AR Parts kit questions

[BradC]

Guys,

I recently purchased a Stag stripped lower, and am ready to order a parts kit to build her up.

I need some help with a few questions and things I am not sure of.

My goals for the rifle are something to shoot with for fun, and HD/SHTF should I ever need.

What, if any, differences in quality will there be between something like a Stag Kit @ $633 vs. a Del-ton kit for $495?

I have done some searching, and have seen good reviews for the Del-ton kits. Anyone with bad experience with them?

One option with a Del-ton kit is a RRA 2-stage trigger upgrade. What benefit does this have? How well does the standard LPK shoot?

Barrel length:

What is the difference between a 16" barrel, and a 16" mid-length barrel? They are both the same overall length, no? So, where is the difference?

HBAR = heavy barrel, correct? What benefit does this give me?

How much difference is there in accuracy between a floating handguard and standard CAR?

How accurate will a base Delton kit be?

Lastly, I am getting a flattop for the option in the future of optics (waaay in the future). Where would I find a rear sight? It should be a flip-up? Or should I just get a detachable carry-handle?

I apologize in advance for all the questions, but this is my first and possibly only AR and I want it to be a multi-tasker!

[Kaos]

Originally Posted by BradC

Guys,

I recently purchased a Stag stripped lower, and am ready to order a parts kit to build her up.

I need some help with a few questions and things I am not sure of.

My goals for the rifle are something to shoot with for fun, and HD/SHTF should I ever need.

What, if any, differences in quality will there be between something like a Stag Kit @ $633 vs. a Del-ton kit for $495?

Not major differences, you might get a better quality barrel...but the difference would be negligible.

Originally Posted by BradC

I have done some searching, and have seen good reviews for the Del-ton kits. Anyone with bad experience with them?

They're great kits, I've fired plenty of del-ton kits that are great shooters.

Originally Posted by BradC

One option with a Del-ton kit is a RRA 2-stage trigger upgrade. What benefit does this have? How well does the standard LPK shoot?

Standard LPK is fine for HD/Plinking. The 2 stage is really for CMP/DCM or target/bench shooting. You have some portion of the trigger weight in the take up and the rest is in a final pull, resulting in a lesser final pull for consistancy.

Originally Posted by BradC

Barrel length:
What is the difference between a 16" barrel, and a 16" mid-length barrel? They are both the same overall length, no? So, where is the difference?

The gas hole is drilled further forward and the front sight post would be moved forward slightly as well. You'll get a different gas pulse this way, a little closer to a rifle's pulse.

Originally Posted by BradC

HBAR = heavy barrel, correct? What benefit does this give me?

You are correct, HBAR. It make the barrel take longer get blazing hot, giving you some sustained accuracy before the barrel is really smoking. Again...just for HD and plinking...not really necessary. I used this on my car to ADD some weight actually.

[quote=BradC;494877]
How much difference is there in accuracy between a floating handguard and standard CAR?
[quote=BradC;494877]
I asked this same question and it's somewhere around .5 to .75 MOA is what I was told. Get the 4 rail float if you're thinking of adding toys to the rifle, that way you're floated and you can add the goodies.

Originally Posted by BradC

How accurate will a base Delton kit be?

Out of the box, at 100yards with good ammo I bet you can get 1" groups from the delton, depends on your ammo, float tube, and shooting position/skill though.

My home built once zeroed with irons got 2" with only the irons standing offhand from 5 shots, bench rest me and give me a red dot or a scope and that could easily decrease.

Lastly, I am getting a flattop for the option in the future of optics (waaay in the future). Where would I find a rear sight? It should be a flip-up? Or should I just get a detachable carry-handle?

Originally Posted by BradC

I apologize in advance for all the questions, but this is my first and possibly only AR and I want it to be a multi-tasker!

Ask away!

[LittleRedToyota]

Originally Posted by BradC

What, if any, differences in quality will there be between something like a Stag Kit @ $633 vs. a Del-ton kit for $495?

i can't speak to the delton kit, but my stag has been very reliable (obviously, reliability is important for a home defense gun).

One option with a Del-ton kit is a RRA 2-stage trigger upgrade. What benefit does this have? How well does the standard LPK shoot?

the benefit is that you get a two stage trigger which is better for shooting very accurately. i have heard people opine that the 2-stage trigger is not as good for shorter quicker shooting (as in IPSC style shooting and home defense). i dunno about that. i do like to keep the stock trigger just because thats what most ARs have so that is what i want to be used to shooting.

