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Posted: 9/3/2016 2:56:56 AM EDT
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Hello all,
After reaading for a bit and doing as much research as I can I've come to an impass and need some advice. I'm trying to build a basic 16" AR for plinking and HD. I'm trying to keep the entire build (minus accessories) for at or under $800. I've seen a few people do this, but I haven't really found anything on the three uppers I've found that I like for the money: Option 1: This PSA kit seems to have everything that I need, but the price has me concerned. In my experience, very few good things are cheap. http://www.primaryarms.com/7781383/p/7781383/ Option 2: I know Troy and have used a few things while I was on AD, but I'm not sold on this set up yet. http://www.primaryarms.com/troy-industries-16-556-upper-w-13-m-lok-rail-and-flip-sights/p/supg-5mf-16bt-00/ Option 3: A friend of mine referred me to these guys, they look good, but put my build over budget (which may not be terribe, but I don't know if it's worth it) https://sonsoflibertygunworks.com/collections/upper-receivers/products/m4-exo-upper-half-customizable-pick-your-barrel-length?variant=24010378497 Also, I'm not entirely certain what else I'd need. I'm pairing these with a Spike's stripped lower, and aside from option 1 I know I'll need to find an LPK , but I don't really know what else I'll need. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer! |
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Quoted: Hello all, After reaading for a bit and doing as much research as I can I've come to an impass and need some advice. I'm trying to build a basic 16" AR for plinking and HD. I'm trying to keep the entire build (minus accessories) for at or under $800. I've seen a few people do this, but I haven't really found anything on the three uppers I've found that I like for the money: Option 1: This PSA kit seems to have everything that I need, but the price has me concerned. In my experience, very few good things are cheap. http://www.primaryarms.com/7781383/p/7781383/ for this one, all you need is stripped lower Option 2: I know Troy and have used a few things while I was on AD, but I'm not sold on this set up yet. http://www.primaryarms.com/troy-industries-16-556-upper-w-13-m-lok-rail-and-flip-sights/p/supg-5mf-16bt-00/ you will need a stripped lower, a lower parts kit and a stock including a buffer and spring. Option 3: A friend of mine referred me to these guys, they look good, but put my build over budget (which may not be terribe, but I don't know if it's worth it) https://sonsoflibertygunworks.com/collections/upper-receivers/products/m4-exo-upper-half-customizable-pick-your-barrel-length?variant=24010378497 you will need a stripped lower, a lower parts kit and a stock including a buffer and spring, a charging handle and a bolt carrier group Also, I'm not entirely certain what else I'd need. I'm pairing these with a Spike's stripped lower, and aside from option 1 I know I'll need to find an LPK , but I don't really know what else I'll need. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer! |
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http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-melonite-11-lightweight-moe-freedom-rifle-kit.html
If you are pricing PSA kits, check directly from the source...And this one has a middy gas system instead of the carbine...all you need is a stripped lower |
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If you are pricing PSA kits, check directly from the source...And this one has a middy gas system instead of the carbine...all you need is a stripped lower |
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Quoted: Thanks guys! My question is, am I losing serious quality wth the PSA kit? Here is the deal, There are two major ways to make a rifle accurate. Trigger and barrel... sure there are small other things you can do, but those are the main ones. the barrels in all of those you listed will probably be about the same as far as a group size at 100 yards is concerned. you can expect a 4 inch group with factory M193 or M885(military standard) and maybe 2 inch groups with quality ammo like Black Hills. OK,, so that factor is out of the way. LPK.. trigger is the other. that's up to you. if you use the shit trigger in the PSA, you are going to get a piece of shit trigger. You have to buy a quality trigger. On the other 2, you have to buy a LPK and a quality trigger IMHO you can buy the PSA and make it shoot as well as those others with the addition of a quality trigger... something that you have to buy anyway on any of those. You said you are using it for home defense, so that's like shots of what 15 feet? anything will hit at that distance. Plinking at the range, so once again you are going out to the range, shoot some cans, make some noise... accuracy isn't a major concern there either. The PSA will function as will the others just fine and for your needs the PSA is great. There is another concern... if you buy those more expensive guns, there is more stuff you have to buy to complete them, you will be over budget and at that point, you can just get a high quality rifle kit from LaRue and have one of the best rifles ever made for right around $1100 |
