Welp, I bought a stripped lower
- Thread starter gobsauce
- Start date
berettaprofessor
Member
Answers; depends on budget; cheapest, standard stock, lower parts kit, milspec buffer tube, carbine buffer, spring.
upgrades; #1=drop-in trigger (Rise Armament or CMC best and cheapest), #2 Magpul K2 grip, #3 Magpul CTR stock.
upgrades; #1=drop-in trigger (Rise Armament or CMC best and cheapest), #2 Magpul K2 grip, #3 Magpul CTR stock.
I've shot a bunch of AR's, just never owned one. I've shot bougie and run of the mill.
When it comes to triggers, I for whatever reason, really enjoyed the milspec triggers. I guess that answers that question.
Stocks and all that, I guess I'll shop around and get a feel for them. Might just go looking for used parts at gun shows (or use THR's trading post ). Wouldn't mind a Franken-AR.
When it comes to triggers, I for whatever reason, really enjoyed the milspec triggers. I guess that answers that question.
Stocks and all that, I guess I'll shop around and get a feel for them. Might just go looking for used parts at gun shows (or use THR's trading post ). Wouldn't mind a Franken-AR.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
The Easy Button solution is to get a complete PSA build kit (minus lower). They can run as low as $350-400 with several different options.
Heres a basic carbine with Magpul furniture -
The best thing about getting a complete upper is you dont need a chamber holding fixture to tighten the barrel nut or flash hider. You will still need a buffer nut spanner and a magwell fixing block in addition to common punches, tack hammer, etc.
Heres a basic carbine with Magpul furniture -
The best thing about getting a complete upper is you dont need a chamber holding fixture to tighten the barrel nut or flash hider. You will still need a buffer nut spanner and a magwell fixing block in addition to common punches, tack hammer, etc.
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rdnktrkr
Member
I purchased a 5 pack ($150 shipped) when they were running a special a few years back, built a couple 6.5gr and 20" 556, Found Aero lowers on sale at LGS anniversary sale and purchased 3 of those ($100), found some ATI lowers ($20ea hybrids) for 22lr. They keep multiplying and there are SO many different calibers and barrel lengths to decide on.
I have a couple of fixed stocks that I like better than adjustable ones, sometimes you can find trigger spring kits if you go the mil spec route that helps with trigger pull (Dirty Bird is one), research tapping the hole in the handle to insert a set screw for over travel (easy upgrade), Drop in triggers have come down in price ($59 + shipping on sale) and is the easy button for 3-3.5lb triggers. LPKs are running about $40 minus $10 if you don't want the fire control (I look for Aero), Bear Creek Arsenal has sales for uppers if you're wanting a complete upper (not top quality but good quality), Same with PSA (a little better quality and some have higher quality barrels and come with polished triggers, Look into a lost parts kit for extra parts that seem to go flying across the room (I just bought extra LPKs w/o fire control and keep one in my range bag and one on the bench. When I started I built all my lowers in a banana box turned upside down to keep flying parts contained.
The rabbit hole has opened up, there are SO many options and they are so much fun to build and shoot.
I have a couple of fixed stocks that I like better than adjustable ones, sometimes you can find trigger spring kits if you go the mil spec route that helps with trigger pull (Dirty Bird is one), research tapping the hole in the handle to insert a set screw for over travel (easy upgrade), Drop in triggers have come down in price ($59 + shipping on sale) and is the easy button for 3-3.5lb triggers. LPKs are running about $40 minus $10 if you don't want the fire control (I look for Aero), Bear Creek Arsenal has sales for uppers if you're wanting a complete upper (not top quality but good quality), Same with PSA (a little better quality and some have higher quality barrels and come with polished triggers, Look into a lost parts kit for extra parts that seem to go flying across the room (I just bought extra LPKs w/o fire control and keep one in my range bag and one on the bench. When I started I built all my lowers in a banana box turned upside down to keep flying parts contained.
The rabbit hole has opened up, there are SO many options and they are so much fun to build and shoot.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Ya it is!
I started my last build because I saw a leftover stripped upper, D-ring, and a gastube and said, "See, I've almost got a complete rifle here! I just need a lower, and a lower parts kit, and a barrel, and a...."
MarshallDodge
Member
AR-15 Discounts is having a sale, 15% off with MOVING15
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Lower Build Kits
AR15Discounts has a great selection of Lower Build Kits. We have budget friendly kits starting under $80 and premium kits at competitive prices.
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I just got a new shipment from DS Arms to finish off my $30 blem lower and blem upper. It took 6 months to make up my mind. Current availability talked me out of an 18” SPR build. I opted for a minimalist light weight M4 copy. DS Arms installed a front sight gas block in a Roscoe barrel so I snagged that instead of waiting for anyone to have 18” barrels back in stock.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
I know, right!
I used 18" stainless barrels for my last 2 builds for the kids and liked them so much I wanted my own for a DMR, only couldn't find one by that point....
Ended up with a 16" GP middy, though and it's pretty sweet.
Still kinda jealous of the kids' guns, though.
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Charlie98
Member
All of my AR's have the milspec trigger... maybe I just don't know what I'm missing.
Building a lower is pretty idiot proof, about the only thing you can get silly with is the buttstock... it's when you start on the upper that purpose and budget seriously come into play.
As of yesterday PSA had 18” stainless 223 Wilde barrels in stock…the same day my package arrived. I’m not bitter.I know, right!
I used 18" stainless barrels for my last 2 builds for the kids and liked them so much I wanted my own, only couldn't find one by that point....
Ended up with a 16" GP middy, though and it's pretty sweet.
Still kinda jealous of the kids' guns, though.
AlexanderA
Member
You are correct. Trigger pull is not as critical on a rifle as it is on a handgun. I've found the standard milspec trigger to be adequate.
American_Fusilier
Member
Building lowers... what fun!
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Super easy to get the hammer spring upside down....lol.
I hunt coyotes with mine so may be a bit more picky on trigger.
Just checked, they had. Out of stock now, oh well.
@NIGHTLORD40K mentioned PSA, they have some blem kits right now for $319.99, free shipping. Might just grab it.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Nothin wrong with that kit, although the furniture is basic. Can always swap it out later, of course.
That's how it starts huh? Damn. Group of enablers.Nothin wrong with that kit, although the furniture is basic. Can always swap it out later, of course.
Shanghai McCoy
Member
I put together and A2(ish) from PSA parts and it has been accurate and reliable. The only change I did was putting a Larue 2S trigger in it and mounted a scope.
