AR Sponsor
Posted: 1/29/2015 12:12:25 PM EDT
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Hi all, first post here. Just wanted to ask for some feedback on my first AR15.
I'd like to build a general self-defense rifle and something I could hunt small game with. I'll probably only put a couple hundred rounds a year through this guy. I've changed my plan 1000 times, going from the S&W M&P Sport to a completely custom build at 3x the cost, then scrapping it all and going back to the cheap M&P Sport. I now think I may have found a balance. Here is what I am thinking: PSA Complete Lower - $220 BCM standard 16" midlength lightweight complete upper with charging handle and magpul moe handguard - $506 Magpul rear BUIS - $55 So for $781, I can have the PSA lower and BCM upper. That's only $180 more than the M&P and I'll have some quality, hand-picked parts. All I'll need after that are pmags and ammo. I've also never used any front grip on a weapon before, but I can imagine myself feeling comfortable with an angled grip and may slap on a Mapgul. I think I would also eventually try a Spikes Tactical ST-T2 buffer (recoil reduction?). No optics until I have some good time invested with the irons, and probably first upgrade would be to a Knights armament folding micro rear sight. I battled with whether or not I needed/wanted the FSB or if I should go flip up on the fronts. If I ever did get an ACOG, I think I would like a perfectly clear picture, but a 1/3 witness probably wouldn't bother me so much. I might also eventually look into a 4x scope for hunting. Does all of this look/sound ok? Am I forgetting anything? Thanks in advance for any feedback. |
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$100 dollars more & you can have a factory colt with warranty with a VFG... Mag included...Sights included... Now they are equal in price enough for me to just buy the Colt.
http://grabagun.com/colt-mfg-co-inc-le6920mpb-car-5-56-16-1-30rd.html Resale would be way better, also. Think about it. |
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Quoted:
Hi all, first post here. Just wanted to ask for some feedback on my first AR15. I'd like to build a general self-defense rifle and something I could hunt small game with. I'll probably only put a couple hundred rounds a year through this guy. I've changed my plan 1000 times, going from the S&W M&P Sport to a completely custom build at 3x the cost, then scrapping it all and going back to the cheap M&P Sport. I now think I may have found a balance. Here is what I am thinking: PSA Complete Lower - $220 BCM standard 16" midlength lightweight complete upper with charging handle and magpul moe handguard - $506 Magpul rear BUIS - $55 So for $781, I can have the PSA lower and BCM upper. That's only $180 more than the M&P and I'll have some quality, hand-picked parts. All I'll need after that are pmags and ammo. I've also never used any front grip on a weapon before, but I can imagine myself feeling comfortable with an angled grip and may slap on a Mapgul. I think I would also eventually try a Spikes Tactical ST-T2 buffer (recoil reduction?). No optics until I have some good time invested with the irons, and probably first upgrade would be to a Knights armament folding micro rear sight. I battled with whether or not I needed/wanted the FSB or if I should go flip up on the fronts. If I ever did get an ACOG, I think I would like a perfectly clear picture, but a 1/3 witness probably wouldn't bother me so much. I might also eventually look into a 4x scope for hunting. Does all of this look/sound ok? Am I forgetting anything? Thanks in advance for any feedback. Looks pretty good for your purposes. Sounds like you've done your homework and come up with something solid. Definitely stick to your plan to shoot it and get proficient with irons before upgrading. Oh, and you probably won't see/notice the FSP with any kind of magnified optic like an ACOG. |
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Quoted:
$100 dollars more & you can have a factory colt with warranty with a VFG... Mag included...Sights included... Now they are equal in price enough for me to just buy the Colt. http://grabagun.com/colt-mfg-co-inc-le6920mpb-car-5-56-16-1-30rd.html Resale would be way better, also. Think about it. Ya that is pretty tempting as well. Never thought about the warranty. I've been pretty caught up in the BCM mid-length hype and was hoping for a lightweight barrel. It seems nobody has a bad thing to say about Colt's ARs either though. Thanks a lot for the link. |
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Ya, I was pretty pumped for the BCM upper, but gtfoxy really has me thinking about the Colt. A lifetime warranty sounds great, but so does a BCM mid length :) I have no idea what to do now!
