I've built two ARs since joining up here, one for myself which I later sold preferring one I had previously purchased (a Bushmaster) and one for my father.  Both were relatively straight forward and honestly I only built the lowers... the uppers were complete and I just added BCG/charging handle.  I've recently sold the Bushmaster to my brother in law.  My father passed away and so I have his AR but would like to keep it mostly as is and so I've decided to build myself another.

This 3rd build will be different as I'm building the upper as well.  

I have two lowers sitting around:
1. A forged Seekins
2. Armalite SPR MOD1

I had considered getting a billet lower and upper set to use but honestly I'm ok with these lowers.  

I've got a Vltor EMOD stock and an ArmaLite lower parts kit to throw onto the lower but I keep holding off because I like the look of the SP223 Gen2 from Seekins.  For the upper I really like the look and profile of the Seekins 15" SP3R V3.  Unless something changes, I'd like to put a heavy 20" Wilson Combat barrel and that's about as far as I've pushed the planning.  I don't have a specific trigger picked out but I would like to upgrade beyond the trigger in the kit.

Weight is not an issue because I'm just shooting targets and paper and never really have to carry this thing any considerable distance.  That's the extent of the use here... I'll drop a decent scope and enjoy punching little holes in paper.  At best, I'll drop a hog in the swamp if some happen to show up.

Pending availability of parts I hope to finish this within about two months.

Questions I'm asking - If you were building this rifle:

1. Billet upper and lower worth it?  

2. Do you have a good argument against the rail I'm considering?

Thanks

Aaaand I forgot to mention that I couldn't get into an older account I had from a couple of years ago which only had a few posts so I had to set this account up / etc... so I meant to say I'd take whatever ragging for the first post as you saw fit as long as you'd add in some actual helpful comments regarding the build, thanks!

It sounds as though you really want the billet upper and lower. I think you should get it for the simple fact that if you don't, you'll never be 100%  satisfied.

There is some truth to if you want billet, get billet. My Grendel had a billet upper and it shot fine with one of my forged lowers, but I got a billet lower (same manufacturer as the upper) because I wanted on to match up. Well, that and my forged that was being used was going for another carbine. In fact, my Grendel is Seekins just like you described wanting (the SPR 3 on mine is not a keymod though because they were not available when I got mine). The barrel is 20" Satern in the SPR profile. The rail is awesome and a good choice. Seekins makes some nice stuff.

As far as function, the billet lowers work as the forged lowers do. Mine has ambi functionality so there is a plus if needed. I am currently kicking around the idea of forged vs billet for another rifle build, so I understand your dilemna.

I think the question answered itself last night.

I confessed to spouse that I was building another rifle expecting several questions about why, how much, etc.  Instead she asked "Can you build me one in blue or pink?"

So, I'll be diverting the forged seekins to her build and going with the SP223 / some billet upper for mine.  That'll leave me with the Armalite as a deep spare to insure some kind of future build.  I find the idea of the billet upper that can only fit certain SP rails a little odd as you'd only be able to switch between different lengths of the same rail.  I don't intend to swap rails weekly but I don't want to lock it in either.

I'll be moving forward as parts allow and will drop pictures here.  Thanks.

Well here it is...

Unfortunately I don't have optics yet but soon it'll all be finished.

By adding in the wife's build I've had to split my budget between the two - I didn't compromise any of my choices but I did have to extend the timeline.  

I'll try to get some better pics soon.

One more for now:




As you can see, I went the burnt bronze - I think it turned out great... Found a local shop that is new and they have some very good rates on the Cerakote and I couldn't pass it up.  

Congrats. Looks great. Really digging the burnt bronze. How about pics of the wifes new stick?

Wish I could but probably 1.5-2 weeks before is finished...

Here is a sneak preview of the custom rail that just delivered.  

Holy s#!t, talk about custom! Practicality aside, that rail is sweet looking. Smart play, after all, a happy wife makes a happy life. I'm interested to see the finished product. Again, nice job on the builds.

do NOT let my wife see this!

If it's tastefully done and I didn't mind paying the premium, I'd go for it.
From a practical standpoint, I'd probably get an upper for one of those two lowers and go build.


I don't like keymod, so I'm biased on that one.

Thanks!

From this shot you can tell but it's tapped on the 12 and 6 positions for rails.  I'll just be putting a shot on on the 12 for a flip up front sight.  I'll do some pics as soon as I get hers finished.  

mar:  Since you already have two good lower receivers, I suggest you get a forged upper receiver from either Seekins or Armalite to make a matching set.  Seekins has more brand name appeal in case you ever need to sell the completed rifle.  

As for the Seekins FF handguard you mention, I don't care for its odd squared off shape.  Instead, I consider the BCM KMR, or SLR Solo handguards to be state of the art.  Their primary advantage are their barrel nuts that don't require indexing for the gas tube.  I prefer the Keymod variety, with more accessories available, but the M-lok attachment system is OK too. good luck - CW

Thanks for the advice.  As you can see, I picked up the seekins billet set.  

I couldn't find a forged Seekins upper for anything, so I'm going to drop her stuff off this week to get cerakote and the shop has an aero upper that I'll use.

This leaves me with the Armalite as a spare.