AR Lower receiver parts question...

by rob @, Monday, April 13, 2015, 14:27 (3452 days ago)

I'm building a new lower receiver and I'm about to buy the rest of my parts. I would appreciate any advice on parts before I buy. It's a Spikes lower and I've already bought a Geissele (SP?) SSA-E trigger. Midway has a CMMG small parts kit without trigger for under $50 and it says Milspec. I would guess Milspec is Milspec. I plan on using the Magpul telescoping butt stock that locks in place...don't remember the model number. I'll either use a Magpul or Ergo grip. Need to know whether it's better to go with a civilian or Milspec buffer tube and if the CMMG parts kit sounds ok. Any other advice welcome too. The only thing written in stone is the receiver and trigger. Gonna be for my 16" .223/5.56 carbine for now and later I'll build or buy another upper for this lower and put this upper back on the lower it came on. Thanks, rob

CMMG makes good parts kits and they give great support

by Rob Leahy ⌂ @, Prescott, Arizona, Monday, April 13, 2015, 14:37 (3452 days ago) @ rob

to their products. I have both civilian and misspell buffer tubes and stocks... I cannot detect any performance difference...

--
Of the Troops & For the Troops

Mil-spec seems to be most common so...

by rob @, Monday, April 13, 2015, 16:31 (3452 days ago) @ Rob Leahy

I ordered a Magpul CTS butt stock and AR Stoner buffer tube assembly, both mil-spec, the CMMG parts kit and Daniel Defense has an over-molded pistol grip with the rounded trigger guard integral to the grip. That should cover everything except a spanner wrench and the parts kit doesn't come with trigger guard roll pin. With the DD grip/trigger guard I don't need a roll pin but I would think I need the front pin and tiny roll pin that holds it in. I don't think that comes with the DD grip or my parts bag and I can't find it for sale at Midway. I may have to order the front trigger guard hardware from Brownells if it doesn't come with the grip. Other than that I should be set.

You small parts will do fine

by Miles ⌂, CIVITATES AMERICAE, Monday, April 13, 2015, 23:06 (3452 days ago) @ rob
edited by Miles, Monday, April 13, 2015, 23:13

And, you'll like the Geissele trigger.
Just make sure you follow the installation directions.
And make sure you really practice with it because it is not like any standard trigger you've ever shot.

There's not really much difference in the quality, just the size between a .mil, or a 'commercial' receiver extension (buffer tube). It's just how they are made.

Personally, I'd get the military size tube and buttstock. but that's just "me".

You small parts will do fine

by rob @, Monday, April 13, 2015, 23:12 (3452 days ago) @ Miles

Definitely gonna read and follow the instructions. I'm wanting to build a top grade lower so when I get ready to buy or build a really nice upper they will both compliment the other.

If I may...

by Byron, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 10:08 (3451 days ago) @ rob

If you plan is to ultimately put together a really top shelf AR15 perhaps you should consider to get a matched set of upper and lower.

While the finished product would not be any more reliable or accurate if you used separate upper and lower parts it would be more stuffy and "zoot capri", if you know what I mean.

This set would make a really nice rifle. There are many other outfits putting out similar sets.

http://wilsoncombat.com/new/billet-ar.asp#.VS0sWtzF-So

Something to think about.

Byron

If I may...

by rob @, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 11:37 (3451 days ago) @ Byron

I will likely buy an upper from Spikes to match my lower. I know it isn't a matched set but the finish should be a good match and they ought to go well enough together. For a fighting/misc varmint rifle it's good enough for me. If I'm gonna did deep on a rifle it will be a top grade bolt gun or a vintage 1886 Winchester.

One area well worth spending some extra $$ on...

by mcassill, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 14:30 (3451 days ago) @ rob

Get the NP3-coated bolt carrier group. Some vendors will call it "nickel boron". A lot slicker than the mil spec parkerized, and a lot easier to wipe crud off of. The same MAY be true of a nitrided BCG, but I have not tried one.

definitely on the list....

by rob @, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 14:43 (3451 days ago) @ mcassill

Even if I change my mind and don't build or buy another upper, a NB BCG is most definitely on the list so I can make it my primary and my current BCG my spare. I'm kinda torn on what to do after this though. I've wanted a good spare lower and after putting all this together I'll have that. The AR rifles make great fighting rifles and even do double duty for deer and hogs. I'm tempted to build an SPR/DMR upper on an 18" mid length barrel and good floating hand guard. On the other hand, the one I have is already a good moa rifle with plenty loads for fighting, hunting or varmint shooting. For what I can build a good match grade upper, I could buy a Browning BLR .308 and have a better all around rifle that I'll enjoy more. I love shooting this AR but it's fun as it is and I'm not sure I'll get any more enjoyment out of having two...an SPR and a basic 16" carbine. So, I'm sorta in limbo after finishing this lower and buying a spare BCG.

A fellow can never have too many good rifles :-)

by mcassill, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 17:31 (3451 days ago) @ rob

In addition to my son's Blackout, I have lowers on hand for two more 15s and a 10. One of them, I think, will become a rifle-stocked .458 SOCOM; what form the other 15 takes will depend on what our state Senate does with a suppressor bill in the next couple of weeks. I buy blem receivers at bargain rates, so I don't yet have too much $$ tied up in any of it. If one watches the sales, there are a lot of good deals to be had on AR stuff right now.

A fellow can never have too many good rifles :-)

by rob @, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 17:38 (3451 days ago) @ mcassill

That is certainly true!

Let's hope the bill passes

by brionic @, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 17:52 (3451 days ago) @ mcassill

I have a bunch of money earmarked for John K.

I have three lathes and a two mills in my garage

by mcassill, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 17:54 (3451 days ago) @ brionic

If they can pass something, I will be putting a trust together and sending in a small pile of Form 1s. :-)

I have three lathes and a two mills in my garage

by Slow Hand ⌂ @, Indiana, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 20:21 (3451 days ago) @ mcassill

I just submitted another two tonight!!

I finished up my .300 blk SBR and picked up a 10.5" upper to put on there too. I let jenny hold it and she liked the short, light 5.56 upper. Figured since she is on the trust, might as well build her a good SBR too!

While I was on the site, I went ahead and submitted another F1 for a 5.56 can. I'm pretty happy with the short .30 cal can I built so I'm going to go ahead and make one for all the other AR's

--
https://facebook.com/M2bKydex/

SBRs aren't even on the table here just yet

by mcassill, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 20:33 (3451 days ago) @ Slow Hand

So the compact Blackout I want to build will have to be pinned and welded. Such is life.

SBRs aren't even on the table here just yet

by Slow Hand ⌂ @, Indiana, Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 05:23 (3450 days ago) @ mcassill

If suppressors are legalized, check into Liberty, they make an integral that precludes the need for a SBR.

--
https://facebook.com/M2bKydex/

I already have :-)

by mcassill, Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 06:34 (3450 days ago) @ Slow Hand

I would Form 1 something similar.

A fellow can never have too many good rifles :-)

by Hoot @, Diversityville, Liberal-sota, Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 08:18 (3450 days ago) @ mcassill

AMEN!

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