Stripped AR lower - how would you build it?

[goon]

So PSA's recent deals, like a $59 stripped blemished lower, got me thinking about this. I'll be acquiring one in the not too distant future, be it on that deal or another.

Anyhow, if you were taking advantage of that, how would you build it?
I'm thinking of just biding my time over the course of 6 months to a year and building a fairly stock M4gery or midlength carbine all from PSA stuff, but figured I'd like to hear what others might try just to generate some ideas.

 

[Eb1]

Is this your first AR-15?

 

[goon]

Nope.
But I'm still not going to get any deeper into a build than a barreled upper. I can snap parts in and drive in a few pins to hold stuff in the lower, but I don't have the tools or inclination (especially not the inclination) to get more involved than that.

 

[juk]

I did that with my 2 ARs. For my first, I wanted a basic M4 style carbine. I got the lower, and shopped around and bought parts when and where they were on sale. I ended up with a Sabre lower, Double Star LPK, BCM 6 pos stock kit, and a complete Stag upper. It is a great running rifle.

If you are real picky, just take your time and buy only the parts that you want. That is one of the perks of building.

 

[MovedWest]

Install a JP Enterprises match trigger (or get a skilled smith to do it). Everything else is personal preference. That's the beauty of the AR platform. Heck, take one lower and pair it with multiple uppers and calibers! The world is your oyster!

-MW

 

[cfullgraf]

Anyhow, if you were taking advantage of that, how would you build it?

I usually buy a lower parts kit just so that I have all the pins and springs. I toss the USGI trigger and buy a good trigger. I prefer two stage triggers.

The standard grip is ok by me but if you are also looking to dump that, then it might be worth spending the time buying the individual parts for the lower ala carte to lower the costs a little at the expense of convenience.

The stock is personnel preference. Lots of options with lots of price ranges.

Except for needing a couple AR specific tools and a torque wrench, assembling an upper is just as easy as the lower. It gets alot more expensive to swap out parts on an upper than tossing a stock trigger if you want to change the upper at all.

Just something to consider if you assemble additional ARs in the future.

Have fun with your project.

 

[HankC]

PSA P-Tac LPK is fine and only cost $32 when on sale. It need a little polishing on hammer sear but I always do that anyway. It has a 2 stage trigger feel but not exactly 2 stage trigger mechanism. I like it.

 

[LebbenB]

Like others, I'd ditch the standard trigger mech. I prefer the Giessle SSA-E or SDM. I've got them in a couple of my ARs and they work like champs.

As for everything else, it all comes down to what you want the rifle to do - mission drives equipment selection.

 

[kneesus]

It depends on what you're building and your budget. We'd all love LMT's now wouldn't we?! If you're building a good shooter, I'd use a JSE upper with PSA parts kits. I'm selling mine right now and going to something else. But the JSE has been solid.

 

[gotigers]

Building ARs is very easy. Occasionally a barrel nut might take a ton of torque, but all I have built were easy. A vise (a 4" will work), Upper vise blocks, torque wrench (even a bar type will work), a good armorer's wrench and a few punches and such. A hitch pin to help with pivot pin install make it easier.

Don't skimp on the barrel. A quality bolt is a must, MP inspected and proper materials.

Regarding specifics, what will this AR be for; hunting, plinking, 3 gun, target, all of the above?

 

[MistWolf]

If you're going to build a standard carbine-

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...ngth-ultra-lightweight-premium-rifle-kit.html

 

[Eb1]

I'd stick with a standard trigger so you could have a part pickup if ever need be. I like the single stage trigger, and if set to 4 # or 5 # they shoot nicely.
But you can't argue that those aftermarket triggers down to 2 # or so are very, very nice to shoot.

I'd go for a 20" 1:9 twist that will shoot military stock well. I sold a nice 20" 1:9 Colt because we needed money, and put together a 16" mid length with rifle length MOE handgaurds to replace it. I like it, but I do miss the range an power the 20" gives to the .223/5.56. I also didn't necessarily need the 1:7 either as I find myself shooting more 55 grain bullets than I do 69 grain and above. A good 1:9 twist will do great for M855 and M193.

I also always opt for a solid A2 stock. I don't like collapsing stocks very much.

Good luck. I am thinking of buying an 80% AR-10 lower, and giving that a try. I like the idea of a 20" .308 semi-auto in the AR platform.

 

[oldpapps]

goon,

Putting parts together is simple and with very few tools.

More to the point, what are your desires with this build? Out with the boys rat-a-tatt for a fun afternoon or some degree of competition?

Your buffer will need to complement your gas system. This can make a difference in the stock you select. (Mil ver commercial).

Unless you are big in competition, I would suggest picking up a 'parts kit' and try the included trigger components. If you don't like them, replace them. If you like them or can live with them, you have saved some bucks.

The great thing about the AR/M4 system is if you don't like something or just want to try something different, just do it. I'm too old for 'Lego's' but that's what people call it.

