Friday, February 27, 2009

So you want an AR-15? (Part II)

As Daniel pointed out, the executive branch is seeking to institute another neck slapping weapons ban. This probably isn't going to help your chances of finding parts. I did manage to find a local store that had some complete uppers in stock, and ended buying a Stag Arms 2H.



Attaching the upper and lower is simple enough.







Now, I'm not a big fan of that handguard. So I think it's gonna have to be replaced soon with a free floating rail.

Is that it? Probably not. Aside from the handguard replacement, there's still the matter of optics, flashlight, etc. You know--critical items. This is getting expensive.

15 comments:

James said...

I'm jealous.

Anyone got an opinion on if I should splurge the extra for a lefty model for my southpaw ace?

John said...

If you're going to be saying the Rifleman's Creed I think you should get the lefty.

Anonymous said...

First off if you plan to keep it and never sell, get the lefty. This is your rifle. Make it fit like only a Jimmy Hat should!

Secondly, I am literally moments away from embarking on my very own "Build-It-Yourself" AR-15 journey and ordering my stripped lower. I've narrowed it down to 2 options. The RRA lower or the Spikes lower. Suggestions?

John said...

If the price on those lowers is about the same I'd say pick whichever logo you find more attractive. RRA was one of the uppers I was considering.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the advice. I'm swinging by the gun shop on my way into work. Hopefully I'll be able to blog tonight about my new purchase and show a pick of the one I selected...even though mine will not be here for a few weeks. Or at least until after my 10 day waiting period. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I stopped by my local gun shop but was unsuccessful in my quest. This is quickly becoming very difficult. Any ideas, suggestions or workarounds as to how I can acquire a stripped lower?

Anonymous said...

Good news! I just found another semi local shop (about 60 miles west) that has them in stock and I can go in on Monday and begin the paperwork process. I believe that the one I will be getting is manufactured by Mega. Good move or bad?

John said...

I think that'll be fine. I went ahead and picked up a Taurus 24/7 9mm this afternoon. My .45 was lonely.

Anonymous said...

LOL. Either you are extremely fearful of legislation that may be passing soon or you just have a stockpile of cash lying around. Any why Taurus? Good price or is that the pistol that you wanted?

John said...

I've wasted about all the money I can stand for the time being. But as for the gun, I like the Taurus, it feels pretty solid. I like the Springfield XD(M) more, but the price difference was just too much.

LCA said...

I say go with a Bushmaster if you can afford it. There is a store here called Operator's Warehouse (Military Surplus and lots of other cool shit) and they are always sold out of them. The Recon guys buy them off the shelf and ship them off to use in Iraq and Afghanistan... pretty reliable I am told, but harder to come by.

Anonymous said...

I've read quite a few forum threads and they all say that lower receivers are almost identical to one another as there are really only 4 different manufacturers who machine these parts. They say if price isn't important then pick the logo you like the best. I'm not so much worried about cost as I am availability. Keep in mind that all ya'll bastards live in more gun liberal states than I do. I'll see what they have on Monday and while I did like the Bushmaster, I might have to go with what I can get ASAP and that is the Mega. Besides, I can always build a 2nd one later!

Anonymous said...

Another question. Would you recommend getting a standard trigger or a 2 stage trigger? I'm getting ready to order and the price difference is substantial. Not that I'm cheap, but if it's worth the extra $100 then I'll spend it. I've read forums and the thoughts are mixed. Half like, half don't. What did you and Jimmy put in yours?

John said...

Using the cheap trigger from the lower parts kit. I just need it to go boom when I pull it.

Anonymous said...

It turns out that a friend/coworker of my fathers is very experienced at building these AR-15's. I spoke to him on the phone today and the dude seems pretty damn smart. He's built over 24 of these things using just about every manufacturer out there. Anyways, to make a long story short, he also suggested the standard or single stage trigger for the user that is going to use the rifle for plinking around at the range and or for home self defense. I ordered my RRA lpk today and am going in the morning to fill out the paperwork on my Mega lower. $$$$ it has begun!

P.S. While I very much appreciate John and James for introducing me to what I think is going to be one hell of a hobby.....my girlfriend is very upset with the both of you!