I know the Colt might have a higher resell value, but I really never foresee myself selling this. I just want one solid rifle to always have in my closet, until I'm too old to use it, then it'll go to one of the kids. |
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Quoted:
Ya, I was pretty pumped for the BCM upper, but gtfoxy really has me thinking about the Colt. A lifetime warranty sounds great, but so does a BCM mid length :) I have no idea what to do now! I know the Colt might have a higher resell value, but I really never foresee myself selling this. I just want one solid rifle to always have in my closet, until I'm too old to use it, then it'll go to one of the kids. Well with a Colt you won't need the warranty. 
Kidding...mostly. With BCM or Colt, either will serve you fine. They are equal quality in my opinion. Personally I'd go with a BCM since you don't plan on selling. Both are good. |
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Well with a Colt you won't need the warranty.
Kidding...mostly. With BCM or Colt, either will serve you fine. They are equal quality in my opinion. Personally I'd go with a BCM since you don't plan on selling. Both are good. LOL... I didn't even realize it but it looks like the BCM upper also has a lifetime warranty. My goals were to make the weapon as light as possible with as little recoil as possible. The colt is a) more expensive b) carbine length c) non light-weight barrel and d) comes with a VFG that I don't want (likely part of the extra cost). I really wanted a mid-length gas system and light barrel. Another plus with the PSA + BCM is that a shooting rig REALLY isn't in the budget right now. I can get away with having a combined fathers day + birthday present be the upper, and pick up the lower, mags, and ammo as $$ permits. Then it doesn't seem like one large purchase we have to budget for. For $781, $100 cheaper than the Colt, I get everything I want in my base rifle. I think I'm leaning back towards my initial build.... unless someone else can convince me otherwise. The only thing that still has me scratching my head is the FSB. Really don't know if that's what I want, but it looks like BCM doesn't sell an upper kit with the magpul handguard without the FSB. |
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Great choice of components to "pin together" (not build). The BCM urg is better than the Colt's imho - great balance, more handguard space. You should upgrade the PSA carbine buffer to an "H" buffer for more smoothness. Sorry for the misuse of terms. I originally wanted to build my lower, but having to pick out each part, I kept choosing higher quality parts and was blowing out my budget, and then there's the vice blocks, tools, etc, so I reverted to keeping it simple with a fully assembled lower. With no real shooting experience outside of qualifying in the Air Force with the M16, I won't really have any idea what type of trigger pull I prefer without some time at the range. Anyway, yes, I will be pinning this together :) I don't know why, but I assumed the PSA lower came with an H buffer. What do you think about the heavier ST-T2? I was thinking about grabbing one from Spikes. I guess there's no real way to know if it will work or not on any given rifle without putting it in and just testing it? With either an H or the ST-T2, would I need to purchase a different spring as well? |
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LOL... I didn't even realize it but it looks like the BCM upper also has a lifetime warranty. My goals were to make the weapon as light as possible with as little recoil as possible. The colt is a) more expensive b) carbine length c) non light-weight barrel and d) comes with a VFG that I don't want (likely part of the extra cost). I really wanted a mid-length gas system and light barrel. Another plus with the PSA + BCM is that a shooting rig REALLY isn't in the budget right now. I can get away with having a combined fathers day + birthday present be the upper, and pick up the lower, mags, and ammo as $$ permits. Then it doesn't seem like one large purchase we have to budget for. For $781, $100 cheaper than the Colt, I get everything I want in my base rifle. I think I'm leaning back towards my initial build.... unless someone else can convince me otherwise. The only thing that still has me scratching my head is the FSB. Really don't know if that's what I want, but it looks like BCM doesn't sell an upper kit with the magpul handguard without the FSB. Quoted:
Quoted:
Well with a Colt you won't need the warranty.
