Just bought my first AR... lower.

[SlvrDragon50]

[...]

I think Red Barn Armory is the way to go for the LPK, but they're constantly out of stock of stuff.

Thought I'd let you know I went with your advice on the grip and RBA for the LPK. I really like that I could build the kit exactly the way I wanted to, although to your point they were out of a few parts. Just placed the order and will get to assembling next week.

Red Barn Armory - Build Your Own AR15 LPK (Lower Parts Kit)
[Grip:BCM GUNFIGHTER Mod 3 BLK]
[Safety Selector:Rock River Arms Star Selector]
[Trigger:ALG Defense Quality Mil-Spec (QMS)]
[Trigger Guard:BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 BLK]
[Takedown/Pivot Pin Option:RBA Mil-Spec Pin Set (No Charge)]

I'm also still reworking my spreadsheet. Up to 4 options now, including two with the Aero M4E1 upper and handguard. I lose the sweet deal on the standard Aero upper + BCG, but when I look at similar quality handguards the expense is a wash. And the ease of installation with the enhanced upper is a big selling point for me (no timing required!).

Oh, and the budget has been creeping up between $150-200 more.

DId you get the email from Primary Arms? They had a 30 dollar Anderson LPK! Also a 30 dollar lower receiver. Not too much help that you've already ordered though

I'm tempted to pick up their optic package. 3x, mount, and flip  for 230.

http://www.primaryarms.com/kit-md-ads-magnifier-flip2side

[gnumadic]

I did see the email. I would've ended up with some extra parts (trigger and grip), but might have come out slightly ahead.  The danger of extra parts lying around, I'm afraid, is that I would be tempted to keep building ARs.  I hear it is quite the addiction. 

I saw they had the Mission First Tactical Minimalist stock for $35. I might consider that one.

[SlvrDragon50]

I did see the email. I would've ended up with some extra parts (trigger and grip), but might have come out slightly ahead.  The danger of extra parts lying around, I'm afraid, is that I would be tempted to keep building ARs.  I hear it is quite the addiction. 

I saw they had the Mission First Tactical Minimalist stock for $35. I might consider that one.

Ahahha. Yea. That's why I'm not buying another lower... In retrospect I don't know if the Aero Arms was worth the 70 I paid, but the Anderson lower stamp just looks so lame

I have my eye on the Mission First as well. 35 seems to be a pretty good deal, same price you'd pay if there were like a 20% discount or so. I just don't know if they have enough stuff on sale for me to buy enough to make shipping worth it.

Looks like their sale on the Midwest Industries Handguard is over though It was $150, back to $200 now.

[Earl Keese]

[...]

I think Red Barn Armory is the way to go for the LPK, but they're constantly out of stock of stuff.

Thought I'd let you know I went with your advice on the grip and RBA for the LPK. I really like that I could build the kit exactly the way I wanted to, although to your point they were out of a few parts. Just placed the order and will get to assembling next week.

Red Barn Armory - Build Your Own AR15 LPK (Lower Parts Kit)
[Grip:BCM GUNFIGHTER Mod 3 BLK]
[Safety Selector:Rock River Arms Star Selector]
[Trigger:ALG Defense Quality Mil-Spec (QMS)]
[Trigger Guard:BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 BLK]
[Takedown/Pivot Pin Option:RBA Mil-Spec Pin Set (No Charge)]

I'm also still reworking my spreadsheet. Up to 4 options now, including two with the Aero M4E1 upper and handguard. I lose the sweet deal on the standard Aero upper + BCG, but when I look at similar quality handguards the expense is a wash. And the ease of installation with the enhanced upper is a big selling point for me (no timing required!).

Oh, and the budget has been creeping up between $150-200 more.

I don't recall if this was discussed earlier in this thread, but are you aware how thick the M4E1 hand guard is? I'm going to a standard upper and thinner handguard on my wife's AR and have an M4E1 w/ 15" MLOK guard I'll make you a good deal on if you're interested.

[SlvrDragon50]

This forum is awesome

Woohoo Earl Keese!

I think I'm managing to resist the optic deal, but I think I may pull the trigger on a used SJC Titan stainless comp for ~95... Any reason I shouldn't?

[gnumadic]

SlvrDragon50 - Not sure where you're located but for me the shipping on the MFT stock from Primary Arms is only $2.89. $37.84 all in and you don't have to waste gas or pay state sale tax!

Earl Keese - I have noticed that the M4E1 handguard is a little thick. It seems that AP later came out with the Quantum handguard (no picatinny top-rail) that looks a little thinner, but you'd think with the trend toward thinner handguards that they'd make something that tapers immediately after the fixed barrel nut and is much slimmer. Not everyone wants to run a silencer inside their handguard. Since the M4E1 is compatible with BAR handguards (e.g., Seekins BAR & MCSR), I wonder if any of them are more slim?

Your deal is tempting. I was looking at the 12" actually ($165 for the upper/handguard combo at Schuyler...$10 more for the 15"). But I'm not a huge fan of 15" handguards on 16" barrels. It may look OK on a slim handguard but a fat one? I'd also think the handguard would get really dirty (along with a bi-pod if you chose to mount one).

