Building my first AR15/M4 Rifle

[bkm]

I decided to go ahead and build my own rifle rather than buy one complete. Right now it has never been cheaper to build a rifle with good components for less than a basic mil spec out of the box rifle.

I went with a Palmetto State Armory M4 chrome lined 1.7barrel, Magpul MOE furniture, complete kit for under $500 shipped. The barrels are made by FN right here in the good ole US of A.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-m4-moe-rifle-kit.html

I also went with their "blem" stripped lower receiver for another $49. I was going to do the no papers 80% lower, but decided to just go with a registered lower instead for this build. My buddy has built 15 AR's using their blem lowers and he said the worst blem he has been able to find was a little dark spot on the coating or a scratch inside the mag well.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/catalog/product/view/id/10445/

I added the MBUS flip down rear sight and found a great deal on a Vortex Spitfire 3x on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vortex-Spitfire-3x-Prism-Scope-EBR-556B-MOA-Reticle-SPR-1303-/172002307245?hash=item280c22ecad:g:Be8AAOSwpDdVEv1 a

I'm pretty excited for this build and wil update it once I get the kit and lower in my hands.

Without optics, I will have a Chrome lined FN barrel, forged 7075 chrome lined chamber upper rceiver, Magpul furniture, 7075 forged lower M4 for around $570 shipped with FFL transfer.

You can't buy a basic moly barrled, mil spec, out of the box AR for that. The Ruger is one of the least expensive I've found and runs right around $570 to $600 around me here in ST. Louis.

[Scootertrash]

Welcome to the BRC (Black Rifle Club). It's a disease. They are like Lays Potato Chips: Nobody can have just one!!

Nice pick on the kit and lower by the way! ;) PSA is good stuff, Del-Ton is another good choice for kits. Vortex optics are good stuff too. They're CS is great, or it used to be, but I'm pretty sure it hasn't changed.

[ironchop]

Right now I can buy a finished AR lower for $45 from an Anderson distributor whereas the cheapest I can get an 80% lower is from Copes for $45....no brainer but the 80%ers are easy as hell to build with mill access or you can do them on a drill press with a jig and an endmill with satisfactory results.

Apex Gun Parts was having a black Friday sale with DPMS Oracle kits for $325. Everything you need but the stripped lower. I could build one for under $400 with that deal. DPMS is low end for AR stuff but more than good enough in a pinch.

Now Scooter is right. It is VERY addicting. Now you should move up to building an AK47 off a flat, building an HK G3 off a flat, Cetme B, HK 33, AK74, MP5, Uzi, etc etc. The possibilities are numerous.

Argentine Imbel FN FAL on a DSA receiver is next on my list.

When we produced M4 stuff for USDOD and Sabre Defense, we learned that most AR receiver brands are keyhole stamped armalites with someone else's name on them. Same with a lot of internal parts. They just change the box. I used to make gas blocks, charging handles, barrel extensions and machine their flat-top receiver forgings for LWRC. In my experience, LWRC has very good quality control as they individually inspect every single part made by subcontractor shops before they get used in assembly.

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[bkm]

Holy cow you guys are right. The digital ink isn't even dry on my sales reciepts yet and I'm already looking at the next project. lol

Seriously though. If anyone is on the fence about bulding one, jump in the deep end right now. I have a buddy who is huge builder/collector. He said the companies really ramped up production after Sandy Hook and spent Billions on manufacturing and inventory. We are benifiting from a surplus right now.

[ironchop]

That is absolutely right. We do quite a bit of machining for firearm manufacturers and the market is way over saturated with AR stuff right now.

If you wait until the gun control rhetoric reaches a fever pitch again, this surplus and these prices will go away FAST.

I sold a powder coated AR 80% lower for $350 just a month after Newtown. The market was nuts back then with finished receivers going for almost $600

its an investment if nothing else

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[bkm]

People think it might be crazy to stock up on lower receivers right now, but because this is 3ww and if someone told you 10-15 years ago to stock up on oem fenders and tires, how crazy would they look today?

