I have been scouring this site off and on for the last few months, often coming across it from time to time after various searches.
I decided it was time to join up and reach out for some advice and support along the way.

After reading around, I decided on these parts based on availability and general reviews.
Lower:
Bushmaster MOD XM15-E2S  ($109)
The lower was supposed to be a new lower, and after receiving it it does have a few minor blemishes, but I won' be disgruntled, as the price was average, given my states $40 transfer fee and a basic price of about $$50 plus shipping on this item, I may have overpaid slightly had I purchased one online.  
I looked it over, and it appears to be well constructed, and cleaned up fairly well. The only flaw I noted was some of the anodizing had left particles on the screw hole for the grip.
Moving on.
I ordered a PSA lower parts kit and opted for the ALG QMS trigger group. It was only $10 more overall, and reviews stated it was no Geissele, but it was better then stock/classic. ($69.99)
I ordered a regular MOE stock kit. ($69.99)
I did not think the above was such a bad deal, since my local shop wants around $130 for lowers, and $80+ for general LPKs.

That basically completes my lower.
I am hoping that my kits come complete, without hassles.
I have been shopping around for tools, and looks like I wont be getting away with any less then $100 for a good complete set.

I am now shopping for completed uppers at this point. I have a budget of about $4-700 for a completed upper.

I was looking on the company lower stamps, and noticed my bushmaster stamp is different. It must be a newer style stamp or something.
In the photos you can see where some of the coating wasn't cleaned up 100%, but I guess that is not that big of a deal. Everything else appears to be okay.
I am just waiting for PSA to ship my parts kits and I should be on my way.
I grabbed a Grace punch set, a magazine vice block, a Grip roll pin punch set to be the starter for the pins. I also got a Tekton mallet and a Tapco AR15 armorers tool.
I believe that is all I need to assemble my upper. I have some moly ep grease (Carquest Brand--it is black in color) to use on threads for the stock.
Just searching for an upper at the moment. So many choices.

I tried to embed the images, but I cannot seem to do it right, I end up with links....and not images.

I was able to find a set of "Used-Like New" Troy Battle Sights for a steal at $128 for the set. I am pretty stoked about that, I am still searching for an upper receiver, I was thinking of this one;
Adams Arms 16" Mid Length 5.56- Piston Upper W/ Magpul MOE Guard
What do you guys think? I no longer need an upper with sights since I have some on order, so this one seems to be a good deal.

After searching around I have come to the assumption that since I have not been "registered" for a predefined amount of time that I could not find, that I cannot post photos directly.
Here are the links.

Here you go. To put pictures in the thread use the "insert tags" buttons below the text box. The insert image button is the postcard looking icon, 4th from the right. Click that then enter the url and it should come up. Click preview before you submit to correct anything. Welcome to the forum. -W

Interesting, I did try that and it showed the images in the preview, but gave me links in the actual post. I edited a couple times back and forth to see if I was doing anything wrong.
No big deal! With the rate PSA is going at shipping me my gear, I will have everything else by the time it gets to me. 5 days since I ordered and still processing.
Thank you for correcting the images for me.

I will post up some pics of the Troy sights I am getting and the completed lower when the parts actually arrive.

Anyone have suggestions on an upper?

You are welcome. Just keep your eyes open. Check the EE in both new and used upper sections. Sometimes there's some good bargains. The Adams piston upper you linked looked pretty good. It's 35% off their regular price. Other people can point you to current bargains on other uppers. It's a good time to buy prices are low. Good luck and have fun. -W

I am heavily considering that upper.
So far I have spent $116 on the stripped receiver, $170 total for the LPK with MOE guard and AGS trigger, Magpul butt sto0ck kit and a magazine. I spent $128 on a set of Micro Troy DOA sights.
So far that puts me at $414, plus roughly $100 in tools I am still about half of what I was going to pay for a Colt 9620 at Walmart and I believe I have better parts then that colt would have had so far.

