First AR Build-Would Love Your Feedback!

[Dcommoncents]

I don't need saltwater protection or anything that extreme, but just like the look of the OD/black combo. It's really as simple as that. It's my first DIY, so I want to do it right, you know?

Absolutely, I didn't mean any of that as a negative. Building is addictive and getting exactly what you want is the whole fun of it. You should want to sit in your living room and drool over it when it's all done. And I like that look too; for example I think this finish is awesome: https://bkingsfirearms.com/shop/ar15-cer...handguard/.

I'm just giving you my 2 cents, which is that from a functional perspective there is no reason to spend hundreds of extra dollars on special billet receivers. I'm far from one of the most knowledgeable members here, but I don't think you're going to see any performance difference between a forged receiver set from a reputable manufacturer and a billet set unless you want a side charger upper or some other feature that can't be had in forged.

It really comes down to how much cost savings matter to you. If the answer is very little, I fully endorse the notion of "buy once cry once" and getting exactly what you want. But if that is a concern I would be inclined to say you will be better served by saving on the receivers (i.e., get plain forged receivers and have them duracoated later or buy cheaper pre-finished ones like Aero carries) and putting the savings towards a better scope and mount for example. In short, the receivers are the best place to skimp, at least relatively speaking. In no particular order, barrel, trigger, scope and a comfortable stock that facilitates a good cheek weld will be much more important.

Regardless, I'll be interested to follow along and see how your build turns out, as it seems like you've put a lot of thought into building a sweet machine. Hopefully at least some of my rambling will help along the way!

[ty_hooper12]

Bmiller35,

If you were wondering, you can get an AeroPrecision matched set right now on sale.

https://aeroprecisionusa.com/on-sale.html

[Bmiller35]

Thanks for the heads up! So many options?!

[ty_hooper12]

There really are! Palmetto State Armory also has some good stuff at a good price. Just depends on what you wanna spend!

[just_john]

Bmiller35 - would agree with most of the commentary above, but - be cautious of low-dollar upper receivers. I have posted several rants about the superiority of forged uppers vs billet so I won't bore all here but - to tell a story about a friend who did get an "el cheapo", off-brand upper, it was a billet and the slug had slipped on the machining cradle and all the holes were "a little crooked". You could force it to fit on the lower but the bolt would not slide back. And the selling retailer said it passed their incoming inspection so they would not refund. As stated by several others, save money for the glass and barrel but stay wiith known and reputable sources. And do keep in mind, if something goes wrong and something inside the chamber goes horribly amiss, the upper receiver is the only thing between 50,000 psi and your head.
By all means, do get a forged upper adn be sure to use "the tool" to true the barrel mounting face on it. Then go shoot bug holes at 500 yds and tell us all about it.

[Bmiller35]

I appreciate your post j_j, and your passion for the forged vs billet receivers is more than welcome in my thread. I posted it to learn, and would love to hear what you have to say. (please recommendations if you have them!)

[Bmiller35]

There really are! Palmetto State Armory also has some good stuff at a good price. Just depends on what you wanna spend!

I'm guessing I have what is somewhat of a millenial's mentality of, "I have "x" budget, so I HAVE to use it."

[StoneHendge]

I'm guessing I have what is somewhat of a millenial's mentality of, "I have "x" budget, so I HAVE to use it."

Which usually means one ends up spending 1.2x lol

[Bmiller35]

Which usually means one ends up spending 1.2x lol

YES! You know what I'm talking

[bj139]

Bmiller35,
I am just North of Philly and South of Allentown.
Here is a possiblity.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/833900...less-steel
Larue makes pretty good triggers.
Most people here like Vortex scopes but I keep buying SWFA and will continue.

The best advice I received here from a now unknown poster was: "Spend your money on barrels, triggers and optics. Everthing else is just window dressing".

[Bmiller35]

Bmiller35,
I am just North of Philly and South of Allentown.
Here is a possiblity.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/833900...less-steel
Larue makes pretty good triggers.
Most people here like Vortex scopes but I keep buying SWFA and will continue.

The best advice I received here from a now unknown poster was: "Spend your money on barrels, triggers and optics. Everthing else is just window dressing".

Oh cool, I have a great friend in Phoenixville.

Do you like shilen over the Jp Super Match barrels? I was debating spending double the price of that Shilen on a Krieger from DTech

[bj139]

I have no experience with Shilen or JP barrels but most of the more experienced members here like both.

I just saw on this forum Brownells has Faxon match series 16" and 18" barrels on sale.
With coupon codes you can get an additional $20 off and free shipping.
I am thinking of buying one but the last thing I need is another barrel.
I should shoot more instead.

[Dcommoncents]

Bmiller, how about this: Brownells currently has an Aero precision builder kit (upper with ejection port cover, lower, and 15" free float handguard) cerakoted in forest green on sale for $299! Don't know if you can beat that deal! https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/re...04759.aspx

[wilecoyote]

Sounds like you have a good plan. You'll like the Grendel, it's a great round.

Only thing I may offer as advice is get what you want and can afford. Young carriers are nice, but carriers from reputable manufacturers will work just as well. Young's cost and are difficult to find now then. If you're trying to maximize I would go with another and throw the funds at the barrel or trigger. The bolt is the critical piece. I've had carriers from several makers but have always had a bolt from AA. Never an issue with the rifle at all.

If you can afford and wait (hopefully you can and won't have a wait) to go with the Young and trigger you want, go for it. Saw recommendations on a Geissele, Timney and a LaRue trigger. Geissele are real nice and a good choice. No experience with Timney, but may have soon. Heard good things about them.
Either would be good if funds permit...The LaRue is good, but I'd definitely wait for a sale.

[PVBoom]

With a 2K budget I would get a LaRue Ultimate upper kit and LaRue lower then build the rest.

[LRRPF52]

With a 2K budget I would get a LaRue Ultimate upper kit and LaRue lower then build the rest.

That's what I was thinking as well.

Will leave you plenty of room for mount and optics on top of one of the premier billet set frames on the market.

[Dcommoncents]

I hadn't actually looked at the Larue option before, and it's not as expensive as I would have guessed. Back of the napkin math tells me that after buying the Larue upper kit (not assembled or test fired) and lower receiver, a $2k budget will probably leave a little under $1k for scope, mount, mags, and to complete the lower. That's certainly doable, although it doesn't leave much room for a really high quality optic, mount and trigger. That said, my 65G still shoots better than I do and it only has an enhanced GI trigger and relatively inexpensive Konus Pro scope (which by the way is an incredible value - great glass and features for the price) with I believe Nikon mounts, so I guess how much quality is really needed depends on the shooter's skill level.

[Bmiller35]

Hey guys! Thanks again for your recommendations.

I just want to say again that the optics will be a separate budget, so don't worry about that!

In regards to the LaRue deal, I have to agree that it seems to be a bargain. My main concern is the color scheme I desire, as I don't see they offer the upper/lower receivers in OD. I emailed them to find out if that's something they can make happen.

The last week I have been leaning towards just getting the forged receiver set from Wilson Combat, as I know that's the color that I want, and it seems to be of excellent quality. The rest of the parts I had picked out were mostly from JPE (silent capture spring, adjustable gas system, barrel with comp, bolt/bcg). I still haven't decided on whether I want a single or 2-stage trigger.

[Bigs28]

Part of the larue upper kit is the trigger.

[Bmiller35]

Sadly, they don't do receivers in OD :/

If anyone can recommend someone that paints (and it still be cost effective), I would still consider the Larue Kit!