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[ironchop]

My first build was an STG58 on an Imbel receiver my local gun shop kept in stock. This was 1996 or so. I got a mint test fired never issued Austrian STG58 kit all numbers matching with OEM barrel for a paltry $150. I paid Bradis Guns in INDPLS $125 for the Imbel receiver (FFL item then). I couldn't get the barrel torqued right to 12 so I mailed it all off to Springfield Armory to be built so I didn't screw anything up. I only had $275 in it before SA got it and they charged me almost $500 to build, head space, and test fire. That was a lot of money for me back then and I was worried I would end up with more in it than its worth....today it would retail for about $1600 which is down from $2200 I was offered and took shortly after 08.

That was also when I shot 500-1500rds a month from my black rifles but I was getting .308 for .20/rd

Edit to say: $500 is still a lot of money for me its just that in 1996 it took me 8-10 months to save up for that kind of expense


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[Billy Golightly]

I have been looking at the PSA deals the last week and just can't make myself buy one with so many other projects right now, but I sure have been eyeballing/thinking about building (or a few) also lately

[barnett468]

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Holy crap, you guys are scarin me.

I don;t have any gun anymore but my first one was a real Thompson Sub Machine Gun I and three other friends chipped in to buy from a magazine when I was a id . It cost around $50.00 and was set up for single shot because it was illegal to sell them in a magazine in fully auto mode, HOWEVER, the fully auto mechanism was available pretty cheap which was legal to sell but illegal to install unless one had the proper permit.

It was legal to buy, own, and set off dynamite as long as one was 18 and did it in the desert etc.

[bkm]

I have been looking at the PSA deals the last week and just can't make myself buy one with so many other projects right now, but I sure have been eyeballing/thinking about building (or a few) also lately
Once we get past the surplus right now they'll only go up. Buy the main parts and stick it in a closet until you're ready.

[onformula1]

bkm, so I guess this is your new hobby? :lol:

[barnett468]

.
Perhaps one of these easy access bar mounted gun racks would make a nice Christmas gift for some.

.................................................. ....... https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcR5-jHtxxAJzu_B7RJ6KAlJZijBmt7wjloQDT_WbNGBNP57TxqsJos kf-yJaTL_awagcJhrjIo&usqp=CAE

[Billy Golightly]

Ya'll almost got me talked into it. I have a lower already...

http://www.groundzeroprecision.com/collections/featured/products/diy-16-223-5-56-complete-carbine-ar-15-rifle-build-kit-free-shipping?variant=1379624961

[atc007]

Ok, Bryan, chop, scooter,anyone else, without spending 4 days on here researching till my eyes hurt. I would like to put a couple "guns in a box" away. What is the best deal going today? The one Billy listed? I didn't know they were this cheap right now. Great thread Bryan. Shoot straight !

[ironchop]

Bill, NIB rifles are still retailing for more than you can assemble one yourself right now with a completed lower or an 80%

but here is an assembled rifle:

http://www.slickguns.com/product/dpms-60531-rfa3oc-ar-15-oracle-sa-223-rem556-nato-16-301-6pos-stk-blk-469

Slickguns.com is a price comparing website so just look around awhile and youre sure to find something

these aren't on sale for $325 any more but still an awesome deal for $399

http://www.apexgunparts.com/featured-products/oracle-remington-16-5-56-a3-upper-gas-block-kit-less-lower.html


more linkage:

http://daytonatactical.com/

[bkm]

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-phosphate-moe-ctr-rifle-kit.html?utm_source=Shop+Cyber+Monday+Deals+%7C+La st+Chance+Black+Friday+Gun+Deals&utm_campaign=Constant+Contact&utm_medium=email
This is a good deal, but I don't think it last past today. If you buy a kit, I'd look for one with the top already assembled.

[bkm]

bkm, so I guess this is your new hobby? [emoji38]
Nah, I've always wanted one, and to be honest I'd be foolish to pass up the deals going on right now. Plus I can write it off on my taxes for work.

[bkm]

Thoughts on the AR-47? Cyber Monday deals on PSA has a complete upper with bolt group and charging handle for $319.

