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Posted: 8/3/2015 8:21:24 PM EDT
Not really new to AR's but I am new to building them. This will be a slow process. I ordered a PSA blemished lower this morning. Could not resist the free shipping and I have been wanting to do a build for quite some time. Not 100% sure what I am going to do as far as the purpose of the rifle. I am thinking budget friendly but longer range. Already have one that is set up with iron sights. As of right now, because this is as far as I have gotten, is the PSA lower, Spikes Tactical M4 Flat Top Upper and Midwest Industries SSK Keymod 15" handguard. I am open to any and all suggestions from the seasoned veterans of building AR's.
I am planning to do lower, upper and possibly the handguard in a cerokate. Thinking burnt orange or like a bronze color. Opinions on this are welcome as well. |
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I just got one of those Anderson MFG Lower Parts kits for $30 on amazon, threw some JP springs in the trigger. Pretty awesome place to start.
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Talked with PSA today. Said my lower should ship out today. Also just ordered a Promag vise block, $12.70 shipped off eBay.
Looking at LPK's now. Liking the PSA kit with no buffer tube or stock. Also says it has the upgraded polished trigger in nickel. Not sure how true or much better that is over their others. But seems like a good deal to me. palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-defender-moe-lower-parts-kit-no-ambi-safety.html Also looking at a punch set.Seems the Grcae USA Roll Pin Punch Set has awesome reviews on midwayusa. Can get them cheaper on amazon, $27. Comes with 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 4/32, 5/32, 6/32, 7/32. From what I've gathered online those sizes should be plenty. |
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So I'm looking at this buffer kit from PSA. Do the pistol buffer tube not come with a castle nut? If anyone has a better kit or suggestions without breaking the bank please let me know. <br /><br />palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-ar-15-pistol-buffer-tube-kit.html
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No need for a specific pistol tube. You can run a standard rifle or carbine buffer tube, just make sure any stocks you have are spares for your other AR.
If you decide to build this as a rifle, just build it as a pistol 1st w/o the stock, take pics, and post 'em up in the pistol forum. Then add your stock. |
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So I'm looking at this buffer kit from PSA. Do the pistol buffer tube not come with a castle nut? If anyone has a better kit or suggestions without breaking the bank please let me know. <br /><br />palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-ar-15-pistol-buffer-tube-kit.html View Quote Are you building a pistol or rifle? That pistol buffer tube does not use a castle nut. PSA has a complete 7075 mil spec rifle buffer tube assembly for $30 right now. I have one and it seems to be good. |
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No need for a specific pistol tube. You can run a standard rifle or carbine buffer tube, just make sure any stocks you have are spares for your other AR. If you decide to build this as a rifle, just build it as a pistol 1st w/o the stock, take pics, and post 'em up in the pistol forum. Then add your stock. View Quote I thought about doing that but I prefer the look of a pistol buffer tube |
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Are you building a pistol or rifle? That pistol buffer tube does not use a castle nut. PSA has a complete 7075 mil spec rifle buffer tube assembly for $30 right now. I have one and it seems to be good. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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So I'm looking at this buffer kit from PSA. Do the pistol buffer tube not come with a castle nut? If anyone has a better kit or suggestions without breaking the bank please let me know. <br /><br />palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-ar-15-pistol-buffer-tube-kit.html Are you building a pistol or rifle? That pistol buffer tube does not use a castle nut. PSA has a complete 7075 mil spec rifle buffer tube assembly for $30 right now. I have one and it seems to be good. Cool beans. I already ordered one from primary Arms. Oh well. I'll have an extra castle nut laying around. I started to order the same one from PSA too. |
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The blemish is most likely that spot right below the mag release button hole on the raised area.
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I would have never noticed until I looked at your close up pics.
