Apologies in advance...

T

tostado22

New member
For yet another AR thread lol.

I own one AR at the moment. Its just a base model DPMS, gets the job done. But Im thinking of upgrading and possibly building a newer better one. The lower should be simple, the upper however Im having trouble deciding what to go with. I would prefer a complete upper assembly and I'll build the lower.

What are some good yet affordable options? I know BCM has a great reputation as do some others but Im not wanting a huge price tag. More specifically, what is everyones opinion on CMMG, Lewis Machine and Vltor uppers? Im asking about those because I want a free floated barrel with or w/o a monolithic upper. I dont care either way about a high speed rail system, just a good accurate carbine.

I know the LM and Vltor are both somewhat pricey, especially with the Vltor not coming complete. But the design is very nice.

As always I appreciate any help I can find here. If you need more info or anything just let me know, Thanks

EDIT: So I just did some more shopping around BCM. I found a couple with the options I want that are under 1k. Problem is theyre ALWAYS out of stock, so now I am on the notification list. Hopefully the timing works out and I can get one (if I go with BCM) and get it shipped before I get home
 
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I think we could help you out better if you defined what "better" meant. What is your DPMS doing that you want to improve on? Does it have FTF/FTE problems? Not accurate enough? Do you have an attached carrying handle and am looking for a flattop so you can mount optics or a flip up sight? Maybe you are looking for something that looks nicer or more tactical? (which is OK if that's the case, I'm not knocking it)

Just as a general comment though, LMT uppers have a great reputation though I've never had the pleasure of shooting one. The CMMG is probably on par with your DPMS.. definitely will get the job done, but not known for being top tier.l

Check out Spike's Tactical. I like the BCM uppers, too.
 
I havent had any issues with it. Its done fine. Dont really care for the tactical look one way or another. I guess I just want one with more bells and whistles, as in, chrome lined barrel, 5.56 chamber and that type stuff. I guess, and I hate using this term lol, I just want a good mil-spec AR. Thanks for the input on the CMMG. I wasnt able to find much info on them besides whats on their site. Next Ill check out spikes.

The DPMS is a flat top and I would prefer a flat top for the new one so I can just use my YHM sights on it. Ill keep the DPMS around since its never given me a problem.

Alot of this is more thinking out loud. This deployment has given me too much time to think about my guns and future purchases. So Im thinking a nice AR in addition to my M1A build will be a nice gift to me :)

Thanks for the info so far
 
Tostado22, I think you've found a good answer in BCM and getting on the email notification list. I'd look real hard at their 16" midlengths, especially the second link - the LW.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-mid-16.htm

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-LIGHT-WEIGHT-Upper-Receiver-p/bcm-urg-mid-16lw.htm

They're both $399 and of course you must get a BCG, charging handle and handguards. (If you don't need rails, the Magpul midlength MOE for $35 is hard to beat.) The BCM/Vltor Gunfighter Model 4 charging handle is worth the $25 upgrade over the standard CH.

I went with a Daniel Defense LW midlength upper with DD BCG, Gunfighter Model 4 CH, MOE and MBUS rear sight. It's also CHF which is about a $90 upgrade on the BCM, pretty much free with DD. DD and BCM are roughly equivalent and definitely milspec, you could drop the upper on an M4 select fire lower and rock out.

I just noticed Smartgunner has the same CHF upper I got for $409 and free shipping to your front door. So just $10 more for hammer forging, that's a good deal, I love my upper. Some people like the 14.5" middy better but with 16" you'll be able to handle the cheap low power steel case ammo and not have to mess with pinned muzzle devices.

http://www.smartgunner.com/DD-16-LW-M-STR-URG.aspx

I didn't check to see if they have a BCG in stock and you'd have to do something about the CH and handguards. For now you could use your DPMS BCG, CH and lower and be ready to go to the range, except for handguards.


ETA:
Later as the budget allows you could build a lower and get parts so you could put the DPMS back together.
 
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