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Posted: 2/1/2014 8:13:49 AM EDT
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A few years ago, I was into AR, but ditched them once I got into AKs. It's not really a loss on my part because I was very new to firearms and didn't know what I really liked/wanted in a rifle. The ARs I had then, I would definitely not want now.
However, I am thinking about getting back into ARs for a few reasons: AKs have gotten rather expensive I think .223/5.56 is an awesome round. Import bans could really push up the price of 5.45 and 7.62 Now, here is what I am looking for: I'd like to pick up an flat-top, piston-driven upper and I would then add flip-up sights (front and rear). If I can find one that already has sights, that would be a bonus. I want it to be a short as possible while having a functional brake/comp. So, I guess a barrel that is 14" or so with a permanently attached muzzle device to get the barrel over 16" would be best. When it comes to lowers, I am completely open to suggestions. Building one or buying a near-complete upper would be fine my me - whichever is the most cost-effect and give me the best bang for my buck would be my preference. Thanks in advance for any assistance. Adam |
| i think you are going to be shocked by the price of piston systems :) Have you priced piston uppers or complete rifles? If you're thinking that you will be saving money by getting away from the AK platform, i'm not sure you will find your savings. from what i have seen recently, a piston upper will cost you about the same thing or more than a complete AK. Even though the cheap ammo might disappear if we have an ammo import ban, the current cost of 5.56 is double that of 5.45. I'm not trying to dissuade you, i'm just not sure you are going to find the cost savings you expect. For a good balance, perhaps look for a 5.45 huldra or adams arms upper and stock up on some 5.45. Magazines are fairly reliable (ASC) and cost about $13. For a lower, build your own on a blemished PSA or wait for another Anderson lower sale. Get a LPK without the trigger and put in an ALG (QMS). That keeps you in currently cheap ammo but allows you to buy an upper in whatever configuration and caliber in the future, depending on what happens with bans or lack of. |
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Thanks for the info, guys.
CB, I just looked over at PSA and most of their stuff is OOS. I was looking at a deal that had 10 PMags and a lower for $170. Crsswift, that is sound advice and I definitely get what you are saying. Hell, I would have said damn-dear the same thing a year ago. I will say that I do have serious reservations about getting an AR in 5.45. I've seen a fair amount of guys have had issues. I've not had one jam/FTF/FTE/etc with an AK and don't feel like dealing with the potential frustration. If running 5.45 or 7.62, I am convinced that an AK is the way to go. However, I think I do want to get back into .223 (I currently have no mags, ammo or firearms in .2234/5.56) and if I am going to do that, I want to get into piston ARs. I am well-aware of the cost and, for that reason, am somewhat hesitant. Currently, I am eyeballing THIS UPPER It seems like a good place to start when going the piston-driven AR route and I've seen a few of them for about $700. Assuming I could pick up the Huldra upper for around $700, would it be crazy to think I could build a complete rifle for $950 or so? |
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I'd get Faxon upper as it is the best mix of an AK and AR. Check them out here: http://www.faxonfirearms.com/
They are a little pricey but allow quick barrel changes for different calibers, can be fired with the stock folded and mine has been flawless for thousands of rounds now. |
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You can easily build a lower for $250, especially if patient. Heck... $90 Spikes lower, $65 RRA LPK, $45 ALG trigger, and roughly $40 for a buffer kit.. you'd be mighty close if you had a stock already in hand. If not, get the PSA complete LPK with buffer and stock for $80 (when in stock) change the trigger and slap on a lower. Total would be roughly $225. People are putting whole rifles together, albeit "truck guns" for right at $500. Also, i'm not doubting the quality of Faxon uppers, it's just that Huldra and Adams are established and the parts are common and interchangeable (i'm pretty certain).
Complete lower, in stock PSA So yeah, easily. |
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im new to the ar platform as well coming from the ak side.
last year i picked up adam arms piston upper, im sure its same as the huldra you linked, and am very pleased with its quality and performance. i even picked up a second one during the black friday deals. and will most likely get another one next sale. as for building a stripped lower, very easy. lots to chose from and all similar pricing around $100. |
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