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Quoted:
why doesn't anyone hotlink anymore? Quoted:
If you are pricing PSA kits, check directly from the source...And this one has a middy gas system instead of the carbine...all you need is a stripped lower My laptop was fubar for the hotlinking. |
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Quoted: So, going with the PSA will open my budget up for a solid trigger set. I'm not prepared to go that far over budget on the LaRue set, plus I've used it, and it's heaver than I'd like. Ok if weight is your biggest concern, then get the PSA. You have to decide if you want a quality single stage trigger... about 70 bux or a cheap 2 stage for about 140bux or a great 2 stage for about 200 or so. if I were you, because I have been where you are, I would get a good single stage and save yourself some money for a sling, and a red dot and ammo. Great single stage... http://algdefense.com/alg-combat-trigger-act.html and here is a little better single stage. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XRISERA140&name=RISE+Armament+RA-140+Super+Sporting+Performance+Trigger&search=trigger you will need anti walk pins though. cheap 2 stages. I have the top one, but it was 80 bux last year and honestly, that's about all its worth. https://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=294 most say these are the best 2 stages. https://geissele.com/geissele-2-stage-trigger.html or https://geissele.com/super-semi-automatic-ssar-trigger.html read those descriptions before you choose. Larue makes a wonderful 2 stage as well. prices start at 125. http://www.larue.com/larue-tactical-mbt-2s-trigger You can check other vendors for better prices. |
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Quoted:
Ok if weight is your biggest concern, then get the PSA. You have to decide if you want a quality single stage trigger... about 70 bux or a cheap 2 stage for about 140bux or a great 2 stage for about 200 or so. if I were you, because I have been where you are, I would get a good single stage and save yourself some money for a sling, and a red dot and ammo. Great single stage... http://algdefense.com/alg-combat-trigger-act.html and here is a little better single stage. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XRISERA140&name=RISE+Armament+RA-140+Super+Sporting+Performance+Trigger&search=trigger you will need anti walk pins pins though. Quoted:
Quoted:
So, going with the PSA will open my budget up for a solid trigger set. I'm not prepared to go that far over budget on the LaRue set, plus I've used it, and it's heaver than I'd like. You have to decide if you want a quality single stage trigger... about 70 bux or a cheap 2 stage for about 140bux or a great 2 stage for about 200 or so. if I were you, because I have been where you are, I would get a good single stage and save yourself some money for a sling, and a red dot and ammo. Great single stage... http://algdefense.com/alg-combat-trigger-act.html and here is a little better single stage. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XRISERA140&name=RISE+Armament+RA-140+Super+Sporting+Performance+Trigger&search=trigger you will need anti walk pins pins though. [URL=http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/triggers-parts/hammer-parts/hammer-pins/ar-15-anti-walk-pins-prod7589.aspx] would these work? |
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Quoted: [URL=http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/triggers-parts/hammer-parts/hammer-pins/ar-15-anti-walk-pins-prod7589.aspx] would these work? Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: So, going with the PSA will open my budget up for a solid trigger set. I'm not prepared to go that far over budget on the LaRue set, plus I've used it, and it's heaver than I'd like. You have to decide if you want a quality single stage trigger... about 70 bux or a cheap 2 stage for about 140bux or a great 2 stage for about 200 or so. if I were you, because I have been where you are, I would get a good single stage and save yourself some money for a sling, and a red dot and ammo. Great single stage... http://algdefense.com/alg-combat-trigger-act.html and here is a little better single stage. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XRISERA140&name=RISE+Armament+RA-140+Super+Sporting+Performance+Trigger&search=trigger you will need anti walk pins pins though. [URL=http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/triggers-parts/hammer-parts/hammer-pins/ar-15-anti-walk-pins-prod7589.aspx] would these work? |
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ALG sells LPK's that include their triggers...
