New AR15 Build - Any opinions?

[jmolayal]

Posted this over at AR15.com, but wanted to hear from the Gun lovers here too.

Below is a list of tools and parts I've ordered. Can you guys tell me your thoughts on the gear, anything I am missing, and any tools I might still need? Appreciate any and all help!

Gear:

Lower - Spikes Tactical "Zombie" Lower Receiver
https://www.marksarmory.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=STZOMBIE

Upper - Spike's Tactical 16" Midlength LE Upper (5.56)-STU5035-MLS
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SP-STU5035-MLS

LPK: CMMG LOWER RECEIVER PARTS KIT (LPK)
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CMMG-10208

Stock Assembly:
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=UTG-RB-T6BM

Replacement Castle Nut:AR15 Receiver Extension Nut by Tactical Intent
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MAI1RS/..._M2T1_ST1_dp_1

Mags 2x Magpul 30 RD Standard PMAG (Black) FREE SHIPPING!
http://www.primaryarms.com/Magpul_30_RD_Standard_PMAG_Black_p/mag211blk.htm

Tools:

GRIP 9 Pc Forged Steel Roll Pin Punch Set
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003L7HOMG/..._M2T1_ST1_dp_2

8 oz Hammer:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPPAWA/..._M2T1_ST1_dp_3

Dpms Ar15 Armorers Multi-Tool
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044YG32M/..._M2T1_ST1_dp_4

I already have various Pliers and screwdrivers at home. I DO NOT Have a Vise though. Should I get one?

Ammo:
1000 Rds of WPA (Wolf) .223 55grn FMJ 20rd Box
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...301&search=WPA+(Wolf)+.223+55grn+FMJ+20rd+Box

Thanks gang!

 

[Excelsior]

Some places are anti-steel ammo, just FYI. Otherwise, it looks good. I love my Spikes upper and pmags.

 

[jmolayal]

Some places are anti-steel ammo, just FYI. Otherwise, it looks good. I love my Spikes upper and pmags.

Good point. I use steel casing ammo for my XD9 at my local range, and they didn't have any issue. I'll follow up and make sure they don't care.

 

[spidey07]

No free float/rails? How about rear site?

 

[gorcorps]

I personally wouldn't cheap out on the stock, or buffer/spring:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2319180434/magpul-moe-buttstock-collapsible-ar-15-carbine-synthetic

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Spikes_Tactical_6pos_Milspec_Carbine_Stock_Kit_p/sp-sla500r-k.htm


Remember, the buffer and spring is what sends your bolt home after a shot... and all of the recoil you feel and followup action of the gun is related to the quality of your buffer setup. The stock is just a popular and quality stock, but any stock will do. Just make sure you buy MIL-SPEC everything and you'll be good (ie, not "commercial" sized).

 

[jmolayal]

No free float/rails? How about rear site?

Good question. For Optics, I am thinking of adding something like this:
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_MultiReticle_Red_Dot_Sight_PAM3M_p/pam3m.htm

What kind of free float / rails would you recommend? Does the upper I bought not have a rail already (total n00b, sorry)

 

[spidey07]

Good question. For Optics, I am thinking of adding something like this:
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_MultiReticle_Red_Dot_Sight_PAM3M_p/pam3m.htm

What kind of free float / rails would you recommend? Does the upper I bought not have a rail already (total n00b, sorry)

Adding rails can be a pain if not impossible without a bench vise. And you generally get a better deal if you buy the upper with rails than separately. But I'm not an expert on putting them together, just what I'd do if I did it again.

Even with a red dot, I prefer a flip up iron site as a backup.
ar15.com has tons of info.

 

[velillen]

Good question. For Optics, I am thinking of adding something like this:
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_MultiReticle_Red_Dot_Sight_PAM3M_p/pam3m.htm

What kind of free float / rails would you recommend? Does the upper I bought not have a rail already (total n00b, sorry)

If your looking at budget red dots that would probably be fine. Burris makes decent ones as well.

As for free float rails...you pretty much need the wise blocks. But I would personally just go with what you have and in the future if you want to add rails you can change to a free float. You might want to change to a low profile gas block and ditch the front sight post at that point too. You never know.

and no yours doesnt have rails on the handguards. Just the top rail for optics.

