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 

[hughjorgan]

If you have the money there are some places with some ar15s left but business really started to pickup after the presidents speech this afternoon.

[Carl]

Everywhere I tried is sold out of lowers – stripped or complete.  They can’t keep their web sites up to date. 

I guess my hunt for an AR is over. 

Thanks for the help guys.

Carl

[et1702]

http://www.dpmsinc.com/Forged-AR15-Lower-Receiver-Assembly-Unassembled_p_1487.html

DPMS seems to think they can still get you one in 7 to 10 days!

ET

[et1702]

http://www.rguns.net/rifles/rifles-semiauto-ar15-lowers-556rguns-stripped.shtml

Here's one in Desert Digital camo that is AVAILABLE.

ET

[HighCountryHunter88]

i just got off the phone with L&L guns in battle ground sounds like they just got a shipment in an hour or two ago.

[CAMPMEAT]

www.spokaneguntrader.com   has a couple complete AR's for sale.

[Carl]

www.spokaneguntrader.com   has a couple complete AR's for sale.

Thanks CampMeat,       but I can't swing the full price right now.

Carl

[bearhunter99]

There was a guy from down south somewhere that was selling them for a decent price on Gunbroker.  You might check there.

[marlin]

I just got done doing some online shopping.. Lots of places are completely sold out on AR parts, lowers, ammo, and mags.. Its gonna get crazy. Cheaperthandirt has some charles daly 30rd mags for 40 ea.. Im wishing I hadnt wasted so much ammo over the last couple years.

[mebco09]

Everywhere I tried is sold out of lowers – stripped or complete.  They can’t keep their web sites up to date. 

I guess my hunt for an AR is over. 

Thanks for the help guys.

Carl

Calm down brother.  It is going to take a while for barry to get all the republicans in the house to agree to ban 'assault weapons'.  In the meantime, the AR producers are going to go into overdrive building stripped lowers.  I bet in a few weeks the price and availability is better.  BUT, once you have one in front of you, don't hesitate.  Buy it.   I would buy anything under $200. IMO

[Carl]

Ok, I'll climb in off the ledge. 

[Austrian Hunter]

I was at a local Pawn Shop today to look at the AR's.  The owner was making a sell and was on the phone to do the background check, well at least she tried, she told the guy that since earlier in the week getting through is as tough as ever, four to six hours waiting time 

[gotshot]

bought my wife a Ruger last night and only had to wat half an hour but did have concealed permit.

[Heredoggydoggy]

Looks like Obama is going to win another "Gun Salesman of the Year" award!   

When will they realize that gun laws only make it harder for honest people to get a gun.  You think the criminal element gives a rip?

[Carl]

bought my wife a Ruger last night and only had to wat half an hour but did have concealed permit.

I have a concealed carry too. If I get a lower in front of me, maybe that will speed thing up.
 

[Heredoggydoggy]

bought my wife a Ruger last night and only had to wat half an hour but did have concealed permit.

I have a concealed carry too. If I get a lower in front of me, maybe that will speed thing up.

CWP only helps with handgun purchases.  Has no bearing on rifle or shotgun purchases.

[KopperBuck]

My background went through in less than 30 seconds. The salesman about fell over, he had people waiting 3-4 hrs. Got lucky I guess.

[carpsniperg2]

Happens a lot, as long as your slate is clean

[Heredoggydoggy]

My background went through in less than 30 seconds. The salesman about fell over, he had people waiting 3-4 hrs. Got lucky I guess.

Yep, you hit it right!  Sometimes it took 3 hours just to get an open line, then there was a long wait even when you got through.  Today was absolutely insane!

[joesmithz28]

I had the same experience as you Kopper. There were 15-20 guys waiting at the counter at Welcher's, with checks called in. Guy took my paper work and told me to look around it'd be awhile. He came back 30 seconds later and said I was good to go. Got plenty of dirty looks from guys that'd been in there for hours as I walked out with my RRA assembled lower.

[huntnphool]

I've been wanting to build a AR57, since it holds 50 rounds in the top clip I'm assuming it will be on the ban list?

[Caseyd]

I've been wanting to build a AR57, since it holds 50 rounds in the top clip I'm assuming it will be on the ban list?

Yes