I had roughly $1000 for the whole build, but given the options I may end up seeing if I could budget more on a completed upper.
I have a local guy who has a Rock River Arms Comp-Elite Upper with a Diamondhead VRS-T handguard and he wants $850 for it.
Would that be worth it over the Adam Arms Upper?

For what I was considering spending on the local upper. I decided to grab a deal on an Adam Arms C.O.R. 16.5" upper from a user here.
I am expecting the Troy sights to arrive tomorrow and would assumes week or so for the parts kits and the upper.
I am getting very exited to see the results of this build.
It is winter time now where I am so the ranges are all closed and we do not have any indoor ones local to me.
I will have to take it it out in the woods to test fire it.
I'll post photos as soon as I can.

The items I would be looking to upgrade in the future would be the trigger group, stock and to eventually be able to afford a quality scope.
All in due time.

I received the troy sights, and they ended up being a bit smaller then I anticipated. I was quite surprised. I guess they really mean micro when they say that.
I am thinking I will return them for a another set of the larger ones or I may opt for the Diamondhead D45 sights that are paired with my upper that I bought so I could have an optic later one.
I have seen some optics that magnify the front sight for extended range, maybe I could try for one of those combos....
I will say that these are toucgh, you have to exert quite a bit of force to get these to flip up or down, perhaps its due to the fact I have not installed them on a rail yet, but...still. They feel very tough, like they should last ages.

I took some photos next to a quarter, lighting was rough, as I misplaced my tripod and the LED lights in my house are a little harsh.
Here are some photos of the Troy Micro Battle Sights:

I just received confirmation from PSA that my order has finally shipped after 11 days of processing. It is set to arrive in 10 days, which is some of the slowest shipping I have ever heard of in my life. 30 days for one for an order is crazy!
Oh well, not like I can shoot a lot right now anyway.
My other parts are set to arrive in a few days, so hopefully soon I can have photos of my new rifle.
I should have the upper within the next few days, so I will post photos of that when it arrives.
I was able to send the Micro Troy BUIS back to the company I ordered it from, and will be getting a full size set as soon as the refund posts.

Stay tuned for many photos!

Happy Holidays from the Great Lakes State! I'm doing my first build as well(received a Wheeler Delta Series AR Armorer's Professional Kit from Santa).  Thanks for the updates on your choices and selection criteria. Regarding PSA: I've purchased reloading components, a rifle, and pistols from this company. One of the trade offs with PSA is that the advantage in their prices becomes a bit of a trade off in very slow delivery. However, and to their credit, they clearly state the length of the delivery time and every time I've spoken to them they have been extremely polite and helpful. My gunsmith has used two of their blemished lowers on builds and is happy with their products. Be well...Check Six and FRONT SIGHT!!!!!

Here are the photos of the upper.

So I received my order of parts from PSA today, and everything was included as described so I lucked out.
At first I thought I was missing several pieces, but found out later through the assembly that the trigger group from ALG was already assembled, so the pieces were not included in the parts kit baggies.
It arrived fairly well packed, and here are my comments.

After receiving the items, I would have ordered a different stock, I am not really pleased 100% with the stock, and am wishing I would have decided to pay more for a different stock.
The buffer tube and spring seems pretty small compared to the ones I am used too from the Military. Those were quite large and were brass in color. This one is pretty small, though given my low mass BCG, I am hoping it will be to my advantage to have such a small and light buffer tube.
The grip I was sure was rubber, and I was positive that reviews stated as such, but it was indeed plastic, I will have to upgrade it to a nice rubber one.
The kit I got did not have solid detents, they had holes in them. I was under the impression that I wanted sold detents/pins?
I thought that the MOE trigger guard would have been metal and not plastic, I will have to switch that out as well.
Anyone have suggestions on a stock and grip?
Should the smaller buffer tube be adequate for the low mass bolt carrier?

