First AR build, which type

Hometown » Georgia

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - First AR build, which type

Posted: 10/5/2004 4:31:37 PM EDT

Guys, I'm still learning alot about AR's and all the different types, but I'm having a hard time deciding what kind of parts kit to order. I ordered 1 BM lower and one Ameetec rifle lower as well as an Ameetec Pistol lower. I figured I'd hit the ground running and since Forsyth Pawn will let me transfer all 3 in for $20 I'm happy.

So I come to you guys for advice. I think I want something that has all of the "evil" features because now I(we) can have them. I was also thinking of something more 'tactical' rather than 'sniper'. What does this leave me with a "tactical" kit or "M4" kit? I sure wish I could hold a couple and then decide what I actually want. What is the difference between a Tactical Kit and an M4 kit? Sorry for all the dumb questions, just trying to feel my way out on this one. Which big distributor do you guys buy your kits from? What kit would get me the closest to a true Colt M4?

Thanks for the advice!

Posted: 10/5/2004 4:45:06 PM EDT

[#1]

I really don't build from a kit, I'm partial to building on all RRA parts mostly, with the exception of barrel and stocks. You really need to research what you want to do with your AR's before you decide. I would suggest a 20' full length A2 style with a govt profile barrel first with a 1/9 - 1/7 twist for a first one. This rifle will make you appreciate the AR system and then maybe an M4gery next.

Good luck and let us know if you need any build help.

Posted: 10/5/2004 4:54:46 PM EDT

[#2]

Maybe a heavy barrel 20" upper with a 1/7 twist barrel and some heavy match ammo will teach you good trigger control for a rifle, unless you already know that.

I have 14.5 1/7, a 16 1/7 and a 20 HB 1/9. I like them all. The 16 1/7 is a lightweight and the most fun to shoot, because its an A2 and doesn't need a scope. The 68 gr stuff is great out the end.

Posted: 10/5/2004 4:55:44 PM EDT

[#3]

I agree with my friend. I have built several ARs and non of them have been from "kits." I also like RRA parts and, with a few exceptions, stick with Bushy barrels. I have a RRA Varminter SS barrel that is AWESOME and a RRA chrome-lined M4-profile barrel that is also very nice.

There are a lot of good parts dealers on the board. I've bought most of my stuff from Eagle Firearms, Grant at G&R Tactical and Pete at Legal Transfers. All these guys are in the Industry section. GA Precision is another big RRA dealer and don't forget ADCO.

P806's idea of a 20" A2 is what I bought for my first AR, except it had a HBAR barrel. I much prefer the government profile. In fact, I only put a couple hundred rounds through that first barrel before swapping it for a M4-profile.

Let me know if you want to try some different rifles sometime. Like many in the GA gang, I have a few different configurations.

Posted: 10/5/2004 8:57:54 PM EDT

[#4]

I'm new to AR's, but fairly experienced when it comes to building AK's. I've spent quite a bit of time building AK's from 80% lowers and parts kits. This was quite challenging but very rewarding in the long run. I really appreciated what I had helped to make, and got to build it however I wanted.

On the other hand, I don't have a lick of experience with AR's. I'm the only really big gun nut in the family, and have never owned an AR, although I've shot a few. For the longest, I decided that the AR was too expensive and not as reliable as the AK so I wouldn't fool with it. I think the real reason why I never got interested was price. I was building AK's for $125 a piece vs. $500 and up for an AR. But, I've finally come around and want to take the plunge into this realm of firearms.

I appreciate all of the kind words of advice.

What are the pro's and con's of owning either a 'tactial' or 'sniper' type of rifle for my first build? I'm taking in as much info. as I have time for, and am still barely scratching the surface. I've ordered the book "The Complete AR-15/M Sourcebook" by Duncan Long. I've heard some good things about it. Any other suggestions on books? I've also visited some of the local dealers and held a few of the different types of the AR-15 and asked as many questions as I could.

BookHound Moderator, I appreciate the offer. I may have to take you up on it. This is an expensive hobby, and I want to make sure that I'll be happy with what ever I choose.

Posted: 10/6/2004 4:06:41 AM EDT

[#5]

Not all dealers but MANY of the dealers around here don't know a lot about ARs and accessories. Mainly because they don't USE the things. Selling ARs and actually using them are two very different things. Selling alone does not give you the experience.

Okay, now that I'm done with my semi rant...

You really need to decide what you primarily want to do with the rifle. My RRA Varminter is AWESOME in the accuracy department, but it's so damn heavy I'd never consider carrying it for lengthy periods in the field.

A couple of my carbines are setup for CQB. They have rail fore-ends, vertical grips, lights, collapsible stocks, Aimpoints, etc. They are very easy to handle and allow me to make "practical" hits up to 200 yards. By practical I mean center of mass, which aren't necessarily precision hits.

