Follow Along for my First AR Build

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Brian Pfleuger

Moderator Emeritus
Well gang, I've done did it and have all my parts (I think) either in hand or on order.
When things start getting more interesting (like I can put stuff together) I'll post some pics.
I did a lot of digging and in some cases I paid more than I could have because I wanted a specific part while in others I paid more than I should have because...well, it's all there is available.

Here is my parts break-down and price list.
I'm interested in hearing feedback (not the "you're an idiot for over paying" kind). Also, if I'm missing something or you think I bought something that is incompatible, please let me know.

It's going to be 6mm ARC, btw.
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Metal god

New member
Generally speaking looking real good .

I don’t see buffer tube , spring or buffer ? Lower parts kits don’t include those , lower “build” kits do . Maybe included with the stock but was not listed as such .

With that quality of barrel/build you may want to lap your upper receiver to square everything up .

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...16-upper-receiver-lapping-tool-prod20220.aspx

Looks like you have a collapsible stock ?

I see this Hogue fixed stock but it ends in 41 not 45
https://www.opticsplanet.com/hogue-ar-15-m-16-overmolded-fixed-buttstock.html

If not the one above or fixed . I would have went with a fixed stock with that type of build . Point being that barrel is going to be heavy , no need saving weight now and just put on a nice fixed stock for better stability .
https://magpul.com/firearm-accessories/stocks/moe-rifle-stock.html?mp_global_color=118

https://www.primaryarms.com/hera-arms-hrs-fixed-a2-buttstock-od-green

or even fully adjustable

https://www.opticsplanet.com/magpul-industries-prs-gen3-precision-adjustable-ar-15-ar-10-stock.html

Tube , spring and buffer for fixed stocks above
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/AR15-A2-Rifle-Stock-Completion-Kit-p/brn-080-000-554.htm
 
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Nathan

New member
Looks good. Interested. It is kind of a 6mmPPC improved! Have you considered a fixed stock for that cartridge/barrel length? I’m not you, but i prefer fixed when accuracy is top concern.
 
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B

Brian Pfleuger

Moderator Emeritus
Metal god said:
I don’t see buffer tube , spring or buffer ?
Click to expand...

All part of the package. I assume there a good chance I may try multiple stocks before I find the one that I really like but this one should be reasonably functional for starters.

101combatvet said:
Why bother with stainless and a fluted barrel? Put that money into good optics.
Click to expand...

One, because I wanted that look and, two, the optics (which I already had) aren't exactly garbage.

Nathan said:
Have you considered a fixed stock for that cartridge/barrel length?
Click to expand...
I mostly considered that this stock more or less seemed decent and the price was OK (for what prices are these days) but it had no occurred to me that fixed or not stock would be an accuracy consideration.
Honestly, I have never had any interest in the AR platform and wouldn't be building one now if things weren't so ominous for future availability. So, I'm lacking a good bit of that detailed knowledge that would have come from paying attention all these years.
I guess that's one major advantage of the platform, right? If I don't like this stock it's $40 and 30 seconds to change it.;)
 
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Metal god

New member
All part of the package. I assume there a good chance I may try multiple stocks before I find the one that I really like but this one should be reasonably functional for starters.
Click to expand...

Yep

I don't know the actual % but my guess would be 90% of fixed stocks require an A2 buffer tube , rifle buffer and spring . Meaning if you go to a fixed stock it's not just a simple change the stock thing . You'll need to switch out the whole stock and assembly parts . Still not a big deal just a FYI .

Compare these to each other . everything is different .
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/AR15-A2-Rifle-Stock-Completion-Kit-p/brn-080-000-554.htm

https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/An...pec-6-Position-St-p/ander-g2-j430-a000-0p.htm
 
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rickyrick

New member
:rolleyes:Can’t please everyone with a stainless barrel.
I ended up with A2 stocks on two rifles that originally had collapsible stocks. It’s just a personal preference for me.
 
B

Brian Pfleuger

Moderator Emeritus
rickyrick said:
Can’t please everyone with a stainless barrel.
Click to expand...
The good news is the only one I'm trying to please is me;)
I like stainless and I like flutes. Don't carry about function (or lack thereof) in either case, I just like it.