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Quoted: IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE MY PICTURES APPEAR I WOULD APPRECIATE IT :) View Quote Until you hit 50 posts, all the pictures you post have to be approved by 3 Team Members - or one Team Member 3 times. There was an unfortunate incident a few years back regarding pictures of penises - many, many pictures... |
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Until you hit 50 posts, all the pictures you post have to be approved by 3 Team Members - or one Team Member 3 times. There was an unfortunate incident a few years back regarding pictures of penises - many, many pictures... View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE MY PICTURES APPEAR I WOULD APPRECIATE IT :) Until you hit 50 posts, all the pictures you post have to be approved by 3 Team Members - or one Team Member 3 times. There was an unfortunate incident a few years back regarding pictures of penises - many, many pictures... So why do not have to run a castle nut on a pistol? Wouldn't the buffer weight be doing the same thing as if it was a full length barrel. Thanks back benches glad I missed those posts lol |
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Just so I am 100% clear. You do not need a stamp for an ar pistol? I am not planning to run a vertical grip, sig brace or stock at all.
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Quoted: Just so I am 100% clear. You do not need a stamp for an ar pistol? I am not planning to run a vertical grip, sig brace or stock at all. View Quote Nope. No need for a stamp. You can put a $.05 stamp on the right side mag well if it will make you feel better. Just don't use a lower receiver that was originally built as a rifle or shotgun. |
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Quoted: So why do not have to run a castle nut on a pistol? Wouldn't the buffer weight be doing the same thing as if it was a full length barrel.
Thanks back benches glad I missed those posts lol View Quote You only need a castle nut on the receiver extension/buffer tube if the tube requires it in order to index vertically, as carbine tubes do. Generally, rifle stock tubes and pistol tubes have no need to index vertically in order to hold the stock upright, as rifle stocks index directly on the lower receiver, regardless of the position of the tube, and pistol tubes don't have stocks to index. |
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Nope. No need for a stamp. You can put a $.05 stamp on the right side mag well if it will make you feel better. Just don't use a lower receiver that was originally built as a rifle or shotgun. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: Just so I am 100% clear. You do not need a stamp for an ar pistol? I am not planning to run a vertical grip, sig brace or stock at all. Nope. No need for a stamp. You can put a $.05 stamp on the right side mag well if it will make you feel better. Just don't use a lower receiver that was originally built as a rifle or shotgun. Hm, you think they would accept that is I put a stock on it lol. I knew that was correct. Just wanted to make double sure. I was talking to my buddy today about it and did not want to tell him wrong or if I was I could correct it. |
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You only need a castle nut on the receiver extension/buffer tube if the tube requires it in order to index vertically, as carbine tubes do. Generally, rifle stock tubes and pistol tubes have no need to index vertically in order to hold the stock upright, as rifle stocks index directly on the lower receiver, regardless of the position of the tube, and pistol tubes don't have stocks to index. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: So why do not have to run a castle nut on a pistol? Wouldn't the buffer weight be doing the same thing as if it was a full length barrel.
Thanks back benches glad I missed those posts lol You only need a castle nut on the receiver extension/buffer tube if the tube requires it in order to index vertically, as carbine tubes do. Generally, rifle stock tubes and pistol tubes have no need to index vertically in order to hold the stock upright, as rifle stocks index directly on the lower receiver, regardless of the position of the tube, and pistol tubes don't have stocks to index. So if I am understanding this correctly. You're saying the pistol buffer tube doesn't need one because it's just a round tube and does not need to be upright to position a stock correctly? The buffer tube I ordered came with one and a sling mount plate. I am assuming since it comes with the sling mount, and I plan to run a sling, I need this castle nut? So if no castle nut. What holds in the detent for the rear take down pin? Sorry for all questions. Just trying to understand |
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What are your opinions?
LPK http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-defender-moe-lower-parts-kit-no-ambi-safety.html BCG http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/2321/ Barreled Upper with a basic charging handle http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/21685/s/psa-10-5-5-56-lightweight-keymod-9-freedom-upper/ |
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That does make sense. Thank you for explains it to me.
So with the kit I ordered, will be here today, do I just not worry about the castle nut? https://www.primaryarms.com/Radical_Firearms_Pistol_Buffer_Tube_Assembly_Com_p/rf-pistol-buffer-kit.htm |
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Quoted: That does make sense. Thank you for explains it to me.
