got a stripped ar-15 lower, what should i get to finish it?

[wcoats]

ok, so i picked up a dellton stripped low a few days ago(the delton plant isn't far away so i bought it strait from them for a good price ) it will be my first ar, and i'm planing on just using it for plinking and off hand target shooting. i would like to end up with a 16 in barrel and a mid-length gas system. i'm not in a particular hurry to put it together so i don't mind waiting for a good deal.

so i'm trying to decide between a few options and also open for suggestions

buy a delton kit, http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Rifle_Kits_16_s/57.htm
or another parts kit, open to ideas and suggestions

buy a lower parts kit and butt stock and shop around for a good deal on an upper (looking for ideas on where to buy an used upper for a good price)
-for this option which lower parts kit should i get?
-delto, http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Lower_Parts_Kit_p/lp1045.htm
-dpms, http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=877204
-rock river arms, http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=480

open to other suggestions.

thanks for any info!

 

[HOLY DIVER]

call Palmetto State Armory. you will get a lot higher quality upper at a reasonable price

 

[wcoats]

or should i go for a lower parts kit with a rock river arms two stage trigger, http://primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=866&categoryId=351

would it be worth over twice the price since the rifle with primary be used for plinking. i've shot a few ars with standard triggers and they were a heavier pull than i would like, how much better is a two stage trigger? and would it be a bad choice for for a rifle that's not going to be used for just bench rest shooting?(would the trigger be so light that might accidentally go off?

 

[bryank30]

surplus ammo had a M4 DSA kit for 459 plus shipping earlier this summer. DSA makes good stuff. I bought one and am very pleased.

 

[kwelz]

Upper: (Don't forget to add a BCG)
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-...-WEIGHT-Upper-Receiver-p/bcm-urg-mid-14lw.htm

LPK:
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bi...te=PDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html

Grip:
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bi...te=PDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html

Stock:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Vltor-Basic-IMod-Stock-Standard-p/vltor aib-ms -black.htm

 

[Z-Michigan]

Palmetto State Armory is a LOT of bang for the buck right now, and for your stated uses is the first place I would look. Probably the last as well. Look at this, just for example:

http://palmettostatearmory.com/2277.php

Del-Ton tends to be a good value especially if you want a special buttstock, but they are definitely in the lower end kit/plinker category.

I wouldn't touch a DPMS or RRA for the prices they usually go for. They're o-k but sell at premium prices for fairly low end quality.

The items that Kwelz posted are all excellent quality and would be good choices, but if it's only a plinker or range gun you may not find any benefit from choosing them. Compare prices and decide what is best for you.

 

[wcoats]

Thanks for the info. the DSA kit looks good and is at my price level as is the Pametto State Armory.

any thaughts on weather i should spend the extra 80 to 90 dollars on getting a two stage triger?

 

[Z-Michigan]

I wouldn't. I'd start with a GI trigger and see how you like it. If you do want an upgrade, I would get a Geissele S2S which is $125 or so (just entering the market now) and a huge, huge upgrade. I wouldn't use a RRA 2-stage. The Armalite 2-stage is OK but far behind the Geissele.

 

[MistWolf]

RR 2 stage triggers are a crap shoot. Some wear fast and become unpredictable.

Go to the Palmetto website & check out their rifle kits. They might have something you like

 

[Hacker15E]

Another vote for Palmetto State Armory -- excellent value for someone who wants quality at a fair price.

 

[wcoats]

Before starting this thread I hadn't heard about Palmetto State Armory, the prices on their kits are only a little more than Del-ton. Is there much of a quality difference between them and Del-ton or DPMS(I've heard both good and bad things about DPMS....?)

 

[wcoats]

also someone at work suggested looking at Spikes Tactical, any opinions on them?

 

[kwelz]

I am not a fan of spikes for a number of reasons. However they are far above DPMS, BM, etc. For a budget rifle they are hard to beat.

 

[Holo]

I went with PSA for my build and love it. Clean trigger with a small amount of pre travel. And for their uppers.....their barrels are made by FN. Mine is awesome. YMMV

 

[Z-Michigan]

Palmetto is probably better than Del-Ton, but no guarantees. Del-Ton has improved their quality and PSA's stuff is fairly new to the market. I would however consider either one OK for your uses. DPMS products vary from fairly OK to fairly bad, and are usually overpriced for what you get.

Spike's Tactical is fairly good, but is in somewhat high demand so can be hard to find in stock. Spike's is probably not up to the level of the BCM/GRT parts that Kwelz posted links to above. A lot of this stuff is hard to give definite answers to because there is not extensive reliable testing data to really say for sure what's better than what.

Holo, I believe that only one single barrel in the PSA lineup is made by FN, that being their new M4 profile 16" hammer forged barrel. I think their button rifled barrels are from Wilson. Wilson is still a quality maker.

BTW, DSA uppers are pretty good based on my personal experience with them, and a good value. In the ballpark or possibly a bit better than Del-Ton or DPMS. Some of their other parts are nothing special. A DSA upper with someone else's parts for the BCG, LPK and stock would be a good bet if the prices look good.

 

[danoam]

Beware of BM LPK's. I'll never touch one again, I've gotten 2 and they were both missing the parts. I didn't know any better at the time, but from here on out, it's either DD or G&R

 

[OhioChief]

Funny to hear some of you guys talk about the RRA 2 Stage. I love mine. Perhaps if it wears before I think it should, I'll retract my statement. It went in well, works well. I like the pull. Great upgrade from the GI Single stage I think. but only my 2 cents. I've got quite a bit of RRA stuff, and I don't have any complaints.