Questions for the AR build masters???

[Terphunter]

Ok pulled the trigger on my first lower thanks to MOM...it's an Anderson forged 5.56-223. Nothing fancy but I have a couple questions for those in the know.

I am looking to build a low-mid level "first build" 16" mil spec carbine this fall-winter. I am looking at getting either a Stag or BCM completed upper...mid level quality.

Question what is a good lower kit to instal? I will be doing this...seems relatively simple but I want some decent "guts" in the lower.

Any specially tools that would be needed or are necessary? Do required tool come with those kits?

Do I use blue loctite, red loctite or no loctite on the threaded parts?

I am looking at doing kind of "theme" accessories with either Magpul or Troy...one better than the other?

Anything else important...complete AR greener here. Read the great AR build thread...but its few years old by now...not sure if much has changed?

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Terphunter]

Oh one other thing. 1 in 7 vs 1 in 9 twist?? Most likely will be shooting 223 the most.

 

[BradMacc82]

I'm far from a "Master" builder, but I've got a few under my belt now.

For a LPK, cmmg has been pretty good. Stag's LPK is also decent, as well as PSA's for that matter. I normally don't worry about a fancy trigger with the LPK, because I buy triggers individually.

Upper wise, even though I love my Stag's that I've had in the past, if it's between BCM and Stag, and the price is close - I'd go BCM. Although both are going to do you right either way, IMO. Depending on what weight/length of round and distance you plan on shooting, that's going to be your deciding factor for twist rate.

I've shot up to 75gr. rounds thru a 1:9 twist, and got respectable groups at 100 yards with it. But it's a hit & miss deal there, no 2 barrels are going to shoot exactly the same. Mil is 1:7, but for most shooters a 1:9 is going to be more than sufficient for their needs.

Tool wise, you just need some roll punches, some electrical tape (prevent scratches), a stock wrench is helpful too, and some patience. I have yet to use any type of thread-locking compound for the buffer extension, just stake the castle nut, and it won't go anywhere.

I'm sure others will chime in with any other info or tips that could benefit you.

 

[ride4frnt]

Not hard to build a lower. Upper is a bit more challenging to build. Just get a cheap pack of roll pin punches and an armorers wrench and you're good.

Look to palmetto state armory for one of their lower build kits and that's all you need to complete the lower. Then slap an upper on it.

 

[Mr H]

I'm starting from noob too.

I had CMMG recommended for LPKs, and as it happens Shield Tactical has them on sald for under $55, with dirt cheap shipping.

Mine were ordered Tues, shipped yesterday, expected tomorrow.

Will be interested in how the thread progresses.

 

[frdfandc]

I just assembled a Spikes lower with a JoeBobOutfitters LPK - minus trigger. I then installed an ALG trigger group. This is a mil-spec trigger that has been messaged lightly by Geisselle.

 

[Terphunter]

Thanks for info. So loctite is not needed...i have always used that before on scope rings.

I might have to look into these Palmetto uppers...seem to have a lot of people talking about them? I was kind of leaning towards the Stag 3...kind of basic so i could customze it.

No preference on Magpul vs Troy accessories?? I like all the Magpul options but Troy has a lot to offer as well.

 

[ma_deuce]

I recently completed my first build, PSA lower, lpk w/o trigger, the ALG QMS fcg, JoeBob's NiB bcg, PSA M4 style 16" upper. The upper was one of PSA's "blemmed" jobs, I couldn't see the blem, and it all went together like a charm. Put 200 rds through it at Hap Baker, no feed problems at all with cheap-ass steel case ammo, nice groups, too. So you might want to take a look at the PSA uppers, also.

 

[ride4frnt]

I've used PSA parts kits exclusively, never had a problem at all. The good thing about them is they package them with magpul/hogue/ergo etc accessories. You won't want a standard grip that you'll get with any other LPK, so pay a bit more up front and get a parts kit with the grip and trigger guard you want and not have to buy them separate.