http://algdefense.com/lower-parts.html $93 with the QMS, $113 with the ACT. I recently bought the QMS LPK for a retro build. Neither comes with a grip, but that's a plus to me because I hate A2 grips anyway and that's what most LPK's will have. |
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Quoted: They don't suggest a size, but I'm guessing .155 If your lower is brand new, get the .154's you can use these too and will save you a lot. http://www.squirreldaddy.com/Stainless-anti-walk-154-pin-set-p/sd29-104.htm |
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http://www.dpmsinc.com/Geissele-2-Stage-G2S-Trigger_p_2679.html this is a great price for a 2 stage and you don't need special pins I hear this trigger is a real nice single stage. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XHTEDT&name=HIPERFIRE+HIPERTOUCH+EDT+Performance+AR+Trigger&groupid=2357 |
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Quoted: Alright, I've ordered everything but the Lower, because I can't seem to find anyone that has a decent stripped lower in stock at a good price. cool... what did you decide on? Great lower, top notch. http://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/ar15-stripped-lower-gen2-anodized-black.html I have several http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Spike_s_Tactical_Lower_Multi_Forged_Bullet_p/sp-stls012.htm I don't have any, but they are good quality. Due to market demand, lowers have gone up in price in the past 3-6 months. 100 bux is going rate now, unless you buy a Anderson... but they scream cheap. |
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Alright, I went with the PSA upper kit:
http://www.primaryarms.com/7781383/p/7781383/ The RA-140 trigger and suggested pins: http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XRISERA140&name=RISE+Armament+RA-140+Super+Sporting+Performance+Trigger&search=trigger And the Spikes Tactical pirate lower (I finally found one in stock!): http://www.primaryarms.com/spikes-tactical-lower-multi-forged-pirate-parley-argh-and-plunder-markings/p/stls016pap/ This should be everything, and has me at a total build price of about $740 with shipping and ffl transfer. Also, I think I'm going to have to build another AR to experience the difference between this and a more premium build. I apologize if the formatting sucks, I'm doing this from my phone. |
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Quoted:
If your lower is brand new, get the .154's you can use these too and will save you a lot. http://www.squirreldaddy.com/Stainless-anti-walk-154-pin-set-p/sd29-104.htm Quoted:
Quoted:
They don't suggest a size, but I'm guessing .155 you can use these too and will save you a lot. http://www.squirreldaddy.com/Stainless-anti-walk-154-pin-set-p/sd29-104.htm Respectfully disagree. Get the .155" size. That is what Geissele uses with their new triggers. You want a tight fit. Just tap them in. Anti-walk pins are a solution to a no-existent problem, and if you are not careful, many of those aftermarket pins are not properly hardened. |
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Quoted: Respectfully disagree. Get the .155" size. That is what Geissele uses with their new triggers. You want a tight fit. Just tap them in. Anti-walk pins are a solution to a no-existent problem, and if you are not careful, many of those aftermarket pins are not properly hardened. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: They don't suggest a size, but I'm guessing .155 you can use these too and will save you a lot. http://www.squirreldaddy.com/Stainless-anti-walk-154-pin-set-p/sd29-104.htm Respectfully disagree. Get the .155" size. That is what Geissele uses with their new triggers. You want a tight fit. Just tap them in. Anti-walk pins are a solution to a no-existent problem, and if you are not careful, many of those aftermarket pins are not properly hardened. |
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Quoted:
cool... what did you decide on? Great lower, top notch. http://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/ar15-stripped-lower-gen2-anodized-black.html I have several http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Spike_s_Tactical_Lower_Multi_Forged_Bullet_p/sp-stls012.htm I don't have any, but they are good quality. Due to market demand, lowers have gone up in price in the past 3-6 months. 100 bux is going rate now, unless you buy a Anderson... but they scream cheap. Quoted:
Quoted:
