This is my first post here at the AR-15.com forum, but I've visited the site several times before.

I am doing research as to what features, accessories, etc. I want in my first AR-type rifle. I've read the AR-15.com "Ammo Oracle" FAQ, as well as other "newbie" articles, but I still have a few questions that need addressing.

I plan to build my rifle, ordering the lower separately, and then a complete parts kit, or semi-complete - leaving me to obtain parts like the barrel, stocks, etc. separately. I felt that I should wait a bit so that the AWB would go away before I built the rifle, so I could get the features I wanted, possibly at a lower price.

My questions are:

I've decided on the 5.56 chamber (I've just heard about the Wylde chamber. It looks like a good idea, however, there is only one company making barrels with this chamber that I know of, and there's no long term or safety info yet. I'll wait.). I haven't yet decided on barrel twist, though. I just can't decide what I need! I want to be able to fire heavier/longer bullets (the ones that will fit in a mag, though), but still fire milsurp/milspec ammo accurately, including the XM193 & similar. This rifle will be used for range work/training, and it will be my primary lightweight SHTF rifle. I also plan to use it for home defence if necessary (suburban housing development in Florida). It's difficult to decide between 1-9", 1-8", and 1-7" twist rates. Any opinions or suggestions?

As I plan to use the rifle for SHTF/TEOTWAKI and home defence, I would like to put an adjustable stock & a flash hider/muzzle brake on it. Am I able to do so now that the AWB is over? What are the best versions of either to look into? I plan to be able to use it with body armour (when I manage to afford some), and a gas mask if necessary.

As I was trained on the M16A2 with its better sighting controls, that's what I had planned on getting on my rifle. However, there is just such a plethora of upper receiver & barrel length versions today! I don't know if I should get a 16" barrel, 20" barrel, standard A2 upper, flat-top upper, short or long handguards, etc.  I want a rifle that's easy to manuver in close quarters, yet will have acceptable accuracy and bullet velocity at longer ranges (200-300m). Suggestions?

A few things to keep in mind about me: I do NOT have lots of money for this project - that's why I'm building it myself. I do have extensive experience with gunsmithing, but it's mostly pistols. However, the AR is the easiest modern rifle to build, so I'm not worried - heck, if I had a mill, I'd make my own receiver, too! Anyway, as I'm not swimming in cash, several rifles/upper receiver combos is currently out. I may be able to buy another upper or another rifle in the future, but I have many other things to do with that money first. I do plan to buy a CETME/G3 in 7.62 NATO within the next few weeks, so long-ish ranges are covered for me. I want the AR for ammo usefulness, spare parts availability, magazine availability, low cost ammo/mags, and I just plain like the looks of the rifle! I'd prefer a different gas system, though...

I thank you for your opinions and suggestions. If you need more info from me, please ask. I'll try to respond as soon as I can.

Anyone care to comment?

MEGA lower from Carricoaarmory.com fro $89 shipped (EXCellent comp, by the way!)

JTD or M1S M-4 kit w/ 6 pos stock, and chrome lined 16in bbl w/ A2 FH; 1-in-9 twist
($500+-$600+)
(this is the easiest rout in my opinion)

if not, i would recommend a 1-9 twist; phantom or vortex FH, 16 in bbl(chrome lined!!!, best of both worlds, cause you get a LOT better velocity and range than 14.5 and its more compact than a 20in bbl), standard trigger and bolt, M-4 Stock (Vltor if you can spend the $$$s),


good luck

i'm still on my 1st ar.  i'd go with a 16" a3 with as lightweight a 1:7 barrell as i could get.

welcome!

The comments are interesting to me. Thanks a bunch for the replies!

I had originally thought that I'd get a 20" barrel, but everyone is suggesting a 16". I had always planned to get a chrome lined one (bore and chamber), with the 5.56 chamber.  I'm a bit of a freak for being able to hit at a distance if necessary (I've been in too many situations in the military where I wished for something with a longer range), so that's why the longer barrel. However, I'm going to research the 16" more closely.

I had always planned to "roll my own", either the lower, upper, or both. So, the special tools are already factored in. I understand though that most "parts kits" have the barrel installed into the upper, test fired, & headspace checked. Is this not so, then?

As funds are always extremely limited, I had planned on going with a "Model 1 Sales" parts kit w/ upper, unless there was a cheaper option (as long as the parts are of the same or better quality). Should I be looking into a different company, and planning to spend more accordingly? Basically, are the "Model 1" parts kits worth the $400+ they want for them?

I noticed that only one responder mentioned a type of upper receiver; the "A3" or flat-top. I'm not adverse to them, but I do require having iron sights on the rifle for backup, at a minimum. I've always heard that the iron sights for flat-tops are fragile, not as easy to use as the A2 sights, not as many adjustments, etc. Is this accurate, or bunk? I'm talking about the run-of-the-mill add-on sights now, not the $3-400+ match dealies. If I get the flat-top, should I get a "carry handle" attachment, or are they a waste of $100?  How good are the scope mounts that mount onto the carry handles on the A2 style? Are they hard to see through the scope/need a cheek pad?

Thanks again for the excellent info!

Quoted: The comments are interesting to me. Thanks a bunch for the replies! I noticed that only one responder mentioned a type of upper receiver; the "A3" or flat-top. I'm not adverse to them, but I do require having iron sights on the rifle for backup, at a minimum. I've always heard that the iron sights for flat-tops are fragile, not as easy to use as the A2 sights, not as many adjustments, etc. Is this accurate, or bunk? I'm talking about the run-of-the-mill add-on sights now, not the $3-400+ match dealies. If I get the flat-top, should I get a "carry handle" attachment, or are they a waste of $100?  How good are the scope mounts that mount onto the carry handles on the A2 style? Are they hard to see through the scope/need a cheek pad? Thanks again for the excellent info!

Dont waste your time with the carry handle.  Get a ARMS#40 BUIS for a few bucks less and you'll still have irons until you get an Aimpoint or EOTech.  I got the #40 flip up and I couldnt be more happy with it.  Just make sure you loctite it down

Sound like you have a nice project planned this fall. With regards to your .308 purchase - I recommend you look at the JLD PTR 91 rifle rather than a CETME. I recently picked one up after unsatisfactory experience's with the CETME's and can not believe the difference in quality. The JLD's are more money than a CETME but not only do they work but in my opinion they compare very favorably (perhaps better in fit and finish) to the $2500-$3500 HK91.