 irregular 
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Joined: Jun 2012  FL, USA
 Posts: 1 Feedback: 0% (0) |
Posted: 6/17/2012 6:52:13 AM
[Last Edit: 6/17/2012 7:00:40 AM by irregular]
THE IMAGE ABOVE IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT I've been lurking around these forums for some time, and figured I'd finally say hi and ask for some advice. There's a ton of useful information on the black rifle around here and I love it, but my predicament is pretty simple. My end goal is to have a functional ar-15 a2 style 20inch, no crazy optics and add-ons, just sticking with the carrying handle and iron sights. My question to you all is this. What do you think the cheapest way to acquire one would be? I see a ton of websites that have endless combinations of lowers and uppers and I don't know where to start. It seems to me that it is cheaper to assemble then buy as a whole (correct me if I am wrong.) And I am perfectly comfortable about buying the lower and upper receiver separately, but assembling the lower receiver from scratch still scares me a bit! (sorry still a newb.) So what do you all think? My use for this will be for some marksmanship training and enjoyment. I'm headed to OCS for the Marines in a couple of years and it'd be nice to know as much as I can about these rifles anyway! Can't wait. I thank you all for the help in advance! This is a great forum and I plan on sticking around for a while! *Edit: Almost forgot, Happy Fathers Day to you all also! |
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Posted: 6/17/2012 8:01:49 AM
I would get a Palmetto State Armory lower build kit for $124.95, a PSA lower reciever for $89.95 an upper from Ohio Ordinnce Works for $335.05, a forward assist for 9.95 and spring for $1.99 from PSA. Then you will need a bolt carrier group. You can look here on EE (Equipment Exchange) or on Gunbroker .com. I would get the full auto BCG if your state allows it. I recently saw a new one on Gunbroker for $120. The Federal Government allows the full auto BCG, but I her some states (commiefornia) do not allow them.
Assembling the lower was a snap. I have a toolmaker's vise I used to push in most of the roll pins. For accessories like bipods, slings, bayonets, look at Sarco, Inc. |
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Posted: 6/17/2012 9:24:58 PM
[Last Edit: 6/17/2012 9:27:01 PM by Cycline3]
I believe Del-Ton is good to go here so Ill post the link. You may have to wait a bit for it, but you won't beat the price/quality if you are going to assemble it yourself. Add a stripped lower to one of these kits and you can have a 20" A2 for less than $600...
http://www.del-ton.com/ar_15_kits_s/1.htm edit –– please note pics show flat tops, but the A2 upper is a $10 option |
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Posted: 6/18/2012 10:15:24 AM
Originally Posted By 84cadillac:
I would get a Palmetto State Armory lower build kit for $124.95, a PSA lower reciever for $89.95 an upper from Ohio Ordinnce Works for $335.05, a forward assist for 9.95 and spring for $1.99 from PSA. Then you will need a bolt carrier group. You can look here on EE (Equipment Exchange) or on Gunbroker .com. I would get the full auto BCG if your state allows it. I recently saw a new one on Gunbroker for $120. The Federal Government allows the full auto BCG, but I her some states (commiefornia) do not allow them. Assembling the lower was a snap. I have a toolmaker's vise I used to push in most of the roll pins. For accessories like bipods, slings, bayonets, look at Sarco, Inc. At the moment, probably the fastest / easiest way to go - maybe gun show a lower depending on where you live. |
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Posted: 6/18/2012 2:13:14 PM
Originally Posted By Cycline3:
I believe Del-Ton is good to go here so Ill post the link. You may have to wait a bit for it, but you won't beat the price/quality if you are going to assemble it yourself. Add a stripped lower to one of these kits and you can have a 20" A2 for less than $600... http://www.del-ton.com/ar_15_kits_s/1.htm edit –– please note pics show flat tops, but the A2 upper is a $10 option Yea but isn't Del-Ton backordered to God know's when? |
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Posted: 6/18/2012 8:26:56 PM
Great answers everyone thanks!
One problem though. Didn't think about this before, but I am only 19. It looks like I will not be able to buy a stripped lower from what I have just recently read? |
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Posted: 6/19/2012 8:57:24 AM
Not sure what the laws are in FL. I believe the requirements to own/buy an AR are the same as for a handgun.
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Posted: 6/19/2012 10:03:36 AM
I saw a place that had Double Star uppers in a 20" A2 a while back. I don't have the search saved on this computer. It's actually the same place I will buy mine in a couple more months.
