Build KIts

Discussion in 'Firearms' started by Witch Doctor 01, Feb 12, 2013.


  1. Witch Doctor 01

    Witch Doctor 01 Mojo Maker

    May be looking for a lower build kit and an upper anyone know where to find the parts that won't break me?
     
  2. VisuTrac

    VisuTrac Ваша мать носит военные ботинки Site Supporter+++

    Good parts not cheap, cheap parts not good.
    and good parts not plentiful at this time. Lot of parts are gone to make full rifles/carbines/pistols.

    I'd say Bravo Company, Palmetto State , DPMS, or you can pick and choose your own components at brownells ar builder. About the lowest I'd go would be Model 1 Sales. I'd personally skip RGun or MA Parts, Unless I was building to sell.

    oh and YMMV greatly!
    An AR Build is a personal adventure and everyone is going to have the fave, rave, and Pieces of s list.
    Have fun!
     
    BTPost and Witch Doctor 01 like this.
  3. franks71vw

    franks71vw Monkey+++

    lets not forget that many of the lower receiver manufactures are but a handful. I have yet to experience any lower to be worthless other then cast ones. As for lower parts kits, I have used from DPMS, JT, Delton, and all are still working flawlessly...
     
  4. Georgia_Boy

    Georgia_Boy Monkey+++

    Not sure what your budget looks like, but these folks have upper/lowers in stock. The prices aren't cheap but compared to going prices for complete rifles. I keep spare BCGs (Bolt carrier groups). If you have one you can get an upper for a good price w/o a BCG.
    GB
    AR-15 Lower Receivers Assemblies for sale at surplusammo.com
     
  5. oldawg

    oldawg Monkey+++

    WD01 if you can hold off for awhile to see if it settles a bit you will be ahead. Looking at prices you'll spend 2 or more times pre sandy to build and 4 times for ammo right now.
     
    Altoidfishfins and CATO like this.
  6. gunbunny

    gunbunny Never Trust A Bunny

    If buying parts right now, because of the frenzy to make them and get them out the door, beware of a lack of QC.
     
    CATO likes this.
  7. CATO

    CATO Monkey+++

    I just put one together from parts purchased after Sandy H. Here are my observations:

    Parts: you can't pick and choose, you have to take what you can get. So, you may get OVERPRICED parts that aren't that great.

    Case in point:
    I had a tough time finding a lower. I found one at a gun shop which I normally wouldn't buy at--bad attitude and they don't put prices on anything--my opinion was that I overpaid by about $50 for this piece. It was a billet lower made by C3. I believe this company, who has some past association with Sun Devil, uses T6061 instead of T7075 and doesn't have the best reputation. I didn't know this at the time.

    The buffer spring hole is too tight, so, I need to figure out a way to deal with it. Normally, I would return this and get another mfr's product, but heck, I don't have that option now. I might contact C3--they're fairly local, but, I don't know how long it would take for a turn around. I do know a machinist, but, what happens if he puts a hole through it? I'm out a lower and I can't get another (easily). Sad times in some ways--great times in others when I think of all the ARs that would not have been bought without Feinstein and Obama wanting to take our freedoms. I hope those two libiots come out and say they want to ban 6 shooters and BB guns next. Us gun owners might not have much ammo (if you haven't already stocked up), but it's better than just having a knife.

    The bolt control group was also a hard item to find. Again, I had to settle for something I wouldn't normally have bought.

    In general, it seems that most AR parts are on backorder, so, you just don't have a lot of options.

    The big issue is to buy now a pay exorbitant prices or wait and either get on in 6+ months or maybe 10 years if another ban goes into place. Yes, I chose the former--I would rather pay more and have it, than not be able to get it.

    Optics....I haven't seen an Aimpoint online in a while. Luckily, I already had a rear flip-sight.

    There was a gun show here last weekend that I had planned on going to, but, the lines deterred me--not much on crowds and I'm only looking for primers. But, I think that would be your best bet. You might be buying high now, but, if you don't plan on selling it, it might be worth it to you for the peace-of-mind it offers.
     
    Gator 45/70 and oldawg like this.
  8. Altoidfishfins

    Altoidfishfins Monkey+++ Site Supporter+

    DPMS, Bushmaster, Windham, I've used parts from all three with good success. I obtained the Bushmaster parts before they sold out and moved, before there was a Windham. You're going to be hard pressed to find anything now. If the shortages continue for an extended period, say a year or so, look for startup companies filling the vacuum unless the worst happens.

    I see Bushmaster moved to New York, which almost immediately turned around and enacted draconian legislation at the state level. The legislature creamed all over themselves to the point where they forgot to exempt their own cops from the 7 round plus magazine ban. I guess they didn't bother to read it to see what was in it. Careless legislators are quite possibly the most threating band of houligans this country has seen since the old Soviet Union.
     
  9. gejoat

    gejoat Monkey+

    An opinion, I believe that in about 6 to 9 months you will be able to get parts or guns reasonable again. For what ever it is worth.
     
    oldawg likes this.
  10. Hispeedal2

    Hispeedal2 Nay Sayer

    Visutrac is right on with his take on parts.

    I barely managed to get a carbine together in JAN. I had a free receiver set in the safe for the last 2 years. I decided after SH that I had better get off my duff and get to building.

    I managed to find most everything local. I found one of the last MPI bolts available from Rainer Arms. The only thing I over-paid on was an M16 carrier (paid $50 more than "normal" prices). I consider myself lucky in making it happen when I did.... it took a ridiculous amount of internet searching for small parts at times.

    Be patient and set up as many "notify me"s as possible with multiple sellers. Keep an eye out on armslist (that's where I got my BCM barrel brand new).

    ETA: the core to an AR-series is the receiver, bolt, and barrel. Secure those and you are in business. Don't skimp on the bolt and barrel.
     
    Altoidfishfins and CATO like this.
  11. Altoidfishfins

    Altoidfishfins Monkey+++ Site Supporter+

    Great avatar oldawg!
     
    oldawg likes this.
  12. Altoidfishfins

    Altoidfishfins Monkey+++ Site Supporter+

    Built three myself about 20 years ago. Sold them to friends over the years. Used mainly Bushmaster parts because choices were pretty limited then. But you are correct. Good bolts and barrels are the basis for reliable, accurate rifles.
     
  13. Jay Tx

    Jay Tx Monkey+

    Palmetto State Armory has about a month wait for an in stock item. Uninflated prices too! Patience is key right now. They aren't top tier, but are far from the bottom rung on the ladder too.
     
    VisuTrac likes this.
  14. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    That's Right !
     
survivalmonkey SSL seal        survivalmonkey.com warrant canary
17282WuJHksJ9798f34razfKbPATqTq9E7