Hello everyone, I'd like to start off thanking everyone here for the wealth of knowledge, tips, tricks and reviews posted across the board.
I've been lurking (i.e researching) the boards for the past 9 months or so and just soaked up everything I could without my brain exploding.
I'd say thanks to everyone here I've managed to read 2-3 hours for every dollar I've spent!
I'm completely new to the AR world even though I've been shooting other rifles/handguns for years. The most success I've had is fondling my room mates S&W MP15.
Having never even getting to shoot one (closest chance I had I got stuck working while everyone else went out) I've been looking to pick one up for the last 3-4 years
Knowing I don't enjoy dropping 800-1000 at a time I decided maybe I'd like to build one instead. The idea of spending $100 8 different times was at least a little bit better to me haha.
Basics of build-
Spikes Tactical Zombie Lower
DSA Inc. stripped upper
Mas Defense 18" Stainless spiral fluted barrel. Mid length gas, .223 Wylde chamber, 1/8 twist
PSA LPK
PSA NIB BCG (actually have a spare one already, time to start build #2!)
CH and handguard are cheapies from eBay. I know the whole "buy once cry once" but I wasn't ready to commit $150 +- to the handguards. Plus, at the time, I was anxious to get it done. I've been buying parts slowly since December lol
Overall the build was pretty straight forward with no "major" issues following the guide here and watching a few videos
The first part I installed was the bolt catch (managed one scuff on the lower) and I thought it was going to be much worse than it ended up being. I just wasn't expecting that much pressure to put in a roll pin.
Managed to not shoot the pivot pin detent across the room. PSA didn't send me the tool so I opted to attempt the razor blade method. Success
The barrel nut was the part I worried about doing the most. No problem. Little bearing grease on it, tighten/loosen 3 times. 42 lbs. of torque later and gas tube lined up perfect.
A couple of things I wasn't too sure of after I completed them but a quick internet search provided the answers I was looking for.
Of course the one thing I did pull off was managing to lose the e clip for the ejection cover. Also never received a gas tube roll pin from PSA (along with the pivot pin tool)
Decided I didn't want to call em (pick my battles) and ordered off of eBay for 1.45 shipped. 4 hours later PSA prints off a shipping label and I get an email for a package arriving tomorrow
So really it's not "complete" without the gas system being on or the FA or sights. Don't know what I want for optics yet, but probably just going to run the reflex from my shotgun for the 1st/2nd range trip.
Pics or it didn't happen, right?
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c388/waterboy1381/IMAG0209_zpshs6hzuvo.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c388/waterboy1381/IMAG0210_zpslkpoiypx.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c388/waterboy1381/IMAG0211_zpscbzvnsqy.jpg
The crude background is just some foam I got from work. Originally to cushion the delivery boxes for ice cream cones! Going to use it to line a plastic case I have for two of my hand guns.
Forward assist is on it's way, along with the ejection rod clip, and gas tube roll pin.
No trigger guard at the moment. I didn't want to use the standard with the LPK and after seeing threads about broken ears, I figured I didn't feel like putting it on to change it out in 3 weeks.
Plan on ordering the winter trigger guard from Phase 5 tactical.
As for muzzle device I'm not too sure yet. Might just use a basic flash hider to protect the threads for now until I can decide.
I do want to have it checked for head space. I've definitely read plenty of threads about this topic and came to the conclusion that I'd just rather have it done for piece of mind.
It's my money in the build if something isn't right, and even if it isn't pretty, I still like my face more than I do some extra cash haha.
Only thing is either I can either A) spend the money for the guages myself, or B) spend minimal money to have my LGS send it to his gunsmith. But then wait 2-4 weeks for return depending on work load. Not sure yet.
Sorry if it's a little long winded, but, if you've made it this far thanks for checking it out! Comments, criticism, compliments and questions are appreciated. Maybe ideas for the next build since I have that spare BCG??