The assembly of the lower went rather smooth. I printed off the instruction sheets to guide me through and watched the video that was recommended on this site. I used the tips that I read up on and everything went okay. I only launched a few detents and springs, but were able to find them within a decent amount of time. The total time spent was a little over an hour for the build. I was able to install everything scratch free.
I installed the KNS trigger pins, and it feels quite solid, I torqued the buffer tube to 40 ft/lbs as required, and not really sure how you would get it any tighter then that without bending or twisting the magazine lower holder.
The trickiest portion for me was the trigger guard and getting that first pin in. I think I picked the wrong hammer, as both sides appeared to be soft, so that maybe made things a little harder then they should have been.
Overall, this was rather easy to be honest. I thought it would have been quite a bit more difficult then it was.
I have to find some BUIS that I like and then it will be complete.
I am exited to go and test fire the setup, but will have to find some secluded woods to do so.
I plan to do that either tomorrow or Sunday.
I will post up some photos in a bit.

Here are some photos, I was going to take photos during the install, but I oiled everything as I went and did not want to get gun oil all over my camera.
I used M-Pro7 Gun Oil on every spring, detent and pin in hoped to ease installation and ensure smooth operation of parts. I used Aeroshell MS33 on the buffer tube assembly, and the grip screw as well.
Anyway, here are few photos, I will post better ones when daylight is available for lighting.

Anyway someone could make my photos show up like my previous photos did?I would really appreciate it.

Safety First :D


Other side of lower, notice the KNS anti-rotation pins, they were a pain to get installed into the trigger as it wouldnt line up the way it needed too, took about 10 minutes on these alone just getting the old pin out.


Stock, was really easy once I figured out you pull the pin down with your fingers top get it to slide on. I would really like to get one of those UBR ones I think.


Butt of stock.


Palmetto State Armory Buffer Tube, I will be replacing this with another tube I think....


Final product, waiting on my Troy Iron Sights to ship and it will be completed (for now) :D

I would like to thank whoever approved my pictures to show up. I feel it cleaned up the thread quite a lot.

Second, I have been handling my rifle for the last few days now, and after some careful consideration I have decided that the grip I chose is in fact the one I am after. It is light weight, had great textile grip, and although it is not the exact one I am after it is sufficient and will meet my needs. I would like to comment that this forum has an excellent base of knowledge that I have been able to use.

I would also like to mention that while this build started out as a budget build, I found myself finding more and more parts I wanted to place onto the rifle.
Though my upper cost about $300 more then my budget allowed for, I purchased it anyway.

The rifle to me has a solid, but light weight feel. I am planning to head out this afternoon and unload a round somewhere in the woods and see how it manages.
I have some Troy BUIS on the way to arrive tomorrow and will post the build photos a little later.

I plan to get a few more items for this rifle and then move along, possibly building another.

I would like to get a Bi-Pod, a couple quality sandbags for my stock, and possibly a new stock all together though the costs are pretty high for a new stock. I have been considering some "enhanced" parts such as take down pins, mag release and bolt catch levers.
I am not sure if they are ultimately worth the cost, as I have more looking to do. With that said, I would like to invest in a quality scope, possibly a night scope for low light hunting.
Anyway, more updates soon!

Well, I hate to say it but I believe you have your KNS pins reversed. From the picture wayyyyyyyyy up there ^^^^ I notice you have the pin that takes the Torx screws installed in the hammer position. From the KNS site I see the pin that takes the Torx screws (the one that does NOT have the groove in the center) is the trigger pin. The grooved pin (the one with the tabs on the end. the one you have in the trigger position on your gun.) appears to be the hammer pin. That groove is where the J-Hook in the hammer is supposed to engage the pin. I don't know if this is part of why they were a bitch for you to install, nor what if any functional trouble it could cause, but I'd switch 'em if it were mine.

Direct Link to KNS Gen ST Pin Set

I've been studying / lusting after Gen ST's and finally have 2 sets on their way for my lowers. I'll have to eat my words if I am wrong about how they go, but I've been over it again and again and concluded long ago that the screws go in the trigger pin.

See also the Spike's ST Compressor (The gun the pins were specifically designed for). Click through the "Larger Image" list at the link below and clearly see the screws in the trigger pin, not the hammer pin.

Direct Link to Spike's ST Compressor

Maybe all the internet pics are wrong and I'm a doof, but I wanted to mention it anyhow.