Is this your first AR? If so i would honestly keep what you have and use it a few times then start changing things out.


As for ammo before you buy bulk id wait and get a box or two of a couple different ones to see what works best for you. 55gr, 62gr, steel cased, brass, ect.

 

[SpiderWiz]

I built myself an AR-15 last year. My tip is look for light weight upper.

 

[rudeguy]

I've always wanted a redi mag

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=27533/Product/AR-15-M16-IMPROVED-REDI-MAG

 

[KaOTiK]

Needs a bayonet

 

[Kadarin]

I live in Kalifornia... Any recommendations for an AR type here? Sig 556 or Ruger SR 556? Or ??? (I'm a noob at guns, but am interested..)

 

[deadlyapp]

I live in Kalifornia... Any recommendations for an AR type here? Sig 556 or Ruger SR 556? Or ??? (I'm a noob at guns, but am interested..)

Build your own with an off list lower until our stupid politicians try to ban them.

To the OP, For the amount you're spending on your upper you should be able to get a better one with a good free floated quad rail standard. Don't cheap out on a flash hider either if you're shooting at a range often. The standard birdcage is acceptable but there is a significant difference with a nice flash hider.

 

[jmolayal]

Build your own with an off list lower until our stupid politicians try to ban them.

To the OP, For the amount you're spending on your upper you should be able to get a better one with a good free floated quad rail standard. Don't cheap out on a flash hider either if you're shooting at a range often. The standard birdcage is acceptable but there is a significant difference with a nice flash hider.

Interesting. I'd read great things about Spikes, so I wanted to stick that route. This seemed like a decent price for what I was getting, but now that I read more about free float I'm thinking I might want that. Stock might be worth changing too.

Does anyone see a glaring piece I am missing? If not, I think I am going to build this thing as is, and start modding it after.

 

[deadlyapp]

Going with a standard six position stock is probably fine. I've used a number of different stocks and the standard six position has been just fine for me. If you plan on putting a scope on it or a 3x or something other than a red dot, then getting something with an adjustable cheek weld is nice.

I think the only thing you might be missing is a decent set of ironsights to start with. From there on out it's just customization.

 

[BladeVenom]

If I made one, I think I'd go with wood. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=38906/Product/AR-15-M16-WOOD-STOCK-SETS Probably walnut.

 

[deadlyapp]

If I made one, I think I'd go with wood. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=38906/Product/AR-15-M16-WOOD-STOCK-SETS Probably walnut.

srsly?

 

[BladeVenom]

srsly?

Don't you think wood looks better than plastic?

 

[CurseTheSky]

Don't you think wood looks better than plastic?

On most guns, I'd say yes. On an AR-15... no.

 

[deadlyapp]

On most guns, I'd say yes. On an AR-15... no.

This. Keep wood on an AK, an SKS, a FAL...items that originally came with them. Not an AR.

 

[BladeVenom]

How about different colored anodizing?

 

[Rumpltzer]

For the OP, I agree with what was said about the cheap stock. You're going to hate that stock... but you'll get the buffer tube, spring, buffer and castle nut when buying it, so maybe that's okay. I have a dude who was selling that same thing for like $45 shippedn when I built my AR, and that was essentially the price I'd pay for the buffer assembly so I went with it. Did replace the stock with something better from Magpul.

Also, the castle nut comes with the stock. You don't need an extra.

Also, do you not own a hammer? Special hammer is not required.

Also, brass punch instead of steel will help to not mess up your pretty new parts.

Also, armorers multi-tool is overkill if you only plan to put on the castle nut. You can get a castle nut spanner for $4 shipped on Amazon.

If you're not going to buy optics now, then you want that rear iron sight. The rail on the upper is perfectly usable.


More magazines.

 

[deadlyapp]

more mags definitely. Magpul mags are nice but new aluminum mags are just as nice and cost maybe 25 % of the price of new magpul mags.

 

[Rumpltzer]

That cheap stock kit is available on Amazon for $40 shipped.

Search "AR stock".

 

[RampantAndroid]

Don't get that stock, for the love of god.

http://www.vltor.com/imod-combokit.html

A nice rifle off the bat, no building needed:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57785_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

(I say this, because I own that one. Light as all hell. Do NOT bother with a quad rail, get the troy lightweight one. It's light. Really light.)