Too late to piece an AR?

[Carl]

I’ve always wanted an AR (like a lot of folks on here), but couldn’t spend the $$.  And buying one now seems like a lost cause.

So, my question is:  Can I still buys the pieces and build one or is there a crazy run on these parts too?  Along the same lines, is it a plausible idea to buy the Upper and Lower (I’m not versed on the parts yet), before they are illegal and wait until later to buy the rest?  I’m looking for a way to secure an AR before it’s too late at the least cost.  Purpose - coyotes, general plinking, not looking for 1,000 yarder, probably .223.

Thanks for the ideas,   
Carl

[lee]

PM sent

[BullMagnet76]

PM sent

[Carl]

Thanks gentlemen. 

I’m trying to educate myself as quickly as possible on all the pieces!  I see Stag has a “Complete Upper” stating Stag Arms Upper Halves come complete with bolt carrier assembly and charging handle.  Stag Arms Upper Halves are all factory test fired and zeroed. 

And 5.56 Nato Chamber, Forged and Mil Spec., Detachable Handle/Front Post, 16" Chrome Lined 1/9 Twist      For $545

From the little I know right now, the 16” barrel is versatile, but a 20” would be better for hunting. Is that right?  The 1/9 twist is better for heavier bullets.   

I read on our forum that head spacing might be an issue so buy a complete upper rather than piece it together.

I’m looking for some generalities here.  I think my requirements are simple:  Shooting < 300 yards, yotes, ground squirrels, fun, good but not top quality ($$). 

So any suggestions will be welcome as to manufacturer, barrel length and twist, uppers and lowers, etc.

I didn’t know it was possible to shoot 5.56 and .223 from the same rifle (if it’s stamped accordingly), but that seems like a very useful option too.

I hate to ask for so much advice, but time is limited evidently!   

Thanks SO much,
Carl

[Huntbear]

Get a Lower bought immediately... NOW, close the computer, and go buy it!  Hit every gun shop in your area if you have to... A stripped lower should run about 150.00 with the background check and all.... 

[Carl]

Thanks, Huntbear!   

I can't leave the office right now so I'm desperately searching the sites for lowers.

So ANY  lower will do??

(I do have an FFL dealer.)

Thanks again,
Carl

[lee]

Yup, most uppers are of equal craftsmanship.

Call Surplus Arms & Ammo near McChord. (253)-691-6636

If they still have any, .... there $79 bucks and are made locally by Aero Precision.

I have assembled 3 rifles on these receivers. Went together GREAT.

Not sure if'un its true or not but I have read that there are only something like 5 receiver manufactures nationwide. They make receivers for many different rifle companys just by changing the name on the reciever.

Lee

[MichaelJ]

Not sure if'un its true or not but I have read that there are only something like 5 receiver manufactures nationwide. They make receivers for many different rifle companys just by changing the name on the reciever.

Lee

Not true... While there are a few big companies that indeed make a lot of forged milspec lowers, there are many companies out there making their own billet lowers as well.

Mike

[jennyfell55]

Call Surplus Arms & Ammo near McChord. (253)-691-6636

If they still have any, .... there $79 bucks and are made locally by Aero Precision.

I have assembled 3 rifles on these receivers. Went together GREAT.


Lee

I second that! I built my AR with a Surplus lower receiver and it works great! The guys in the shop were also really helpful and answered any questions I could think of! It's now probably my favorite thing to shoot and it shoots fantastically!! I couldn't be happier 

[JimmyHoffa]

From the little I know right now, the 16” barrel is versatile, but a 20” would be better for hunting. Is that right?  The 1/9 twist is better for heavier bullets.   

I didn’t know it was possible to shoot 5.56 and .223 from the same rifle (if it’s stamped accordingly), but that seems like a very useful option too.

The 20 should give you a little more range than the 16.  I think the twist will depend on how heavy you want to go, if you will be shooting heavy most of the time like the 120 gr...may want 1:7.
You can safely shoot .223 in a 5.56 rifle, but are cautioned about using 5.56 in a .223 rifle.  The cartridge external dimensions are equivalent, however there are differences.  The 5.56 brass is thicker and it is loaded to higher pressure.  The 5.56 rifles have chambers/throats that are cut slightly different than a .223 set up.  Usually the throat is longer to keep pressure down near the beginning.

Not sure if'un its true or not but I have read that there are only something like 5 receiver manufactures nationwide. They make receivers for many different rifle companys just by changing the name on the reciever.

Lots of manufacturers of the different components now.  Some are even using composites for the lowers.  But if you have CNC, you can get all the design specs and build your own lowers (registered of course).  After the 2008 election, tons of AR suppliers really sprang up.

[saltwaterhillbilly]

Good luck locating a lower surplus arms is out of stock and everywhere else ive called.

[chrisb]

Thanks gentlemen. 

I’m trying to educate myself as quickly as possible on all the pieces!  I see Stag has a “Complete Upper” stating Stag Arms Upper Halves come complete with bolt carrier assembly and charging handle.  Stag Arms Upper Halves are all factory test fired and zeroed. 

And 5.56 Nato Chamber, Forged and Mil Spec., Detachable Handle/Front Post, 16" Chrome Lined 1/9 Twist      For $545

From the little I know right now, the 16” barrel is versatile, but a 20” would be better for hunting. Is that right?  The 1/9 twist is better for heavier bullets.   

I read on our forum that head spacing might be an issue so buy a complete upper rather than piece it together.

I’m looking for some generalities here.  I think my requirements are simple:  Shooting < 300 yards, yotes, ground squirrels, fun, good but not top quality ($$). 

So any suggestions will be welcome as to manufacturer, barrel length and twist, uppers and lowers, etc.

I didn’t know it was possible to shoot 5.56 and .223 from the same rifle (if it’s stamped accordingly), but that seems like a very useful option too.

I hate to ask for so much advice, but time is limited evidently!   

Thanks SO much,
Carl

$545 is almost robbery for an upper IMO. Check out Palmetto State Armory, they are always running specials on them for much less.

[NW-GSP]

I am going today to pick up a polymer ar lower today! $150 out the door 

[Carl]

$545 is almost robbery for an upper IMO. Check out Palmetto State Armory, they are always running specials on them for much less.

Yup, I checked them early today and all sold out too!

I'm only looking for a lower and no one has any.

Carl

[grundy53]

Can't find a lower anywhere