So with the kit I ordered, will be here today, do I just not worry about the castle nut? https://www.primaryarms.com/Radical_Firearms_Pistol_Buffer_Tube_Assembly_Com_p/rf-pistol-buffer-kit.htm View Quote Eyeballing the length of the threaded portion of that tube, it may need the castle nut to lock the tube in place. |
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Eyeballing the length of the threaded portion of that tube, it may need the castle nut to lock the tube in place. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: That does make sense. Thank you for explains it to me.
So with the kit I ordered, will be here today, do I just not worry about the castle nut? https://www.primaryarms.com/Radical_Firearms_Pistol_Buffer_Tube_Assembly_Com_p/rf-pistol-buffer-kit.htm Eyeballing the length of the threaded portion of that tube, it may need the castle nut to lock the tube in place. Ok, I will see what it looks like when it comes in. I'll post some pictures if I have some questions lol |
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Ordered the PSA budget LPK. Hopefully it is as good as everyone says it is. Next up will be the upper. Keep going back and forth between a 7.5" and 10.5" barreled upper. Will mostly just be a range gun maybe the occasional home/truck gun. But mostly just a range gun.
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Quoted: Ordered the PSA budget LPK. Hopefully it is as good as everyone says it is. Next up will be the upper. Keep going back and forth between a 7.5" and 10.5" barreled upper. Will mostly just be a range gun maybe the occasional home/truck gun. But mostly just a range gun. View Quote 10.5". Better ballistics, ability to run a suppressor, and your ears will thank me. |
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10.5". Better ballistics, ability to run a suppressor, and your ears will thank me. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: Ordered the PSA budget LPK. Hopefully it is as good as everyone says it is. Next up will be the upper. Keep going back and forth between a 7.5" and 10.5" barreled upper. Will mostly just be a range gun maybe the occasional home/truck gun. But mostly just a range gun. 10.5". Better ballistics, ability to run a suppressor, and your ears will thank me. Yeah I am leaning more towards the 10.5". Seems to have better specifics. |
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Cost as of right now.
PSA Lower $59.99 + $20 (fee) PSA LPK $58.49 RF Buffer Tube Assembly $47.14 |
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This is the one I have been looking at...
palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/21685/s/psa-10-5-5-56-lightweight-keymod-9-freedom-upper/ With this upper. My total overall length will be 26.75" to 27". Is that OK? I planned to just run a vertical grip. |
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Quoted: This is the one I have been looking at...
palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/21685/s/psa-10-5-5-56-lightweight-keymod-9-freedom-upper/ With this upper. My total overall length will be 26.75" to 27". Is that OK? I planned to just run a vertical grip. View Quote You'll need an OAL of 26" to add a vertical grip & turn your pistol into an other firearm. OAL should be a permanent 26", ie, not counting your screw-on flashhider, I believe. |
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You'll need an OAL of 26" to add a vertical grip & turn your pistol into an other firearm. OAL should be a permanent 26", ie, not counting your screw-on flashhider, I believe. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: This is the one I have been looking at...
palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/21685/s/psa-10-5-5-56-lightweight-keymod-9-freedom-upper/ With this upper. My total overall length will be 26.75" to 27". Is that OK? I planned to just run a vertical grip. You'll need an OAL of 26" to add a vertical grip & turn your pistol into an other firearm. OAL should be a permanent 26", ie, not counting your screw-on flashhider, I believe. Whoops. My mistake. I meant like a magpul angled grip. But if it's 27" regardless that doesn't matter correct? |
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So to finish off this build. I am thinking about the following components. Open to any suggestions on parts.
LOWER PSA Lower (already have) PSA LPK (already have) Anderson Manufacturing Buffer Tube (Mil Spec 7075) Buffer Spring and Weight (unsure) Magpul ACS-L or MFT Minimalist Stock UPPER Aero Precision Upper (already have) Fortis RED Muzzle Break or JP Bennie Cooley Muzzle Break Spikes Tactical ST-16" M4 LE Mid-Length Barrel Yankee Hill Machine Low Profile Gas Block Midwest Industries Gen 3 15" Hangduard (open to suggestions) Magpul MBUS Front & Rear Flip Up Sights |
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just sayin'... The PSA lower kit I got from them came with Magpul handgrip that didn't fit the lower receiver. It was too small by .040 of inch. I measured with a caliper.
