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Posted: 5/11/2016 12:59:20 PM EDT
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I am still building a list and pricing parts, but think I am going to wait for Memorial Day sales before buying many parts. Here is what I have researched thus far. This is my first build and my first AR.
Aero Precision M4E1 Enhanced Upper Aero Precision Gen 2 Stripped Lower Aero Precision 15" Keymod Enhanced Guard Ballistic Advantage 16" Modern Government Profile Barrel Low profile gas block and tube DD Pistol Grip and Collapsible Butt Stock Mil Spec Buffer Toms Tactical Lower Parts Kit Raptor CH Ambi Still have no idea on trigger, bolt carrier and a few of the other small details. I want to build a solid first rifle, but dont want to skimp on parts and worry about upgrading later. Any input would be greatly appreciated. |
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FWIW, you've got a lot of stuff on there that go way beyond a "solid first build". I built my first AR for appx $600 and it's at over 10k rounds now with no issues. Without searching each part, that looks like a $2,000 rifle.
You could really cut some unnecessary costs by going with a simpler upper and rail system. Get a $50 Anderson upper and a $75 keymod rail from ebay. I assure you, they will work just as well as the others. your BCG could come from PSA for $100, same with the LPK. Just my $.02 |
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Quoted:
FWIW, you've got a lot of stuff on there that go way beyond a "solid first build". I built my first AR for appx $600 and it's at over 10k rounds now with no issues. Without searching each part, that looks like a $2,000 rifle. You could really cut some unnecessary costs by going with a simpler upper and rail system. Get a $50 Anderson upper and a $75 keymod rail from ebay. I assure you, they will work just as well as the others. your BCG could come from PSA for $100, same with the LPK. Just my $.02 I kind of agree with this. You could get some things more simple and cut some costs, but really, do what makes you happy. A $2000 build for a first AR is awesome IMO if you have the funds. Don't get a rail from eBay if you intend on any serious use, I assure you it won't hold up to any real abuse if you actually take any classes or abuse the rifle Pick up a premium BCG from PSA and a premium or classic LPK. Lots of good triggers out there, Geissele, CMC, Timney, etc. Single VS. Two stage. My all around favorite is tied between the Geissele SSA and Larue's MBT. Velocity Triggers are awesome for less $, I scored a 3.5 lbs Single stage for $99 shipped on sale a few months ago |
| I pretty much agree with the previous posts too. Aero is a great company and nothing wrong with their basic uppers and lowers. The problem I have with Aero is it seems they are getting away from the basic build because they are always pushing this enhanced line of theirs and just finding basic items with them is not always easy and they go out of stock quickly. But believe me if you want an expensive rail that supposedly creates a perfect uninterupted top rail nearly to the flash hider. Not knocking that, people want it, but what about those of us that just want a solid battle gun? Anyway I sort of veered off but get it all if you want but there are other options just as good at less cost. Also for a first build using a govt profile and 16 inch barrel are you oppossed to drop in rails with the standard FSB? Personally unless you are building a precision rifle I wouldn't bother with a free float setup. |
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Actually, my preliminary math has me between 850-900 if I stick with a basic trigger to begin with.
Lower was 85 Upper and Rail 225 Barrel with gas block and tube was 130 Raptor CH was 68.92 Buffer 22.95 DD Stock and handle 90 LPK from Tom Tactical with upgraded nickel Teflon trigger 60 If I did 100 bucks for a bcg 100 dollar trigger I may try the mil spec stuff out first before upgrading, but even with a decent brake I could be well under 1k, which was my goal from the start. I had considered buying a DDM4V11 and decided I would not only learn more assembling mine myself, but be able to customize as I go. Thoughts on that? My friend has the tools needed to build my own. I could save on a couple places, but felt good about my prices thus far. |
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I say go with what you have planned even if it turns out more expensive than a budget first build. My first build, I built it exactly how I wanted after extensive research, just like you, and have not for a second been dissatisfied or wished I had saved a few hundred bucks with some different parts.
