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Posted: 7/7/2011 5:01:29 AM EDT
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i'm leaning towards "build it myself", since it will give me working knowledge of the mechanics, and allow me to swap out parts down the road.
pros: - learn more - can spread cost out - will have tools for future mods/builds - more customizable - i already have a BCG ready to use cons: - have to buy tools - will take more time - will take more effort can anyone shed some light on the subject and prevent me from taking the easy way out? 
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I think you have it...
To me buying a complete upper defeats most purposes of building your own. The only purpose you may achieve buy doing this is: to build the most inexpensive rifle than you can. But you loose 1) the customizable benefit and 2) the learning everything about your rifle factor not to mention the satisfaction of knowing that you built it totally yourself. Just MHO and its worth what you paid for it. You have your pros and cons well identified. Now its up to you. Good luck and keep us posted Gil V. |
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ha, yeah.. it's like my mind is mostly made up, but i suppose i just wanted some validation.
i've found information on what goes into a completed upper, but i'm unsure which components come with parts. so if i were to build it from scratch, i wouldn't want to buy unnecessary extra parts. also, i'm up for tool suggestions from everyone.. bench vice, vice blocks, torque wrench, punch set, etc. thanks! |
| Both have benefits. You will save lots of money by purchasing complete uppers if you find exactly what you want in an upper. If you don't, building it yourself is the better way to go and cheaper in the long run. Also, you don't end up with lots of extra parts sitting around for who knows how long. |
| Id say go ahead and build it yourself. I did mine with nothing more than some regular hand tools "channel locks, electrical tape, screwdriver w/interchangeable bits small hammer,etc" and a DPMS armorors tool. I made a vice block out of a piece of wood using a hand saw and a drill. I borrowed a torque wrench from a buddy but ive bought one since. Its really simply if you have any mehanical ability. Lkke somebody said earlier its hard to find a complete upper just like you want it. |
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Quoted:
The AIM armors tool from PSA is nice. I'm happy with it. A vice is a vice pretty much, someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but Ive never known anyone to debate much over vices other than price and adjustments available. Just make sure you get good blocks. are you referring to this? |
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Man, that's a decision that's harder than Chinese arithmatic. I went through the same thing. The pros won. I already had a complete lower, and decided
to build the upper from scratch. I have a charging handle, removeable carry handle (splintered A), and new MP bolt from the EE. Spikes M4 upper receiver from Aim, and misc small parts for BCG from Midway (ordered with a friend to save shipping). That's all so far. You'll find what sucks is finding a deal, and not having the $$$. Build it yourself, you'll appreciate it more. 
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| If you want an upper just to go shoot, buy one pre made. In my experience you are usually going to spend more to build and upper, even if you borrow the tools. If you are a hobbyist/enthusiast and want to put uppers together and personalize them, then buy decent tools and start building. |
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Both at Brownells:
PRI 5pin barrel nut wrench and PRI upper receiver block which will also hold via picatinny rail. Great for aligning FF forearms whether they bridge to the receiver or not. The PRI uses 3/8 or 1/2 drive torque wrenches. Will work on milspec, YHM, MI or Troy TRX barrel nuts. |
| Also many of the newest forearms have their own specific barrel nut and wrench. Many Daniel Defense and Troy rails come with their own wrenches and I really like to have options for what torque wrench to buy. If you get a great deal on a 3/8 drive wrench and the barrel nut wrench requires a 1/2 drive then that's another part in the chain you need to buy. I just prefer to put the BNW on the torque wrench and go. It would be great if the companies that supply their own specific wrench would notch out for 3/8 and 1/2 drives. |
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Quoted:
thanks for the input guys - i'm going to go ahead and build it myself. might be more expensive and time consuming, but the knowledge will be invaluable. now i just need to figure out wtf i want!  You are only talking about a barrel nut wrench ($30.00), some anti-seize lubricant and if you want to go pro....a vise block (Block Worx). Not much on the investment side and then add in the sweat equity, you have something to be proud about. Good decision! |
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Quoted:
You are only talking about a barrel nut wrench ($30.00), some anti-seize lubricant and if you want to go pro....a vise block (Block Worx). Not much on the investment side and then add in the sweat equity, you have something to be proud about. Good decision! oh i was referring to which parts for the upper ha. yeah i am completely tool-less though.. need to get everything. |
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Quoted:
Also many of the newest forearms have their own specific barrel nut and wrench. Many Daniel Defense and Troy rails come with their own wrenches and I really like to have options for what torque wrench to buy. If you get a great deal on a 3/8 drive wrench and the barrel nut wrench requires a 1/2 drive then that's another part in the chain you need to buy. I just prefer to put the BNW on the torque wrench and go. It would be great if the companies that supply their own specific wrench would notch out for 3/8 and 1/2 drives. they have adapters that go from 1/2'' down to 3/8'' drive and vise versa, just fyi, much cheaper to buy the $3 adapter at lowes then to buy another $69 torque wrench |
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