Two Long Years of Gathering Parts - AR15 Build

[Emptymag]

I don't even recall the order I purchased the parts now because it's taken so long, but I now have everything to assemble a functional carbine.
I will still want to invest in a decent red dot, a sling, a weapon mounted light, and an upgraded pistol grip, but I have what I need to start shooting.

It's not together yet - those pics will come shortly. (I hope)
I was just excited to FINALLY have all the parts and gathered them all up for some pics. Considering I recently sold two rifles because I needed the money, this sort of takes the sting out of that loss. Buying "another rifle" is out of the question right now, but this one just sort of came together a few dollars at a time.

It's a mish-mash of brands, both "acceptable" and "laughable" to some people, but it is what it is, and for the most part I chose the specific items because I wanted them vs because they were cheap. (although all were gotten on sale or "used")

Parts used listed below.




Upper - Palmetto State Armory 1:7 twist
Lower - Del-Ton - already had LPK (minus trigger group) installed
BCG - PSA Premium Full Auto BCG Item #8779
Charging handle - BCM Gunfighter "medium" latch
Buffer Tube Kit - Spikes Tactical milspec tube with ST-T2 heavy buffer
Trigger - Rock River Arms National Match 2-Stage trigger
Stock - Mission First Tactical Minimalist stock
Forearm - YHM Todd Jarrett Competition Series (carbine cutout - YHM-5002)
Rear BUIS - Magpul MBUS

ETA: Build prices added...

$300.00* (new) - Upper - Palmetto State Armory 1:7 twist
(*99% certain this price is correct - I recall it being the same price as buying new online, but with the added bonus of buying FTF cash)
$100.00** (used) - Lower - Del-Ton - already had LPK (minus trigger group) installed (**I recall placing a WTB ad offering $100 for a lower - I think that's what I paid)
$109.00 (new) - BCG - PSA Premium Full Auto BCG Item #8779
$38.21 (new) - Charging handle - BCM Gunfighter "medium" latch
$59.99 (new) - Buffer Tube Kit - Spikes Tactical milspec tube with ST-T2 heavy buffer
$62.00 (new) - Trigger - Rock River Arms National Match 2-Stage trigger
FREE*** (new) - Stock - Mission First Tactical Minimalist stock (***generously donated by a forum member)
$84.00 (new) - Forearm - YHM Todd Jarrett Competition Series (carbine cutout - YHM-5002)
FREE*** (new) - Rear BUIS - Magpul MBUS (***generously donated by a forum member)

$753 Total to date
$61 estimated price (using the lowest/sale prices I have seen) of the 2 donated items would bring the total to $814

[Emptymag]

In these two pics the forearm is oriented along with upper as it would be mounted. It extends forward "around" the front sight with a cutout on the top.






In this pic I've turned it so the top is up showing a better view of the cutout area where the sight post goes.




Sometimes it costs more to buy "early" - this was purchased last year on Black Friday. The price is lower now.




I made up for it with the RRA trigger for $62 on sale direct from RRA.

[gnbrotz]

"Two long years"? I'm at 7 (so far), and I only have the lower done, no upper parts bought yet.

[Emptymag]

"Two long years"? I'm at 7 (so far), and I only have the lower done, no upper parts bought yet.

Haha!
I hope you have children who can buy the rest of the parts and finish it once you are no longer with us.

[Krichardson]

I'm not too crazy about that stock but I really do like the YHM forearm.

[Gunsnwater]

I don't see any tools. If you need a torque wrench, harbor freight has coupons and sales down to $9. Something I picked up on YouTube is mount the wrench 90* to the tool. It removes the calculation for the longer arm. Get a 1/4 inch hitch pin to aid putting in front pivot pin detent. Saves shooting detent across the room.

[Emptymag]

I'm not too crazy about that stock but I really do like the YHM forearm.

Yeah, it's an acquired taste visually, but it gets good reviews for "no rattle" which is a HUGE plus for me in that I hate the "toylike" feel of a rifle that isn't rock-solid.
I was also considering a lightweight build at one point. Plus I am so sick of seeing Magpul stocks it's not even funny.

I hate rails with a passion but wanted to be able to mount a light, so when I saw the YHM forearm, I thought it would be a good compromise. The gripping area is left uncluttered as well as being relatively small in diameter, yet it has mounting options out front.
I got it at a ridiculously good price at Primary arms on clearance with a coupon code on top of that.
Plus it looks cool.

[Emptymag]

I don't see any tools. If you need a torque wrench, harbor freight has coupons and sales down to $9. Something I picked up on YouTube is mount the wrench 90* to the tool. It removes the calculation for the longer arm. Get a 1/4 inch hitch pin to aid putting in front pivot pin detent. Saves shooting detent across the room.

I have a ball peen hammer, a large rock, and a certificate of completion from the Bripro Online School of Gunsmithing.

I will keep your suggestions in mind though.

[Krichardson]

I got it at a ridiculously good price at Primary arms on clearance with a coupon code on top of that.
Plus it looks cool.

Yep....that it does and agreed,any kind of rattling annoys me too.

[phillyd2]

The Frugal Build

What's the total cost?

Ps... Let me (us) know if you need to borrow some tools.