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Posted: 11/12/2016 9:19:46 PM EDT
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Hello everyone! I've been plinking around with my .22 rifle and after getting to try out some other things over the past couple of years, I've come to the conclusion that I need an AR, haha :)
I build computers on the side, so I figured I would try and build my AR, rather than buy one. I like the feeling of pride that comes with something you put together. Now my .22 is a plinker, I want this rifle to be a little more substantial. I was invited to go hog hunting as soon as I got it built, so I'd like to be able to use it for that. I enjoy long range shooting, too, at least with the .22. I'm not at all worried about it "looking cool", I just want it to be efficient, so long as people don't mistake it for THE ugly stick. 5-600.00 is about the budget, slightly negotiable. I'm in college, so I don't have oodles of cash to spend, but I'll be spacing the parts out to keep my wallet from trying to strangle me at night. I've been doing quite a bit of reading, but I feel like I'm not anywhere closer to making decisions on some of these parts, quite a bit more complicated than building computers, at least I think so, hah. Here's what I've come up with so far: Stripped Lower: Aero Precision v2 LPK: Red Barn's LPK -Elftmann Speed Safety Selector from the Red Barn kit That's about as far as I've gotten. I had ideas about other parts, but needed to figure a few things out, first. My uncle is a gunsmith, having been working with custom 1911s for about as long as I've been alive. I don't know much about gunsmithing, what he can and cannot do to certain parts. Are there certain parts I can compromise on? For instance, a cheaper trigger that my uncle can do a trigger job on? I've settled on a 16" melonite barrel, I just don't know which barrel to get. I've looked at lists, but like I've said, I'm not sure which parts are more important to spend the money on than others. Thanks for the help, and I apologize for being a newb, haha. |
| If your budget is $5-600, don't know if you're going to get a melonited bbl for that. Sounds like you've got a good start, put the LPK into your lower. I wouldn't worry about the BCG being a particular quality - bolts eventually break and are replaced - bolt carriers only break if the gun blows up. Get you a PSA upper or similar, and if you have money left over, put it in ammo and go shoot the thing. |
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Thanks guys! After some discussion and thinking, I've been able to increase my budget for quality parts without paying for premium.
I've done a lot more reading and I've started a list of parts. I'm on a phone currently, but when I get to a computer I can include links to the parts. Lower Aero Precision v2 - 80.00 Anderson - 45.00 LPK RedBarn - 24.95 Elftmann Safety - 34.99 ALG Defense Combat ACT Trigger - 62.99 Grip Generic -2.99 Bolt Carrier Group AIM Nitride 9310 - 89.95 KAK Nitride - 105.00 Buffer Set KAK Industries (with heavy buffer) - 55.00 Barrel Nut Generic - 10.00 Gas Block Blackwood Arms - 20.00 YHM - 21.47 Upper Aero Precision Slick Slide - 74.99 Upper Parts (w/ forward assist & charging handle) KAK Industries - 41.00 Gas Tube Generic - <15.00 KAK Industries has a nitride barrel for 105.00, and I've been reading good things about KAK, ISF that an option? Or should I be looking a little more? |
| I have both AP and Andersen lowers and like the Aero's slightly better. You can get the whole lower build kit, stock and all from PSA for $100+ I grab the CTR stocked kits with the enhanced trigger when I see them for $129. Are you wanting to assemble the upper yourself or just pin it? Many pre-assembled uppers are also gauged and test-fired. |
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A budget melonite barrel: http://www.righttobear.com/Radical-Firearms-16-5-56-NATO-M4-PROFILE-MELONITE-p/16m4-1-7.htm
I dont know much about radical firearms. I've used Faxon and really like their products, I have a couple from Voodoo innovations as well. The Voodoo barrels are melonited tack drivers but $$$. A decent BCG I recommend the chrome one from RRA but its a few dollar more. Honestly you could probably get away with buying a cheap BCG and find it will work just fine but you'll be taking that chance. www.righttobear.com and www.schuylerarmsco.com/ are two of my goto sites for budget building. Look into Matrix aerospace for cheap USA handguards. Chandler Hardwoods usually carries them but stock may be low coming out of the election season. Hope that helps |
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I'm alloted to have a separate budget for the barrel, as long as I keep it under $275. I'd prefer around $240. I'm hoping to be able to accurately reach out past 300 yards.
