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Author Topic: AR kits  (Read 3448 times)

BAC

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AR kits
« on: May 27, 2011, 09:18:05 PM »
Anyone have experience with purchasing AR 15 complete kits?  By that I mean a kit containing everything I need to assemble an AR except the stripped lower receiver.

I'm studying a gunsmith course and just finished a module on assembling a Modern Sporting Rifle (the term they used-Yay!), and would like to get some hands on with it.  I have lots of time, being unemployed and all, but I don't have much money to spare.  It also looks like a great way to save money.

So I'd like some feedback on kits that some of you have purchased and assembled, and the places where you bought them.  I'd really like to not get ripped off.

Thanks!
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Majer

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Re: AR kits
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2011, 10:13:52 PM »
BAC, The AR I built was done one piece at a time, I picked up a lower then bought the parts as I found them at gunshows. If I had to do it again I would look at AR-15 .com  and ask questions there,They have a lot of knowledge on AR kits there.
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PegLeg45

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Re: AR kits
« Reply #2 on: May 28, 2011, 03:25:08 AM »
I have looked very strongly at these two from DPMS, but have not made my mind up. I'd probably pass on the Sportical due to the lack of some normal AR features, and because the Oracle is only $50 more.

DPMS Oracle:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=688914


DPMS Sportical:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=669147
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kilopaparomeo

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Re: AR kits
« Reply #3 on: May 28, 2011, 06:17:26 AM »
I could never find a kit that had parts in the configurations that I wanted.  In addition, there are certain components that I wanted from certain companies -- e.g., if you want a BCM charging handle, Vltor stock, Troy sights, etc, etc...you are going to have to buy those parts 2x.
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bafsu92

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Re: AR kits
« Reply #4 on: May 28, 2011, 09:02:58 AM »
Personally I'd look at separate upper and lower kits so you have a little more flexibility in getting parts you'd want. Palmetto State Armory offers lots of options for complete lower kits. They start at under $100 for a basic kit and run up to well over $500 with Geiselle triggers etc. THey don't currently list any complet upper kits but there really is very little advantage to buying a stripped upper unless it's just to learn how to assemble. The forward assist, dust cover etc. are extremely simple installs so I wouldn't worry to much about not doing that yourself. Buying a stripped upper and those parts will save you maybe $10 so don't bother. Install your own barrel and if you're doing it to learn gunsmithing I'd do a standard delta ring, fsb and 2 piece handguard assembly first and worry about a free-float handguard and their proprietary barrel nut systems down the road. If you do go the route of a complete kit I've got experience with the one's from CMMG and Yankee Hill and they're both good kits.
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Re: AR kits
« Reply #5 on: Today at 09:07:19 PM »
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twyacht

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Re: AR kits
« Reply #5 on: May 29, 2011, 06:39:20 AM »
From a "scratch build", I found the Bushmaster Lower parts kit, bravocompanyusa.com, was fine, the DPMS lower kit, cheaperthandirt.com, midwayusa.com, brownells.com perfectly adequate. Shop around, the prices for the same kits can cover a bit of $$$.

One can always "tweak" an AR platform with triggers, firing pins, bolts etc,...

As kpr posted, having extra parts, is a good thing, if you have your heart set on a VLTOR charging handle, molded grip, oversize trigger guard, better bolt, etc,...Save them for trade, repair, or another build.

They are the 57 Chevy of rifles. Just like the hot rods still on the road today. No two are "exactly" the same, but it's still a 57 Chevy, and the internal parts, are 99% interchangeable with each other.

I was set on the Timney, or Geiselle trigger for my first build, but now that I have shot it with the Bushmaster single-stage "stock" trigger, for me, and why I built my carbine, it's more than adequate. Between the Miculek comp. and Enidine Hyd. Buffer, it literally shoots like a .22LR.

 ;D



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BAC

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Re: AR kits
« Reply #6 on: May 29, 2011, 12:33:56 PM »
Thanks for all the advice and websites, guys!  I am looking to totally build one from scratch.  Since this is completely new to me I'd like to get a complete kit so as not to miss anything.  DPMS has some complete kits (minus stripped lower receiver) that are around $529.  I've also seen some good deals on upper and lower kits on a lot of the websites you've suggested.

I figure I can start getting into picking and choosing parts to make a truly custom build after getting the first one under my belt.  Next up...tools!

Now I need to sell some stuff to get the money.  Anybody wanna buy a 1944 Inland M1 carbine?
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Ping

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Re: AR kits
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2011, 12:40:55 PM »
In absolute agreement with Majer about checking out AR15.com. Tons of great information on their forum. I always check this forum and AR15.com.
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