All purpose "Help me build my AR" thread.

[jamoni]

It seems like every day there's someone new looking for advice on an AR15 build. It'd be nice if we didn't have 200 threads on "tell me what to put on my AR"/
I'm starting this thread for that purpose. Any questions you have about parts, tools, techniques, tacticoolness, etc, put it in here, and I'm sure we can get answers for you.
I'll start
I'm building a poor man's SDMR.
So far I have a RRA lower with RRA parts kit.
I'm thinking about using an A1 buttstock, and putting an adjustable comb/butt on it.
Basically, I want to take the kydex sleeve from this:
adjustable comb
and put it on this:
adjustable butt.
This should give me a very low profile adjustable stock.
Does anyone see any problems with this plan? I know there are other options, like the magpull or the mako ssr25, but I really want this rifle to look pretty stock.
For the upper, I'm going to use a BCM 20" upper. I may eventually replace it with a custom upper w/ heavy barrel and picatinny gasblock, but for now it'll be the BCM.
I plan to use this handguard setup:
DPMS DCM free float handguards,
Something like these, but preferably in metal,
and a good bipod. Any problems or suggestions about this?
Not sure what glass or other optics I'll be running. For now I'll throw my Bushnell Sportsman on it, but I want something better. Planned use of this rifle is for shots between 100-600m. Any suggestions?

[congochris]

I'd go for a free float sleeve so I could use whatever handguards I wanted. Me, I'd use that and MOE handguards (whenever they actually put out the rifle/middie length ones) and then use the rail sections you attach to the MOE guards to mount your accessories without having to do a fully railed free float tube.

Fo scopes I found a brand that really surprised me: "Redfield". Old american compaany bought by Leupold, and the scopes are still made in Oregon. Got one myself, but other than mounting the scope, checking eye relief/focus I haven't had it out yet. So I honestly can't give a recommendation beyond it being US made, and a hell of a lot less expensive than other scopes I was looking at. I'll try to do a review of it once I get out and put some rounds downrange with it on my Stevens.

[jamoni]

That free float tube is just the ticket, and the reason I ask questions! Thanks!
As for the MOE handguards, Meh. I like the A2 style, I just want to be able to mount a bipod.

[nimdabew]

That free float tube is just the ticket, and the reason I ask questions! Thanks!
As for the MOE handguards, Meh. I like the A2 style, I just want to be able to mount a bipod.

I would actually use something a bit different for the bi-pod mount if you are going to mount it to the tube. I switched over to FF-rail tubes for my rifles that I plan to DMR, but I have these angled sections for regular plastic handguards. I can give them to you if you want to pay for shipping.

[jamoni]

That free float tube is just the ticket, and the reason I ask questions! Thanks!
As for the MOE handguards, Meh. I like the A2 style, I just want to be able to mount a bipod.

I would actually use something a bit different for the bi-pod mount if you are going to mount it to the tube. I switched over to FF-rail tubes for my rifles that I plan to DMR, but I have these angled sections for regular plastic handguards. I can give them to you if you want to pay for shipping.

That's a definite possibility. So they are rails angled to match the taper of the stock handguards?

[MTechnik]

I wonder how steady that comb will be when attached to a telescoping stock bit like that, especially it being a rubber one that you are screwing the comb riser into. I'd look into something like the "accuriser"

[jamoni]

Hmm. It may be a little unstable, at that.
However, the one you posted is ugly as shit.
However, I wasn't planning on screwing it into rubber. I was going to drill and tap the metal part.
Now that I look at it, though, neither the kydex nor the adjustable butt is what you'd call difficult to make. I may just whip up something in the machine shop that's better.

[jamoni]

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/pro ... 2-monopod/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The SEXY.

[MTechnik]

However, the one you posted is ugly as shit.

But functional, stable, and easily removable.

Also, the one you posted may not go far forward enough, if you like having your nose within 3" of the charging handle.

[jamoni]

Come to think of it, an adjustable butt is overkill. I'm the only one who will be shooting this thing, so it should be enough to use spacers to get the right length of pull, and the adjustable comb for height.
Hell, on third thought, I should probably wait to see how it indexes with a standard stock. Since I don't have a carry handle, it might just work out....

[MTechnik]

Planned use of this rifle is for shots between 100-600m. Any suggestions?

