A budget AR story - my first build

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - A budget AR story - my first build

Posted: 3/14/2011 12:35:37 PM EDT

So, after long hours spent looking for good deals on a decent rifle (even used) and not finding anything, I decided to piece one together. I started out this journey with a goal to not go over $600 (preferably $500). I knew the end result would not be a high end rifle. However, it serves its purpose and I am very satisfied with the final price, as well as the result.

I can't wait to build my next one, from scratch.

I put a total of 160 rounds through it on Saturday and had not one single issue. 120 of those rounds were TulAammo .223 at $4.69 a box from Wal-Mart. I have heard and read mixed reviews on this ammo, and my personal opinion of it is this: Its cheap (.20 cents a round), shoots well considering, and personally, I had ZERO issues out of 120 rounds. I am ordering 1000 rounds of this to use as plinking ammo and will update with a review of that when it comes in.

DPMS Sportical (Slick Side) Upper - $395
Plum Crazy Lower- $125

Total = $520

Posted: 3/14/2011 12:49:47 PM EDT

[#1]

That's an impressive group for a rifle with no sights.

Posted: 3/14/2011 1:04:02 PM EDT

[#2]

that was $125 for a complete lower?

Posted: 3/14/2011 1:05:07 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
That's an impressive group for a rifle with no sights.

I believe somebody just ran up the BS flag!

.

Posted: 3/14/2011 1:09:42 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
that was $125 for a complete lower?

I was wondering the same thing..... along with what sights are you using,,,, the pics of the rifle I see have no sights or optics.... so unless it is only for cqb, its not a complete rifle yet.

Posted: 3/14/2011 1:32:58 PM EDT

[#5]

I added a really cheap $32 Tasco red dot on Saturday because I was absolutely aching to go shoot this thing, the pics are before the sight was added. I will update tonight with new pics.

Posted: 3/14/2011 1:34:59 PM EDT

[#6]

Correct, $125 for the complete lower. picked it up from The Gun Depot here in mesa AZ.
http://www.thegundepot.com/

Posted: 3/14/2011 2:04:23 PM EDT

[#7]

is that a polymer lower?

Posted: 3/14/2011 2:13:01 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
is that a polymer lower?

Yes. Plum Crazy only makes polymer lowers.

Posted: 3/14/2011 2:41:39 PM EDT

[#9]

Nice looking rifle.

Posted: 3/14/2011 3:23:18 PM EDT

[#10]

Looks good to me. What's the weight?

Posted: 3/14/2011 3:34:00 PM EDT

[#11]

Here are the pics of the red dot

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5527801200_1c85b98225.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5527209697_bded0790ec.jpg

Posted: 3/14/2011 3:41:20 PM EDT

[#12]

Not sure on the weight yet, will have to get on the scale with it tonight. As a guess I would say 6lbs without the red dot

Posted: 3/14/2011 4:11:05 PM EDT

[#13]

I'm interested in hearing more about this. The lower and the upper are well known, but not always well liked. The rifle clearly shoots well enough. Can you please keep posting back about any issues or hassles as you shoot it more?

Posted: 3/14/2011 5:01:42 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
I'm interested in hearing more about this. The lower and the upper are well known, but not always well liked. The rifle clearly shoots well enough. Can you please keep posting back about any issues or hassles as you shoot it more?

Roger that. Will do.

Posted: 3/17/2011 7:15:32 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
Looks good to me. What's the weight?

So, total weight unloaded and without optic is 5.9 lbs.

Add 30 rounds of Remington .223 55g, Magpul Pmag, and the Tasco optic and we end up at a grand total of 8.3 lbs.

Now, take these numbers with a grain of salt as they were acquired using a home personal weight scale so they may be off. I will have to see if I can get a better weight somehow. Any suggestions?

Posted: 3/17/2011 10:49:33 AM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Looks good to me. What's the weight?

So, total weight unloaded and without optic is 5.9 lbs.

Add 30 rounds of Remington .223 55g, Magpul Pmag, and the Tasco optic and we end up at a grand total of 8.3 lbs.

Now, take these numbers with a grain of salt as they were acquired using a home personal weight scale so they may be off. I will have to see if I can get a better weight somehow. Any suggestions?

Take your new toy down to the local post office and ask them to weigh it on a postal scale

Posted: 3/17/2011 11:09:33 AM EDT

[#17]

Congrats..

Welcome to the board

Posted: 3/17/2011 11:11:57 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Looks good to me. What's the weight?

So, total weight unloaded and without optic is 5.9 lbs.

Add 30 rounds of Remington .223 55g, Magpul Pmag, and the Tasco optic and we end up at a grand total of 8.3 lbs.

Now, take these numbers with a grain of salt as they were acquired using a home personal weight scale so they may be off. I will have to see if I can get a better weight somehow. Any suggestions?

Take your new toy down to the local post office and ask them to weigh it on a postal scale

Then plan on a trip to your local jail for a few days!!!

Nice looking rifle, keep us posted on that poly lower..

Posted: 3/17/2011 11:13:24 AM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Looks good to me. What's the weight?

So, total weight unloaded and without optic is 5.9 lbs.

Add 30 rounds of Remington .223 55g, Magpul Pmag, and the Tasco optic and we end up at a grand total of 8.3 lbs.

Now, take these numbers with a grain of salt as they were acquired using a home personal weight scale so they may be off. I will have to see if I can get a better weight somehow. Any suggestions?

Take your new toy down to the local post office and ask them to weigh it on a postal scale

Oh yea, I am sure they will LOVE that!
http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID3040/images/resized_disgruntled.gif