Kidding...mostly. With BCM or Colt, either will serve you fine. They are equal quality in my opinion. Personally I'd go with a BCM since you don't plan on selling. Both are good. LOL... I didn't even realize it but it looks like the BCM upper also has a lifetime warranty. My goals were to make the weapon as light as possible with as little recoil as possible. The colt is a) more expensive b) carbine length c) non light-weight barrel and d) comes with a VFG that I don't want (likely part of the extra cost). I really wanted a mid-length gas system and light barrel. Another plus with the PSA + BCM is that a shooting rig REALLY isn't in the budget right now. I can get away with having a combined fathers day + birthday present be the upper, and pick up the lower, mags, and ammo as $$ permits. Then it doesn't seem like one large purchase we have to budget for. For $781, $100 cheaper than the Colt, I get everything I want in my base rifle. I think I'm leaning back towards my initial build.... unless someone else can convince me otherwise. The only thing that still has me scratching my head is the FSB. Really don't know if that's what I want, but it looks like BCM doesn't sell an upper kit with the magpul handguard without the FSB. You're on the right track. To address a couple things... 1. If you want the BCM/PSA, get it. You won't regret it. Just get it and get shooting already!
2. Frankly, if you're new to this (and even some old-timers), you won't notice a recoil difference between middy and carbine. Seriously. It is theoretically softer shooting and easier on the rifle, but as I understand there have been no studies done to prove/disprove this. 3. You're fine with the PSA lower. You don't need special tools to build a lower anyway (I built one with only pliers and a nail sink) though. 4. Don't sweat the FSB. You seriously won't notice it. And if it bothers you, then when you build your next gun (you know you will!) then build a free float rifle. Even the special forces use rifles with the FSB. You'll be fine with it. 5. The standard buffer is gtg. I have one on my middy and it's fine. I have the ST-T2 on my carbine...it's also fine. Bottom line...your build is a-ok. Too much reading ARFCOM can be a bad thing. Just get the rifle and enjoy! The platform isn't as fragile as many seem to make it out to be. It's just that the more public interest you have in something, the more innovation and fads are supported in the industry and the more the "cool factor" comes into play. Buy the build, put it together, burn through a couple thousand rounds with it, and get good training and you'll be light-years ahead of the guy next to you with a free float stainless Noveske SBR SPR Mk12 CQBR sniper rifle. 
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Don't sweat it bro.
I understand budgets so don't think I was trying to force you into anything I didn't think was a good deal. BCM makes good parts, no doubt about it. If piece by piece fits the budget better do it that way. Nothing wrong with it. Build it & shoot it & then go from there. |
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So I found a Spikes Punisher stripped lower receiver (which I think looks completely bad ass) for $100. PSA has a lot of lower parts kits between $45 and $80:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/lower-parts/parts-kits.html I've always thought building the lower would be fun and help me get to know the weapon a bit more intimately. It seems the only thing not included is the stock and I've always kind of favored this stock anyway for $100: https://www.vltor.com/shop/stocks/imod-improved-modular-stock/ That puts me just slightly higher than the $220 for the complete lower from PSA. So I guess what I'm asking is, are those parts kits the same parts that PSA would use in their assembled lowers? Are the kits quality parts? What do you guys think about going this route with one of the kits and building the lower myself vs buying the assembled lower? Are there any other recommended kits? |
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I assembled quite a few lowers with PSA LPKs for friends during the panic.
