Some suggestions for my first AR build?

W

Wyoredman

New member
Hello fellow riflemen (and Riflewomen):

Since birth I have been a bolt action rifle guy. I own bolt guns in nearly every major brand and caliber, but until a year ago, I had never owned a semi-auto rifle. That all changed when I won a DPMS flat top bull barrel AR at our local Friends of NRA banquet!

Since that fateful night, I have really come to ejoy the AR platform. So much so that (much to the Mrs.'s dismay) I went out and purchased another (Ruger SR-556) in carbine form.

Now comes my cunundrum. I like shooting the AR so much that I just can't keep myself from thinking about it, but I don't think my wife would approve of me buying another $1200+ rifle so soon. So, I have decided to build one.

Does anyone have suggestions on where to find in-expensive recievers and parts that would allow me to assemble a new rifle for around $600? It seems that after totaling the costs from the regular suppliers (Midway, Brownels, etc.) the cost to purchase the parts excedes the cost of many new factory rifles. Any help is appriciated.
 
I see you're from Lander. Shot there a time or two (high power), love your range set up.

Anyway, since your stuck way out there, I'd recommend you talk to some of the High Power shooters at the Lander Valley Sportsmen Assn. They have some good shooters using the ARs and I'm sure they'd line you up.
 
Palmetto is by far the best bang for the buck right now.
Put a lower together and slap the upper on it, its so easy its not funny

If you really want a complete gun, look for a S&W M&P Sport
 
Excellent! Thanks guys! Palmento it is.

Kraig, I am a LVSA member, but have never really thought about talking to the competition shooters about ARs. I use the range for personal shooting, but will start asking around next time I'm out there. FYI, the actual range is owned by the WNG, and LVSA leases it from them. Great place.
 
Another +1 for Palmetto. Here's my latest build using a Palmetto upper.

IMG_8941.jpg
 
if you're looking for another .223/5.56mm build then palmetto state armory is a good one, if you're looking for a special caliber then model1sales.com has just about anything you could want
 
Model 1 is exactly the wrong place to go for 6.8SPC. They are the last holdout for not updating the barrel to SPCII specs, likely because they bought way too many late in the game.

You can do a little better than Palmetto on receiver prices, check Surplus Arms. Especially check this thread on arfcom for bargains:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/...s_here___READ_OP_BEFORE_POSTING_.html&page=25

It's a good time to know exactly what you want, end of the year deals and closeouts right after SHOT pop up a lot the next 6 months. Plus, ordering barrels/uppers from custom makers is always faster during Jan/Feb because the casual suburbanites aren't clogging up turnaround. They're paying off Christmas.:cool:
 
There basically isnt a quality barrel available in 1:9" twist
At least not HPT/MPI tested and proper barrel steel

When was researching my first AR I didnt want the 1:7 either, I thought it wouldnt shoot the 55gr stuff well.
But it does just fine, plus it shoots the heavier rounds a 1:9 wont.
 
There basically isnt a quality barrel available in 1:9" twist At least not HPT/MPI tested and proper barrel steel
Click to expand...

really?

Daniel Defense 16" M4 Button Rifle Barrel (includes front sight bases).

Materials & Construction

Barrel Material: Ordnance Grade 4150 Steel
Barrel Profile: M4 Profile
Button Rifled
Barrel Specs: 16 MP/HPI Tested, Chrome Lined, 1:9 Twist, Military Specification Heavy Phosphate Coated
Chamber: 5.56 NATO
Threads: 1⁄2~28 TPI
Front Sight Base: F Marked
Barrel Ext: M4 Ramps
Barrel Diameter at Gas Port: .750
Made in the USA!
 
When was researching my first AR I didnt want the 1:7 either, I thought it wouldnt shoot the 55gr stuff well.
But it does just fine, plus it shoots the heavier rounds a 1:9 wont.
Click to expand...

No problem shooting 55gr ammo with my 1:7 barrel. It shoots it just as accurately as 1:9 barrels (and better than some).
 
No problem shooting 55gr ammo with my 1:7 barrel. It shoots it just as accurately as 1:9 barrels (and better than some).
Click to expand...
same here, my poor little 1:7 can only shoot a 62 grain soft point into sub MOA groups out to 300 yards...that barrel it just garbage. I dont even know why I go out year after year and kill monster whitetails with it...why oh why did I have to go out any buy a bargain DPMS AR?
 
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