Posted: 2/1/2017 6:46:02 PM EDT
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I'm helping a new shooter (college student on a tight budget) put together his first AR. He called me this morning, excited to to say he'd purchased a top half from PSA (77932966) and a mil-spec stock from another source. He wanted to know what to get next.
The receiver isn't an issue--I keep spares on hand for situations like this--and I can give him a BCG and CH--so to keep things simple, I'd like to point him towards item 7791535 (buffer tube assemble, LPK with the enhanced polished trigger, MOE grip and an ACS-L stock). My thinking was I'd buy the stock off him to help defray his bottom line, but he could use everything else. My questions: 1. Does anyone know whether that buffer tube is mil-spec or commercial? The ad doesn't specify, and he needs mil-spec since he already bought a stock. 2. Can this be ordered minus the ACS-L? I don't mind having one in stock--I like them myself--but we really don't need that. I'll be honest--I have never built a rifle from PSA parts before, and I'm very interested in seeing how his performs. I've heard a lot of good things about PSA over the past year or so, and even though he's not buying from the "premium" line, I'm really hoping this gives him a great first-AR experience. |
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Why not just go with the $99 LBK then?
MOE LBK Shit, if you need the stock, just call it a "trade" for the BCG and receiver you're hooking him up with. Those two parts aren't cheap! |
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Quoted:
The ACS-L only uses a Mil-Spec buffer tube. I could be wrong, but I believe Palmetto does NOT substitute or omit parts. (atleast not on purpose  ) |
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Quoted:
Why not just go with the $99 LBK then? MOE LBK Shit, if you need the stock, just call it a "trade" for the BCG and receiver you're hooking him up with. Those two parts aren't cheap! That one doesn't have the EPT upgrade. He can't afford a really good trigger right now, but I'm hoping the EPT will at least give him something better than the gritty pull you get from most basic LPKs. As for the other parts, I would've just given him a rifle if he really needed it (he's a family friend and a good kid), or let him build one from stuff in my parts lockers. I'm not gonna sweat a few bucks or parts to bring a new shooter into the fold. But as it is, he'll have enough invested into this out of his own pocket that I'm sure he'll appreciate it and have a real sense of ownership. |
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It has been my experience that PSA ships their complete LBK's with only Mil-spec diameter buffer-tubes/RE's. Whether or not it will also arrive with their Premium 7075-T6 buffer-tube, is anyone's guess.
The last rather expensive complete Magpul LBK I bought from them, did not. Good luck. |
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What emmetf said above...
The ACS-L LBK you posted is going to be a Mil-Spec (diameter/usually 6061) buffer tube. I don't think PSA even have/sells commercial buffer tubes. Congrats on helping getting another shooter into the game! I think that lower build kit is a good deal just cause now it's with Free Shipping now. The PSA EPT LPK is $60 and the RE Kit is $41, so your getting the ACS-L for like $30-$40. Thinking he already bought another mil-spec stock, he could try the ACS-L stock and see if he likes it or not, just for another option. You know how it is... What stock he got, now, might not be what he really will like or want, especially depending on what optic he'll eventually put on it. But everyone has different wants, tastes, likes, and he might want a certain "look." If he really doesn't like it, put on EE, and somebody will give you $50 for it. |
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Thanks for the replies, guys. I did order the kit after looking at every other kit that featured the ACS-L and confirming that they all specify mil-spec. I figure it's a safe bet.
And, yes, I'll let him try any of the furniture I have on hand, but I guess he really likes the style of the MFT Minimalist. You know how it is when you're 20--style is important! We still need to discuss sights or optics. He'll only have about $200 for whatever sits on the rail, so he's considering the PA Advanced Micro Dot, but I'm trying to get him to consider what kind of shooting he wants to do before he makes up his mind. To be honest, I was kinda hoping he'd wait till warm weather to take up this game, but it doesn't look like he's gonna be that kind to this old man. My joints are already aching just thinking about cold days on the range. |
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Quoted:
What emmetf said above... The ACS-L LBK you posted is going to be a Mil-Spec (diameter/usually 6061) buffer tube. I don't think PSA even have/sells commercial buffer tubes. . I've seen them, particularly with kits that had the Blackhawk stock. http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-freedom-blackhawk-classic-lower-build-kit.html |
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Quoted:
I've seen them, particularly with kits that had the Blackhawk stock. http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-freedom-blackhawk-classic-lower-build-kit.html Quoted:
Quoted:
What emmetf said above... The ACS-L LBK you posted is going to be a Mil-Spec (diameter/usually 6061) buffer tube. I don't think PSA even have/sells commercial buffer tubes. I've seen them, particularly with kits that had the Blackhawk stock. http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-freedom-blackhawk-classic-lower-build-kit.html |