Building my first AR, looking for some opinions and suggestions.

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Building my first AR, looking for some opinions and suggestions.

Posted: 8/18/2015 1:52:18 PM EDT

Hello there. I'm new to ARs, new to building ARs and am looking for opinions and suggestions for some parts- specifically BCGs and possibly complete uppers. I'm trying to build this somewhat on a budget and am looking for recommendations for complete uppers and BCGs would be greatly appreciated. I already have a complete lower on the way from PSA

My Build List - Complete!
Palmetto State Armory Complete Lower MagPul MOE - $159 shipped + $32 FFL

AndroCorpInd 556 NATO 16" ACI15 Upper Mid-Length - $379 shipped

Snap, snap, done - $538 total! ($570 w/ FLL)

Any suggestions or feedback on other options would be greatly appreciated, bonus points if you can provide a reputable seller as I'm sure there are tons that I have yet to come across.

Thanks!

EDIT: Since I'm limited to 2000 characters per post I have a list of parts I'm considering that I'll follow-up with.

Posted: 8/18/2015 1:52:49 PM EDT

[#1]

I have a soft list of the following parts that I am considering for the rest of the build:

Complete Uppers
PSA 16'' CHF 6.8 SPC II 1:11 Mid-length Modified A2 - 29135 - $300
PSA 16" Mid-length 5.56 NATO 1/7 SQR15 PENCIL Melonite Freedom - 7777789 - $300

BCGs
PSA 5.56 Premium Full Auto BCG - 8779 - $80

Charging Handles
SI M4 AR 15 Charging Handle - $20

I haven't quite decided what type of rail or handguard I want on my upper, but at this point I'm open to both styles like I posted from PSA above. I do want rails but I'm not sure I want a full rail or a partial rail with a fixed A2-style front sight. I am leaning towards a full rail and like the idea of a free-float rail, but I'm unsure on which type to go with in regards to the actual mounting types.

Posted: 8/18/2015 2:44:15 PM EDT

[#2]

Looks good to go.
Now buy a pile of ammo and magazines and start shooting.

http://www.ar15.com/mobile/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=556355

Link is for a target to get you zeroed.

Posted: 8/18/2015 2:55:21 PM EDT

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:
BCGs
PSA 5.56 Premium Full Auto BCG - 8779 - $80

View Quote

$20 more but I heard it's a great BCG:

PSA Nickel Boron BCG

I would also suggest just getting the standard $15 charging handle. Everything else looks good.

Posted: 8/18/2015 9:06:59 PM EDT

[#4]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm honestly surprised I'm not being flooded with 101 different options, considering how huge the market is.

Any pros/cons any of the railed handguards?

For the SQR Gen2 rail on the Melonite Freedom upper, how do rail-mounted accessories work on that? It's a full picatinny top rail with some small picatinny rails on the front. But if I want to put a forward grip on the underside, there is only a small portion of picatinny rail at the very end, which is probably too far forward for me to comfortably reach. How would I attach one a little closer farther back?

Posted: 8/19/2015 10:12:30 AM EDT

[#5]

Any of these interest you??

http://www.redbarnarmory.com/buy-AR-15-complete-upper-receivers-online-s/1856.htm

Posted: 8/19/2015 5:43:54 PM EDT

[#6]

If you want to go for a nitride bcg, this is the next one I'm buying.

$80 shipped is a great deal.

http://aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAIMBCGN3BDG

Posted: 8/19/2015 6:53:04 PM EDT

[#7]

I'll take a look at those, thanks!

Posted: 8/20/2015 12:29:49 PM EDT

[#8]

I just picked up my lower. It's a blem but I looked all over it at the store and I couldn't find a single issue, my amateur knowledge of ARs notwithstanding.

Posted: 8/20/2015 1:52:23 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
I just picked up my lower. It's a blem but I looked all over it at the store and I couldn't find a single issue, my amateur knowledge of ARs notwithstanding.

http://i.imgur.com/Ch8EYPV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4CPAYga.jpg

View Quote

Looks good. Post pics when its completed and take that sucker to the range

Posted: 8/20/2015 10:34:55 PM EDT

[#10]

Any opinions on these three complete uppers?

