AR Builds -- What Parts Did You Choose and Why??

[sugerwater]

My basic rifle is a CMMG 16' CHF 1/7 4150 barrel carbine. Added are; Leupold 1x4 on a Larue 104 mount, Arms 40L rear BUIS, SSA-E trigger, Larue Apeg grip, Damage industry quad rail, Wilderness sling, Enhanced takedown pins, Magpul Aluminum trigger guard, 30 rd Pmags, and STR stock.

 

[Centurian22]

So here is my planned build: I welcome any input on where I could improve or save any money.

BCM BUILD

Barrel
$309 BCM BFH (hammer forged) 16" Mid Length Barrel, 1:7" twist, mid length gas, government profile Stripped
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=BCM-BRL-s-MID-16+BFH

Barrel Nut
$9
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=Barrel+Nut+AR15

BCM Free Float Key Mod Hand guard
$270 BCM KMR13
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=BCM-KMR13

BCM Upper
$119 BCM M4 Upper Receiver Assembly (w/ Laser T-Markings)
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=BCM4-UR-M4

BCM Low Pro gas block
$45
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=BCM-LGB-.750

Mid Length Gas Tube
$13
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=Gas+Tube+-+Mid+Length

BCM Full Auto shot peened Bolt Carrier Group
$179
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=BCM+Bolt+Carrier+Group+AUTO+MP

Ambi BCM charge handle
$70
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=BCM-GFH-Mod-A44-556AMBI

PSA Complete Lower Blackhawk
$150
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-ar-15-complete-lower-blackhawk-edition-no-magazine.html


MBUS Sights
$94
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=MAG248+Black

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=MAG247+Black

Window P-Mags $16ea
$32
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=MAG570-BLK-Window

Magpul Aluminum Enhanced Trigger guard
$19
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=MAG015

A2 + crush washer
$11
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=Flash+Hider+A2

$1310 total before shipping.

Might try / add:

Yankee Hill Machine
Slant muzzle brake.
$70
https://yhm.net/5-56mm-slant-brake-comp.html

Or Yankee Hill Machine
Annihilator flash hider
$36
https://yhm.net/annihilator-flash-hider-5-56mm.html

 

[WinThePennant]

I'd suggest that you consider the following.

14.5 inch barrel.
Griffin Armament Flash Comp (pinned and welded).
Troy Battle Sights. I've bought a lot of sights, and these are THE BEST.
Forget the aluminum trigger guard -- Waste of money. Magpul polymer is just fine.
Buy an Aero Precision upper. Really, just as good but at a much lower price.
Get a black melonite coated gas tube. They look much nicer when paired with a FF.

 

[Centurian22]

Not interested in the 14.5 with welded muzzle device as I would like to be able to change out muzzle devices and also don't want any further velocity loss than I'm already getting with the 16". I'll check out the Griffin, haven't heard of it. I'm curious what makes the Troy battle sights so much better to cost twice as much as the magpul's? I don't doubt that they are I'm just curious. I'll prob add the troys to my "upgrade later" list. Thanks for the info on the aluminum vs polymer trigger guard. I looked at the Aero uppers from DOAsales.net, the BCM just sounded 'better' which could all just be talk / sales I suppose. Thanks for the tip on the gas tube. Black would look alot better. Any links to where I can buy a good one?

 

[HOOfan_1]

For me the biggest PITA building was installing the forward assist. Next time I will buy the upper with FA and dust cover already installed

 

[WinThePennant]

Not interested in the 14.5 with welded muzzle device as I would like to be able to change out muzzle devices and also don't want any further velocity loss than I'm already getting with the 16". I'll check out the Griffin, haven't heard of it. I'm curious what makes the Troy battle sights so much better to cost twice as much as the magpul's? I don't doubt that they are I'm just curious. I'll prob add the troys to my "upgrade later" list. Thanks for the info on the aluminum vs polymer trigger guard. I looked at the Aero uppers from DOAsales.net, the BCM just sounded 'better' which could all just be talk / sales I suppose. Thanks for the tip on the gas tube. Black would look alot better. Any links to where I can buy a good one?

