AR Sponsor
Posted: 12/13/2013 10:42:22 PM EDT
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First off, I want to thank the members of this forum for all of the information. I've been lurking through my entire build, taking advantage of posted deals, advice, and suggestion. It has been a huge help.
I started this build with an 80% lower receiver ordered from aresarmor.com. I ordered one of their 80% billet receivers, and their single use jig. I didn't realize it until I actually had finished machining the receiver that they had mistakenly sent me a JL Billet receiver, instead of one of their regular receivers. So, what I have is a Raw JL Billet receiver. I have next to no milling/machining experience, which will be obvious in the pictures. But, also keep in mind that I machined the entire fire control pocket using a $120 bench top drill press from Harbor Freight. None of the imperfections affect the lower's functioning at all, and the LPK fits without any play. Function check works perfectly. Anyway, here is a list of the parts I am using, so far. I have been attempting to go as cheap as possible, while still feeling confident the rifle will be gtg. prices include shipping (some shipping prices have been split, because of multiple items in the same order) - 80% Lower from aresarmor.com - $90 - Blemished stripped upper from aresarmor.com - $39 - Upper Build Kit from PSA - $28.50 - PTAC Full Auto BCG w/ charging handle from PSA - $93.50 - Blackhawk LPK from PSA - $37 - Classic Stock Kit from PSA - $43.50 - Front Sight with integrated laser from ar15scopes.com (not pictured)- $30 - Polymer magazine from PSA - $11.50 sitting right at $350 total right now. I still need a barrel, gas block, gas tube, handguard, flash hider, and rear sight. My initial goal was $500 for the entire build, but, obviously, that is no longer possible, even with going super cheap on the handguard and rear sight. I've seen enough advice around here to know not to cheap out on suspect barrels and gas blocks. But my goal is to stay around $150 for those 2 parts combined. Unfortunately, I ran out of money during all of the black friday deals, and don't think I can order the barrel until right after Christmas, now. I'm crossing my fingers that there will still be some lingering deals on some barrels at that time. I'm looking for a mid-length 16" barrel. Anyway, I just thought I would throw this out there for you guys to see. Its nothing to brag about, but at this point, I am proud to have made it this far. http://imageshack.us/a/img132/1107/wznu.jpg http://imageshack.us/a/img856/8629/pg4g.jpg http://imageshack.us/a/img841/2158/ed2v.jpg http://imageshack.us/a/img849/2554/3dq0.jpg |
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I just ordered this. http://www.cobratacsystems.com/collections/ar-barrels/products/ati-mossberg-oem-16-223-5-56-1-7-twist-melonite-ar-carbine-barrel-with-sight-post-and-drop-in-rail
I have been going back and forth about the Mossberg barrels since they have been so cheap, lately. I finally decided to get this one since it comes with basically everything I need to finish my build, except the gas tube. I had intended on get a barrel with mid gas port, but, considering my monetary circumstances, I will settle in this case. I am planning on building another rifle, anyway, this year, anyway. I've seen mixed opinions on the Mossberg barrels, but most say it isn't pretty, but still gtg. This gun doesn't need to be anything special. just something to take to the range occassionally as I can afford ammo. Any comments? |
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http://imageshack.us/a/img856/485/uwzo.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img24/4459/lzsy.jpg Ready to fire. Because of the weather that is coming, though, I may not make it to a range for another week or so. Should I expect any issues when I take this to a range? Since I completed the lower, myself, and it isn't marked with anything other than the fire/safety markings, I'm just wondering if anyone will give me issues. I know it is perfectly legal, the problem is that I also know that there are plenty of idiots out there. I decided to go with a 12" free float rail. The barrel came with a FSB, so I just cut the site off of it and used it, based on advice I have read around the forum. The entire assembly cost less than $600. Of course I spent somewhere in the range of $300 on tools, but I'm not counting that...though my wife does. |
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I wanted a carry handle, and the scope mount came in the package. I just haven't removed it, as I haven't seen the need, yet.
Also, I haven't gotten to fire this gun, yet, so I'm not sure where the rail covers will eventually be positioned. I put them on, like they are simply to install them. I'm sure I will adjust their positions once I am at the range. |
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I got to the range today. Shot 90 rounds through the gun. Not a single misfire, and everything fed perfectly. I was using Tula steel.
The sights are way off, but my goal today wasn't to sight the gun in, just make sure everything worked as it should. My groups weren't good, but, this was the first time I have fired an AR style rifle, so I'm not too worried about it at the moment. Maybe in a few weeks I will get back and get it sighted in. |
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