YAGT: OMG I love guns

[coxmaster]

It isn't much to look at yet but hopefully in the next month or two it'll be a complete upper.. Happened to stumble onto a great deal for a 5.45x39 barrel so I decided its finally time to build another AR

 

[shortylickens]

 

[Zargon]

Honestly that Hi-Point doesn't seem bad at all, though it def don't have "sleek" looks. Then again, neither does the Kel-Tec Sub 2000.

Id go kel tec before hi point

beretta makes nice carbines

 

[clamum]

Think I found the CQB optic for my AR.

Different mag level but the combo is a great price cause I wanna get the PEPR anyway. Any suggestions if I don't go with the PEPR though (something cheaper)? I'd probably want the cantilever style I'm assuming, for more mounting area and better eye relief?

 

[exdeath]

Wouldn't call that a CQB optic. The eye relief and fov is going to be like a typical scope requiring exact eye distance and cheek weld. Eg having to aim and search for the reticle and target.

CQB optic is like pick up point and click both eyes open with no aiming.

 

[Phanuel]

At 1x many of the high end variables are completely useable like a red dot. It's only when you up the magnification that the eyebox becomes more restrictive of head placement.

 

[TerryMathews]

Think I found the CQB optic for my AR.

Different mag level but the combo is a great price cause I wanna get the PEPR anyway. Any suggestions if I don't go with the PEPR though (something cheaper)? I'd probably want the cantilever style I'm assuming, for more mounting area and better eye relief?

Check out the optisan mamba.

 

[marvdmartian]

It isn't much to look at yet but hopefully in the next month or two it'll be a complete upper.. Happened to stumble onto a great deal for a 5.45x39 barrel so I decided its finally time to build another AR

Mind if I ask where you found said good deal on that barrel? Was considering 5.45x39 as a possible build for the stripped lower I have.

 

[coxmaster]

Mind if I ask where you found said good deal on that barrel? Was considering 5.45x39 as a possible build for the stripped lower I have.

I actually found it on Armslist from a guy out in California.. He had a few when i talked to him, so if you search you might still find them. Its a beautiful barrel and should make a great gun. I've done a lot of research on 5.45 builds so if you have questions I should be able to help, although this is my first one.. :biggrin:

Got an upper today so now I just need the rest of it and i'll have a complete upper

 

[Phoenix86]

I would recommend not building your own for your first AR. Sure, it ain't rocket science and you'd learn how the gun works first-hand, but I don't really see the advantage over just ordering a complete AR. You can learn a ton about AR-15s by watching a couple YouTube videos and reading a book, too. Instead of buying all the necessary (and those that are just very nice to have) tools, making sure all the parts match and you didn't overlook something, I'd just get a complete. I do plan to build my next AR myself but I've had mine for several years and feel quite confident in picking out the right parts and doing so (even then I still need to buy several tools).

Obviously it's his choice; if Don Vito really enjoys tinkering, then have at it man.

Wouldn't buying it complete then stripping it and rebuilding it accomplish the same thing?

 

[Tiamat]

Think I found the CQB optic for my AR.

Different mag level but the combo is a great price cause I wanna get the PEPR anyway. Any suggestions if I don't go with the PEPR though (something cheaper)? I'd probably want the cantilever style I'm assuming, for more mounting area and better eye relief?

Pepr seems to be on the price/performance point. The problem with these AR height cantilevers imo is they cost and weigh quite a bit. No way around this. $80-$200+ and 5-8 oz. Quickly causes the gun to break 10lbs loaded. I almost bought this exact setup, but the eotech weighs half as much and was faster on target without any training; and for cqb, pointability and lightweight wins IMO.

For 50+ yd target/plinking where you usually can have non-offhand, be it supports, bench, or tripod, weight doesn't matter as much to me, but I'd probably get higher magnification and use a 2nd weapon.

If multiple weapons are out of the picture, the next alternative for me is spending extra on a larue or similar mount for quick disconnect and reasonable zero holding while buying vortex viper (for example) for plinking, and otherwise eotech all other times...

To answer your question, if you think you might like to try different things on your gun in the future, spend extra on the mount for quick disconnect and lighter weight. If you are fairly confident in the Burris being your final system setup, the pepr should be quite fine.

 

[onza]

Id go kel tec before hi point

beretta makes nice carbines

For service / repair purposes I'd actually lean towards Hi-Point over Kel-tec.


I can't find a Kel-tec sub2000 for the life of me without paying 2-3x the msrp.

 

[exdeath]

For service / repair purposes I'd actually lean towards Hi-Point over Kel-tec.