I hear good things about the super-sniper 10x scope for the price and for that range. If you're really punching paper, and group sizes are the ultimate goal (with expensive ammo) you'll prolly want more magnification.
This is where a 30mm scope and 1/4moa adjustments are important - they'll give you more adjustment range. (fixed zoom also has more adjustment range) I found out that my nifty nikon buckmaster I have 6-18x with 1/8moa adjustments will run out of adjustment before I run out of range (when lobbing big 75 grain bullets at extreme range.) There are ways around this, with scope bases and rings that will include some downward slope. I'd get a ballistic calculator, run some loads, and make sure the scope's adjustment range fits the drop you'll see. And remember that the zero may not be at the center of the scope - leave some extra range.

[IAmKalashnikov]

So, I've got a 16" barrel on my carbine. Carbine-length gas system, regular collapsible M4 stock, etc. My main goal is to keep the rifle as lightweight as possible yet make it the ultimate SHTF rifle for me. The problem is, I'm rather tall and have long arms, and so I seem to be having a little trouble with the shorter rifle. Even with my stock completely extended, I still feel like my support arm needs to be further along the handguards. This is what led me to trying out different types of grips. I've tried using the magwell, A2 handguards, quad rail system, quad rails with a vert grip, etc. All these different ways, I would move my hand around in different positions that I've noticed people use and try to find the most comfortable for me. So, I feel best with a vert grip, or atleast as best as I can figure out on my own.

I'm running MOE handguards on the rifle, and I'm wanting to add on a vert grip and flashlight. I'm in need of advice on a good vert grip/flashlight combo. I'm not talking about a vert grip and flashlight all in one, but just a combo of products that people have tried before and really liked. Keep in mind, I'm trying to keep it lightweight.

I was suggested a tango down vert with an offset mount and a Surefire light. I liked the set up, but then I started noticing that people are really talking about this Magpul "AFG". It's new, of course a lot of people are going to go out and buy it, try it out, etc. But, is it -really- that good? I mean, is it some revolutionary piece that's going to change the way people hold their AR-15? What I'm asking is, would one suggest it for me? Considering I can't find a comfortable grip with anything else due to my long arms. If someone does suggest the AFG, could you also suggest a good light setup to use with the AFG and MOE handguards.


Thanks ahead of time.

[Civilian Scout]

So, I've got a 16" barrel on my carbine. Carbine-length gas system, regular collapsible M4 stock, etc. My main goal is to keep the rifle as lightweight as possible yet make it the ultimate SHTF rifle for me. The problem is, I'm rather tall and have long arms, and so I seem to be having a little trouble with the shorter rifle. Even with my stock completely extended, I still feel like my support arm needs to be further along the handguards. This is what led me to trying out different types of grips. I've tried using the magwell, A2 handguards, quad rail system, quad rails with a vert grip, etc. All these different ways, I would move my hand around in different positions that I've noticed people use and try to find the most comfortable for me. So, I feel best with a vert grip, or atleast as best as I can figure out on my own.

I'm running MOE handguards on the rifle, and I'm wanting to add on a vert grip and flashlight. I'm in need of advice on a good vert grip/flashlight combo. I'm not talking about a vert grip and flashlight all in one, but just a combo of products that people have tried before and really liked. Keep in mind, I'm trying to keep it lightweight.

I was suggested a tango down vert with an offset mount and a Surefire light. I liked the set up, but then I started noticing that people are really talking about this Magpul "AFG". It's new, of course a lot of people are going to go out and buy it, try it out, etc. But, is it -really- that good? I mean, is it some revolutionary piece that's going to change the way people hold their AR-15? What I'm asking is, would one suggest it for me? Considering I can't find a comfortable grip with anything else due to my long arms. If someone does suggest the AFG, could you also suggest a good light setup to use with the AFG and MOE handguards.


Thanks ahead of time.

My thoughts on the AFG:

http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopi ... 16&t=56502

In short, I DO NOT like them on 7" carbine-length handguards or rails. I just don't think there's enough room to get the AFG forward enough to work properly. On a 9" or longer handguard they work great! I'll add that I'm a fairly small guy with average length arms. if you have long arms I see this being even more of a problem.

I think your best bet would be to try a longer rail that extends past the front sight base, like one of the Daniel Defense FSP models. This would allow you to grip farther forward.

[IAmKalashnikov]

So, I've got a 16" barrel on my carbine. Carbine-length gas system, regular collapsible M4 stock, etc. My main goal is to keep the rifle as lightweight as possible yet make it the ultimate SHTF rifle for me. The problem is, I'm rather tall and have long arms, and so I seem to be having a little trouble with the shorter rifle. Even with my stock completely extended, I still feel like my support arm needs to be further along the handguards. This is what led me to trying out different types of grips. I've tried using the magwell, A2 handguards, quad rail system, quad rails with a vert grip, etc. All these different ways, I would move my hand around in different positions that I've noticed people use and try to find the most comfortable for me. So, I feel best with a vert grip, or atleast as best as I can figure out on my own.

