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Posted: 3/23/2012 5:25:45 PM EDT
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I wanted a to add a KISS carbine to my collection and had been contemplating buying a complete LMT lower and LE6920 Magpul upper. It would have been easy, push two pins in and I would've had a great carbine for under $900. Or, I could've waited and done a PSA build kit for a little cheaper, but I had already built two of my sons rifles with PSA uppers. While they have been absolutely great guns and I really like PSA's product, I wanted something different for myself.
Well, I thought about it too long and everyone was out of stock. I ended up going to the local gun show and actually came across a good deal on a pistol I had wanted, so I picked it up. On the way out I came across a new stripped S&W M&P15 lower that was unbelievably priced the same as the cheapest I could find on the internet, so I grabbed that up to. My original intent (since I spent a good portion of my black rifle money on a pistol) was to replace the DPMS lower on my 8 year old son's carbine (16" PSA CHF complete upper) due to a tight mag well that won't drop 30rd PMAGs. I would then use the DPMS lower to create the absolute cheapest POS I could put together with new parts for the exclusive use of my unheeding "just as good as" and "parts are parts" buddies or anyone else for that matter to use/try as a loaner/range gun. So I ordered a ZM4 barrel w/FSP from DSA for $110 and went looking for a cheap BCG to go with it. I was astounded that crap BCGs were about the same price or more than good ones. Still not having found the elusive cheap BCG I got a back order notice on the DSA barrel. That is when I decided to change vectors. I immediately called DSA and canceled the order. I then set out to build the best KISS gun I could, as cheaply as possible, without using a PSA kit. And this is what I came up with; the M&P15 lower I had just gotten for $115, PSA LPK - $49.95, Aero Precision stripped upper - $59.99, Aero Precision UPK w/CH - $32.99, Colt LE6920 complete barrel assembly - $265, Daniel Defense BCG - $135, Bravo Company Mfg Mil-Spec stock mounting kit - $55.95, Matech BUIS - $50, S&W M&P15 M4 stock and PSA M4 handguards - FREE (new take offs from previous builds). This is the third PSA LPK I've used and as with the previous two it had quality parts that went together easily. With the variances in GI FCGs I got lucky again as the trigger, as with the previous PSA LPKs is crisp with very little take up. The selector switch is also excellent, with smooth operation and nice positive clicks. For anyone that wants to say anything about the free furniture keeping the price this low, I could've gotten a cheaper lower and bought furniture for the difference. That would keep the price about the same. Sorry for the crappy pics. Tried to get pics of the staking on the BCG and receiver extension nut as well as the M4 feed ramps and barrel markings, but I couldn't find the right setting on the camera and they were all blurry. Suffice it to say, the DD BCG is staked properly as always, the feed ramps line up perfectly. I got lucky with how the receiver extension nut lined up and was able to stake it at three points. And for anybody that cares the barrel is marked C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7. 
Grand total - $763.88! I have to say that this is a fantastic KISS rifle that proves you can do so much better than the Oly/DPMS/Bushmaster/et al crap for the same price or less even if you don't do a PSA kit. I plan on keeping this rifle in a KISS configuration with the only accessories being a sling and a white light. I may also, sometime in the future, decide to put an Aimpoint PRO on it. I will be taking it to the range to sight it in and run a few hundred rounds through it tomorrow and will post the results afterwards. |
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Well, just got back from the range. A short day. Only 300 rds total for sighting and shooting. Took 3 rds to get it on paper @25yds (was shooting low). Tweaked it a bit then zeroed at 50yds for what should be close to zero @200m. Won't know for sure until I can get to a range with longer lanes. Max today was @100yds.
After zero, moved to 100yds and shot off-hand (The range I went to today does not allow kneeling or prone.). Not too bad, 5-7 MOA 10 shot groups. Tightened it up a bit by sitting with support hand elbow on the bench. Brought me in to about 3-4 MOA 10 shot groups. Wish I'd had a sling. All-in-all I was satisfied. Obviously the rifle can out shoot me. Next time I'll bring some sandbags and better ammo to see how much better I can do. But with LC M855 and a BUIS I am more than happy with the results. Again, only 300rds LC M855 with PMAGS, but zero malfunctions. Need to get about another 1500-1800 rds down the pipe to be sure, but I think this one's a keeper. |
all quality parts in the barrel, upper, BCG, & everything.
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I really tried to build the same thing.... But then I had left over bits and pieces that found their way on and felt the need for some optics. Anywho...... Nice build. Maybe someday I'll get my KISS rifle built. Definitely goes to show that you don't have to spend 2k to get a nice shooter.
I've found that it's hard to beat PSA, though. I always price out pieceing something together, then end up back hovering over the "buy now" button on their website. |
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