Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 24
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    State College-ish, Pennsylvania
    (Centre County)
    Posts
    1,953
    Rep Power
    1116399

    Default Which version AR15 should I build???

    So, I'm getting ready to put together a rifle. This will basically be a plinker. The question is, A2 or flat top?
    I know this much so far:
    1. I want it to cost as little as feasible, but I'd like some flexibility
    2. I'm probably getting a Delton or Model 1 kit to save on shipping and overall cost
    3. 16" non-chrome heavy barrel looks like the best bang for the buck.
    4. 4-position stock should be good enough

    An A2 is attractive because of the built-in sight, so no extra $ for sights... but, I have the impression that the upper would have less resale desirability down the road. Do they make cost-effective carry handle mount for a red-dot scope that I could attach to an A2?

    If I get a flat-top, I can use a cheap BSA red-dot for now. If that's the case, should I get a gas block without the integrated sight? Or will it not be in the way? Also, for iron the iron sight option, what sight radius should I get (longer dissipator-style or short)?

    Any other ideas??? I'm on a tight budget and I don't want to be buying things that I don't need, or find I'll end up needing to buy things after all is said and done.

    TIA

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Bellwood (Tyrone), Pennsylvania
    (Blair County)
    Posts
    604
    Rep Power
    811564

    Default Re: Which version AR15 should I build???

    Well, it has been 51 minutes and no one has voiced an opinion, so I guess I will. I would get an A3 flat top, aluminum tube fore end, 20 inch barrel, forget the chrome, no sight on the gas block but weaver grooves to mount a front iron, then buy front and rear irons from CDNN. This leaves you with a rifle that has sights and will accept either a scope or red dot/reflex/etc. Since you’r in State College, I would buy a Blackthorn kit and save a $100 bucks, and bring it to me for assembly (no charge). Don’t buy a 20-ince barrel with a muzzle break, Blackthorn sells them but you don’t want one. If you want a little more get a 24-inch barrel.
    Steve Wagner

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Easton, Pennsylvania
    (Northampton County)
    Posts
    408
    Rep Power
    557231

    Default Re: Which version AR15 should I build???

    I could answer better if you explained the intended use of this black rifle.

    Search the internet for an essay called The Ideal Rifle.

    He makes a good argument for a 16 inch light barrel with A1 type sights. Many people have several black rifles. But when the poop hits the fan they will grab the shortest lightest one and devote the extra weight load to extra ammo and water etc. The design called a dissipator with the 16 inch barrel and the full sight radius is a great idea. light barrels can shoot very well as long as you do don't tight sling them or muscle them.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    SomewhereWestPA, Pennsylvania
    (Allegheny County)
    Posts
    4,520
    Rep Power
    21474857

    Default Re: Which version AR15 should I build???

    Listen to Glockman.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    (Philadelphia County)
    Posts
    1,113
    Rep Power
    4518298

    Default Re: Which version AR15 should I build???

    I went thru this conundrum before I built my AR. Tack-driver? Flat-Top? Short? Vietnam Classic? Telestock? Standard A2?


    I ended up with a Stag lower and a Delton mid-length carbine upper with fixed A2 carry handle. A full size AR would have been unweildy for my girlfriend and to tell you the truth I don't mind the reduced size one bit either.

    Had money been no object I might have opted for the flat-top with flip up irons but the flip up sights alone would have added another $80 and there would always be an empty rail whispering to me "Buy an Eotech!"
    Now I'm forced to hone my iron sight shooting which is fine, I don't need scope practice at the <100y ranges I frequent anyway.

    Since I don't have a grenade launcher and could use the extra sight radius I went with the mid-length carbine which supposedly had milder recoil as well.


    At some point I would consider building that Tack-Driver but for now I'm 100% satisfied with my little workhorse.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Dover, Pennsylvania
    (York County)
    Age
    53
    Posts
    2,554
    Rep Power
    981030

    Default Re: Which version AR15 should I build???

    When I got mine, I convinced myself that I needed a 20" and flat top so I could shoot 200 - 300yd targets. I put a scope on it and I love it. Then I got some old WWII bolt guns and laugh at how easy it is to hit targets at 200-300yds with open iron sights.

    If I was doing it again, I would do a lightweight 16" but still get a flat top with a removable carry handle. That provides a lot of flexibility.

    The nice thing about an AR is that they are all great and it's hard to go wrong. You are already off to a great start by thinking about it and asking questions to gain more knowlege instead of impulse buying.

    Good luck.
    "The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of 'liberalism,' they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened."
    - Norman Thomas, U.S. Socialist Party presidential candidate 1940, 1944 and 1948

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Easton, Pennsylvania
    (Northampton County)
    Posts
    408
    Rep Power
    557231

    Default Re: Which version AR15 should I build???

    Go to the web site of Olympic Arms look at the model they call the Plinker Plus. A local dealer might be able to order you one of these at a very reasonalble price.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Altoona, Pennsylvania
    (Blair County)
    Posts
    97
    Rep Power
    164130

    Default Re: Which version AR15 should I build???

    Hehe, I had this same issue with my first AR build a few years ago. There are so many options, I decided to build an M-16A1 clone, then I went for the Carbine, then Varmit, and now I'm on an SBR. This disease is terrible, specially for my wallet. I say stick with the basics, traditional Front Sight Assembly, and on the receiver, flat top or A-1/A-2 style, you can't to wrong either way. 16 inch Barrel of your choice. Now if your sure you will be upgrading with an Aimpoint or Other optic, then stick with the flat top. Speaking of Disease, #5 is going to be a dedicated .22..............there is no end to BRD...........then pistol caliber......then 6.5 or 6.8......then supressor.........arrgghhhhh

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    somewhere, Pennsylvania
    (Montgomery County)
    Age
    56
    Posts
    2,655
    Rep Power
    240147

    Default Re: Which version AR15 should I build???

    For your first AR plinker, i'd go with the 16" m4 profile barrel with a flat top upper and removable carry handle. Also, i'd stick with a chrome lined barrel. If you ever shoot wolf through it you will thank me when you go to clean it.

    The great thing about the AR platform is that later should you decide you'd like to try a 20" upper you can just get the upper and switch them around.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
    (Lehigh County)
    Age
    73
    Posts
    1,215
    Rep Power
    2016

    Default Re: Which version AR15 should I build???

    I vote an A1 from e-bay parts, wait e-bay don't sell goodies no more.

    Veritas Vos Liberat

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. The ar15 build...
    By Jared89 in forum General
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: July 27th, 2008, 10:35 PM
  2. Want to build my own AR15, where to go?
    By nfafan in forum General
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: June 4th, 2008, 07:08 AM
  3. ar15 build parts?
    By BFit70 in forum General
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: March 17th, 2008, 08:12 PM
  4. First AR15 build
    By Lucas in forum General
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: December 18th, 2007, 06:30 PM
  5. Who's on First? - GWB Version
    By LorDiego01 in forum General
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: December 12th, 2006, 05:40 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •