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Posted: 3/15/2012 4:46:50 PM EDT
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Thanks to all of the great reading on this site, I just completed my first AR. I bought an aeroprecision lower at a local show, then picked up an upper from SOTA, and a lpk from PSA. The upper arrived first, so I had to wait until today to complete everything. I got home this evening and my lpk was on the porch, so I started to work right away.
I didn't buy any specialty tools for the build, just a punch kit from harbor freight, and a plastic tipped hammer to ensure that I didn't mar anything up. I don't consider myself to have more than average skills, and was able to assemble everything without too much problem. I didn't use a bench vise or vise block, so I had to have my son smack a punch with a hammer a couple of times while I held everything else in place. Other than that, it wasn't too big of a deal to complete. I used the PSA classic lower build kit, and the SOTA arms 16" flat top kit with a floated knurled alum hand guard and A2 flash hider. Nothing fancy, but pretty much exactly what I was looking for on my first AR. The next one might be a retro A2. I took my time and completed my lower in around 1 1/2 hours. It could have been done faster, but I was being careful since this was a first to me. There will be plenty of time for getting cocky and screwing one up later. :) I'm happy with it, and can't wait until I can get it out to shoot. I built on a metal lower, and have approximately $550 in my build. I still am waiting for mags, and haven't put optics on it yet, so there is more cost coming. |
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Here it is. Not the best picture, but you get the idea.
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g382/gdhks3/100_0096.jpg |
| I'm starting to see the build threads using SOTA uppers appearing on various forums. I've been looking for months now and have put off buying an upper of any kind several times because I was looking for the "right one". Currently I cannot find a sub-$400 (w/BCG and CH) upper in stock anywhere except SOTA. I've seen numerous very positive reviews and one negative, and have decided this is the one for me. I really like their stock hand-guards and and will be ordering within the next week. This will be paired with a new NFA lower and some budget red-dot. This gun will be a multi-purpose toy/plinker. I'll be reallly happy with fist-sized groups at 100yds from the shoulder. Will report back. |
| I found an old 4X32 scope and a couple of extra rings, so I just mounted it up and it looks kinda cool. The rear of the scope barely clears the charging handle, so it is definitely a low rider. I like the SOTA upper so far, and it passes the bench testing I've done to it so far, but I can't really give a complete review on it until I get it out shooting. It should be early next week. I'm not sure I can wait much more than that.... |
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