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4/21/2012 9:54:39 PM EDT
Hello.  New to AR's and the forums so hopefully this is the right place for this question. I've been very interested in the Colt SP6920CA Carbine Rifle (yes, I'm stuck in CA).  I am wondering how difficult it would be for a noob like me to build an AR similar in quality to the Colt and how much, if any, money would I save building it.  I've priced the Colt out at $1150 before fees/tax.  I've been reading through the FAQ, threads, and other websites to learn as much as I can, but I don't have a ton of extra free time to do a complete build and I'm a bit impatient, so I wouldn't want to stretch it out over a long period of time.  Would it be worth it financially to do a build?  I don't have tools and this will likely be my only AR barring an onset of black rifle disease.  Any advice would be appreciated.
4/21/2012 10:05:05 PM EDT
[#1]
Several companies make Cali legal ARs.  I believe Spike's and Bravo Co can also help you.  Either rifle would be a fine addition in lue of a Colt and save you a couple of $100 as well.

I'm not as familiar with Cali rules as far as what you can buy lower wise and how much that costs.  If you are comfortable spend that much on the Colt, then just go ahead and do that.
4/23/2012 3:44:22 PM EDT
[#2]
I don't mind spending that much for a Colt, but if I can get a close to equivalent for less, I'd be all over it.  I have a local shop I can get a lower from and turns out they'll assemble the lower parts kit, bullet button, and stock for $25 - worth it to me even though I could probably figure it out.  So, building seems like a decent option now.

After researching the following is what I'm thinking of doing.  If I'm missing anything (besides magazines) or you have any suggestions on how to better tweak it let me know.  I'm also considering adding a better trigger - something like a RRA 2 stage - although looks like they are on indefinite back order.

Lower
Spikes Tactical Zombie Stripped Lower Receiver (from Rifle Gear locally) - 119
BCM M4 Milspec Stock Kit - 82.95
AR15 Lower Parts Kit (semi) Rock River Arms - 70
Bullet Button - 20
SUB TOTAL = 291.95

Upper
Spikes Upper (5.56) 16" M4 LE w/M4 Handguards & FSP - 575
Magpul MBUS Folding Rear Sight - 58
SUB TOTAL = 632

TOTAL - 924.95
4/23/2012 5:56:23 PM EDT
[#3]
That would be a solid set up and you'd have no troubles with the Cali laws.  i personally would not hesitate to run that set up.  Hell I'd use the money saved to buy an Aimpoint PRO or scoop up a used one in the EE on here.
4/23/2012 6:38:30 PM EDT
[#4]
The only problem I see with it is that from what I can tell, it is taking a long time to receive orders from Spikes.  I guess I could order and just wait it out.  But I'm also considering going with PSA instead with the following since its all in stock:

Lower
Spikes Tactical Zombie Stripped Lower Receiver (local) - 119
MOE LPK and Stock Kit - 144.99
Bullet Button - 20 (rifle gear)
SUB TOTAL = 283.99

Upper
PSA 16'' Hammer Forged Midlength Upper W/MOE Handguards - 529.94
Magpul MBUS Folding Rear Sight - 50
SUB TOTAL = 580.03

TOTAL - 864.03
4/24/2012 3:52:56 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
The only problem I see with it is that from what I can tell, it is taking a long time to receive orders from Spikes.  I guess I could order and just wait it out.  But I'm also considering going with PSA instead with the following since its all in stock:

Lower
Spikes Tactical Zombie Stripped Lower Receiver (local) - 119
MOE LPK and Stock Kit - 144.99
Bullet Button - 20 (rifle gear)
SUB TOTAL = 283.99

Upper
PSA 16'' Hammer Forged Midlength Upper W/MOE Handguards - 529.94
Magpul MBUS Folding Rear Sight - 50
SUB TOTAL = 580.03

TOTAL - 864.03


Can't go wrong with PSA either.  I have several of their lowers and a few upper receivers and everything went together well.  I also run their BCGs and have had no issues.

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