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Posted: 1/16/2012 4:47:30 PM EDT
| I'm building my first AR-15, beginning with a stripped lower from Palmetto State Armory. I'm leaning toward an M-4 style with components coming from PSA, obviously price is a concern. The purpose of the build is for plinking and possibly 3-gun competition. What upgrades should I consider while keeping this project in a reasonable price range? I'm told a chrome barrel and an upgraded trigger, like a JP single stage are important upgrades. Any recommendations on muzzle brakes/flash suppressors or iron sights? Thanks in advance for your input. |
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For 3-gun I'd go with irons or a red dot, whichever your more comfortable with. As long as it's local competition and your doing it for fun I wouldn't stress over chrome lining or an upgraded trigger untill you run a few courses then decide how the trigger feels.
The stock A2 muzzle brake is fine, probally the best aftermarket one iv'e seen is the Battlecomp. You can find a lot of info around here and videos on youtube. But it'll add about $125 to the gun. If your just getting started just get a basic gun then decide what you don't like before spending money on stuff you might not even need. |
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If you're building specifically for competition, an M4 type is probably not the best way to go. The carbine gas system is known to be harsher to shoot, which can affect your split times. If you do some research on Brian Enos' site, you'll see that the common setups are either midlength or rifle (more common) gas systems on barrels between 16 and 20" long. If you plan to shoot iron sights, 20" is a better bet. If you'll be shooting Tac Optics or Open, 18" is a pretty decent compromise.
An M4 will work - there are plenty of people shooting carbines in 3 gun every weekend. However, if you're going to build it with the express intent of competing, I believe you're better off building a competition gun that will last you for a while. You mention budget as being a concern. In that case, if you want to stick with PSA, I'd wait until their 16" Stainless Wylde upper comes back in stock. Otherwise, I'd build up from a separate barrel and upper. Something like the DPMS MK 12 for an 18" barrel, or a Rainier Arms Match or Select 16" or 18" barrel. IMHO, the best bargain going for a "complete" 3 gun upper is the Stag 3G upper, which is currently going for about $700. I just finished putting my competition rifle together, and I used a Nordic 18" barrel for my gun, FWIW. |
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