 

[Terphunter]

I've used PSA parts kits exclusively, never had a problem at all. The good thing about them is they package them with magpul/hogue/ergo etc accessories. You won't want a standard grip that you'll get with any other LPK, so pay a bit more up front and get a parts kit with the grip and trigger guard you want and not have to buy them separate.

Thats cool save a little and convenient.

 

[Engine4]

Do the build in a clean room, so you'll be able to find the inevitable lost pin. (Mine is still lost).

 

[ride4frnt]

Do the build in a clean room, so you'll be able to find the inevitable lost pin. (Mine is still lost).

Or a room where all floors slope toward the center. That would be convenient.

 

[Flipz]

Ok pulled the trigger on my first lower thanks to MOM...it's an Anderson forged 5.56-223. Nothing fancy but I have a couple questions for those in the know.

I am looking to build a low-mid level "first build" 16" mil spec carbine this fall-winter. I am looking at getting either a Stag or BCM completed upper...mid level quality.
BCM, higher in quality compared to Stag
Question what is a good lower kit to instal? I will be doing this...seems relatively simple but I want some decent "guts" in the lower.
Spikes, PSA, CMMG, JoeBob's
Any specially tools that would be needed or are necessary? Do required tool come with those kits?
Roll Pin Punch Set, AR Multi-tool or castle nut wrench for installing buffer tube. Must be purchased separately.
Do I use blue loctite, red loctite or no loctite on the threaded parts?
No Loctite
I am looking at doing kind of "theme" accessories with either Magpul or Troy...one better than the other?
Equal quality
Anything else important...complete AR greener here. Read the great AR build thread...but its few years old by now...not sure if much has changed?
There are a bunch of great tutorials out there. AR15.com has a good one. There are also some great YouTube vids on building lowers.
Thanks for any ideas.

Ive built my fair share of AR's. Just go slow and you should be fine.

 

[anderson76]

If you have any sort of mechanical ability you can assemble a stripped lower with a hammer, punch, and screw driver or allen wrench.

There are a number of good youtube videos on the subject. Here is one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x84VW_xZmhU

The hardest part is not scratching your lower receiver. Take your time and protect the receiver with duct tape.

As far as lower parts kits go, I would recommend against PSA. It seems hit or miss with them. The triggers that came on the 2 PSA lpks that I used were just crap. For higher quality kits at value prices, a lot of builder seem to recommend Rock River or Stag.

I’m not hating on PSA. I do own 2 PSA stripped lowers and an upper which are of very good quality and an outstanding value.

I would also recommend a true mil speck buffer tube / receiver extension. The buffer tube that came with PSA’s kit is mil spec sized but not mil spec from a materials and manufacturing perspective. There is a noticeable difference in feel between charging my factory colt lower and the lower with the psa bits. One feels buttery smooth and the other feels sand papery. I’m not saying the PSA tube does not get the job done, but I am saying that there is a difference.

 

[awdnick2986]

Save this post for my build coming up

 

[Terphunter]

Thanks all for your insight...looking forward to this project! Not going to break the bank on this first AR...but I have the lower...might as well complete it now!

 

[ride4frnt]

Take it from me, when I said I "didn't wanna break the bank" on my .300blk build I was $1700 deep in no time. But I'm happy with the rifle and could have sold it for substantially more than what I had in it.

 

[brokenwing]

I'm starting from noob too.

I had CMMG recommended for LPKs, and as it happens Shield Tactical has them on sald for under $55, with dirt cheap shipping.

Mine were ordered Tues, shipped yesterday, expected tomorrow.

Will be interested in how the thread progresses.

Thanks for the heads up, I am picking up my lower in the middle of September, I could not pass up on this deal from CMG. Thanks again I appreciate it. Also have you heard anything good about tapco millspec buffer tubes.

 

[jrumann59]

for straight forward kit that works CMMG is fine. If want stuff like a NiB FCG, winter trigger guard Spikes Enhanced LPK is good

 

[ktigerJ]

for straight forward kit that works CMMG is fine. If want stuff like a NiB FCG, winter trigger guard Spikes Enhanced LPK is good

I tried finding one of these for my lower build and couldn't. If anyone has a line on one let me know.