip.
-get a shorter VFG, that would serve as a better hand-stopper. The standard lengthed BCM is unnecessarily long for its purpose.
-look into replacing my Midwest BUIS; there have been bad reports, and I think mine is having issues staying tight to the receiver. This is unacceptable for something that is meant to save my buttocks if the HWS has a hiccup.
-grab the Larue QD mount. My EOtech 512 goes directly onto the receiver and has no way of being yanked off in the event that it is rendered useless. I also like the idea of having another quarter-inch of clearance over the front post, which I don't want to change because I favor its lighter weight to flip-ups and railed as blocks.
-grab an actual sling. I have a $2 surplus sling that does nothing for me or the rifle, and could become uncomfortable or accidentally loosen.
-get more comfortable rail covers. I have the sandropene ladders and they aren't nice on bare hands - namely in ergonomics. I want something that enables a better forward grip on the rifle.
I was previously thinking about a flashlight but I have no need for one at this time.
I don' see a point in upgrading the trigger, either, but then again I haven't tried out a nice single-stage trigger. If there are some good ones that are affordable, then I might be open to it, but it would be a low priority.