I was doubtful about the Troy sights, too... Until I got some. They are solid, and have a much better lock-up.

Brownells has all kinds of black gas tubes, which is usually my first place too look when it comes to parts.

 

[.375]

Mako makes cool grips

 

[justice06rr]

For me the biggest PITA building was installing the forward assist. Next time I will buy the upper with FA and dust cover already installed

Its not really that hard if you can clamp the upper down, just as you would when installing the bolt catch or trigger guard.

BAck on topic: I just bought a PSA BCG for $89 today. It is their FA carrier MPI/HPT with C58 bolt. can't really beat that price right now for a good BCG under $100.

 

[ol' scratch]

Lowers don't concern me unless they aren't spec. I have various lowers-Stag, Aero, Fulton Armory and Spikes (the Jolly Rodger is cool, I must say). I will list my carbine build.

Lower
Spikes lower (it was cheap at the time) $90
Geissele SSA $150?
Spikes lower parts kit (I purchased a DPMS once and it wasn't in spec. The pins were not the right size) $60
Vltor Enhanced Mod stock (I liked the fit and feel, it also helped it was a milspec tube and had a carbine buffer) $115

Upper
White Oaks upper (good upper, no problems with their stuff, but uppers are like lowers for me...make sure they are in spec) $125 w/ parts installed
16 inch Daniel Defense CHF chrome-lined 1 in 7 twist Mid length. Rifle is 5.56 (CHF because they are supposed to last longer and are more accurate, Chrome-lining for longevity and corrosion resistance, mid length gas system because they run cooler, have less felt recoil and are easier on the bolts and carriers, 1 in 7 because I wanted to shoot and stabilize bullets from 55 grains up to 77 grains, chambered in 5.56 was nice because I can shoot both .223 and 5.56) $250
Colt M16 bolt and carrier (I wanted a milspec bolt because they test them and they have the correct chrome-lining where it is supposed to be, and have the gas key correctly staked) $125
F marked front sight (I like the standard front sight on an AR)
Daniel Defense Omega 9 rail (my first railed rifle. I wanted to make sure I liked them and if I didn't I wanted the option of easily pulling it off) $290
Battle Comp 1.0 muzzle device $150

Optics- GGG flip up BUIS, Eotech XPS 2, Eotech Magnifier. The Eotech combination in my opinion is one of the most versatile combinations available.

 

[jbauch357]

Because I wanted the best parts I could quickly get my hands on for a target/varmint build, and Rainier Arms is right down the street. I was also TRYING to keep the whole thing relatively light - all up it now weighs 10.4lbs unloaded.

So far the only thing below I plan to change is the trigger, for a very light Timney drop in. The SSA-E will go into the AR my wife built for herself at the same time I was building this for me.

Bolt Carrier Group - Rainier Arms Match Nickel Boron - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3936

Charging Handle - BCM Gunfighter Mod 4 - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1794

Barrel – Rainier Arms Ultra Match 1:8 20” SDM - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2911

Barrel nut – BCM - http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Barrel-Nut-AR15-p/barrel nut ar15.htm

Gas Block - Rainier Arms match grade low profile - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1872

Muzzle Brake – Fortis RED - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3950

Hand Guard – Apex 15” - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3113

Grip – Magpul MOE+ - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2865

Lower Receiver Parts Kit – Stag Arms Ambidextrous Selector - http://www.stagarms.com/lower-receiver-parts-kit-with-ambi-selector/

Trigger – Geissele SSA-E - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2252

Lower receiver – CMT Gen 2 UHP Billet - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3538

Upper receiver – CMT UPUR-1 Billet - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3800

Receiver Extension – DPMS - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3912

Stock – Magpul MOE - https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3283

Swivels - Midwest Industries quick detach - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NBYZB6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Scope Mount - Vortex Cantilever Fixed - http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-30mm-cantilever-riflescope-ring-mount-for-ar-15.html

Scope - Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 - http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-6-24x50-riflescope-with-ebr-1-moa-reticle

Bipod - Atlas BP10 - http://www.midwayusa.com/product/46...-475-to-9-aluminum-black?cm_vc=ProductFinding

 

[ol' scratch]

I just saw your build list. I would only suggest a few more things. A Battle Comp Break and a Geissele SSA trigger. Both make a difference and both accessories are money well spent.