That's why I agreed with P806. With a 20" government profile you get a longer sight radius and a lighter weight barrel than an HBAR. The only thing I might recommend differently is an A3 (flat top) upper. If you know you're going to want some kind of optic, whether a traditional sytle magnified scope or a dot sight, get teh A3 because it will give you more mounting options later. And, if you DO get the A3, I vote to skip the removable carry handle and put the money into a good BUIS (Back Up Iron Sight).

The thing that will drive you crazy is all the options you have. You can buy one rifle and forever modified it. Picking the right stock alone can drive a guy nuts.

Where are you located in the state? I'm up in Braselton. Best thing to do is try different things, if you can, before you buy. If you can't, a 20" government profile is NOT a bad way to start. I might suggest an A1 length stock for it. Would also advise to get the A3 for more options down the road.

Posted: 10/6/2004 6:50:33 AM EDT

[#6]

BH,

Again, thanks for the insight. I agree, I think the A3 will be the most versatile in the long run. It is difficult as it is to decide what to get, much less, your first stab at it! I live in Smyrna. It is in Cobb County. It is North West Atlanta, just outside of the perimeter.

Posted: 10/6/2004 7:10:24 AM EDT

[#7]

Dude, come out to the FOP shoot on the 23rd of October. You will get to try pretty much every configuration of AR possible and then some

It should help you narrow down what you want, like, want to avoid, dislike, really really must have, etc.

Posted: 10/6/2004 8:06:48 AM EDT

[#8]

The FOP shoots are a good time for sure. It's starting to look like I might not be able to make that shoot though, which sucks. If you have the chance, go. You will have a good time and, as my buddy said, get to try lots of different toys.

If there is some other time you'd like to hit a range, just say the word.

Posted: 10/6/2004 8:44:01 AM EDT

[#9]

Yo, Book, never say never. You gots to go...its a time-honored tradition

Posted: 10/6/2004 12:57:53 PM EDT

[#10]

This is the one in Birmingham right? How long of a drive from ATL?

Posted: 10/6/2004 1:54:22 PM EDT

[#11]

About 2.5 hours by the caravan we usually set up. We usually meet at around 7am at Cumberland Mall, where we stand around, waiting, BS'ing, and generally giving the Cumberland Mall Rent-A-Cop driving around a heart attack by the sheer magnificance of the hardware present. Then we head off, making a pit stop at the Chick-fil-a for a breakfast biscuit and coffee and more BS. We usually make it there around 10:30 our time (range goes hot at 10am Central) and set up.

Posted: 10/7/2004 10:02:55 AM EDT

[#12]

can i come?

Posted: 10/7/2004 11:33:49 AM EDT

[#13]

All are welcome. New guys buy all the ammo though.

Posted: 10/12/2004 5:29:18 PM EDT

[#14]

Sounds fun, that will be a week from Saturday right? When do you guys leave to come back? What are the costs to use the range, and should one buy their ammo ahead of time to avoid costly prices at the range?

I don't have an AR yet either. I called Warren at Ameetec today, and he said there is a 4-6 week wait on the BM lower that I ordered. So, I was going to have to wait till these came in before I could start building. So, I asked him to go ahead and send the Ameetec lowers that I ordered while I waited on the BM lower. So, hopefully in another week or so I will get the Ameetec lowers in. I would've gone with Ga Precision on the Ameetec lowers, but I figured I'd just stay with the same dealer this go round. Next time I'll probably get try locally on the Ameetec lowers, especially when Ga Precison has such a good price!

So, I would have to bring an AK if I went. Nothing really exciting there I guess! Or maybe a K31 and YugoSKS.

Will anyone be bringing any full-atutos? Lately, I've been thinking about investing in a Mac, but don't know anything about FA's. If everything goes as planned, figued I could pick some of the minds' of the guys that have Mac's on the way down. Anyone going that has a Mac?

Posted: 10/12/2004 6:15:34 PM EDT

[#15]

I'm not sure that a Mac would be a F/A treat, for the cash involved, how about a M16, Mp5, or even an Uzi. Plenty of sweet choices out there, but it's going to take $$$$.

Posted: 10/12/2004 9:11:26 PM EDT

[#16]

Yeah, that's the thing! I would much rather have an MP-5 or an M16 or AR15 FA, but I just don't have the cash right now for something like that. For that matter, I may not have that kind of change sitting around for a couple of years. That's why I figured I might as well go ahead and get a cheaper one now, rather than waiting for another 2-3 years and pay double for a cheap one. What do you guys think? How much would the price of an MP5 go up in 3-4 years?

Posted: 10/12/2004 11:31:59 PM EDT

[#17]

ahhh screw the AR get ya an AK

Betcha yall were wondering when the commie bastard was going to say something

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - First AR build, which type

Hometown » Georgia

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us