I can't find a Kel-tec sub2000 for the life of me without paying 2-3x the msrp.

I found my Sub 2000 9mm glock version at a gun show for $300 in the middle of the madness at the start of the year when even used ones were $700+ online.

Mag catch was hosed because previous owner used metal mags and the sharp edge chewed away the mag catch lip with repeated use

Emailed Keltec asked for a mag catch.

They never called me, asked for a serial, proof of purchase, card number, nothing. It just showed up in the mail 3 days later.

Good as new. Only use Glock or KCI mags in it since its a plastic catch.

 

[clamum]

Check out the optisan mamba.

Wow, pretty dang good reviews, and only $150 with a mount? Tempting! Thanks for the heads up.

Pepr seems to be on the price/performance point. The problem with these AR height cantilevers imo is they cost and weigh quite a bit. No way around this. $80-$200+ and 5-8 oz. Quickly causes the gun to break 10lbs loaded. I almost bought this exact setup, but the eotech weighs half as much and was faster on target without any training; and for cqb, pointability and lightweight wins IMO.

For 50+ yd target/plinking where you usually can have non-offhand, be it supports, bench, or tripod, weight doesn't matter as much to me, but I'd probably get higher magnification and use a 2nd weapon.

If multiple weapons are out of the picture, the next alternative for me is spending extra on a larue or similar mount for quick disconnect and reasonable zero holding while buying vortex viper (for example) for plinking, and otherwise eotech all other times...

To answer your question, if you think you might like to try different things on your gun in the future, spend extra on the mount for quick disconnect and lighter weight. If you are fairly confident in the Burris being your final system setup, the pepr should be quite fine.

Haha yeah my gun isn't very light as it is right now with the EOTech. I have a 13" Troy Alpha rail, AFG2, vertical grip/bipod, and flashlight so she definitely ain't light. Thinking of removing the AFG2 but that doesn't weigh much. Unfortunately it's front-heavy so maybe that scope would balance it out better.

Good lord are those Larue mounts expensive! I knew their stuff wasn't cheap but holy man. I probably will go with the QD P.E.P.R. if I decide on the MTAC. Hmmm. I won't be able to check out Cabelas, and if they have the MTAC (and/or that Mamba), until probably Monday.

 

[TerryMathews]

Wow, pretty dang good reviews, and only $150 with a mount? Tempting! Thanks for the heads up.


Haha yeah my gun isn't very light as it is right now with the EOTech. I have a 13" Troy Alpha rail, AFG2, vertical grip/bipod, and flashlight so she definitely ain't light. Thinking of removing the AFG2 but that doesn't weigh much. Unfortunately it's front-heavy so maybe that scope would balance it out better.

Good lord are those Larue mounts expensive! I knew their stuff wasn't cheap but holy man. I probably will go with the QD P.E.P.R. if I decide on the MTAC. Hmmm. I won't be able to check out Cabelas, and if they have the MTAC (and/or that Mamba), until probably Monday.

If nothing else, it's a good way to try out that style scope before you buy a "real" one. The illuminated center at 1x makes a very nice substitute for a red dot and it's extremely clear even at max magnification.

Me? I'll never be going to war so I just role with that. If it breaks at the range? I guess I'm done for the day.

 

[IEC]

LaRue, Bobro and other military grade mounts are expensive because of their precision, QC, and durability - I literally do not lose zero taking off and putting my Bobro back on, and it's a single throw lever to lock/unlock.

That said, you don't need that kind of quality unless you abuse your gear or need it to work regardless of circumstances. If you're just going to the range, a P.E.P.R. will probably work fine.

However, unless things have changed the P.E.P.R. is still probably made in China. I prefer to buy American so I buy Warne AR-height scope rings for budget builds. $40-50 for a pair, and made in Tualatin, Oregon.

 

[Svnla]

For service / repair purposes I'd actually lean towards Hi-Point over Kel-tec.


I can't find a Kel-tec sub2000 for the life of me without paying 2-3x the msrp.

I did some research and you are right about the scarity of the Sub 2000. I even checked well know online vendors such as BudGunShop. Not sure why.

As I said in my previous post (#5545), the Sub 2000 is neat but I am leary about Kel Tec QC and workmanship based on my research. If Glock/S+W/Springfield/ect. makes a gun like that for $500 or so, I would pick one in a heart beat.