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Posted: 6/19/2012 5:12:04 PM
[Last Edit: 6/19/2012 5:12:51 PM by Wildman1024]
This is instock from palmetto. Everything you need except a stripped lower.
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/rifle-kits/20-hammer-forged-a2-profile-chrome-lined-rifle-kit.html Now you can either use a detachable carry handle from them for $70 or grab a complete A2 upper and transfer your stuff onto it. A2 receivers are here on the EE all the time Now for a lower if you search here in the EE, google or GB you can pick one up for around $100. Rguns has these Delaware machinery lowers in stock for $65. I have seen these used personally on a few rifles and the fit and finish is excellent. Scroll down to see them http://rguns.net/rifles/rifles-semiauto-ar15-lowers-556rguns-stripped.shtml |
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Posted: 6/19/2012 5:44:35 PM
[Last Edit: 6/19/2012 5:45:16 PM by Fury_58]
I believe buying a stripped lower is a no-go, thanks to a recent rule change. You have to be 21. You can still buy a lower, as long as it already has the stock installed. Maybe your FFL can help you out there, or you can just buy a complete lower with stock. May bump up the final price a bit.
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backbencher
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Team Member
Joined: Nov 2005 TX, USA
 
Posts: 1974 Feedback: 0% (0) Link To This Post |
Posted: 6/19/2012 5:53:08 PM
Originally Posted By irregular:
Great answers everyone thanks! One problem though. Didn't think about this before, but I am only 19. It looks like I will not be able to buy a stripped lower from what I have just recently read? You can either wait 2 years or buy a complete rifle. Once you have the rifle, you can build uppers & modify the lower to your heart's content, but under 21's can't buy pistols or "others". If someone gives you a stripped lower, you can build whatever you want - but you can't buy ammo for a pistol - or a beer... But you can brew beer and vote... Gig 'em, backbencher |
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Posted: 6/19/2012 6:16:20 PM
So if someone buys and then gives me a stripped lower, maybe I'll just buy a rifle kit from del-ton or something and I'll be good to go?
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backbencher
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Team Member
Joined: Nov 2005 TX, USA
Posts: 1976 Feedback: 0% (0) Link To This Post |
Posted: 6/19/2012 7:29:45 PM
Originally Posted By irregular:
So if someone buys and then gives me a stripped lower, maybe I'll just buy a rifle kit from del-ton or something and I'll be good to go? Assuming they're not arrested & prosecuted for being a straw purchaser, yes. If you've got a birthday or other gift-receiving holiday coming up, ask for a lower. http://www.dontlie.org/index.cfm Gig 'em, backbencher |
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Posted: 6/19/2012 7:31:02 PM
[Last Edit: 6/19/2012 7:31:28 PM by Cdenmark]
Check the hometown section above and see if any members are near by. Most are more than glad to help help out in the AR community with builds. You would be shocked at how quick someone who knows what they are doing can assemble one of these things. Should also be able to find a complete used Colt A-2 style rifle fairly in-expensive if you don't want to build one and that would hold it's value over time.
Private dealer at a funshow would probably sell you an all new built lower in the $250ish range especially with A-2 stock and $500 should easily buy a complete A-2 upper, so all brand new for $750. Hard to beat that. I've personally been very satisfied with site vendor J&T/Doublestar rifle/carbine accuracy for the coins. Not the cheapest out there but not many shoot any better. As stated Delton who now uses CMV barrel steel and MP tested bolts has upped it's quality control.. PSA was the best quality deal going with FN barrels and true milspec parts but prices have kinda jumped a little over time. Look for the specials. July 4th is coming and some of the quality vendors have screaming deals around the holidays. Think I'd register on the PSA and Delton sites to receive their specials via e-mail. Decisions, decisions. Good luck! |
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Posted: 6/19/2012 9:48:57 PM
Thanks for the help everyone!
Read up on straw purchasing too, good call on that I appreciate it. I don't get down to Florida till August anyway, so maybe I'll just push off the stripped lower till late December and just get a 20 inch rifle kit from del-ton in the meantime. |
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Posted: 6/21/2012 12:47:57 AM
irregular,
Welcome aboard! If you're leery of assembling a lower yourself, rguns sells fully assembled ready to go complete lower halves. I bought one (DPMS) a few years ago for $200 plus transfer.Check them out on line or in Shotgun news.  |
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