So I think the time has come that I feel I should own an AR. To be honest...I've kinda been opposed to the idea that I NEED one, but it's been on my mind as of late. A friend showed me one he recently built using PSA parts for like 400 bucks all in, and said he's very pleased with it. I know nothing about them, but like the idea of bargain shopping for parts over a period of time to put one together. I believe his qualifies as a pistol with a 13.5" bbl, but I would want a rifle, so 16" plus on the bbl.
I'm looking for some advice from seasoned AR owners/builders here on what parts to buy, and what to pass on when building a budget AR. I want economical parts, but not junk parts. I want common stuff that interchanges easily with another brand parts. Not really looking for recommendations on complete rifles at this time. All new to me, so....Perhaps there are specific sales from time to time I should be aware of?
I can only tell you what has worked for me. Rock River or Palmetto State are the two stripped lowers with which I work most often. Both are fine, but you can find deals on PSA all the time. My last buy I paid $39 per.
Brownell's , PSA, or DPMS work fine for lower parts kits. Lose the trigger assy. and pay for a Geissele. They have many flavors, so choose the one that matches your needs. I usually use the SSA series; sometimes the SSA-E if I want a somewhat lighter pull. The SSA is 4.5#, the E is 3.5#, and both are two stage, which I prefer. YMMV and they make single stage options, as do many others.
If you have all the tools, then I won't go through the list. One thing that I will recommend is Glen Zediker's book on building the AR. It is in spiral bound lay flat format, and he gives many tricks that have been very helpful, at least to me.
As far as grips are concerned, I like the ERGO from Falcon Ind. Some like the MagPul, some others like the standard-it's all personal preference as to what fits your hand. One thing that I do highly recommend is the MagPul enhanced trigger guard. It is aluminum vs. plastic and gives plenty of room for gloves, which you will likely be wearing should you have to use the AR for what you describe, in hot or cold conditions.
Stocks are again personal preference. Adjustable stocks work well if you're planning on wearing body armor, as it allows for the increased thickness. I despise the standard Colt style collapsible stock, and much prefer the Vltor or the MagPul. If an A2 style is what you prefer, which is what I do prefer even when wearing BA as I have a long LOP, then any A2 style will work.
Make sure that you match the buffer with the tube, as it comes in two styles, MilSpec and commercial. The MilSpec is smaller in diameter and will rattle like an old VW if you use it in a commercial tube. Also make sure that you match the weight of the buffer with both the stock type you choose and the type (length) of gas tube that you use. This is determined by where the gas port is located on the barrel. There are a few differences depending upon whether you are using pistol, carbine, mid length, or rifle. Bolt timing issues are why this needs some thought. Too slow, too fast, both can cause feeding problems.
If you are going to get a finished upper from a vendor, then I won't go into details on a build. I will say, that if you are serious IRT actual use in action, buy the best that you can afford, as the cheapos are that price for a reason, and likely will not withstand the rigors involved. Extractors, ejectors, BCG and bolt materials, barrels and their composition are all players. Many people will denigrate chrome lined barrels and chambers, but the reason that .mil still uses them is wear from long strings of fire, both full auto and semi, as well as corrosion resistance when routine maintenance may be sketchy at best. They can be accurate, and they are, in my experience, accurate enough, usually 2-3 MOA at worst. Chambering should be in 5.56 vs. .223. There is a difference, and a max 5.56 in a min .223 can cause difficulties.
Needless to say, if you do decide to build it yourself, a torque wrench and headspace gauges are essential, as are some other tools. I recommend a A3 or flat top style upper, as it allows better use of optics. ALWAYS include Back Up Iron Sights (BUIS) on any A3 style upper, because if your optics crap out, you don't have any way to aim, and an AR, especially with a collapsible stock, makes a really crummy CQB weapon, even with a bayonet attached.
Anyway, good luck with your choices, and have fun with the build. You will likely find that it's kind of like Lay's 'tater chips, you can't just have one.