Beretta makes the Cx4 Storm, which is an awesome handgun caliber carbine. I have had one for years in 9mm, which uses beretta 92 mags, and it is a great little rifle. I have been able to hit 5gallon propane cans at 200 yards with it easily, though the 9mm doesnt have much energy to do anything but fall to the ground at that distance.

Picture of mine -



I have mine setup to look like the Colonial marine carbine from Battlestar Galactica, with that aimpoint clone, and barrel shroud.

I have no experience with the Kel-tecs, but I have heard good things. If I remember right the take glock magazines, which is not a bad thing at all.

Very nice, want one but then look at the MSRP for over $900 <sad panda>.

 

[marvdmartian]

I actually found it on Armslist from a guy out in California.. He had a few when i talked to him, so if you search you might still find them. Its a beautiful barrel and should make a great gun. I've done a lot of research on 5.45 builds so if you have questions I should be able to help, although this is my first one.. :biggrin:

Got an upper today so now I just need the rest of it and i'll have a complete upper

Thanks for the info! :thumbsup:

 

[Tiamat]

Wow, pretty dang good reviews, and only $150 with a mount? Tempting! Thanks for the heads up.


Haha yeah my gun isn't very light as it is right now with the EOTech. I have a 13" Troy Alpha rail, AFG2, vertical grip/bipod, and flashlight so she definitely ain't light. Thinking of removing the AFG2 but that doesn't weigh much. Unfortunately it's front-heavy so maybe that scope would balance it out better.

Good lord are those Larue mounts expensive! I knew their stuff wasn't cheap but holy man. I probably will go with the QD P.E.P.R. if I decide on the MTAC. Hmmm. I won't be able to check out Cabelas, and if they have the MTAC (and/or that Mamba), until probably Monday.

Perhaps removing the afg and VG would help since the weight removal would be from the front in terms of front heaviness. But that is a compromise between ergo and weight balance...

 

[Gunslinger08]

Bought my first AR-15 stripped lower today. Just ordered a lower parts kit from Rock River Arms. Any recommendations on tools to make assembling the lower easier?

I still need to pick a stock/buffer and upper. It seems like assembling the upper can be a pain and requires a bunch of tools and knowledge, so I'm probably just going to buy a complete upper. Any recommendations for a stock and upper for an AR noob? I think I'd prefer a multi-position/collapsible stock. Not sure about the A1-A4 style of upper I want. I'd eventually like to mount some optics for longer range shooting, but I'll try out iron sights for now.

 

[TerryMathews]

Bought my first AR-15 stripped lower today. Just ordered a lower parts kit from Rock River Arms. Any recommendations on tools to make assembling the lower easier?

I still need to pick a stock/buffer and upper. It seems like assembling the upper can be a pain and requires a bunch of tools and knowledge, so I'm probably just going to buy a complete upper. Any recommendations for a stock and upper for an AR noob? I think I'd prefer a multi-position/collapsible stock. Not sure about the A1-A4 style of upper I want. I'd eventually like to mount some optics for longer range shooting, but I'll try out iron sights for now.

Good for you. To assemble a lower, all you need is a Gunsmith's screwdriver set from Walmart in the sporting goods department (I think they're Winchester-branded now) and a set of chrome or brass punches. Best place to get those is at a gun show if you have a local one that comes through. I've been able to buy them there for less than shipping from eBay or Amazon. You're looking for something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/AR-15-8-PC-Punch-Set-4PC-Steel-4PC-Brass-/380613338001?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item589e52a391 You'll also need a castle nut wrench. Might as well get a multi tool like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/AR-Model-15-COMBO-WRENCH-TOOL-GRAY-/390636083888?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5af3b99ab0

Stock is a tricky one. Most people that figure out what length they are comfortable with end up prefering a fixed stock, but OTOH you don't know what length you need. I will say I'm a bigger guy (6'2") and I prefer an M16A1 stock. To add insult to injury, the fixed stocks generally don't fit the carbine buffer tube.

A good budget entry in the multi position stock is the MAGPUL MOE. Also, if you're just getting a feel for everything don't be afraid to try out an MAGPUL PTS "made-in-china" stock piece from eBay; just don't get suckered and pay full price for what is effectively counterfeit gear. The fit and feel are basically identical, they just aren't as durable generally. But if you want to try out the feel of a higher-end stock like the UBR it's a good way to. Another option is to order from Brownell's which has the best return policy in the industry. Finally, I also want to mention the DuoStock. It's a unique-feeling stock and one you should try out if nothing else feels quite right. They are also fairly cheap on the ARFCOM equipment exchange forum when they pop up, as they are definitely a love it or hate it item. FWIW, my wife loves it.