BTW, very nice looking kit. :) |
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So to finish off this build. I am thinking about the following components. Open to any suggestions on parts. LOWER PSA Lower (already have) PSA LPK (already have) Anderson Manufacturing Buffer Tube (Mil Spec 7075) Buffer Spring and Weight (unsure) Magpul ACS-L or MFT Minimalist Stock UPPER Aero Precision Upper (already have) Fortis RED Muzzle Break or JP Bennie Cooley Muzzle Break Spikes Tactical ST-16" M4 LE Mid-Length Barrel Yankee Hill Machine Low Profile Gas Block Midwest Industries Gen 3 15" Hangduard (open to suggestions) Magpul MBUS Front & Rear Flip Up Sights View Quote As for a handguard, here is a link to the build I just completed, a 20" barrel with a 15" UTG Pro Superslim Keymod that I'm very impressed with: UTG Pro Superslim Keymod |
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The biggest problem I had (being a complete newb) was getting the flash suppressor on and timed correctly. I had not ordered a vise block for the BARREL - I WAS smart enough not to attempt this by putting the upper receiver in a block, so I attempted several different methods, finally ended up wrapping the barrel in a towel and torquing the snot out of my vise. Keeping the barrel from spinning was very problematic. YMMV, but I suggest that you think about getting a barrel vise block, looking for youtube videos about installing flash suppressor, etc.
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just sayin'... The PSA lower kit I got from them came with Magpul handgrip that didn't fit the lower receiver. It was too small by .040 of inch. I measured with a caliper. BTW, very nice looking kit. :) View Quote Yeah I stuck with the classic kit to save some money. I have the Magpul K2 (rubber one) on my other AR. I really like it. I am sure at some point I will add one to this one. Thanks, I am happy with the quality of PSA as of right now. |
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As for a handguard, here is a link to the build I just completed, a 20" barrel with a 15" UTG Pro Superslim Keymod that I'm very impressed with: UTG Pro Superslim Keymod View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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So to finish off this build. I am thinking about the following components. Open to any suggestions on parts. LOWER PSA Lower (already have) PSA LPK (already have) Anderson Manufacturing Buffer Tube (Mil Spec 7075) Buffer Spring and Weight (unsure) Magpul ACS-L or MFT Minimalist Stock UPPER Aero Precision Upper (already have) Fortis RED Muzzle Break or JP Bennie Cooley Muzzle Break Spikes Tactical ST-16" M4 LE Mid-Length Barrel Yankee Hill Machine Low Profile Gas Block Midwest Industries Gen 3 15" Hangduard (open to suggestions) Magpul MBUS Front & Rear Flip Up Sights As for a handguard, here is a link to the build I just completed, a 20" barrel with a 15" UTG Pro Superslim Keymod that I'm very impressed with: UTG Pro Superslim Keymod I have read almost every post in that thread. Have they actually started shipping them with better screws? |
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The biggest problem I had (being a complete newb) was getting the flash suppressor on and timed correctly. I had not ordered a vise block for the BARREL - I WAS smart enough not to attempt this by putting the upper receiver in a block, so I attempted several different methods, finally ended up wrapping the barrel in a towel and torquing the snot out of my vise. Keeping the barrel from spinning was very problematic. YMMV, but I suggest that you think about getting a barrel vise block, looking for youtube videos about installing flash suppressor, etc. View Quote Oh yeah, tools for the job are the only way to do it. Wouldn't do it any other way. What's $40 for a vise block on a $400 upper lol. Thanks for the tip. |
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Unsure, but I didn't have any trouble with mine. Time will tell, haven't shot it yet. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I have read almost every post in that thread. Have they actually started shipping them with better screws? Unsure, but I didn't have any trouble with mine. Time will tell, haven't shot it yet. Like most have said. It's hard to actually buy anything UTG lol. The money saved does sound nice for a nicer trigger or something. But then I also think...I can get a Samson handguard for the same price and $30 difference between the MI and UTG isn't that bad. |
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