It would be kinda cool to take advantage of the 7.63x39 AK/SKS ammo.

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[Onetrackmind]

Thanks for the heads up Bryan!

I'm seriously considering buying their AR47 upper ($319 is a great price) and pairing it with their complete Magpul lower. I have a couple of ARs and several AKs/SKSs and have always wanted to try an AR47. This is a steal IMO...plus I have about 3k rounds of cheap Russian ammo for it! I just don't know if these AR BCGs can handle steel cases. Does anybody know about that?

[bkm]

Thanks for the heads up Bryan!

I'm seriously considering buying their AR47 upper ($319 is a great price) and pairing it with their complete Magpul lower. I have a couple of ARs and several AKs/SKSs and have always wanted to try an AR47. This is a steal IMO...plus I have about 3k rounds of cheap Russian ammo for it! I just don't know if these AR BCGs can handle steel cases. Does anybody know about that?
Read through the reviews. Everyone runs junk steel tula ammo through them with zero problems. I only wish they made a 7.62x54. I have tons of Nagant ammo, but don't shoot it much because of the kick.

[Onetrackmind]

I didn't even think about reading the reviews...thanks. I know that the Bushmaster ARs used to have have trouble with extended use on the steel cased stuff. Looks like the PSAs are good to go...that's awesome.

I'm pretty sure that I'm going to pull the trigger on one. Thanks again for the heads up.

Yep...my Mosin kicks like a dang mule too! That 7.62x54 definitely packs a serious punch.

[bkm]

Where are you guys getting your ammo from?

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[ironchop]

Thanks for the heads up Bryan!

I'm seriously considering buying their AR47 upper ($319 is a great price) and pairing it with their complete Magpul lower. I have a couple of ARs and several AKs/SKSs and have always wanted to try an AR47. This is a steal IMO...plus I have about 3k rounds of cheap Russian ammo for it! I just don't know if these AR BCGs can handle steel cases. Does anybody know about that?

I have two friends with AR47 uppers and they love them. They came from here:

http://blackthorneproducts.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_17&products_id=781

http://blackthorneproducts.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_17&products_id=313

http://blackthorneproducts.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_17&products_id=312

there is only one company who makes mags for all the AR47 uppers but they aren`t too hard to find and still retail for about $15-20 each. Regular AR mags in 5.56 wont work.

[ironchop]

Where are you guys getting your ammo from?

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no particular place

I run WPA, TULA, and Red Army Standard from Century in the Aks they love to eat steel case.

I run steel case Tula in my HK91 and sometimes brass case Federal if I care about consistent shot groups.

I run Lake City (Federal) and some American something or other in my M4 and PMC X-TAC LAP 62gr green tip in my Rock River bull barrel coyote rifle

I don't have a dedicated ammo source really, I just buy what`s on sale wherever in most cases. J&G has pretty good prices and so does Century.

I`ll buy better stuff if I`m hunting but for plinking, I buy junk except in the bull barrel Wylde chambered Rock River.


I hope your department issued you an AR rifle for duty carry in the car. I believe police should have whatever the public can get at least.

[83ATC185]

I love the 7.62x39 and to be able to shoot it out of a quality rifle sounds like a dream come true.

I don't trust the chinese SKS. That summabish was downright dangerous.

[bkm]

I carry a Sig 516 and Rem 14" 870

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[Onetrackmind]

Where are you guys getting your ammo from?

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I buy from various places as well. I like to use www.ammoseek.com to find the best prices first. It's awesome if you haven't used it.

[bkm]

Very cool site.

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[bkm]

If you guys took any AR pics before they tragically fell into the lake, post them up. I like seeing the different setups.

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[ironchop]

I've got pics somewhere. Lemme check my laptop mañana. Its at work. I could always pull them out from the bottom of the lake and take selfies if I can recall exactly where the boat capsized.



That Sig 516 would ruin me for wanting a cheap AR. SIG improves everything they touch. You will pay handsomely, though. What are you running for optics?