Metal God said:
my guess would be 90% of fixed stocks require an A2 buffer tube , rifle buffer and spring
Click to expand...
Good to know, thanks for the info.
The other consideration for me is that I usually find the LOP on rifles (~13.5") to be short for my liking. I guess I have monkey arms or something.;)
We'll see how it feels and shoots and go from there.

stagpanther said:
I've put several AR's together similarly configured. You'll be happy--ignore the Debbie downers.
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No worries, brother, I've been around a while, I know how it goes with opinions. ;)

Anybody have any experience with McGowan barrels on an AR? I've got one on my customized Savage 11 but I've never had the time to really even develop loads for it so can't say for sure how it shoots.... I mean, it's only been 7 years since I got it. Give me some time.:eek:

I'll have everything except the barrel by next Thursday... funny story, the Colorado "insta-check" background check system is currently taking 5+ days to "instantly" process background checks.:rolleyes:
 
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Metal god

New member
I like stainless and I like flutes. Don't carry about function (or lack thereof) in either case, I just like it.
Click to expand...

I LOVE !!! stainless steel , there's days at the range there is nothing but stainless on the bench and rack . I'm likely going on half my firearms are stainless in some way or another . Flutes are cool too , Once you have enough firearms to get done what you need IMO it's all about the cool factor for the rest lol
 
1

101combatvet

New member
rickyrick said:
:rolleyes:Can’t please everyone with a stainless barrel.
I ended up with A2 stocks on two rifles that originally had collapsible stocks. It’s just a personal preference for me.
Click to expand...
I have a stainless Hart on an M1A; it doesn't shoot any better than chrome moly. Fluting is just unnecessary, but hey, whatever makes you happy.
 
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Nathan

New member
Is it fair to assume all of these parts are in hand or.....?

I ask only because of the stock thing and I wonder if there is a way to get a more mainstream barrel like a Shilen or other.

Someone like CLE is getting the best blanks and has the experience to do what you need for truely peak accuracy.
 
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rickyrick

New member
I have a stainless Hart on an M1A; it doesn't shoot any better than chrome moly. Fluting is just unnecessary, but hey, whatever makes you happy.
Click to expand...

I have an 89$ unlined chrome-moly barrel with the M4 cutout that shoots better than all my others. Maybe he likes ss fluted barrels.
I have a 24” spiral fluted ss barrel that has been black phosphated... most of this is unnecessary.
It’s an AR... the Potato Head(tm) of rifles, you can stick whatever you want on it and change it out a few minutes later.
 
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101combatvet

New member
rickyrick said:
I have an 89$ unlined chrome-moly barrel with the M4 cutout that shoots better than all my others. Maybe he likes ss fluted barrels.
I have a 24” spiral fluted ss barrel that has been black phosphated... most of this is unnecessary.
It’s an AR... the Potato Head(tm) of rifles, you can stick whatever you want on it and change it out a few minutes later.
Click to expand...
I'm just happy to shoot without all the cosmetic bells and whistles.
 
B

Brian Pfleuger

Moderator Emeritus
Nathan said:
Is it fair to assume all of these parts are in hand or.....?

I ask only because of the stock thing and I wonder if there is a way to get a more mainstream barrel like a Shilen or other.

Someone like CLE is getting the best blanks and has the experience to do what you need for truely peak accuracy.
Click to expand...

Almost all parts are in my hands except the BCG (in route), the lower (waiting the 5 days on CO "instant" BG check) and the barrel (10 weeks from 2 weeks ago).

McGowen is pretty well known and it seems almost universally appreciated as a quality product (and my .243AI from them shoots great in very, very limited use) so that's why I went with them.

101combatvet said:
I'm just happy to shoot without all the cosmetic bells and whistles.
Click to expand...

That's totally cool and I take no offense. To each his own.
I like my bling, especially on a gun that actually serves no purpose whatsoever besides looking pretty and making noise. ;)

You'll want to look away when the pictures start... not only is it stainless and fluted... the flutes are helical.:D:p
 
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