I was really looking hard at LaRue, but found out they just use Ion Bonding, which, to my knowledge, is just an external coating. I haven't read anything wrong with Faxon Barrels, just not sure if they are what I'm looking for. That's not me saying no, it's me saying I honestly don't know, haha |
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Quoted:
Thanks guys! After some discussion and thinking, I've been able to increase my budget for quality parts without paying for premium. I've done a lot more reading and I've started a list of parts. I'm on a phone currently, but when I get to a computer I can include links to the parts. Lower Aero Precision v2 - 80.00 Anderson - 45.00 Either will serve you well. I've built 2 of each. LPK RedBarn - 24.95 Elftmann Safety - 34.99 ALG Defense Combat ACT Trigger - 62.99 Good LPK selection. Why don't you stick to a milspec safety selector Until you know what you like and don't like. The ALG ACT is probably worth the upgrade. Grip Generic -2.99 Bolt Carrier Group AIM Nitride 9310 - 89.95 KAK Nitride - 105.00 Go with AIM, sign up to be notified when back in stock. Try and wait for the V2 black Nitride C158 Buffer Set KAK Industries (with heavy buffer) - 55.00 I'd go with the RBA Buffer Tube kit. Yes, it's 6061 instead of 7076, but it gets good reviews, its on sale for $40 and you can combine shipping. Or find an Anderson receiver extension as those are 7076. Barrel Nut Generic - 10.00 Wait on the barrel nut. Many rails include proprietary nut. Wait. Gas Block Blackwood Arms - 20.00 YHM - 21.47 Wait on the gas block. Some barrels include it. Some Rail Manufacturers include it. Upper Aero Precision Slick Slide - 74.99 If you choose slick side upper, there is no provision for forward assist. Therefore, you will not need the parts from KAK below. Except a charging handle. Purchase a CH from a vendor to to combine shipping charges. Upper Parts (w/ forward assist & charging handle) KAK Industries - 41.00 Gas Tube Generic - <15.00 Wait until you buy the barrel so you know if you need mid or carbine length. KAK Industries has a nitride barrel for 105.00, and I've been reading good things about KAK, ISF that an option? Or should I be looking a little more? Look very closely at the Faxon GUNNER This includes a pinned GB. My 14.5 inch GUNNER is my favorite and best shooting AR15. |
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Appreciate the write up! I'm currently picking between these three barrels:
http://www.larue.com/556-predatar-barrel http://ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38007/4307 http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XFXBSS16QPQ&name=FAXON+FIREARMS+16"+5.56%2f.223+Caliber+416R+Stainless+Steel+Nitride++AR+Barrel&groupid=6477 I tasted out the Elftmann speed safety, and I really liked it, but your comment reminded me that it wasn't necessary... Haha, I guess I should get a functional rifle together first... |
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Appreciate the write up! I'm currently picking between these three barrels: http://www.larue.com/556-predatar-barrel http://ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38007/4307 http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XFXBSS16QPQ&name=FAXON+FIREARMS+16"+5.56%2f.223+Caliber+416R+Stainless+Steel+Nitride++AR+Barrel&groupid=6477 I tasted out the Elftmann speed safety, and I really liked it, but your comment reminded me that it wasn't necessary... Haha, I guess I should get a functional rifle together first... What do we need to do to convince you? |
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That was actually a really good read. Props to the guys that put that on. I didn't know heat was that much of an issue.
To Faxon: It's more like I need to just pick one at this point. I'm trying to make my dollar go as far as it can, like most people, I suppose, but money is super tight paying for college on my own, so I don't have the money to buy a second barrel if the first isn't what I'm looking for. Usually I'm pretty good at making decisions, haha. |
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Quoted:
Appreciate the write up! I'm currently picking between these three barrels: http://www.larue.com/556-predatar-barrel http://ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38007/4307 http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XFXBSS16QPQ&name=FAXON+FIREARMS+16"+5.56%2f.223+Caliber+416R+Stainless+Steel+Nitride++AR+Barrel&groupid=6477 These barrels are so inherently different that it is very difficult to compare. Apples to Oranges, but I'll take a stab.... First, the LaRue. This barrel does seem to carry quite a reputation here on ARFCOM. This barrel carries a cult like following. So I'm thinking, that is a PRO. However, what is it made of? What is it's profile? How much does it weigh? Why aren't these specs listed? $245 Plus $8 S/H = $253 Second, the AR15 Perf Barrel. Seems to come with good reviews here on ARFCOM. Price seems about right. +Wylde chamber. However, 2 POUNDS 3 OUNCES. Ouch! Really? 5/8-24 muzzle threads? What a hassle. $185 + $15 S/H = $200 Third, the Faxon 416R SS Nitride from AIMSurplus. Now your thinking straight. This barrel includes a ready to pin GB, and only weighs 1.65 lbs. Personally, I'd give up the 416R SS for the GUNNER profile, but you may have a different mission in mind. This barrel, offered with the GB and FREE Shipping from AIM - how can you beat it? $190 FREE S/H = $190 |
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What's the difference between the profiles of the 416R and the Gunner? The GUNNER'S profile behind the gas block will be a Government profile tapering to a shoulder and 1.1" journal .625 gas block. In front of the gas block, the barrel will continue straight to a 1/2x28 muzzle with full shoulder. This gives great heat dissipation where the barrel is more likely to heat up, then tapers to a more pencil profile near the muzzle, thereby shaving weight. Help me out, Nathan! |
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