Most seemed fairly decent with some having very crisp triggers. I don't own any myself, so I can't comment on them other than initial impressions. Now that you can order LPKs without FCGs though, you are probably better off installing your own trigger like an ALG. |
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Well, I think this decision is going to end up bumping my figures up a bit, but it still lets me spread out the purchases over time and piece it together slowly. Here's my current list for the lower:
ALG Fire Control Group $46 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/788204/alg-defense-quality-mil-spec-trigger-ar-15-lr-308-small-pin-154-single-stage-matte Spikes lower receiver $90 http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Spike_s_Tactical_Lower_Multi_Forged_PUNISHER_Str_p/sp-stls015.htm PSA lower parts kit $30 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/2563/category/389/ VLTOR IMOD Stock $100 https://www.vltor.com/shop/stocks/imod-improved-modular-stock/ Spikes ST-T2 Buffer$38 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/ST-T2-Heavy-Buffer-by-Spikes-Tactical-p/st-t2.htm Buffer Spring $5 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Carbine-Action-Spring-p/spring%20carbine%20action.htm So for the lower, I'm at $310 instead of $220, but it's going to be a lot more fun and I get a better stock, trigger, and the pretty skull in the side of the receiver. Does this list look ok? Besides the fact that several of the items are out of stock :) The Spikes lower receiver is California approved... that just means it's not one of the specifically named banned lowers, right? It doesn't actually have some other design change to it, right? |
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Yeah, CA approved means not on the ban list.
Allow me to offer my suggestions to go with the Spikes lower & VLTOR stock if that is what you want; First the buffer is the frst thing I would change. Most rifles run fine on a standard weight carbine buffer. For the price of just the T2 buffer you have a whole buffer kit. This will allow you to upgrade the trigger to an ACT for less money. JP yellow springs are optional, but I really have liked them in conjuction with the ACT triggers. You didn't list a buffer tube so I am going to assume you dont have one so here's my list for you as a recomendation. Buffer kit ALG ACT trigger JP Yellow springs This will give you a crisp <4lb trigger pull. Vid
PSA MOE LPK W/O FCG All in stock as of now... One more thing I like to use in my lowers... YHM Pin Kit |
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Well, I think this decision is going to end up bumping my figures up a bit, but it still lets me spread out the purchases over time and piece it together slowly. Here's my current list for the lower: ALG Fire Control Group $46 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/788204/alg-defense-quality-mil-spec-trigger-ar-15-lr-308-small-pin-154-single-stage-matte Spikes lower receiver $90 http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Spike_s_Tactical_Lower_Multi_Forged_PUNISHER_Str_p/sp-stls015.htm PSA lower parts kit $30 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/2563/category/389/ VLTOR IMOD Stock $100 https://www.vltor.com/shop/stocks/imod-improved-modular-stock/ Spikes ST-T2 Buffer$38 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/ST-T2-Heavy-Buffer-by-Spikes-Tactical-p/st-t2.htm Buffer Spring $5 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Carbine-Action-Spring-p/spring%20carbine%20action.htm So for the lower, I'm at $310 instead of $220, but it's going to be a lot more fun and I get a better stock, trigger, and the pretty skull in the side of the receiver. Does this list look ok? Besides the fact that several of the items are out of stock :) The Spikes lower receiver is California approved... that just means it's not one of the specifically named banned lowers, right? It doesn't actually have some other design change to it, right? Looks gtg to me. I'd agree that you probably don't need the ST-T2 buffer. Like the poster above said, drop that, get the ACT trigger (don't bother with the JP springs yet) and go for it. You'll like building it. Just watch out with that front pivot pin detent and spring.
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Thanks for the pics, headbarcode... I'll definitely post mine when things start coming together.