What is the difference between a 16" barrel, and a 16" mid-length barrel? They are both the same overall length, no? So, where is the difference?

the difference is where the gas port in the barrel (and, thus, the front sight) is located. with a midlength, it is out near the muzzle (picture longer handguards and very little barrel in front of them). with the regular 16", the gas port/front sight are around halfway out the barrel. (picture shorter handguards and more barrel sticking out in front of them.)

HBAR = heavy barrel, correct? What benefit does this give me?

in a semi-auto only gun, no benefit. and it is heavier. (note: you want the gun to be as light as possible.)

Lastly, I am getting a flattop for the option in the future of optics (waaay in the future). Where would I find a rear sight? It should be a flip-up? Or should I just get a detachable carry-handle?

i would say get a flip-up BUIS (back-up iron sight) like the ARMS 40 or troy industries, etc. that way you can leave it on the gun after you put an optic on it. if your optic fails, you can flip up the rear sight and use the irons. with a detachable carry handle, you will remove the rear sight to install the optic. then, if your optic fails, you have only the front sight and will not be able to shoot very accurately.

I apologize in advance for all the questions, but this is my first and possibly only AR and I want it to be a multi-tasker!

no need to apologize for questions. we are all here to learn.

[Lycanthrope]

Two stage triggers are just as fast as single stage. I use two stage triggers in 3 gun almost exclusively. Well worth it.

The midlength gas gun will cycle a bit softer, IMHO than the carbine.

The Hbar barrel will handle heat a bit better than a lighter barrel and will not string shots as early due to heat build up. Heavier barrels help recoil a bit, but slow transitions from target to target for some people. I use heavy barrels for 3 gun as well, but it's a matter of preference.


Lycanchippinginthrope

[BradC]

Thanks for all the help so far guys!

So, a setup as follows sounds like a good shooter? I guess I need to decide if it's worth the $125 for the add-ons...

Item Name: 16" Mid-Length Rifle Kit
Item Price: $620.00
Options:
16 Rifle Kit - ML Barrel: DTI 16" 1x9 Mid-Length Heavy Barrel
16 Rifle Kit / Rifle -ML Handguards:YHM 4 Rail Free Float Tube
Rifle Kit / Rifle -BC:Standard Bolt & Carrier
Rifle Kit / Rifle -Buttstock:M4 Buttstock - Black
Rifle Kit / Rifle -Grips:A2 Grip - Black
Rifle Kit / Rifle-Carrying Handle:None
Rifle Kit / Rifle-Flash Hiders:A2 Flash Hider
Rifle Kit / Rifle-Gas Blocks:Standard A2 Front Sight
Rifle Kit / Rifle-Lower Parts:Lower Parts Kit with Rock River Arms 2 Stage Trigger
Rifle Kit / Rifle-T Handle:Standard Charging Handle
Rifle Kit / Rifle-Uppers:Flat Top Upper with T-Marks

Originally Posted by Lycanthrope

The midlength gas gun will cycle a bit softer, IMHO than the carbine.

Cycle softer, as in less perceived recoil? Or cycle softer, as in changing the rifle's operation?

[Lycanthrope]

Less recoil.

Lycansofterpushthrope

[Seventy4Blazer]

love my delton kit and have no problems with it.

[Legion_Prime]

The midlength gas system will will slow down the cycling of the bolt both reducing recoil slightly and giving the gas more time to expand helping with extraction. YOu also get the advantage of a slightly longer sight radius. On the rifle I am building right now I am going with a LaRue BUIS since I do not plan on purchasing an optic in the forseeable future I am not concerned with it being able to fold down. As far as I'm concerned if LaRue is an option LaRue is the answer. You might also want to look for "The Chart" it lists many different characteristics such as finish, FSP's and such for different manufacturers so you can see who has what all in one place. It is by no means comprehensive but it is good for seeing what is out there and what respective manafacturers offer and what to look for. If you do not go for the midlength make sure that it comes with the proper height FSP. The carbine uses a shorter FSP due to it's placement closer to the upper reciever.

[MTechnik]

Originally Posted by Lycanthrope

Less recoil.

Lycansofterpushthrope

Let me say, a rifle length gas system on a 20" stainless bull barrel, shooting .223 match ammo has so little recoil it is laughable.

Put in M193 and it gets a bit more bark and bite, but still VERY controllable.

[BradC]

THanks for all the help so far guys!