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Posted: 7/16/2012 12:05:22 PM EDT
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Hey guys, this is my first post so ill try not to screw it up haha! I was in the army infantry so i am well versed in the M4 and I've decided to build one myself. I have the luxury of living within a very short distance of Mega Machine here in Tumwater and I'm not very far from Olympic Arms either. I want to build my M4 out of "local" parts from these guys but am not opposed to buying other guys' parts if they're just that much better... Now here is the kicker, I am on about a $900 budget. This M4 is going to be my range/shtf gun so I want to use quality parts but it doesnt have to be a long range precision hair-splitter. I already have a "pimped" AK that is my alternative SHTF weapon, but as we all know, its just not that accurate past 150/200m and the ergonomics are HORRIBLE. I've been a huge AK fan for a long time because of reliability but I'm starting to miss my M4 from the army. I have a friend that wants me to just get a S&W M&P 15 Sport, but id rather just build one that has everything I want instead of buying one and spending more money upgrading later. He says the dust cover and forward assist aren't needed, but anyone that has been to the sandbox like me will tell you otherwise. Back to the topic, I am wondering if it would be better to buy every individual component seperatley or buy pre-assembled uppers and lowers. I'm just looking for advice and opinions for now. Thanks guys
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Most stripped forged upper & lower receivers are for the most part, the same except for the brand name on the roll mark. Actually most vendors buy their uppers & lowers from the same manufacturers and have their roll mark put on. If you prefer a specific roll mark then I'd just go with which ever one you like. For a budget build I would not use a billet upper or lower. That would just eat up most if not all of your budget right there.
Have you checked out Palmetto State Armory? They have reasonably priced parts & rifle kits. I would compare a complete parts list + minimum tools needed to buying a kit and see if you prefer to buy the kit. I would also find out what the average waiting time is for a kit to arrive. Some companies have a LONG waiting time. Go with the barrel of choice or which ever one fits your budget. Lower parts kits are available from most vendors. You can buy a special trigger and a lower parts kit 'minus the trigger'. You can also find lower parts kits that include a special trigger. Just shop around and compare prices. I personally prefer a forward assist and always a dust cover. No dust cover reminds me of a car without a hood. Sure it's not necessary for the weapon to function, but why not use one? Stocks are a personal preference. If you're using a retractable stock, most recommend getting a 'mil spec' stock & buffer tube (receiver extension). Hand guard is a personal preference. There are many types & styles to choose from. If you're going for a budget build you could always go with a Magpul MOE handguard which looks cooler than the standard plastic handguards. |
| Depending on your timeline, it can be fun to fantasize and research which parts you want. I've got 2 Mega upper/lower based rifles...1 billet and 1 forged. If I'm not mistaken, they machine their own uppers and lowers and they are a great choice if it doesn't eat into your budget too much. I believe Rainier Arms is also a "local" vendor for you in Washington, so check them out. They are on the high end on price, but also high end on quality. Have fun with it, but I would recommend figuring out what your specific primary and secondary use will be before you buy anything. The use will determine the features. Have fun. |
so I wont have to put that into the budget
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Assembling a lower is super easy and doesnt require very many expensive tools, and it sounds like you really want a mega lower, which is OK because they are top notch Assembling an upper might be a little trickier, as far as parts and tools goes, but IF you can't find one assembled in the configuration you want might be your only option. What I would recommend is buy yourself a mega lower, lower parts kit, buffer kit and stock of your choice (or whatever you can find in stock) and get a spike's, BCM, riflegear, or palmetto state armory complete upper that is in the configuration you want. |
I feel you Brother. thank to you for your Service to your battle buddies, family and Country. HOOAH!!
| 308: Build it from scratch, you will never regret it and the knowledge you gain will be priceless later on when its time to work on your rifle. For components, check out Rainier Arms, they too are close to you in WA. Their house brand upper and lower receivers are among the very best. Same goes for their house brand barrels. - CW |
Thanks a lot guys! I think I will go with a Mega lower to support my local community. I'm with you on building it from scratch. I have the tendency to do things like that (I built an '85 jeep cherokee from scratch) seeing as how I am a mechanic/parts guy/fabricator so it shouldnt be all that hard. Yes I am proud to have served my country and I thank all of my brothers in arms (especially combat-arms) out there who have made the same sacrifice. It is odd how we always have spares in the military...  Thanks again guys. I'll definatley be sticking around here.
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