So a couple of questions... what is the difference between the two ALG FCGs? $65 - http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/_p/ALG-ACT.htm $45 - http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/_p/ALG-QMS.htm I've also decided that I'm adding a lot of extra expense with that stock. I may hold off and go with a cheaper kit for now and maybe upgrade later. BCM has a fairly cheap milspec m4 stock kit: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/M4-Stock-Milspec-p/stock%20m4%20milspec%20black%20-%20gen2.htm It comes with the option to upgrade to an H, H2, or H3 buffer. Should I just go with the H? Also, any recommendations on tools? I'd assume I need at least a vice block and a punch set: punch set $16 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/wheeler-engineering-brass-punch-set-8-piece.html vice block $30 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/palmetto-state-armory-upper-lower-receiver-vise-block-kit.html |
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Thanks for the pics, headbarcode... I'll definitely post mine when things start coming together. So a couple of questions... what is the difference between the two ALG FCGs? $65 - http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/_p/ALG-ACT.htm $45 - http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/_p/ALG-QMS.htm I've also decided that I'm adding a lot of extra expense with that stock. I may hold off and go with a cheaper kit for now and maybe upgrade later. BCM has a fairly cheap milspec m4 stock kit: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/M4-Stock-Milspec-p/stock%20m4%20milspec%20black%20-%20gen2.htm It comes with the option to upgrade to an H, H2, or H3 buffer. Should I just go with the H? Also, any recommendations on tools? I'd assume I need at least a vice block and a punch set: punch set $16 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/wheeler-engineering-brass-punch-set-8-piece.html vice block $30 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/palmetto-state-armory-upper-lower-receiver-vise-block-kit.html QMS vs ACT is the coating from what I have read. Never had a QMS. Start with standard buffer & go from there. Never used those blocks. Allen set & precision screw driver set is a plus if you don't have them already |
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Thank you everybody very much for all of your input. I think I'm close to having my final list. Here it is:
Spikes Lower receiver - $90 http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Spike_s_Tactical_Lower_Multi_Forged_PUNISHER_Str_p/sp-stls015.htm ALG ACT FCG - $65 http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/_p/ALG-ACT.htm PSA LPK - $45 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1175/category/389/ BCM Stock kit - $80 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/M4-Stock-Milspec-p/stock%20m4%20milspec%20black%20-%20gen2.htm Magpul Rear BUIS: - $55 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Magpul-MBUS-Gen-2-Rear-Back-Up-Iron-Sight-Black-p/mag248%20black.htm Magpul AFG - $33 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Magpul-AFG2-Angle-Forward-Grip-BLACK-p/mag414%20afg2%20blk.htm YHM EZ Pull Takedown pin set - $18 http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Yankee_Hill_EZ_Pull_Takedown_Pin_Set_p/yhm-7284.htm BCM Standard 16" mid length upper group w/magpul handguard & mod 4 charging handle - $506 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-LIGHT-WEIGHT-Upper-Receiver-p/bcm-urg-mid-16lw.htm Grand total, $892. I think the very last thing I'm hung up on is the upper. I'm went with the absolute cheapest option... the standard upper with magpul handguard, and the only thing that really bugs me is it comes with an FSB. I would like to eventually add a free-float rail, but I'm not real happy about having to shave the thing down myself. I'd like to buy a barrel with a low profile gas block, but they don't sell one without including the rail, and that is a big price difference. Not sure what my options are... maybe when I'm ready just try to find a deal on equipment exchange. |
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Well you could get a FF upper from BCM but that will likely put you over $1k.
