I'm building an AR, and can't get on over at AR15.COM, and have some questions about sources of cheap uppers. I found a DPMS, complete upper for $380. Am I down as low as I can get, here???

I'm the cheap bastard from way back, so want to get the best deal possible.

Also, anyone have an e-mail address for ACE, or a distributor that sells their lightweight skeleton stock?

Thanks.

First, I ordered a 16" CAR kit from Model One Sales. $415, plus a $58 stripped upper equals $473, complete, no matter how many times I add it up.

Second, I went with the flat-top, with the flat-top gas-block, as I want to use an EOTech, Aimpoint, or Reflex sight on it. What a sharp little puppy that will be!

Third, Model One has a link to GunTalk. A LOT easier to get into than AR15.COM, for me. And has the stuff I need. (I'm not an esotericist).

Anyone have any opinions about sights??? I'm looking into a good combat sight I could use on my M16A2, if I have to go back to Iraq.

Thanks,

Drew

try FAC at www.gunsnstuff.net

120mm,
I just got through reseaching and building my first AR15. You really need to get on at AR15.com. They have a forum specifically for building ARs. But to sum up my research, You need to get a stripped lower (I think they are all relatively the same) and go to Model 1 Sales to purchase your complete upper. I got my upper with a 16" chrome lined barrel, A3 flat top upper reciever, freefloat handguard, bolt, bolt carrier, charging handle, stock, and lower kit for $440. The price of a lower kit alone is around $50. A bolt and bolt carrier normally cost around $100. Recieved it in about 5 days. It's a complete package minus the stripped lower receiver. The directions for assembly are at AR15.com. It's easy to assemble. I got mine put together in about 2 hours.

Be careful when you price other sources. Be sure that you are comparing apples to apples. Many "complete uppers" don't include bolt, bolt carrier, and charging handle.

For the budget project there is no need in getting the chrome bolt and bolt carrier.

It's rumored that you can find stripped lowers for as little as $79 [I haven't seen them]. Add to that the cost of the base model 16" Model 1 upper kit $415. a $20 30 round clip from some guy who sells clips on the AR15.com equipment exchange board [I can get you his name if you want it] and you have a $514 [plus a few bucks for shipping] rifle!

Then go to Wholesale Hunter and get a case of M193 ammo for $79. Shipping and handling makes the total around $92 for 500 rounds of bad ass military ammo. When the hammer falls on that M193 and the bullet comes out of that 16" barrel you'll be all grins!

Thanks! I already ordered my lower receiver and parts kit. The stripped lower, I got from Vulcan arms. Their carbon 15 stripped lower is a whopping $58!!!!!! It looks like a winner, too.



The lower parts kit, I got taken, Brownells for $59, but it's right down the road and I got a free $5 catalog with it.



I'll go to Model One sales.



As far as AR15.com is concerned, I can get on the site, but their messed up registration made it so I can't post.



Thanks a bunch.

$58!!!!!!!

Damn that's low. I've got a buddy who is in awe over my new toy and wants to try building one himself. I'll have to tell him about Vulcan Arms.

Hey 120,

First, I hope you don't have to go back, and thanks for going the first time.

I would suggest the EOTech 552 with the NV capability and AA battery power. Make sure you get the latest revision. This is if you have a flattop M-16, if not, you'll need that ARMS mounting bracket as well. I don't know the model, but it positions the sight in front of the carry handle.

This would be best for CQB and not to shabby out to 300m with the 1moa dot. If not this route, spend the samolians and get an ACOG. At least they are bombproof. Style? Many choices there my friend. Good luck. You'll have a high head and cheek weld with this setup tho'.

If I had the choice, I'd get a flattop.

Gary

hey 120, if you go with the acog, my personal fav, talk to russel E taylor, hes got one for sale

120mm,just to let you know Vulcan used to be Hesse arms.They were some of the worst ARs ever.Don't know if they changed so be careful.

Thanks,Tyler

bushmaster has the ace stocks in their catalog. i have the full length one on my gun now and today i ordered the entry size one.

ace also has a web site where u can buy direct from them. very strong stock and good cheek weld.

cold zero

120mm, you silly bugger! I just sold my Colt A2 H-bar Sporter a couple of weeks ago. You could have brought the wife out for a road trip and holiday. derf

Well, it's done.

I ordered my CAR15A3, with gas block, at around 1500 on Thursday, and received it at 1645 on Friday. Just a touch over 24 hours on delivery!!!!

I slapped the lower together, put on the buttstock, and pinned the upper assembly on in just over an hour, total. My total costs, excluding the extras I ordered and didn't use, came up to $473.

My Model 1 Sales kit came to $415 and my stripped Vulcan carbon lower was $58.

And does it look nice. Color match is marvelous. Really tight, but a thousand rounds of ammo will fix that!

I will give range reports later.