AR receiver help?

DonP

New member
Hi guys,

I have one of the Tapco A2 kits on order and I'm starting to look for the lower receiver that I'll need to produce a complete rifle.

My last rifle was issued to me all in one piece by supply Staff Sergeant Degesauldo at Cam Ranh Bay in 1971. All I had to do was keep it clean and on target. I could really use a little help and educated advice on this one.

I'm going to a couple of local gun shows this weekend and looking through Shotgun News to try and get a feeling for what I'll have to pay and how complete the lowers are. For a pistol guy it's getting really confusing. I have seen everything from a stripped and unfinished receiver for $80 or so to "Genuine Colt lowers" for $300.

I know several of you have purchased the same kits and have done this before. I'd appreciate any thoughts on what the kind of lower I should be looking for to go with the kit. Where should I be looking for the lower to get a decent price but still reliable unit. I'm not looking for a match grade rifle, just a reliable shooter that is there if and when I need it.

Is there anything that I absolutely must have on the lower, or are the kits complete enough to use a totally stripped receiver? What kind of money am I looking at to complete the rifle.

Note: I know I have to pick up the semi-auto components to keep the feds off my patio so I'd appreciate any suggestions on the best place to look for them.

Thanks,
Don P.
 
What you have to do to stay legal depends on if you get a pre or post ban lower...

Don,

The cheapest way to complete this rifle would be to buy a complete (with all the internals) post ban lower from one of the more reputable manufacturers, Bushmaster, Colt, Armalite, Rock River Arms..... I say buy the complete lower with all the internals because you'll have to modify the M16 internal parts (hammer, trigger, disconntector, selector) to stay legal. This involves gringing the tail off the disconector and other work. It's just easier to start with AR15 parts. You should be able to get a complete lower from Bushmaster for around $200 including what your dealer charges to receive it for you. Next you will have to either replace the bolt carrier with an AR15 type (about $80.00) or machine the lower rear part of it so it could never trip an auto sear. Finally, you'll have to remove the bayonet lug and the threads on the muzzle end of the barrel. You can either have the barrel recrowned then or silver solder and pin on a BATF approved muzzle brake.

Or you can find a preban receiver ($600 +) in which case you can leave the flash hider, barrel threads and bayonet lug alone. You'll still have to replace the M16 internal parts and bolt carrier to stay legal.

HTH

Jeff
 
M160200.JPG

http://www.tapco.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=M160200&variation=&aitem=4&mitem=12&back=yes
that looks like a FA parts kit

you are going to need to loose the trigger group and buy a semi auto group

DPMS has a good high quality set
http://www.shooterstore.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=90&Product_ID=6538&CATID=494
50 bucks

a lower is a ffl part:
http://www.shooterstore.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=90&Product_ID=6936&CATID=494

$179.95 Each

you will need some punches and a headspace gauge too

the ears of the bayonet lug will need to be removed and the flash hider
will need to be removed and a post ban approved compensator
will need to be silver soldered over those evil threads

the barrel will require a reparkerize at that point.
 
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