It fun no matter how you do the build.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I've also been eyeballing blem AR lowers. I'm thinking about a pistol build for my next one. Just for S&G. Lower on one paycheck, LPK on the next, then buffer, tube and spring. Probably then save up for a 7.7" upper.

 

[goon]

If you watch PSA, they have blemished lowers with LPK's for $99 occasionally.

As for what I'm doing with the rifle, it'll probably mostly just get used for informal target shooting and be kept on standby with a loaded magazine near for HD if needed.

 

[heavydluxe]

FWIW, this is the approach my son and I took to our first AR... a blem PSA lower, a parts kit a month later (assembled with the lower on our kitchen counter, pure redneck style), and a barreled PSA upper a couple months after.

It's easy, fun, and satisfying. I agree with you that it's more 'comfortable' to buy a barreled upper assembly that someone else put together and headspaced.

One note: The PSA stock mil trigger seems pretty crappy. So, if your budget supports it, upgrade the trigger. There's an ACT trigger (polished combat trigger made by Geissele) which is a good upgrade for not a ton of extra cost. Alternatively, polish the trigger yourself before installation.

Have fun...

Oh, PS: Here's the assembly guide we used for the lower. http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/

 

[LubeckTech]

I love the Timney trigger in my SP-1!!

 

[oldpapps]

"probably mostly just get used for informal target shooting and be kept on standby with a loaded magazine"

A good trigger pull is 'good'.
A super light trigger is great... for precision target work but can be a safety concern when under stress.

Oh no, not another safety briefing.....
Nope, done too many of them. Just try the issue trigger pull before you make a decision and think about just how easy that pull is....

 

[goon]

I've used the ALG trigger before but frankly, I don't think it's any better than a stock trigger. I've even seen stock triggers a lot better than the ALG trigger I had. My general approach with them has shifted into trying them first then determining if the need replaced. If it doesn't, it'll stay as is.

I'll probably go with a better receiver extension than PSA generally includes. Damage to it can lock an AR up cold, so I'll spend the extra bit to track down a 7075 buffer tube instead. Other than that, the package rifle kits they sell aren't looking too bad. I'm not in a big hurry to build anything so I'll probably watch and see what I can pick up on sale here and there until I have the stuff to snap a rifle together.

My original plan was to hit the classifieds and equipment exchanges for some used parts but I have to say, people are nuts on their asking prices. One guy is asking more for a used PSA upper than I'd spend for the same thing directly from PSA new!
It's looking like I'll be buying all new stuff at those prices.

 

[gotigers]

Skip the ALG Defense triggers. They are a little better, but not worth the extra. Especially since it will probably get replaced with a Giessele or Timney. A good milspec trigger with JP yellow springs will do fine. I have that set up in an AR, 1 with ALG Defense QMS, 1 with Giessele SSA and 1 with a Timney 3.5lb. The Timney is the best, IMHO. The milspec triggers with jp springs are as good as the ALG. I would not go below 4.5lbs for a defensive trigger.

 

[BK]

Only a couple of my builds ended up as 5.56 patrol or LE styled carbines. Two other builds became rifle length hunting and/or long range target rifles (.223 Wylde and 6.8ARP). I think the next two will probably end up as carbines (9mm and 300 Blk).

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I've grown fond of KNS non rotation trigger pins. If I get around to my next build, I'll use them again.

Rock River 2 stage varmint triggers are pretty economical.

I like the Magpul STR stock, good function, not too costly.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I'd buy a PSA lower build kit with MOE grip and either a CTR, STR or ACS-L stock. Then add a DPMS green trigger spring for a couple dollars.

Watch for sales from PSA. Last fall, IIRC, we got my buddy an ACS-L lower build kit for $139. That stock alone runs $95 on Amazon. I know they had MOE build kits for $89 at one point.

Check this deal out:

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...d-kit-bolt-carrier-group-charging-handle.html

Can't beat that!

Build it on your $59 blem lower, and add a DSA upper for $270, you got a complete rifle for under $600! (If you don't mind DSA's wait times....)

 

[Mohave-Tec]

Del-Ton Enhanced Two Stage Combat Trigger group

Del-Ton Enhanced Two Stage Combat Trigger group

This is one of the biggest surprises and greatest values in modern firearms history. A compete sleeper. This trigger group is my choice for my largely BCM/JP Enterprises AR for which I have $2200 invested.
This is not a match trigger, it is a duty trigger but the most predictable/repeatable field trigger I've ever used.

 

[rjrivero]

So PSA's recent deals, like a $59 stripped blemished lower, got me thinking about this. I'll be acquiring one in the not too distant future, be it on that deal or another.

Anyhow, if you were taking advantage of that, how would you build it?
I'm thinking of just biding my time over the course of 6 months to a year and building a fairly stock M4gery or midlength carbine all from PSA stuff, but figured I'd like to hear what others might try just to generate some ideas.

It doesn't really matter which parts kit you use but I would build it into a PISTOL FIRST, then into a rifle. Reason being, ATF 2011-4 says you can make a pistol into a legal rifle, and then back again without breaking the NFA rules. Otherwise, build what you want.