Recommendations on an AR upper

[karl]

Hey all,

I've decided to begin on my AR endeavor, I'm buying a stripped lower from Spike's Tactical and a parts kit, along with a telescoping stock and I'll be putting those together in the coming months (haven't bought it all yet, piece by piece). That's the easy part, very straightforward.

Now my question is this: on the ST website it wasn't as obvious to me on which parts to buy for the upper, what all do I need and what barrel styles, lengths, thicknesses would you folks recommend and what exactly do I need to purchase to have a complete upper for me to assemble? Really I guess I need a parts list for that upper. For the lower it all comes in a baggie .

Oh yea, I know what the barrel twist physically is, but how does that translate to accuracy, power, etc?

Thanks a bunch, going this alone is a little daunting at first, earlier today I had no idea this was mainly an online affair

[Rex B]

Most people buy an upper as an assembly. It's hard to beat the price buy components.

But basically here's the list:

Upper receiver, usually flat-top. Look for one with the white markings on the top rail. You can buy them bare, or with the Forward Assist and ejection port cover already installed.

Bolt Carrier group - consists of the bolt with ejector and extractor, the carrier, firing pin, and the pins that hold them together

Charging handle

Barrel - twist rate is based on the projectile weight. 1/9 seems to be the most commonly preferred. Lots of online discussion of this.

flash hider or muzzle brake - muzzle end of barrel (optional, requires threaded muzzle)

Gas block, or military front site which includes the gas ports.

Gas tube

Barrel extension and barrel nut

Front handguards, usually with heat guards

delta group - retains the handguards.

Rear sight (BUIS=backup iron sights) or scope.

[karl]

Most people buy an upper as an assembly. It's hard to beat the price buy components.

Ah, that would explain the lack of options, I'll probably go ahead and do that, thank you.

[KC5AV]

Most people buy an upper as an assembly. It's hard to beat the price buy components.

Ah, that would explain the lack of options, I'll probably go ahead and do that, thank you.

There are websites you can visit that will have many of those options, so you can mix and match to get what you want, or what you feel is more visually pleasing.
I ordered my upper from http://www.model1sales.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. You might also look at http://www.del-ton.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

[stroo]

del-ton has good components at good prices and they are good to deal with.

[Rex B]

Model 1 has a 24" upper, stainless barrel varminter, for $375
Add a $120 BCG and for under $500 you have a very nice deal

[rm9792]

I just upper shopped and Midway has a 20" and 24" upper complete for $380. Usually get their deliveries in less than 3 days as well.

[Bonc_CHL]

Does anyone have a link that explains what all goes into building an AR?
Also what is every ones opinion of building vs. buying completed?

[KC5AV]

Re: build v. buy. Nothing wrong with either. Building your own just allows you to do a little bit more customization. I built one earlier this year, because I wanted one with a stainless steel barrel. Some people want a specific trigger or set of sights.

[steking]

A wealth of information can be found here.

http://www.ar15.com/

Video showing AR15 assembly. Some really good stuff here.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=1100 ... R-15_Video

Rumor has it that Model1 sales is taking a year to deliver an assembled rifle.

~Stevek

[ghostrider]

Assembling an AR upper is a fairly straightforward task. I think the 2 essential 'special' tools needed are an AR-15 armorer's wrench:

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=5072 ... r_s_Wrench" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and barrel vise:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=1247 ... _VISE_JAWS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Rex B]

For a first rifle, I recommend assembling the complete lower. It's fairly simple using common hand tools, and saves a little money.
You should be able to assemble the lower for under $200 if you shop the deals.
Then buy a complete upper.
Later, when you decide you want something a little different, you will have a familiar and working platform for comparison.
Then you can either change out your existing components or build a new upper.

Thanks for the tip on the Midway uppers.

[Rex B]

I just upper shopped and Midway has a 20" and 24" upper complete for $380. Usually get their deliveries in less than 3 days as well.

rm, I looked all over MidwayUSA and did not find anything under $409.95.
Would you have a link?

[karl]

For a first rifle, I recommend assembling the complete lower.

Then buy a complete upper.
Later, when you decide you want something a little different, you will have a familiar and working platform for comparison.
Then you can either change out your existing components or build a new upper.

That's what I think I'm going to do, sure makes things seem a lot easier.

[Rex B]

I would add that there is a federal tax of $100 for completed rifles sold.
That is one way you save money by assembling.
But...you have to really work hard to save the whole $100.
In fact, the CMMG Bargain Bin M4s at $599 are only a little higher than a complete upper.

I'd also add that prices have come down to early 2008 levels again, and I'd bet they are going to fall further.