I'd like to put a Meprolight on the M4. I run a Nikon M223 4-16x42(?) Its cammed for bullet drop comp for polymer tipped 55gr zingers but I shoot 62's at a lot closer range using the reticle for extra holdover for the heavier slower slugs. The scope is cammed out to 600 yds but really that's an AR's effective limit even with the lighter faster 55's

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[onformula1]

I carry a Sig 516 and Rem 14" 870

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Nice, what side arm do you carry?

[bkm]

Nice, what side arm do you carry?

Sig 229 that I hate because I'm not a Sig pistol fan. At my last department I carried a Glock 22 for 8 years and have always been a fan of Glock.

Chop: The 516 is a very nice gun. It has flip up irons and the factory red dot that comes as the LE package. We zero them at 37 yards and they are absolute tack drivers.

[ironchop]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/01/017dfd8210262527c24af99f02d6daff.jpg

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[ironchop]

Not the greatest pic of my RockRiver but you get the point. Looking for pics of my other one.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/01/25ab9f83baa7cd5761b0cd90fe44c835.jpg

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[bkm]

I love the raw receiver and bull barrel. Too bad that boat capsized sending her to the bottom.

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[El Camexican]

I sure hope you guys drive your trikes better than you do your boats!

[Scootertrash]

El, a rouge wave on a small inland lake is nothing trifle with!

[JayBone]

I really need to move out of NJ....

[bkm]

Looks like I picked a perfect time to buy a rifle. I probably need to stock up on ammo now.

[ironchop]

Yep, the gun control rhetoric has been strong today. Stronger than in the past few events. Plus an election cycle is upon us and as of Black Friday background check stats, gun buyers set a new one day record.

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[bkm]

Hopefully you guys bought some ammo. Steel case 5.56 is all but gone again.

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[Chopsaw]

I get mine from here http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/.

[bkm]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/10/90c9e5d8430871c4d85a52345db692e0.jpg
Santa came a little early this year.

[bkm]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/10/de95aeb02bb636d4489c5fde970f8a2a.jpg

[ironchop]

Looks good.

I was shopping for an AR10 today. Boy, they aren't anywhere near as cheap as 15s are right now. I decided to put that off for a couple months.

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[bkm]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/11/d93154e556af4872859a2b42c1d12c2d.jpg

I was also looking at a 308 today, but thought the same thing. I did have this Henry follow me home today though.

[ironchop]

Henry!

I've been eyeballing a Henry Big Boy in .45 LC at my local dealer but I would rather have one in .357

I would love to have $750 laying around to buy one too but I don't. I'm waiting till our Xmas bonus shows up and see what that looks like, tell my wife it was half as much as it was, split that half in half, give her that quarter of it "out of fairness and love", and spend three quarters of it on me. Just like last year. Hahaha





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[Onetrackmind]

That AR really looks sharp...especially for the price. Nice job on the build too! I wound up ordering the upper in x39 and a complete blem lower on "Cyber" Monday but am still waiting on it to show up...oh well.

My idea is for this to be my 9 yo son's new "Hog Killer" (plenty of knockdown power out of a .30 caliber round and not much recoil plus extremely cheap and plentiful ammo). I can't wait to get this this thing dialed in!

I have had a DPMS AR10 w a 16" barrel for several years now...I love it now. In stock form, it kicked like a dang mule! (16" barrel). I added a Magpul MOE furniture set and a PWS compensator and that's it. The compensator reduced felt recoil by about 50% (no kidding) and dramatically reduced muzzle rise for much easier target re-aquisition for follow up shots. Hogs are no match now!

I like that Henry too...always have wanted one.

[bkm]

I was asleep at the wheel on the 7.62 upper and now they're sold out. But not buying it has opened the door to buy my buddies Para Ordnance 1911.

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[Onetrackmind]

Para Ordnance 1911.

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That's a great pistol...I hope you get it.

I finally got my two halves of a whole in today. Swapped out the furniture with another rifle and put on a spare rear iron sight. I can't shoot it until Saturday, and it's killing me to know how this thing is going to run with Russian steel!

I am very impressed with the fit and that "blem" lower is spotless...I definitely can't find the blemish. Very nice.

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