[SlvrDragon50]

SlvrDragon50 - Not sure where you're located but for me the shipping on the MFT stock from Primary Arms is only $2.89. $37.84 all in and you don't have to waste gas or pay state sale tax!

Earl Keese - I have noticed that the M4E1 handguard is a little thick. It seems that AP later came out with the Quantum handguard (no picatinny top-rail) that looks a little thinner, but you'd think with the trend toward thinner handguards that they'd make something that tapers immediately after the fixed barrel nut and is much slimmer. Not everyone wants to run a silencer inside their handguard. Since the M4E1 is compatible with BAR handguards (e.g., Seekins BAR & MCSR), I wonder if any of them are more slim?

Your deal is tempting. I was looking at the 12" actually ($165 for the upper/handguard combo at Schuyler...$10 more for the 15"). But I'm not a huge fan of 15" handguards on 16" barrels. It may look OK on a slim handguard but a fat one? I'd also think the handguard would get really dirty (along with a bi-pod if you chose to mount one).

Dang! That is awesome! Unfortunately shipping starts at $7.17 for me

[Earl Keese]

I like how solid the M4E1 attaches, but handguard choices are limited and all are thick. Originally, I went with the 15" guard for the long sight radius with irons. No issue with the guard or bipod getting dirty on mine. Some people prefer it, thought I'd offer since you guys are looking for deals. As for tapering after the barrel nut, I've seen some monolithic uppers made that way and IMO, it's not a good look(if that matters). When i bought it, I had been reading so much about which way to go I finally just made a decision. Afterwards comes the second guessing. 😁

[gnumadic]

I like how solid the M4E1 attaches, but handguard choices are limited and all are thick. Originally, I went with the 15" guard for the long sight radius with irons. No issue with the guard or bipod getting dirty on mine. Some people prefer it, thought I'd offer since you guys are looking for deals. As for tapering after the barrel nut, I've seen some monolithic uppers made that way and IMO, it's not a good look(if that matters). When i bought it, I had been reading so much about which way to go I finally just made a decision. Afterwards comes the second guessing. 😁

You've just said everything going through my mind, from the sturdiness of the M4E1 system to the decision making and subsequent second guessing. Still looking for deals so I would be foolish to not at least inquire what you're looking for on the set. I can add it to my spreadsheet!

[SlvrDragon50]

Just got the MFT Battlelink Stock for 32 shipped via Jet!

https://gun.deals/product/mission-first-tactical-battlelink-minimalist-stock-milspec-black-4111-decline-free-return#comments

[gnumadic]

Just got the MFT Battlelink Stock for 32 shipped via Jet!

https://gun.deals/product/mission-first-tactical-battlelink-minimalist-stock-milspec-black-4111-decline-free-return#comments

That's great! I have never ordered from Jet.com and would be worried about receiving a knock off (you can find fake MFT Minimalist stocks on eBay for less than $20). However, the reviews are positive and seem to indicate the stocks came in retail packaging. Good deal!

[Earl Keese]

I like how solid the M4E1 attaches, but handguard choices are limited and all are thick. Originally, I went with the 15" guard for the long sight radius with irons. No issue with the guard or bipod getting dirty on mine. Some people prefer it, thought I'd offer since you guys are looking for deals. As for tapering after the barrel nut, I've seen some monolithic uppers made that way and IMO, it's not a good look(if that matters). When i bought it, I had been reading so much about which way to go I finally just made a decision. Afterwards comes the second guessing. 😁

You've just said everything going through my mind, from the sturdiness of the M4E1 system to the decision making and subsequent second guessing. Still looking for deals so I would be foolish to not at least inquire what you're looking for on the set. I can add it to my spreadsheet!

Sent you a PM.

[SlvrDragon50]

Just got the MFT Battlelink Stock for 32 shipped via Jet!

https://gun.deals/product/mission-first-tactical-battlelink-minimalist-stock-milspec-black-4111-decline-free-return#comments

That's great! I have never ordered from Jet.com and would be worried about receiving a knock off (you can find fake MFT Minimalist stocks on eBay for less than $20). However, the reviews are positive and seem to indicate the stocks came in retail packaging. Good deal!

Jet is pretty safe. All they are is a middle man company. So they make the sale, but another company will ship it. Some people were getting boxes from Primary Arms. Though I think mine is coming from another company!


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[SlvrDragon50]

Welp. I wasn't planning on making a big purchase on AR parts yet, but Granite Ridge had a 25% off Ballistic Advantage barrels deal.

Pre-ordered the 18" .223 Wylde SPR Fluted SS Rifle Barrel for $187.50. The .750 gas block will make it easier to find an adjustable gas block, and I'm a fan of the SS fluted look. Plus, it is made of 416R SS compared to the 4150 of the other barrels in this price range. Only 28 oz with the fluting too!

http://graniteridgeoutfitters.com/Ballistic-Advantage-18-223-Wylde-SPR-Fluted-SS-Rifle-Barrel-BABL223021PL.htm

[gnumadic]

Sent you a PM.

Sorry I've been slow to respond. I think I'm going to go with a standard upper for this build, mostly to keep my handguard options open. I wish more companies made rails for the M4E1, such a great concept.