Advice on building AR

[blue_ridge]

I'm starting with an A2 upper (carry handle) and 20" barrel. So my questions are:

1. Is it better to buy a stripped lower and parts kit OR complete lower?
2. What hand guard will work best with an A2 and 20" std barrel?
3. Are there any other sight options for an A2 or am I stuck with mil-spec iron sights?

 

[carbinero]

Re: Advice on building AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blue_ridge</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm starting with an A2 upper (carry handle) and 20" barrel. So my questions are:

1. Is it better to buy a stripped lower and parts kit OR complete lower?
2. What hand guard will work best with an A2 and 20" std barrel?
3. Are there any other sight options for an A2 or am I stuck with mil-spec iron sights?
</div></div>

Go to m4carbine.net's technical forum. Tons of good FAQ for you.
1. either way is fine, but don't pay a premium for either. Also, if your lower is not from a trustworthy company (thinking DPMS vs. Colt)...I would build it myself with a parts kit from G&R Tactical. LMT and BCM both have great deals on complete lowers, available now.
2. I would never get a carry handle upper. It severely restricts that build's future. In any case, you have to consider your mission, since there are hundreds of choices. I am fine with plastic HG, especially for 5.56 which I only use for < 200 yard work. If you need vertical fore grip, etc., check out Daniel Defense and Troy. Lots of other good choices. DD Omega is simple to install with basic tools.
3. See #2. There are funky mounts you can attach to the handle, but why?

 

[blue_ridge]

Re: Advice on building AR

Okay, thanks. Yeah, I got a good deal on the A2 upper, so that is what I have to work with.

I was just curious about sight options for the A2 carry handle, because I'm not sure what direction to go in with this build. I could do a modern style, with free float tube, quad rail and tactical stock, like MAgpul. If the std sights make the most sense, maybe I should do a retro A2 build. (are A2's considered retro yet? lol)

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Advice on building AR

I would get a new flattop upper receiver. The carry handle doesn't give you a lot of room to work with for accessories. WIth an a2, I would just shoot it with iron sights only

 

[carbinero]

Re: Advice on building AR

yup, leave it for a retro build with irons, and start your second build with a flattop.

 

[eleaf]

Re: Advice on building AR

What they said.

Don't buy in to the "Rock River Arms is the way to go" bit either. RRA is the love child for ARs here on this board. In reality, any name brand AR (DPMS, Double Star, Stag, Colt, Bushmaster, etc) will get you essentially the same results.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: Advice on building AR

You didn't say how much you wanted to spend or what your application is. If you buy your lower, you are usually limited to an A2 or 6 pos. CAR stock. Building a lower is pretty simple though and gives you your own options for the stock you want. If I was doing your build, I would either stay all A2 and use handguards or go simple and a little more accurate, and get a cheap rifle length float tube. To help yourself, go NM trigger in the lower or parts kit. Del-ton, inc. is another place with pretty decent prices and you can use the Brownell's builder tool to visualize. Good luck and let us know how it shoots.

 

[DaveV]

Re: Advice on building AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What they said.

Don't buy in to the "Rock River Arms is the way to go" bit either. RRA is the love child for ARs here on this board. In reality, any name brand AR (DPMS, Double Star, Stag, Colt, Bushmaster, etc) will get you essentially the same results. </div></div>

Spoken from someone who doesn't own a RRA

I do and it is.

 

[blue_ridge]

Re: Advice on building AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fngmike</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> You didn't say how much you wanted to spend or what your application is. </div></div>

Not planning on spending much. I got a good deal on an A2 upper receiver, slick side bolt, gas block and tube and 20" barrel. I have a take off RRA single stage trigger, a take off grip, a std CAR round handguard and some mags I bought off of the Hide. I need a lower, lpk and stock. So, it may be a hodge podge build at first. I do like the idea of eventually having a retro A2.

Am leaning towards a stripped Spikes Tactical lower for $90 because it doesn't seem to matter much what lower is used and Spikes seem to have a decent rep.

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: Advice on building AR

Spikes makes a nice lower. I've built all my AR builds using them. I also play volleyball with the owner...

 

[blue_ridge]

Re: Advice on building AR

Is that why they're called "Spikes"

 

[Addicted]

Re: Advice on building AR

+1 for Spikes.

The carry handle does limit the options for sights, but my next door neighbor just put an ACOG on his carry handle Colt. That ACOG is sweet on that gun. I would prefer it to be on a flat top, but it works just fine on the carry handle.