Just bought my first AR... lower.

[gnumadic]

I am waiting on my last tool to arrive before I start the actual building -- a Midwest Industries stock wrench -- so I decided to try some color fill on my lower using nail polish. I should have picked a "brighter" red, but it's fine for now. Looks like fresh blood. As for the Anderson roll mark...the horse isn't awful by itself, but IMO there's too much going on there to color fill all of it (and it's an improvement over the original roll mark). There are no markings at all on the right side of the receiver, which is probably a way to cut costs (just $50 for the lower). The result I guess is a really wordy mag-well.



FWIW, the fit and finish are good. The surface of my Aero upper is a little nicer, but the slight contrast when putting the two together isn't a deal breaker (not for my first build or the savings).

Speaking of tools, I ended up buying a Magpul BEV Block. I also borrowed a set of SK punches and roll-pin punches from a friend (much nicer quality than I would have paid for). I was worried he'd need them before I was done, but he said he hasn't used them in 6 years. It's good to know a tool collector!

I still haven't ordered sights yet. An optic is way down the road. I am debating between the Magpul MBUS Gen 2 ($65), Daniel Defense Rock & Lock fixed sights ($125), and the Magpul MBUS Pros ($155). Since they will be my only sights for a while, I'm leaning toward the DDs.

[Elcid]

What optic are you planning to get in the future? If red dot sight, then a DD is a good choice but if a variable magnified scope, you need a folding rear BUIS.

[gnumadic]

I was thinking red dot for this rifle, ideally a Trijicon MRO (which is why the purchase is further off). The Vortex Sparc II interests me as a budget option. With a magnified optic (even a 1-4X) wouldn't an offset BUIS also be a good choice?

[Elcid]

If you are going to use an iron sight first and a magnified optic is an option in the future, then a folding rear sight is a better choice.

[gnumadic]

Good advice. I don't think I will put anything but a red dot on this one. But if that changes, then I will just have extra parts for a future build. My 15 y/o wants one now.

[rjeffery14]

Thats the great thing about AR builds, you go slow and buy what you want as you can afford it or as it goes on sale

[Independent George]

It's late enough in the year that I'm more or less holding out for Black Rifle Friday unless I see something utterly absurd.

I do wonder if accessories will get cheaper. A lot of people put their money into rifles/receivers last year; the market is softer in guns/ammo, but I would expect the same people to be trying to kit the rifles they bought last year.

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[SlvrDragon50]

It's late enough in the year that I'm more or less holding out for Black Rifle Friday unless I see something utterly absurd.

I do wonder if accessories will get cheaper. A lot of people put their money into rifles/receivers last year; the market is softer in guns/ammo, but I would expect the same people to be trying to kit the rifles they bought last year.

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I'm at the same point. Everything I've bought so far has been ~20% off which is acceptable to me. I see tons of receivers getting marked down quite a bit, but nothing on handguards, BCGs, and other small items.

The SLR Solo Ultra Lite is on sale for 196 over on Right To Bear, but I really want the Helix which seems to be out of stock everywhere (and not on sale) 10% isn't enough to make me bite.

[Earl Keese]

The only thing I need now is a side charging upper(non-recip). If you guys notice one on sale please let me know. Probably a long shot catching one on sale, but my barrel still isn't ready so I'm trying to be patient. I've been occupying myself with other projects(pre-b, Scorpion, wife's .223) but I'm getting antsy.

[gnumadic]

I've been traveling for work a lot lately; and also busy with various family, church, or social activities over the weekends (e.g., 4 kids and sports). So I was thrilled to finally have the time and energy to get some assembly work done this evening. I stopped just short of finishing the lower. I'll get the buffer assembly on tomorrow night.



I found that installing the magazine catch was the trickiest part. I followed Larry Potterfield's advice to tape up the receiver, but he failed to mention that I should double or triple it up in spots. I ended up with a slight scratch near the buffer tube coupler. What do y'all recommend for touch-up?



Also, what are your opinions on staking the buffer tube vs just using some blue Loctite?

[SlvrDragon50]

I've read a few threads, and it seems some people get away without staking at all (no loctite either) while others swear by staking. PWS has an interesting ratcheting castle nut that doesn't require staking as well.

I sold my Kadet Kit today... and I spent all the money today too.

Just placed my order for a 16" SLR Helix in M-LOK and a Sentry 7 gas block as well. 15% off at SLR Rifleworks w/ free shipping over $300. They really know how to get you to spend your money!

[Earl Keese]

I only have one AR with a castle nut and it isn't staked or loctited. Truthfully, I forgot to stake it, and never got around to it. It's never been a problem. I noticed it was loose one time and snugged it back down. It's been this way for a couple years. If it was going into battle or being used in multi day rifle classes, I'd stake it.

[gnumadic]

I read a few threads since I posted, too. And it seems that people are really passionate about the topic. I am tempted to stake it because I did not buy an armorer's wrench. My hand guard has a $5 proprietary wrench for the barrel nut. So a stock wrench was just $5, too. The only downside is that I tightened it by feel rather than using my torque wrench (the stock wrench lacks a 1/2" drive hole). But it's good to know that I can go without (at least as a range gun). That might be good since I'm thinking of getting a sling mount end plate later (not that a stake is permanent either).

[SlvrDragon50]

I read a few threads since I posted, too. And it seems that people are really passionate about the topic. I am tempted to stake it because I did not buy an armorer's wrench. My hand guard has a $5 proprietary wrench for the barrel nut. So a stock wrench was just $5, too. The only downside is that I tightened it by feel rather than using my torque wrench (the stock wrench lacks a 1/2" drive hole). But it's good to know that I can go without (at least as a range gun). That might be good since I'm thinking of getting a sling mount end plate later (not that a stake is permanent either).

Take a look at the PWS ratcheting castle nut. It's only $25, and I think it comes with a QD end plate.

https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/PWS-Ratchet-Lock-Sling-Mount-and-Castle-Nut-p/pws-4btrlpb1.htm

[Earl Keese]

I read a few threads since I posted, too. And it seems that people are really passionate about the topic. I am tempted to stake it because I did not buy an armorer's wrench. My hand guard has a $5 proprietary wrench for the barrel nut. So a stock wrench was just $5, too. The only downside is that I tightened it by feel rather than using my torque wrench (the stock wrench lacks a 1/2" drive hole). But it's good to know that I can go without (at least as a range gun). That might be good since I'm thinking of getting a sling mount end plate later (not that a stake is permanent either).

It's not that big of a deal for a range gun. If anything you might be looked down on by the "don't you even stake your castle nut bro?" guys. I couldn't care less what people think of my "build".