Lower build questions

jimbobborg · Feb 27, 2015

I sold one of my complete lowers late last year, so one of my uppers is now homeless. I'm going to build out a new one, but, this time I'm soliciting advise from the brain trust here. If you were going to build a lower for HD/TWD, which LPK and stock and other such things would you recommend for this? Sling and attachment points? I'm budgeting $300 for this, not including the lower. Thanks.

hodgepodge · Feb 27, 2015

I just completed my first lower last weekend so I'm, like, an expert.

Two pieces I used I really like and I will likely include them in a future build if I can find them at a good price.

Trigger: ALG ACT, $65. Smooth polished trigger without going full-Giessele.
http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/ALG_Defense_Combat_Trigger_ACT_Tuned_By_Geissele_p/alg-act.htm

Stock: Wilson Rogers Super-Stock, $75. The cam makes it very tight, avoiding any rattle in the stock.
http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Super-Stoc-Carbine-Buttstock-Black/productinfo/TR-SUPERSTOC/

DaemonAssassin · Feb 27, 2015

hodgepodge said:
I just completed my first lower last weekend so I'm, like, an expert.

Two pieces I used I really like and I will likely include them in a future build if I can find them at a good price.

Trigger: ALG ACT, $65. Smooth polished trigger without goinf full-Giessele.
http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/ALG_Defense_Combat_Trigger_ACT_Tuned_By_Geissele_p/alg-act.htm

I would go with that trigger, but I would use a Magpul CTR, or ACS stock. I'm going to go with a CTR or ACS stock, depending on what is in stock next week at JBO.

j_h_smith · Feb 27, 2015

jimbobborg said:
I sold one of my complete lowers late last year, so one of my uppers is now homeless. I'm going to build out a new one, but, this time I'm soliciting advise from the brain trust here. If you were going to build a lower for HD/TWD, which LPK and stock and other such things would you recommend for this? Sling and attachment points? I'm budgeting $300 for this, not including the lower. Thanks.

Remember, your upper has to be an HBAR in order to build a newly bought lower into a complete rifle. I'm sure you know that, just reminding the folks.

Jim Smith

jimbobborg · Feb 27, 2015

j_h_smith said:
Remember, your upper has to be an HBAR in order to build a newly bought lower into a complete rifle. I'm sure you know that, just reminding the folks.

Jim Smith

Not trying to be a jerk, seriously.
<----------

jimbobborg · Feb 27, 2015

DaemonAssassin said:
I would go with that trigger, but I would use a Magpul CTR, or ACS stock. I'm going to go with a CTR or ACS stock, depending on what is in stock next week at JBO.

How heavy is the ACS versus the CTR? My upper is a carry handle upper, so no optics. I may put a flashlight on the handguard, as it's a Magpul MOE handguard and I can snag a rail piece for it.

j_h_smith · Feb 27, 2015

jimbobborg said:
Not trying to be a jerk, seriously.
<----------

How dare you live in America and post a question we Marylanders are programmed to answer only one way.

I bow to your Americanism.
Jim Smith

jimbobborg · Feb 27, 2015

hodgepodge said:
Trigger: ALG ACT, $65. Smooth polished trigger without going full-Giessele.
http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/ALG_Defense_Combat_Trigger_ACT_Tuned_By_Geissele_p/alg-act.htm

Stock: Wilson Rogers Super-Stock, $75. The cam makes it very tight, avoiding any rattle in the stock.
http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Super-Stoc-Carbine-Buttstock-Black/productinfo/TR-SUPERSTOC/

I'll take a look at those when I get home. Thanks!

outrider58 · Feb 27, 2015

I will offer this tidbit. I do not like QD sling attachment points. They are very sensitive to dirt and rust. I had one go south on me.

DaemonAssassin · Feb 27, 2015

jimbobborg said:
How heavy is the ACS versus the CTR? My upper is a carry handle upper, so no optics. I may put a flashlight on the handguard, as it's a Magpul MOE handguard and I can snag a rail piece for it.

The ACS is slightly heavier, due to slightly more material and ability to store extra batteries for your red dot/light, within 2 tubes on the stock.

jimbobborg · Feb 27, 2015

outrider58 said:
I will offer this tidbit. I do not like QD sling attachment points. They are very sensitive to dirt and rust. I had one go south on me.

Are you talking about the plug-in versions?

DaemonAssassin said:
The ACS is slightly heavier, due to slightly more material and ability to store extra batteries for your red dot/light, within 2 tubes on the stock.

I'm trying to keep this as light as possible without weak parts, hence the question. Thanks.