I really don't think you'll notice the FSB. Build the rifle you can afford and shoot now, and then worry about upgrades down the road. And when you get there, punching out those taper pins usually is not difficult. |
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Thank you everybody very much for all of your input. I think I'm close to having my final list. Here it is: Spikes Lower receiver - $90 http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Spike_s_Tactical_Lower_Multi_Forged_PUNISHER_Str_p/sp-stls015.htm ALG ACT FCG - $65 http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/_p/ALG-ACT.htm PSA LPK - $45 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1175/category/389/ BCM Stock kit - $80 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/M4-Stock-Milspec-p/stock%20m4%20milspec%20black%20-%20gen2.htm Magpul Rear BUIS: - $55 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Magpul-MBUS-Gen-2-Rear-Back-Up-Iron-Sight-Black-p/mag248%20black.htm Magpul AFG - $33 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Magpul-AFG2-Angle-Forward-Grip-BLACK-p/mag414%20afg2%20blk.htm YHM EZ Pull Takedown pin set - $18 http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Yankee_Hill_EZ_Pull_Takedown_Pin_Set_p/yhm-7284.htm BCM Standard 16" mid length upper group w/magpul handguard & mod 4 charging handle - $506 http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-LIGHT-WEIGHT-Upper-Receiver-p/bcm-urg-mid-16lw.htm Grand total, $892. I think the very last thing I'm hung up on is the upper. I'm went with the absolute cheapest option... the standard upper with magpul handguard, and the only thing that really bugs me is it comes with an FSB. I would like to eventually add a free-float rail, but I'm not real happy about having to shave the thing down myself. I'd like to buy a barrel with a low profile gas block, but they don't sell one without including the rail, and that is a big price difference. Not sure what my options are... maybe when I'm ready just try to find a deal on equipment exchange. Sounds like you are rethinking it because it's not really what you see yourself wanting in the future. That's fine. Better to plan ahead & get what you want the first time. If it costs you $100 more but you feel you won't want to change a thing then that is the best route. Buy once, Cry once. If you want a FF rail & use aftermarket sights then just get it. No reason in spending a lot of time & money later to make it what you wanted in the first place. Look at it like this; You will spend minimum another $125 on a FF rail & $20-30 on a low pro gas block. Plus you will have to have a smith remove the post or you have to spend the time cutting it down. Why do that if it isn't what you want? I have been throwing these links out there because I feel Aero has a real good product in their M4E1 line & are offering a tremendous value for what you pay. http://aeroprecisionusa.com/aspx/store/listing.aspx?search=1&categories=0&catid=20&attributes=0,M4E1 If you order the $420 upper & add a $150 NiB BCG & a BCM Mod 4 for $45 you are at $615 to your door & you get what you want. These new uppers from Aero are beautiful & very sturdy. I don't think you will be disappointed. Good luck. |
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Well, if there was only one thing I was sure of when I started putting my list together, it was that I was getting a BCM upper. Now I'm scratching my head...
I have zero experience but there seems to be a strong consensus that they are a high quality upper. Unless someone can convince me otherwise, from my research, PSA's are good, but not great and I'd rather avoid them for now. I'm just starting to research the Aero. I love the look of the rail and it seems a lot of people have a lot of good things to say about it. The only thing that scares me is how proprietary it is... The upper, the rail, the barrel nut, etc. I really like the idea of being able to pick up readily available replacement parts basically anywhere, anytime. Is this an unfounded fear? |
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I hear you. I am leery of proprietary components as well. This is the main reason I haven't sprung for an LWRCi six8 set.
Sometimes proprietary stuff can get a bit constrictive. If you look at the LMT rifles with interchangeable barrels, it is the same thing. They use a proprietary barrel mounting system that requires barrels to have the needed notches to mount onto the upper. For guys that have & want that ability, it is a moot point. They bought want they want & it fills a specific need. One thing I heavily consider, however, is the cost of the proprietary part. The LMT, or other quick change systems, are rather expensive in comparison to other upper/ rail combinations. The Aero M4E1 is not cost prohibitive what so ever. It is at an excellent price point & that should help them move their product. If it really catches on, & I don't see any reason why it shouldn't, therefore the reason I have become a supporter of this series, Aero, and therefore other companies, will begin to market rails for their uppers in varying configurations for different types of builds. Allowing the end user more customizable options. Did you know many companies purchase their uppers & lowers from Aero, even if they don't advertise it is an Aero manufactured piece? If the Aero fits your budget, has the design features that you ultimately want in the foreseeable future, then go for it. If you don't want to chance it, then go with a more conventional style upper, such as a BCM. But if you want a K-mod rail in 12' or 15" then the Aero is a very good value. The only thing I would ever consider here is if they were to come out with say an M-lock rail. I may lean that way at some point. I will say that more than likely one of my uppers I will be building soon will have an M4E1 upper & rail. More than likely it will be one of those & a Sidecharger upper from NFA with a not yet determined rail. |
| Just to throw it out there, BCM has various 16" uppers with different types of free float rails and no fsb that range from about $620 to $680, and are in stock right now. A bunch in the lower end of that range that may be worth checking out. A little over a hundred more to get what you're really wanting. |
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Well, I can't make the purchase right now, so looks like I may end up missing the free BCG deal at BCM. I would like to be able to choose my rail, preferably a key mod or m-lok for weight purposes, but don't want to have to spend all the extra money up front. That's why it would be nice if BCM offered an upper group with a low profile gas block and a magpul handguard. The cheapest options on the site are around $600, plus charging handle, $640, but they are all quad rails.
