First AR15 Build. Welcoming Input

[MO_Soldier]

My dad bought me a stripped lower for Christmas. So I'm in the planning phase of slowly building my ideal AR. I'm on a budget, but don't want inferior products.

Let me know what you guys think. Similar AR's are selling for $1,500-$1,800. Considering it's EXACTLY what I want, minus unnecessary optics and lights, I think it's gonna be a rewarding build. I've never owned one before, just shoot the old M16A2 in my Army service.

Www.BravoCompanyUSA.com

BCM 1.5" Compensator $95
Flash Hider Crush Washer $3
BCM Standard 14.5" Mid Length Barrel, Stripped $230
Yankee Hill Machine Front Flip Sight Tower $80
Mid Length Gas Tube $13 BCM Bolt Carrier $130
BCM Charging Handle w/ Med Latch $55
BCM Upper Receiver $100

$706

PSA Lower $120
Magpul LPK $70
Magpul STR Stock $100
Single Point Sling Adapter $30
Yankee Hill Machine Lightweight Tactical Free Float Forearm $110
Yankee Hill Machine Free Float End Cap $14
MOE Flip Rear Sight $50
Magazines $100
1000 rnds Ammo $400

$706+$374=$1,094
+$500=$1,594

[MO_Soldier]

BTW, he got me an Aero Lower, stamped for "Surplus Ammo and Arms". I read good things about Aero's manufacturing of their AR lowers.

[ruf45]

Looks to be a good ar when you get done with it. Give us more reports as the build moves forward

[les strat]

Pics are manditory.

[MO_Soldier]

Lol, don't hold your breath guys! But, this thing is gonna be a quality build for sure. Some day, I believe my family could need it to survive(and this marksman of course lol)

I even made a friend who can Cerakote the whole rifle for $75. I may do that if he can do a realistic and flat pattern. Otherwise it'll just stay plain.

[Bawanna]

Lol, don't hold your breath guys! But, this thing is gonna be a quality build for sure. Some day, I believe my family could need it to survive(and this marksman of course lol)

I even made a friend who can Cerakote the whole rifle for $75. I may do that if he can do a realistic and flat pattern. Otherwise it'll just stay plain.

I'd expedite all possible. Someday could be tomorrow. One never knows in these trying times.

[JustinN]

One missing piece just glancing at the list is a buffer tube assembly. Not expensive, just a necessary part missing from the list.

I just completed an AR build this week. I planned on just getting a stripped lower and then slowly buying parts etc....and a week later I have a fully functioning rifle.

[MO_Soldier]

Lol nice Justin. I hope I can do the same thing since they are likely to be banned.
But at least I'll have the lower which is what will be banned.
I forgot about the buffer tube assembly....thinking it came with the buttstock. I like the magpul stuff. I cant decide between the free float quad rail and the magpul forearm. . .

[MikeyKahr]

Nice build JustinN. Slow builds usually turn into quick purchases. We are a patient people! With the political climate as it is, quick is better anyway.

[JustinN]

Thanks!

I really like the Magpul stuff (obviously since my whole rifle is Magpul MOE). I've had free float quad rail builds before and just don't use them. I can't justify the added price with the discomfort of handling them, but that's just me. If you are gonna throw a bunch of gadgets on your gun they are nice to have, but otherwise, meh.

[Bawanna]

That's near perfect Justin. Just what I'd do if the bank account would support me just a little.

I see so many with everything but the kitchen sink and a cup holder attached, and you just end up taking a light easy quick handling rifle and turn it into a mega heavy unwieldy thing with a lot of unneeded junk on it.

I love flip up iron sights, a red dot or low power optic is nice on quick removeable mounts so when they fail they get tossed.

I'm still trying to condition myself to any color besides black but I kind of like yours so maybe I'm coming around a little bit.

[JustinN]

I'm still trying to decide on some optics for it, and a MOE vertical grip and then it will be done. I agree with making them big and unwieldy, I wanted a sleek, quick design. I have also always been a bigger fan of black, but I really liked the new Foliage color of green and went with it. I'm glad I did, I like the contrast between black metal and green parts, vs all black. Kind of makes me want one in FDE, but I don't think my wife will handle that request at present.

[gb6491]

I'm still trying to decide on some optics for it, and a MOE vertical grip and then it will be done. I agree with making them big and unwieldy, I wanted a sleek, quick design. I have also always been a bigger fan of black, but I really liked the new Foliage color of green and went with it. I'm glad I did, I like the contrast between black metal and green parts, vs all black. Kind of makes me want one in FDE, but I don't think my wife will handle that request at present.

I like the MOE furniture as well. Here's my AR in FDE. It's a S&W upper on a RRA lower (really like the 2 stage trigger). I recently added the Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic:

Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

Ok, call me stupid. What's FDE stand for?

[gb6491]

Sorry Bawanna, my bust: FDE - flat dark earth. The color of the Magpul Original Equipment (stock, pistol grip, hand guards, and magazine) on my rifle.
Regards,
Greg