I spent a few months researching, reading posts on AR15.com, shopping for prices, etc., etc...
All my parts arrived over the week (except for my optics) and I spent yesterday assembling it.
(at the bottom, a few pieces of advice for first-time builders)
Here are the specs:
- Spikes Lower Receiver ($90)
- Rock River Lower Parts Kit with National Match Two-Stage Trigger ($135)... in retrospect, might have just gone with a CMMG single stage (tried one yesterday and thought it was great).
- Wide Ergo Grip (part of the above)
- Aero Precision Upper Chrome-Moly, with M4 Feed ramps, dust cover, forward assist
- Nickel Boron BCG
- Aero Precision 12" Quad Rail Handguard
---------- ($380 for complete upper including BCG and Handguard)
- Magpul ACS Stock with Buffer ($95)
So, for the complete build, $700 (with shipping or tax, another $40 or so). I'm guessing that if purchased pre-built, I would have paid $1000.
I've also attached back-up 45 degree iron sights, a 1600 lumen flashlight, laser, and grip-pod; for now, I have a 3-9x scope as I'm waiting for my magnifier with flip-to-side mount (will be paired with a reflex sight I have around). I also have a CMMG 22LR conversion on its way ($137).
Frankly, I would have preferred a shorter rail but the deal was so good.
The two issues I encountered while assembling (even using youtube videos as guides). Hopefully, they will help other first-time builders here...
1) The front takedown detent pin is hell to put it. There is a tool you can buy for about $10, but I used the buffer retainer pin after a few failed attempts to do it without.
What I did was insert the spring and detent, then ran the buffer retainer pin through the nearer takedown pin hole, with the tip of the pin over the takedown detent (now slightly under pressure). I then passed the actual takedown pin over to the retainer pin and let the detent slide from the retainer pin to the groove in the takedown pin. Worked great.
2) I didn't see on the video that the buffer tube has to be screwed in far enough that its edge rests over the lower part of the buffer retainer pin. As a result, the buffer wouldn't stay in. Duh... so I loosened the castle nut, gave the buffer tube a few more turns in, and that did the trick. Its edge held the retainer pin in place, with its tip sitting up to stop the buffer.
3) Don't forget to pick up a tube of gun grease.
All my parts arrived over the week (except for my optics) and I spent yesterday assembling it.
(at the bottom, a few pieces of advice for first-time builders)
Here are the specs:
- Spikes Lower Receiver ($90)
- Rock River Lower Parts Kit with National Match Two-Stage Trigger ($135)... in retrospect, might have just gone with a CMMG single stage (tried one yesterday and thought it was great).
- Wide Ergo Grip (part of the above)
- Aero Precision Upper Chrome-Moly, with M4 Feed ramps, dust cover, forward assist
- Nickel Boron BCG
- Aero Precision 12" Quad Rail Handguard
---------- ($380 for complete upper including BCG and Handguard)
- Magpul ACS Stock with Buffer ($95)
So, for the complete build, $700 (with shipping or tax, another $40 or so). I'm guessing that if purchased pre-built, I would have paid $1000.
I've also attached back-up 45 degree iron sights, a 1600 lumen flashlight, laser, and grip-pod; for now, I have a 3-9x scope as I'm waiting for my magnifier with flip-to-side mount (will be paired with a reflex sight I have around). I also have a CMMG 22LR conversion on its way ($137).
Frankly, I would have preferred a shorter rail but the deal was so good.
The two issues I encountered while assembling (even using youtube videos as guides). Hopefully, they will help other first-time builders here...
1) The front takedown detent pin is hell to put it. There is a tool you can buy for about $10, but I used the buffer retainer pin after a few failed attempts to do it without.
What I did was insert the spring and detent, then ran the buffer retainer pin through the nearer takedown pin hole, with the tip of the pin over the takedown detent (now slightly under pressure). I then passed the actual takedown pin over to the retainer pin and let the detent slide from the retainer pin to the groove in the takedown pin. Worked great.
2) I didn't see on the video that the buffer tube has to be screwed in far enough that its edge rests over the lower part of the buffer retainer pin. As a result, the buffer wouldn't stay in. Duh... so I loosened the castle nut, gave the buffer tube a few more turns in, and that did the trick. Its edge held the retainer pin in place, with its tip sitting up to stop the buffer.
3) Don't forget to pick up a tube of gun grease.