Took the plunge into the deep end (AR-15)

[calypsocoral]

Okay, I've been resisting it for a long time. But, I thought it was better to be safe than sorry, working under the assumption that the window for building and owning an AR-15 might not be as long as I hope, I decided to start an AR-15 build.

I went down to Lanco Tactical in Elizabethtown, where they apparently have their own house brand of AR-15 lowers, so I bought a stripped lower and a CMMG lower parts kit.

A while back, I started a thread asking about gas-piston AR's. While it is still a goal of mine to eventually own one, I'm going to wait and see if someone (PWS, Robinson, FNH, or LWRC) wins a government contract for the next batch of US Military assault rifles-- I figure that will force a parts commonality currently enjoyed by the DI stuff out there. So I'm going to go with a full-length (20") DI for the time being.

I realize it is probably cheaper to simply buy a pre-made AR, but I like being able to determine exactly what goes into it, as well as getting the experience of putting one together and seeing how all of the parts work. I do the same thing with my computer.

I'm open to suggestions regarding what direction to take this build, but I think I have an idea of what I want to do with it.

[elementfreak431]

Well no one else has chimed in so I'll give it a shot.

It all depends on how much money you would care to spend on such a build. It also depends on what your looking to do with your build. If your looking for a real tack driving accurate gun, Noveske makes excellent parts. I have no experience with them, but I have heard nothing but great things. You can get crazy with BCG's and get a titanium nitride, chrome, nickel, etc. Do you want glass on it or do you want a KISS rifle with irons? It all depends on what you want to do with the rifle.

Companies I suggest for components for a build are Del-Ton and Yankee Hill Machine because they are the only companies I have experience with personally.

Give a little more info on what you want this rifle to be used for/how much your willing to spend and more people will chime in

[Boots_DE]

... A while back, I started a thread asking about gas-piston AR's. While it is still a goal of mine to eventually own one, ....

The gas-piston system for the AR was developed to keep the hot gasses during full-auto operation away from the BCG. DI is perfectly satisfactory for normal semi-auto operation.

So, unless you plan on doing a lot of full-auto fire on your AR, a gas-piston would only give you bragging rights, and not much else.

[Bugman916]

The gas-piston system for the AR was developed to keep the hot gasses during full-auto operation away from the BCG. DI is perfectly satisfactory for normal semi-auto operation.

So, unless you plan on doing a lot of full-auto fire on your AR, a gas-piston would only give you bragging rights, and not much else.

Also makes cleaning alot easier .. just saying

[calypsocoral]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Basically, the endgame would be a government-profile threaded barrel, quad rails, and likely an ACOG scope. Not necessarily going for "tack-driver", but something accurate up to and including 150 yards.

As for the parts, I'm going to go with the Lanco house-brand stripped upper and CMMG bolt carrier group. The stock, grip, and rails I'm getting from Mako, as a shout-out to my friend Abraham in the IDF. They also make a fore-end pistol grip, attachable to the rail hand-guard, that splits apart to form an adjustable bi-pod, which I thought was a neat idea, so that will likely make it in as well.

About the only thing I haven't figured out yet are the barrel, compensator, and gas block. Again, I'd like to stick with a 20" gov't barrel. I would prefer a low-profile gas block, however, or at least one with a flip-up front sight, as opposed to the standard fixed one.

[Sharkey]

Why a 20" and not a 16" if your shooting 150 ...... 16" is plenty capable of pie plate hits (if not better) at 150 and the weight/money you would save you could go with a 16" HBAR or even a SS varmint/predator and get better MOA's.Would also be better for home defense ..... JMO

[animalmother85]

Why a 20" and not a 16" if your shooting 150 ...... 16" is plenty capable of pie plate hits (if not better) at 150 and the weight/money you would save you could go with a 16" HBAR or even a SS varmint/predator and get better MOA's.Would also be better for home defense ..... JMO

If I had a 16" gun that made pie plate groups on a good day at 150 yards, I'd proceed to remove the hand guards, put the upper in a vice block, and remove the barrel to use it as a tomato stake. AKs shoot better than that.

[Sharkey]

If I had a 16" gun that made pie plate groups on a good day at 150 yards, I'd proceed to remove the hand guards, put the upper in a vice block, and remove the barrel to use it as a tomato stake. AKs shoot better than that.

Good point ......

I guess it's all a matter of opinion ....... and quality of the manufacturer ...... He is going on the inexpensive side ...... A $300 upper won't shoot as good as a $900 upper ....... and I think you have to have a well built AK also to group good too ..... So really I am giving fair results and hope he gets one that shoots as good as you .....

I guess I'll be quite now .....

[texanron]

It sounds like you know which direction you are going with the build. I just want to warn you that building AR's can become an addiction. I thought I would just build one but that one turned into four. Good luck!

[calypsocoral]

Why a 20" and not a 16" if your shooting 150 ...... 16" is plenty capable of pie plate hits (if not better) at 150 and the weight/money you would save you could go with a 16" HBAR or even a SS varmint/predator and get better MOA's.Would also be better for home defense ..... JMO

I know this is going to sound opinionated, but I have it in my mind that I'm assembling a rifle. I want it to *feel* like a rifle-- not a submachine gun. As far as I'm concerned, a 20" barrel comprises a "carbine"-- 24"-26" comprises a rifle.

Additionally, I've been told that the longer action minimizes the chances of getting hot gas vented at your arms or face.