It may be a moot point if they're going to stop offering the free BCG, because then the price is going to go up even further. Looks like I may be deciding between the Aero or trying to find something on the equipment exchange. |
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Well, I can't make the purchase right now, so looks like I may end up missing the free BCG deal at BCM. I would like to be able to choose my rail, preferably a key mod or m-lok for weight purposes, but don't want to have to spend all the extra money up front. That's why it would be nice if BCM offered an upper group with a low profile gas block and a magpul handguard. The cheapest options on the site are around $600, plus charging handle, $640, but they are all quad rails. It may be a moot point if they're going to stop offering the free BCG, because then the price is going to go up even further. Looks like I may be deciding between the Aero or trying to find something on the equipment exchange. There are BCM uppers all over the EE. I'm not in the market so am not paying attention closely, but most seem to be M4 and M4A1 uppers. On BCGs...BCM makes a good quality mil-spec part. I'd just say that you can't go wrong with a high-quality unit, BCM being one of those. If you want to cobble one together from PSA parts, that may be another story. However I'm of the opinion that AR technology has reached a point where the vast majority of stuff from large well-reputed companies will go bang every time. We like to argue about it because, well, we're people. 
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I've gone back and forth with FSB with MOE handguard or perhaps a drop in rail system, or a low profile gas block with a freefloat rail and flip up front sites. I suppose for me, the decision on this is all coming down to optics, which all comes down to what I want to use my rifle for.
Main reason for wanting an AR15 is some SHTF scenario. I have a glock 22 and a 12g shotgun, so I probably wouldn't be running to the AR15 for home defense or when I hear a bump in the night. The main scenario I'm prepping for is if something where the logistic supply chain breaks down and it becomes hard to just grab food from the store. I'd like to learn to deer hunt and process the deer myself with a gunfight scenario being secondary. It seems the most general deer scope recommendation is a 3x9x40mm. An FSB should go out of focus and be a non-issue. A red dot seems great for close range, but I don't know that I want to have to rely on batteries, although I've heard aimpoints last for years, so I'm torn. In the case of a red dot, I wouldn't want an FSB. If I did go red dot, I could simply use a red dot+magnifier, and flip the magnifier up for hunting, but I'm not sure that's optimal. I could go with a 1-4x scope, but it seems to get a decent 1x optic, it's very pricy. Then there's the ACOG which would kind of float in the middle. Or I could simply have irons and a quick detach mount for my scope which would stay off until I was ready to hunt, but I'm worried about losing my zero after reattaching. I'm also considering going 1/8 twist instead of 1/7 so I can plink with cheaper ammo and still have good stability with heavier grain ammo for hunting. I'm sure the answer is purely based on opinion, but just curious what peoples opinions are on a good way to go to be able to accurately/quickly go from a zoomed optic to no optic/red dot. Or maybe the correct answer is to just to eventually buy a second upper with a 20" barrel and a fixed 3x9x40mm scope? |
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