Alright, I've ordered everything but the Lower, because I can't seem to find anyone that has a decent stripped lower in stock at a good price. Great lower, top notch. http://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/ar15-stripped-lower-gen2-anodized-black.html I have several http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Spike_s_Tactical_Lower_Multi_Forged_Bullet_p/sp-stls012.htm I don't have any, but they are good quality. Due to market demand, lowers have gone up in price in the past 3-6 months. 100 bux is going rate now, unless you buy a Anderson... but they scream cheap. The market is crazy right now. It took my guy a month to get me an Anderson at $55. Stripped uppers are tight right now too. I already have two Anderson Lowers and have no complaints at all... which is why I got a third. |
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Quoted:
So, I have one complaint with the PSA set, there's no parts list, and I am not certain that I have all the springs.... Right now for the magazine catch. Get a flashlight and search wherever you opened it at. Make sure it didn't interlock with another spring or get stuck in something (like the grip) If that doesn't work usually places don't hesitate to send you a part like that if you got shorted. |
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Quoted: I'm wishing I had a damned bench vice though. I'm assembling this on my coffee table. I did my first sitting at my computer chair. check out this link and it shows in the first 3-4 posts how to do it. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/226782_Assemble_your_own_LOWER__UPPER__FREE_FLOAT__TRIGGER__GAS_BLOCK___Step_by_step_instructions_.html |
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Quoted:
So, the pivot pin is on.... With just the spring, no detent, and I can't get it off.... Well, in attempt #2 to install pivot pin, the pin and spring hit the ceiling. The spring landed politely on my work space next to my lower, but that bastard detent has gone I know not where. |
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Quoted:
Well, in attempt #2 to install pivot pin, the pin and spring hit the ceiling. The spring landed politely on my work space next to my lower, but that bastard detent has gone I know not where. Quoted:
Quoted:
So, the pivot pin is on.... With just the spring, no detent, and I can't get it off.... Well, in attempt #2 to install pivot pin, the pin and spring hit the ceiling. The spring landed politely on my work space next to my lower, but that bastard detent has gone I know not where. PSA was kind enough to include the more polite twin of the missing bastard indent. This deed is done, pivot pin is functioning. |
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Quoted: PSA was kind enough to include the more polite twin of the missing bastard indent. This deed is done, pivot pin is functioning. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: So, the pivot pin is on.... With just the spring, no detent, and I can't get it off.... Well, in attempt #2 to install pivot pin, the pin and spring hit the ceiling. The spring landed politely on my work space next to my lower, but that bastard detent has gone I know not where. PSA was kind enough to include the more polite twin of the missing bastard indent. This deed is done, pivot pin is functioning. |
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I built my lower with out any special tools. I used the razor technique to install the front pivot pin.
I watch the midwayUSA videos and youtube to figure out what spring was what and what orientation they went in. :) you will need a vice and an upper reciever grip to install the barrel and free float handguard. I bought a 30$ vice at lowes and 25 dollar upper receiver vise at cabellas Bolted it on a board i had laying around and "C" clamped it to an old end-table vise |
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Not sure if you bought an upgraded trigger or not. If you go with the standard trigger you could try this trigger job
trigger job DIY |
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Quoted: Thankfully I gave a pre-assembled upper, and a drop in trigger. I'll be tackling the barrel installation and different trigger options on my next AR project. However, I'm wondering if there are any solid castle wrench alternatives? I have this one. it is a basic tool and works fine. https://www.amazon.com/Ergo-4959-Tactical-Carbine-Wrench/dp/B00AR3GBP8 If you see yourself actually building a whole rifle, get this or similar. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/wrenches/ar-15-m16-armorer-s-tool-prod54530.aspx |
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