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/21748/s/psa-16-mid-length-phosphate-moe-blk-freedom-upper-without-bcg-or-charging-handle/

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-sqr15-slim-melonite-freedom-upper-no-bcg-or-charging-handle.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/21696/s/psa-16-midlength-5-56-13-hybrid-upper-no-bcg-or-charging-handle/category/4220/

Posted: 8/21/2015 11:31:48 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
Any opinions on these three complete uppers?

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/21748/s/psa-16-mid-length-phosphate-moe-blk-freedom-upper-without-bcg-or-charging-handle/

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-sqr15-slim-melonite-freedom-upper-no-bcg-or-charging-handle.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/21696/s/psa-16-midlength-5-56-13-hybrid-upper-no-bcg-or-charging-handle/category/4220/

View Quote

Those choices, #2.

I am starting a PSA build myself, and have been doing a TON of research on the AR platform, particularly concerning component selection.

BCG, barrel, and FCG is where you want to spend your money.

Personally, my criteria for the upper will be: a chrome lined or melonite (preferably CHF) 16" premium PSA barrel (made by FN). Mid length gas system. Light weight profile. BCG will be their Nickel Boron (easy to clean, and it's purty!).

Handguard configuration will be a secondary consideration, as I plan to change it out for a rifle length M lok ff modular rail system. Tons of mounting options, and will put that front buis out there where it belongs. The new MI lw gen3 M lok rail looks really promising, and will be my choice unless something wows me more.

Hope my rambling helped in some way, good luck with your build!

Posted: 8/21/2015 11:41:29 PM EDT

[#12]

Forgot to ask, in what way and how much do you plan on using your AR?

Posted: 8/22/2015 6:12:41 AM EDT

[#13]

It will be for Indoor/outdoor range use mainly but will eventually want to take a couple of classes.

Posted: 8/22/2015 9:02:28 AM EDT

[#14]

You will be hard pressed to find a better value in an upper assembly/rifle kit over PSA, especially when you get into their "premium"/chf line of barrels. Those are made by FN, who is a supplier to our armed services, and are found in "big name/high end" uppers. I promise I don't work for them, lol. I just have been researching suppliers for several weeks, and keep ending up back on them.
If this is going to be a range toy that will only see a few rounds occasionally, AND you are not relying on it for defense of life, you pretty much would be okay with anything. If you plan on using it frequently, OR for self defense, you should consider looking into their "premium" uppers. JMO (based on incessant OCD research, lol).

Would like to see your final product. Good luck with it!

PS: That AIM bcg linked above is a nice alternative to the NiB if you prefer the "stealth look".

Posted: 8/22/2015 10:17:30 AM EDT

[#15]

Cool, thanks!

I keep looking for other alternatives for a complete upper but for the price I keep coming back to PSA's. I have it narrowed down to #2 and #3 but like you suggested I'm moving closer to #2 for the longer rail which will give me a larger sight radius.

Posted: 8/26/2015 8:40:30 PM EDT

[#16]

Instead of a full rail, what do you guys think about this?

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/daily-deals-new/psa-16-mid-length-freedom-stainless-moe-blk-without-bcg-or-charging-handle.html

16" Barrel Length
5.56 NATO Chamber
1 in 7" twist
416 Stainless Steel Barrel
Mid-length Gas System
Magpul MOE Mid BLK Handguards

Posted: 8/26/2015 9:32:52 PM EDT

[#17]

"BCG will be their Nickel Boron (easy to clean, and it's purty!)"

It won't be purdy for long! Carbon may clean off easy but the stain sure doesn't.
If you get a black nitride BCG you won't see the stain and it cleans just as easy.

If you must have the silver look get a hard chrome one, cleans easy and doesn't stain.

Posted: 8/29/2015 2:07:29 PM EDT

[#18]

I ordered a complete upper from AndroCorp, from one of their threads in the EE.

- 16" Ballistic Advantage 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel
- 1/7 Twist
- M4 Feed Ramps
- Mid-Length Gas System with Pinned Low Pro Gas Block
- QPQ Corrosion Resistant Finish
- A2 Flash Hider
- 1/2-28 Threaded Muzzle
- M16 BCG HP/MPI Tested with Viton O-ring
- ACI 15? Forearm Quad Rail
- Dry Film Lubed Upper w/ T-Markings
- Standard Charging Handle
- Forward Assist & Ejection Port Assembly

It looks like I'll have it sometime this coming week.