DaemonAssassin · Feb 27, 2015

ACS weight

Base Stock Weight: 0.86 lb

CTR weight

Commercial
Weight: 0.58 lb

Mil-Spec
Weight: 0.55 lb

jimbobborg · Feb 27, 2015

So about a 4 1/2 ounce difference. Since I forgot to mention it, the barrel is a 14.3" M4 barrel with a pinned AAC brake for if I get a suppressor. It has an M16 BCG, an A2 upper receiver, and a Magpul MOE hand guard. FSB is pinned on. Most of it was built by Hatfield's Gunsmithing in Manassas, VA.

mopar92 · Feb 27, 2015

I would go with a Magpul SL handguard and the new M-Lok system solely for the ease of attachment of sundry accesories. No need to remove handguard. A lil bit of rail for an Inforce WML (the momentary version) and then once I've gotten accustomed to the balance and heft, stipple the hell out of the forend.

As for the stock and lower guts, standard USGI guts with the addition of an ambi safety and charging handle. Stock I'd cheap out on for HD purposes as its not a NM or a scored competition and go with GI or Magpul MOE. No need for me to pay for the rookies cool new stuff while my rifles in lockup.

Might pop a tritium front sight post and paint the top of the FSB hi-vis orange to make snap shooting, caveman Eotech and alternative sighted fire easier.

Sling simple two point cause nothing says bad day like a 9 lb choke collar attached to your neck.

Flash-hider make sure you can fix bayonets because hey why not.

outrider58 · Feb 28, 2015

jimbobborg said:
Are you talking about the plug-in versions.

Yes. The type with the four ball bearings that expand and contract with the push of a button. :tdown:

Robert1955 · Feb 28, 2015

Take a look at the ERGO F93 PRO STOCK. It locks up solid but it does weigh 1.3lbs. Look around for a sale, I got mine for $140 or so as the reg prices seem to run about $175/$180.

jimbobborg · Feb 28, 2015

mopar92 said:
I would go with a Magpul SL handguard and the new M-Lok system solely for the ease of attachment of sundry accesories. No need to remove handguard. A lil bit of rail for an Inforce WML (the momentary version) and then once I've gotten accustomed to the balance and heft, stipple the hell out of the forend.

As for the stock and lower guts, standard USGI guts with the addition of an ambi safety and charging handle. Stock I'd cheap out on for HD purposes as its not a NM or a scored competition and go with GI or Magpul MOE. No need for me to pay for the rookies cool new stuff while my rifles in lockup.

Might pop a tritium front sight post and paint the top of the FSB hi-vis orange to make snap shooting, caveman Eotech and alternative sighted fire easier.

Sling simple two point cause nothing says bad day like a 9 lb choke collar attached to your neck.

Flash-hider make sure you can fix bayonets because hey why not.

I'm trying to keep this as light as possible, which is why the MOE handguard set is on there. Good info on the front sight, I'll try that. And the flash hider/brake on now isn't going anywhere, it's pinned on and the barrel is too short for the standard birdcage suppressor.

outrider58 said:
Yes. The type with the four ball bearings that expand and contract with the push of a button.

My 3-gun rifle has this, it's not going to be used for anything but 3-gun, so I'll keep this in mind for this particular build.

Robert1955 said:
Take a look at the ERGO F93 PRO STOCK. It locks up solid but it does weigh 1.3lbs. Look around for a sale, I got mine for $140 or so as the reg prices seem to run about $175/$180.

This setup is on my 3-gun rifle, I got it during a group buy here for $115

Wish I had bought 2 or 3 of them.

jimbobborg · Feb 28, 2015

j_h_smith said:
How dare you live in America and post a question we Marylanders are programmed to answer only one way.

I bow to your Americanism.
Jim Smith

In spite of all that, it would work with a carbine length HBAR upper, so I think this would be good info for anyone looking to do a new lower build for that.

johnnyb2 · Feb 28, 2015

Well, I would try to find a RRA 2 stage NM trigger, which I have seen on sale around a few places for like $80. I have the ALG Combat, but, the RRA should be just a little bit lighter at 4 1/2 exactly. My ALG is still about 6lb, but smooth. Then a Magpul CTR stock, that I could add a LaRue cheek weld to latter if I put a scope on it. This is the BEST sight combo stock set up I have ever used. Ergo pistol grip, RRA LPK without firecontrol group and Spikes Tactical T-2 buffer, with Superior Shooting Flat wire buffer spring. This spring is made from the same steel used for NASCAR valve springs and is rated for 500,000 cycles. Also, it is longer than standard buffer spring but still works cause it is flat and fits. Novetske or some other end plate with QD hole in the middle, thread and use a set screw for the rear detent and spring in the lower. I forget the size off hand, but I do this with all my lower builds now, and keeps that spring from flying when I change stocks. Total cost was about $10 for tap & set screws. Oh, and a Spikes buffer tube.

jimbobborg · Mar 1, 2015

Anyone else want to throw their $0.02 in?

Lower build questions

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