Well, I picked up a AR stripped lower with our CA legal bullet button. After I got the DPMS lower parts kit and A-2 stock I went to work.

It took me about 1 1/2 hours, but I't 100% together and looks just right. I even used the paint lacquer sticks to color in the markings. I was amazed at how easy it turned out to be.

Next is an upper. Who out there has any suggestions for an accurate lower in 556 that's reasonably priced ($5-$600 range...)?

Thanks,

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bcjwriter,

Take your pick, Stag, RRA, Spikes Tactical, DPMS, CMMG. All are decent for an entry level carbine. I would do some serious shopping though. The market is getting crazy flooded and you should be able to grab a good complete upper for around $500.
ETA: AR15sales.com still has the Stag 2H upper with buis for $499.

here's a picture from my iPhone...

I built my first lower a couple months ago and like you I'm in So Cal so I had to use the bullet button . Looks good. I was also planning on getting my upper from AR15Sales.com all their prices include shipping.

you're in a good market for buying an upper. Lots of good deals out there.

Yes, you are in a buyers market right now. Shop around, you can get lowers on the cheap right now. I don't want to tell you what to do, but since you got a fixed stock on there, maybe a classic A2 upper might be a good idea. Those also tend to be the least expensive as well.

Congrats! It's a great time to be buying stuff as the market is over saturated and prices have dropped significantly.

That lower looks great. With the A2 stock, it's calling out to become a M16A4 clone.

OK...new problem. I'm looking for an A4 setup, but the no one makes a 20" chrome lined barrel? Should I go with the shorter barrel to get the chrome lining? (everyone's got a chrome lined 16 inch)

How vital is a chrome lines barrel. They seem to all be using 4140 Chromoly steel.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?pa...tail&product_id=1631

http://riflegear.com/p-540-sab...-rifle-20-upper.aspx

http://www.pkfirearms.com/content/1/20/59/79

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com...Upper-Group-s/26.htm

May have to wait for that last one to come in stock...

quote:

Originally posted by Kegger26:
Yes, you are in a buyers market right now. Shop around, you can get lowers on the cheap right now. I don't want to tell you what to do, but since you got a fixed stock on there, maybe a classic A2 upper might be a good idea. Those also tend to be the least expensive as well.

That was my thought as well.

Simply from an aesthetics standpoint, the gun looks off to me if there's anything less than an 18" bbl with an A2 stock. Even moreso when you've got a bare muzzle on a rifle under 20", since i assume you can't have flash hiders in CA.

Just my .02, but that is begging for a 20" GI contour upper.

Oat

Check out PK Firearms. I picked up five Bushmaster, 20 inch, 1:7 twist, Gov profile barrels from them about a year ago. Those barrels are chrome lined.

I am lucky enough, that if the magazine release is our bullet button, I can have a flash hider.

I also need to mention that this rifle will be more for a tack driver gun, and less for a "tacti-cool" gun. I like the NM setups. Unfortunately, these are still pretty pricey.

Here is one I'm looking at...
http://www.stagarms.com/produc...4_24&products_id=245

Why is chrome lined to important?

I'd save up a bit and shop around for a RRA MN A4. They are great for CMP comps.

You might try contacting http://www.ar15sales.com. He sells RRA's and is usually able to offer a good deal on them.

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:
I am lucky enough, that if the magazine release is our bullet button, I can have a flash hider.

I also need to mention that this rifle will be more for a tack driver gun, and less for a "tacti-cool" gun. I like the NM setups. Unfortunately, these are still pretty pricey.

Here is one I'm looking at...
http://www.stagarms.com/produc...4_24&products_id=245

Why is chrome lined to important?

The problem is with that upper is that it has a bayo lug. I am not up to speed on Calf laws, but you might want to make sure that bayo lug is not going to be an issue.

Most of the characteristics that make the guns "evil" here in CA are tied to the removable magazine. With the bullet button, it makes it a "fixed" magazine - ergo, the bayonet lug is irrelevant.

However, I'm also an LEO, and if push comes to shove, I can get a letter from my department.

quote:

Originally posted by Kegger26:
The problem is with that upper is that it has a bayo lug. I am not up to speed on Calf laws, but you might want to make sure that bayo lug is not going to be an issue.

A bayonet lug is not considered an 'evil' in CA.

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:
Most of the characteristics that make the guns "evil" here in CA are tied to the removable magazine. With the bullet button, it makes it a "fixed" magazine - ergo, the bayonet lug is irrelevant.

However, I'm also an LEO, and if push comes to shove, I can get a letter from my department.

Kudo's that you're learning about OLL's so if you happen to run across one, you'll be informed.

quote:

Originally posted by Jeffy:

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:
Most of the characteristics that make the guns "evil" here in CA are tied to the removable magazine. With the bullet button, it makes it a "fixed" magazine - ergo, the bayonet lug is irrelevant.

However, I'm also an LEO, and if push comes to shove, I can get a letter from my department.

Kudo's that you're learning about OLL's so if you happen to run across one, you'll be informed.

What's an OLL??

But yes, I do keep informed because I try to keep my guys out of trouble. Also, most cops are pro second amendment, and can get that "icky" feeling about some of our gun laws.

We want to do the right thing, but our own legislation continues to create laws that are boxing us in.

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:
What's an OLL??

But yes, I do keep informed because I try to keep my guys out of trouble. Also, most cops are pro second amendment, and can get that "icky" feeling about some of our gun laws.

We want to do the right thing, but our own legislation continues to create laws that are boxing us in.

OLL = Off List Lower. ie, what you're building. The 'list' is the Kasler List. Although Harrott v. King County poked some holes, so to speak, in that list.

I like the Bravo Company Forged.Hammer. Upper. The 11.5" is 589 without BCG, CH, and HG. Not a bad price.