Best of luck assembling it; post pics when you are finished! |
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Quoted: You might be able to buy that complete upper from Aero cheaper than building it depending on sales. Yeah you may want to seriously investigate this. Aero often runs 15% off some of their uppers, infact a .223 Wylde 16" gov profile mid gas M4E1 with 15" rail low pro gas block and A2 was $475 this last week. Sign up for their sales emails. You'd still need a BCG, but you can get those from AIM for as low as $80 shipped, and a CH ($15-100) so you'd be into the upper for less than $600 and not need to buy any upper build tools. Just for funzies.... $475 M4E1 complete upper I listed above $80 AIM BCG $15 CH from AIM (Radical Firearms I believe, just a standard one) $49 Anderson LPK from AIM (or subtract $20 if you ditch the grip, trigger guard, and trigger) $39 DSA 6 POS mil-spec diameter M4 stock and buffer kit Add in your $85 lower and you're up to $743 with one hell of a good base to build off of. You can upgrade the trigger, grip, and stock at a later date. The only things you need that you also didn't list in your OP is either an optic of some sort and/or iron sights. Of course AIM doesn't have all of that stuff in stock so you're going to have to be patient, but if you wanted to spend less you could. I've helped several of my co-workers assemble their own AR's much like that for around $650 and have helped them upgrade them over time. I don't build basic, or even mid level now, uppers from parts anymore. It's just not cost effective. If I'm building specific/tailored rifles and I have parts criteria that I will not budge on then I'll build it myself. |
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What's the main purpose of the gun?
My bench guns typically have longer rails and lighter, two stage triggers. My battle rifles typically only have rails out to the gas block, and heavier, single stage triggers. Your rail is light, but still, is the extra necessary if you plan on hunting or carrying it through the woods? The first time I sat down with a Giessele trigger I thought it was way too light and accidentally double tapped a few times. Now that I'm used to it, I love it, but I still strongly prefer my ALG ACTs on my battle rifles. My Geisseles are not enhanced, BTW. I still feel that they are really light. You need to start considering sights as well. Do you eventually want an optic? I personally prefer fixed sights without an optic, especially a carry handle. Without an optic, flip-ups are nice for gun safes. Aim BCGs seem to be the best value around, if you can catch them in stock. I see no reason for an upper to be "enhanced". I feel like you are paying for cosmetics, not function. Don't let me stop you if you like it, but don't expect to see increased performance from it either. I may be wrong, just my $.02. I personally wouldn't spend the money on an ambi CH, but that's just me. A medium sized latch is all I need. I don't know anything about Toms Tactical, but for me, it's hard to beat the $42 WOA LPK from Adco. I like that it comes with a grip screw, even though there is no grip. This has become my favorite LPK, but I could probably do better if I wanted to shop around. The DD LPKs with trigger seem to get good reviews, as well as the BCM that has already been mentioned. |
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Solid build list. And nothing wrong using quality parts for it. I did the same for my first one. And I put together a rifle I'm very happy with. That I couldn't buy as a factory built rifle.
You could shave some cost but still retain quality. Go with a different handguard (ALG, Faxon, UTG Pro to name a few). For a trigger I'd suggest ALG ACT or BCM Gunfighter. They are mil spec that have been shown a little bit of love and also very dependable. Could pickup an AIM Surplus bolt carrier group. Cost is between $89 - $109, depending which one you buy. For a barrel, Green Mountain has many barrels to chose from. I have one of their MLG, 16" chromed lined, 1 in 7 barrel's I paid $159 for. It's a really nice shooting barrel. The most important thing, have fun with the build. And when you get out on the range for the first time. And put some rounds through it. Might make you giggle a little bit. |
| I would recommend trying out the DD stock and grip before buying. There are plenty of better options on the market. Nothing that the DD set does can't be done by something from magpul or BCM and for cheaper. The DD has sharp edges, a stupid rubber for your cheek and looks bad in my opinion. I also wasn't a fan of their adjustment on the stock. |
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This place had some great prices on Aero stuff.
http://www.graniteridgeoutfitters.com/Aero-Precision-M4E1-Enhanced-Upper-Handguard-Combo-KEYMOD-M4E1COMBO-EK-BLK.htm |
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