Upper is not hard to do, and you only need one tool: the barrel wrench. If you got a combo tool like I recommended, you're set. The upper is really where the metal meets the road, and where you will notice most of the differences in a custom rifle. This is a good place where you should think about what you want to do before you order. Do you want a traditional rifle? Do you want flip-up sights? Do you want a red dot and flip-to-side magnifier? Do you want a high-power scope? Do you want to hang a light or laser on the side? How much hand space do you want?

The best thing you can do, honestly, is go to ARFCOM and look at pictures of rifles and find a picture that you think represents what you would want to shoot. If you're dead set on ordering an upper completed, and aren't really sure what you want to do, get a 16" mid-length upper with MOE handguards. Something like this: http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/complete-uppers/16/psa-16-hammer-forged-midlength-upperpper-2150.html If it were in stock you'd have an option for like $10 or $20 to switch handguards to MAGPUL MOE. Do it. A) They're more ergonomic. B) They have some residual value, the mil-spec grips doesn't.

The reason I recommend 16" mid-length is that if you decide to change the feel of the rifle, there are a lot of accessories available to get you close to what you are looking for without breaking your upper down into parts and starting over. The mid-length is the darling of the AR15 world right now, so everything is made for it.

Personally, my magic recipe is: M16A1 stock, Ergo SureGrip, 16" barrel carbine length gas port (only because it keeps the gas block more protected under the rail), gas block, 12" quad rail, MAGPUL MBUS sights, Primary Arms 2MOA multi-reticle sight, Primary Arms 3x flip-to-side magnifier, and MAGPUL XTM rail covers on the open spaces.

 

[velillen]

Bought my first AR-15 stripped lower today. Just ordered a lower parts kit from Rock River Arms. Any recommendations on tools to make assembling the lower easier?

I still need to pick a stock/buffer and upper. It seems like assembling the upper can be a pain and requires a bunch of tools and knowledge, so I'm probably just going to buy a complete upper. Any recommendations for a stock and upper for an AR noob? I think I'd prefer a multi-position/collapsible stock. Not sure about the A1-A4 style of upper I want. I'd eventually like to mount some optics for longer range shooting, but I'll try out iron sights for now.

All you truly need for a lower is the wrench for the buffer tube nut. My first lower i did with vise grips (or similiar wrenches) and electrical tape over the teeth. For using tools or punches i recommend taping out the area in case the tools slip (so it doesnt mark up the receiver).

As for uppers...id go with something with flattop (A3). You can buy detachable rear sight or the handles to use like a A1 or A2 style. For stocks i have both the magpul MOE and the Magpul STR. I like the STR better as i can get a better cheek weld on it over the original. Both work great though. Just make sure you match your buffer tube (mil-spec or commercial) to the correct butt stock (again they come in mil-spec and commercial bufffer tube sizes).

Building an upper isnt hard but a torque wrench and the tool linked above are needed. Those are the only tools i used. (the torque wrench is debatable but i would have one). But buying a complete vs building you wont save much money really. You can find one setup how you want most likely. BCM, Noveske, LWRC, theres tons of quality brands that offer different rails and stuff. PSA has great deals and the upper i have from them shoots ~1MOA. If your looking for smaller groups than that youd really need a match grade barrel.

 

[jpeyton]

 

[Skel]

Today I bought the very new Walther PPX at the local gun show. For the $400 out the door price I paid for it, it's an amazing gun. The grip on it feels so much better than I though possible for a gun at the sub $500 price point, and it handles recoil so much better than my Beretta PX4. I have to say after the 200 rounds I threw down it this afternoon it was consistently on point round after round. I highly recommend it get at least a look.

Link. http://www.waltherarms.com/products/handguns/ppx/

I also picked up 100 rounds of "Moly bullets" as I had never heard of them before and was intrigued enough to give them a whirl... The claim on them is they shoot as well as normal bullets but save the wear and tear on the barrel. YMMV on that, but they look cool with the black tips I should note that I still haven't fire them to know if they do anything other than look interesting, and honestly don't know when I'll get to them. If they turn out to be junk that I should touch my guns with someone please let me know.

Link on someone talking about the Moly
http://www.6mmbr.com/normamoly.html

 

[Prong]

I run moly coated bullets through my high volume rifles (AR-15, a 22-250 bolt, and a .223 bolt gun). You get extended cleaning intervals for sure, but I don't know about improved barrel life. Befor you shoot them, be sure to clean all the copper fouling out before hand. It may also take a few shots of the moly bullets to coat the bore before shooting for groups.