quote:

Originally posted by Albatross:
I've been agonizing over this project for several weeks now. I'd really like an AR-15 type rifle with a flat-top receiver, floated 22"-24" stainless barrel, detachable mag, and a SWEET trigger.

There are lots of these. However, the trigger that is supplied by the manufacturer may not be what you want. It is not a big deal to upgrade the trigger. Usually two pins are removed and you replace the trigger. Some manufacturers will also upgrade the trigger on request.

Should I just buy an assembled rifle, or buy a complete post-ban lower reciever and an upper with the features I want? I'm guessing I'd have to spend well over $1.3K for a whole new rifle. What could I be spending if I buy upper and lower kits?.

Like most rifles, the quality of the barrel will be reflected in the price. There are cheap, low quality SS barrels and then there are high quality SS barrels that cost more.

In my opinion, you don't save a lot buy building. The reason to build is to take advantage of all the after market goodies. You don't have to buy a complete rifle and then remove things and upgrade them. I have an old preban AR and am putting together an M4 as soon as the parts get here. To build the M4 I purchased a stripped lower, the lower parts kit, and a complete upper. All together it is actually costing me a few dollars more than what I would have payed for a similar M4 on sale. But the stock with the kit is what I wanted. The stock on the complete gun I would have removed and upgraded. I spent a little more in one respect, but saved money in the long run.


I'm new to AR-15s, so my next question would be; are most of the big name uppers and lowers an exact match/fit? I'm talking DPMS, Olympic Arms, Bushmaster etc.

If you are referring to lowers by one man. and uppers by another, yes. No problems, they attach to each other by two pins. If there is some slight movement between the two, it is easy to tighten them up.

There seem to be so many options and so many parts available I'm getting a little confused. Any "clinical pearls" will be greatly appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by Albatross:
I've been agonizing over this project for several weeks now. I'd really like an AR-15 type rifle with a flat-top receiver, floated 22"-24" stainless barrel, detachable mag, and a SWEET trigger.
Should I just buy an assembled rifle, or buy a complete post-ban lower reciever and an upper with the features I want? I'm guessing I'd have to spend well over $1.3K for a whole new rifle. What could I be spending if I buy upper and lower kits?.
I'm new to AR-15s, so my next question would be; are most of the big name uppers and lowers an exact match/fit? I'm talking DPMS, Olympic Arms, Bushmaster etc. There seem to be so many options and so many parts available I'm getting a little confused. Any "clinical pearls" will be greatly appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul H:
If you want a complete gun, the Rock River Arms predator persuit or varmint rifles will fit the bill. Personally I can't like a barrel longer than 20" on an AR. Velocity gains are mute, and the gun becomes noteably less handy.

Here's a pic of a predator persuit.



Another option is build the lower you want, and order an upper from White Oak Armament.

You should be able to get what you want for $1000-1200.