I'm running MOE handguards on the rifle, and I'm wanting to add on a vert grip and flashlight. I'm in need of advice on a good vert grip/flashlight combo. I'm not talking about a vert grip and flashlight all in one, but just a combo of products that people have tried before and really liked. Keep in mind, I'm trying to keep it lightweight.

I was suggested a tango down vert with an offset mount and a Surefire light. I liked the set up, but then I started noticing that people are really talking about this Magpul "AFG". It's new, of course a lot of people are going to go out and buy it, try it out, etc. But, is it -really- that good? I mean, is it some revolutionary piece that's going to change the way people hold their AR-15? What I'm asking is, would one suggest it for me? Considering I can't find a comfortable grip with anything else due to my long arms. If someone does suggest the AFG, could you also suggest a good light setup to use with the AFG and MOE handguards.


Thanks ahead of time.

My thoughts on the AFG:

http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopi ... 16&t=56502

In short, I DO NOT like them on 7" carbine-length handguards or rails. I just don't think there's enough room to get the AFG forward enough to work properly. On a 9" or longer handguard they work great! I'll add that I'm a fairly small guy with average length arms. if you have long arms I see this being even more of a problem.

I think your best bet would be to try a longer rail that extends past the front sight base, like one of the Daniel Defense FSP models. This would allow you to grip farther forward.

That's the problem. I'm not really trying to disassemble the upper, and also I want to keep it lightweight. If I went with a DD FSp or something, I'd have to swap over to free float and do some work to my AR that I don't really want to attempt. The only gunsmith around won't touch AR-15's.Thanks for the advice, I considered the FSP but wasn't too sure about install.

[Kommander]

IAmKalashnikov you could get a Magpul stock and then put a butpad on it. That should give you a bit more LOP than a standard AR stock. Oh and can we make this a sticky!

[nimdabew]

That's a definite possibility. So they are rails angled to match the taper of the stock handguards?

Yessir. I have a picture of the gun with the rails on a carbine around here somewhere....

ETA: Here it is. The rail si backwards in this pick I think, but with standard round handguards with the taper, it *should* be level.

[jamoni]

Awesome. I think I WOULD like those. Drop me a PM and we'll figure out the shipping and whatnot.

[Chris@MTCT]

I don't know if I missed how much you want to spend on a glass but these are awesome high quality low priced. I have the 4-14x mounted on a larue mount for my SDM set up. 1/2 MOA adjustments and a 55gr BDC. Clear crisp and beautiful just like you would expect.
http://www.leupold.com/tactical/product ... -3-9x40mm/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jamoni]

I don't know if I missed how much you want to spend on a glass but these are awesome high quality low priced. I have the 4-14x mounted on a larue mount for my SDM set up. 1/2 MOA adjustments and a 55gr BDC. Clear crisp and beautiful just like you would expect.
http://www.leupold.com/tactical/product ... -3-9x40mm/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For glass, I'm going to see how it shoots with my Bushnell, accurize as much as I can, then adjust my price accordingly. If I can make this thing a real tack driver, then I'll get the best I can.
Will definitly be looking at Leupolds.

[Snapcat]

I like the idea of the help thread. Because I have a few simple questions that I wouldn't want to start a thead with. I'm not real familar with building an AR but I like the idea of buying it in complete halves since some companies do uppers better and some lowers better and I can also save a little money doing it this way.

I'm not really looking to mess with putting on handguards, stocks, rails and everything myself I'd rather just buy it in complete halves.

So, my question is with a limited budget where should I spend my money to get good quality on the Upper or on the Lower? So in essence which is better to have good parts.

[Hoot Harrington]

So, my question is with a limited budget where should I spend my money to get good quality on the Upper

BCM is the general consensus it would seem.

[Maxfield]

...

[throwback]

As long as I'm already signed in for the day, and this thread is here....
What are everyones thoughts on lower parts kits? Are there any significant differences in quality from one company to another, or will I be getting the same basic setup from everyone selling?

[Big Dale]

what are some good websites that I can find parts?
Should I get a stripped lower? Or can I get a complete lower? If the first are there different types that are better?

Also, I found a lower with the bolt carrier group, etc...in the description it said the bolt was auto...does that mean it fires full auto?