 

[Centurian22]

I'm looking at mako products now like their Magwell grip. Also
Definitely have the Geissele trigger on my wish list for later.

 

[Jason248]

I've built two and currently working on a third

First was an SPR

Daniel Defense upper receiver
Daniel Defense BCG
18" FN CHF govt profile barrel rifle gas
YHM clamp LPGB
Midwest Industries SS gen 2 15" handguard
Rainier XTC muzzle brake
BCM gunfighter mod 4 CH

Stag stripped lower receiver
Umbrella corporation grip
PSA LPK ( soon to have a SSA trigger )
JP enterprises 4lb reduced trigger spring kit
RRA A2 stock

Nikon 4x12-40 glass

Second

BCM URG 14.5" midlength gas with pinned A2X flash hider
BCM BCG
BCM gunfighter mid 3 CH
Magpul mid MOE handguard black

Stag stripped lower receiver
PSA LPK
JP enterprises 4lb reduced trigger spring kit
BCM mod 3 grip
MFT minimalist stock

Aimpoint PRO
Magpul MBUS

In process

Spikes tactical upper receiver
Spikes tactical BCG
Spikes tactical CHF 16" carbine m4 barrel
Griffin armament flash comp
Spikes tactical punisher ejection port door
YHM clamp LPGB
Fortis REV 12" rail
Rainier Raptor CH

Spikes tactical punisher lower
PSA LPK
ALG ACT trigger
BCM mod 3 grip
B5 bravo stock
Larue enhanced takedown pins

Vortex 1-4 scope with larue QD mount
Magpul MBUS Pro BUIS

 

[clutch]

My first AR build in progress. There is a Geissele SSA trigger in it



Still waiting for the YHM rifle length float tube and the White Oak Arms 24" 1:9 barrel.

 

[dbmjr1]

I'm currently building a M-4 styled AR. I'm looking for suggestions for a rear carry handle/sight for a Palmetto State Armory Upper.

Upper: Forged 7075-T6 A3 AR upper is made to MIL-SPECS and hard coat anodized black for durability. Featuring machined T marks, and a mil-spec finish. These uppers are made for us right here in the USA by a mil-spec manufacturer.

I'm looking for a quality sight, that will hold zero. Looking at them they range from about twenty dollars to over a hundred, all claiming to be mil-spec. Help me find the best bang for my buck on a product that won't let me down, please.

My first AR build.

 

[WinThePennant]

The best carry handle sight, by far, is made by Bravo CompanyUSA. More expensive than the others, but man is that thing ever stout. Will hold zero FOREVER.

 

[dbmjr1]

Thank You.

 

[dbmjr1]

Here's the rifle.

 

[cmdrdredd]

My first AR since I have always been a bolt action and handgun shooter, was pretty basic. I was unfamiliar with the parts and all the manufacturers. So I started with something complete that out of the box, could function in my usage (plinking and paper punching and SHTF situation). I didn't necessarily need or really know if I wanted all the fancy big name parts. So I started with a complete Stag 2T with the Plus package that comes with the chrome lined barrel, 1/7 twist, M16 bolt carrier, free float quad rail etc. I decided to get the plus package because on the recommendation of a friend, it had most of the basic upgrades one would put on an AR so I had a good starting point if I decided I wanted to mount anything on the fore end etc. Turns out he was right as now I have added a Magpul angled foregrip. As I got used to the platform and switched out a couple of things as I did some research, I added more parts. These include a magpul CTR stock, rail covers, vortex sparc red dot(I realize I could have spent more money here but for what I intend for this rifle I don't feel as if I will make use of anything higher end and it works), and a magpul MS3 sling to carry it. I do find I am not a fan of the standard A2 grip so am looking at other options here which I will be purchasing in the future.

I'm still pretty new to the platform but I feel I have a solid base to work from and who knows, I may end up with another that is built differently with an entirely different lower and upper. My advice is to start basic until you figure out what works for you and what you want to try. You can spend a lot of money on the latest parts and options that you might not need, might not like, or just don't take full advantage of with your usage. Better to invest in magazines and ammo first IMO. It's much like a nice 1911 in some ways. You can spend a lot of money but not know if it is really what you want.