You are correct. I watched the video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGGLit16keg and appear that I had installed it backwards.
I guess I was so exited to get everything together I never noticed.
Upon taking it apart, I noticed some scratches on the non- grooved pin. I do not think it will affect functionality though, as it only had 4 or 5 dry shots and a few rounds tossed through it.
I will say though that the trigger feels smoother now that it is the correct way.

Thank you for pointing that out to me.

I am beginning to think I do not care for the stock on the rifle, it wobbles quite a bit and is not very sturdy.
Any recommendations? I have a Mil-spec tube.

You're welcome. Thank you for 100% confirming my 99% certainty from internet sleuthing.


Yes. Ditch the MOE in favor of a CTR. It's has identical ergonomics to the MOE with the addition of a supplemental friction lock. I had a guy at the LGS demo both stocks on a single milspec tube. The CTR definitely locks up a shit-ton tighter on any given tube. If you're used to a single lever stock adjustment it will take a few cycles to get used to applying the lock after an adjustment on the CTR, but it became habit for me pretty quick.

You are welcome.

As far as the stock, I will look into the CTR, I was considering the UBR and PRS, but couldnt swallow the hefty price tag....
The CTR seems a better price tag for a solution I am after....

My only other concern with this build was the buffer tube and spring.... Does anyone thing the normal PSA tube and spring is too much/not enough for the lightweight BCG that the upper has?

Thank you for the comments.

I went to my local gun shop the other day and looked at the CTR and it appears to be the same thing.
It still has some of the wiggle the MOE does. I'll be picking up the UBR or the PRS instead.
I will continue to utilize the MOE for the time being

At this point and time I've decided to focus on getting some good optics.
I have been considering a Leupold at Walmart. They have a 3-9 and a 4-12 x40.
I've noticed that $300 is pretty entry level for a good optic.
Are there any reasonable optics that have some night vision characteristics for under or around $500?
I have been poking around but there are so many choices.
I am not interested in a red dot, as I would like some magnification to be able to shoot at a good distance with no issues.

Thank you for the input.

So I have some photos long overdue.
Below are photos of my new EO Tech 512-A65, and a few of the troy sights. They take some getting used too. I feel like they have grown on me.
The EoTech is also something to get used too. The OCD side of myself has had a hard time grasping the pixalated reticle.
I think I would like to get the LaRue mount for this so I can cowitness with the troys, but that will have to wait. I would like to get an Emod stock first.
I also got one of the knock off Pelican Cases by Plano-- seems to do what I need it to. Not a fan of the pluck away foam AT ALL. Worst idea ever. I never had to glue so many pieces together in my life. But it functions for what I need, a sturdy case that cushions my rifle and lets it sleep confortable. :D

Anyway, onto the photos. Anyone able to make these ones show up like the others? Everyone loves looking at EoTechs
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w209/Naraktu/Adams%20Arms%20COR%20EvoLite%20Upper/932036A4-A5D5-48EC-8EA9-AFFF7A8233A1_zpstexc2loo.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w209/Naraktu/Adams%20Arms%20COR%20EvoLite%20Upper/F6F6CBB0-99FE-4A00-B32F-02BE93548337_zpsqjrjcdym.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w209/Naraktu/Adams%20Arms%20COR%20EvoLite%20Upper/5E57A5F3-F261-4634-B4F2-2412CBAF0D90_zpsskgzbom9.jpg

Pic of gun in case, works well for my needs and I think it was only $80? compared to the $300 price tag of the Pelican. I will use the Plano case for awhile until I can afford a Pelican case,
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w209/Naraktu/Adams%20Arms%20COR%20EvoLite%20Upper/CA2B40D4-C2D7-4685-BC5E-6591826D5713_zps2rkbt70e.jpg
The flavor of now...
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w209/Naraktu/Adams%20Arms%20COR%20EvoLite%20Upper/F9BF9C3C-EEC0-499B-858B-B3BFB1B7A1CF_zps7awhjulc.jpg