 

[ffemt]

My first AR piece by piece

Here's my rifle and parts list below:


I assembled it piece by piece last year, some new, some used off other forums. Total came out to about $1600 but I've added some parts since then so closer to 2k. I highly recommend a decent comp, trigger, barrel. I could have saved a bunch of money without the piston kit but I got caught up in the hoopla. I actually love it though, just not the price

-Lantac Dragon comp
-16" Govt. Sabre Defense chrome lined 1:7 off Brownells
-Samson 9-EX handguard w/ cutout
-Adams Arms midlength piston kit
-Troy flip up sights (went with Magpul first but the Troy FS reminds me of my dad's sweet M1 Garand front sight "trident" shape)
-VLTOR MUR upper
-JT-15 80% lower
-Geissele SSA trigger
-RRA lower parts kit
-MFT minimalist stock and grip
-Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x (traded for an Eotech but now trying to trade Eotech for an Aimpoint)

 

[Warp]

Here's my rifle and parts list below:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz29/joecristi/AR15/6BFDD32C-D4A3-4516-931C-FAEE9DF129B1_zpsvbnr4d0z.jpg[IMG][/URL]

I assembled it piece by piece last year, some new, some used off other forums. Total came out to about $1600 but I've added some parts since then so closer to 2k. I highly recommend a decent comp, trigger, barrel. I could have saved a bunch of money without the piston kit but I got caught up in the hoopla. I actually love it though, just not the price :-)

-Lantac Dragon comp
-16" Govt. Sabre Defense chrome lined 1:7 off Brownells
-Samson 9-EX handguard w/ cutout
-Adams Arms midlength piston kit
-Troy flip up sights (went with Magpul first but the Troy FS reminds me of my dad's sweet M1 Garand front sight "trident" shape)
-VLTOR MUR upper
-JT-15 80% lower
-Geissele SSA trigger
-RRA lower parts kit
-MFT minimalist stock and grip
-Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x (traded for an Eotech but now trying to trade Eotech for an Aimpoint)[/QUOTE]
Using a compensator/brake or not is heavily influenced by intended uses, though. For people who may use the rifle defensively an aggressive comp/brake is generally not recommended.

 

[C5rider]

Just posted a new thread on THR about my build adventure. Had many of the same questions as those looking to either build or buy their first AR. MY THR THREAD documents what I used and why I chose this route. Not the same for everyone, but it may help some.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I wanted to build one I'd be more likely to keep... Got something like 7 months in it, some parts bought, some traded for.

Spikes billet upper and lower
Spikes BCG
Geissele free float tube
Geissele 3G trigger
Magpul STR stock
LaRue extra power chrome silicon spring
WOA buffer
ERGO grip
KNS anti walk pin set
YHM EZ pull takedown pins
Mil Spec pins and springs
BAD lever
DD muzzle climb mitigator
WOA SPR profile mid length 1:7 SS 18" barrel
LaRue QC scope mount and bi pod mounts (I know)

 

[d2wing]

Since I had problems with my first AR. Another guy built an AR that looked great but had issues that Forced me to figure out some variables and upgrade several parts. I decided to buy and Del-ton Dissipater kit to build on a lower I forgot the brand name of. The upper is assembled and tested. After I finish it I will shoot it and upgrade as needed. A trigger upgrade and possibly a barrel upgrade may be necessary. I wanted a rifle length action. Some folks are concerned about dwell time on the dissy. I am not too concerned as I think they have the port size worked out but that may be an excuse to get a match barrel.

 

[Stephen1956]

Lot of nice looking rifles here I'm looking to build my own have no idea where to start I did see a DPMS complete upper for around $400 would that be a good start. I have a friend who has the 80% lowers for $50 plus what he charges to do the rest of the work. Any replies would be welcome I'm sell my old AR 180b for parts seems Numrich Arms buys them and most of the parts fit the older 180's and about everything they need for one I have. And most of it is out of stock so I might do ok on that.