Buying an AR

[HisDisciple]

Originally Posted by Gene Econ

HD:

So, aside from the automatic features -- you would opt for an M-4 coming off the assembly line for issue as opposed to selecting the type of upper and parts you want from a reputable manufacturer?

Gene

Sir,

For a work gun I would every time, only to build upon the foundation. Then I would install a Crane O-ring, enhanced buffer spring, and H buffer or H2 buffer. If they were old GI mags I would insert a Magpul follower. As well as a LMT SOPMOD for cheek weld.

If I were concerned with an accuracy requirement such as DMR role, I would give Monty from Centurion Arms a call and order a MK12 barrel cut to whatever length I want. I would not forget about John Noveske or Mark Larue's barrels though.

P.S. It's hard to beat FailZeroe's EXO coating.

Is Mike Pannone on here? This thread is perfect for him.

[Iraqgunz]

Personally most of what you said is incorrect. If you have an AR that needs a Crane ring to function something is wrong. In most all AR's there is no need. Even many SBR's do not need them. If you are using an auto gun then I would possibly consider it.

Dicking around with buffer springs and buffers can also cause your weapon to malfunction. Most 16" guns will cycle and operate fine with a standard buffer or an H buffer. If your gun is overgassed or you are running suppressed as I do with my 11.5" gun then I would look at different buffers and springs.

As far as accuracy goes, define accuracy. I can hit a 12x16" steel plate all day long with my SBR using an ACOG and 55gr. ammo. That is more than accurate enough for anti-social purposes. So unless you are shooting competition or you are using it in some type of DDM role, the average quality barrel will be more than adequate.

I also do not need an O-ring for gun to reliably extract. I use an H3 and a Springco spring. I also run it suppressed 99% of the time. To date I have had one malfunction with well over 3000 rounds through it and it was ammo related (dead primer).

Originally Posted by HisDisciple

Sir,

For a work gun I would every time, only to build upon the foundation. Then I would install a Crane O-ring, enhanced buffer spring, and H buffer or H2 buffer. If they were old GI mags I would insert a Magpul follower. As well as a LMT SOPMOD for cheek weld.

If I were concerned with an accuracy requirement such as DMR role, I would give Monty from Centurion Arms a call and order a MK12 barrel cut to whatever length I want. I would not forget about John Noveske or Mark Larue's barrels though.

P.S. It's hard to beat FailZeroe's EXO coating.

Is Mike Pannone on here? This thread is perfect for him.

[TrapLine]

Thanks for the information. The post pregnancy hormones have had the strange effect of changing my wife's gun buying signal from red to yellow so I am in the early phase of AR fact finding. This will be my first AR type purchase so I have been studying the Primer thread trying to decide on the right weapon. The purpose will be primarily range work and secondarily for a SHTF type situation. At some point, when time permits, I would also like to do some training with one of the instructors recommended here. I am enjoying the input on the different configurations as I try to decide. I know that once I make the purchase there will be many additions I will want to make, such as optics, a light, a sling, etc. so I would at least like to get the basics right. Thanks again to all those making suggestions, they are appreciated.

[perdurabo]

Originally Posted by HisDisciple

For a work gun

Sorry to hijack this thread but I'm curious. You mention your "work guns" and "work tools" often. I was curious about what kind of work you do?

I run into your posts on a lot of gun and SOF-related forums and you're always eager to post your advice and opinions on firearms and tactics.

I also ran across a post from TR stating that you've never served in the military. Is this correct? Are you civilian LE? You may want to post a bit more in your profile detailing your experience ("previous SOF generations" in your profile implies SOF experience to me, but I don't dare question TR ).

-- Jake

[TrapLine]

After doing some reading and shopping, I think I am going to go with a Daniel Defense upper for a first attempt on the AR platform. From what I have found, there is a pretty good deal going on right now on them in a variety of configurations. Now, the difficult part of deciding on the right set up. Does one go with a 14.5" or 16" barrel, light weight or M4 profile, a fsp or a low profile gas block, and which rail system? Time to do some more reading. Thanks in advance for any feedback from those who have preferences.

[Iraqgunz]

If your state allows SBR's then I would go with a 14.5". Personally the fixed FSB isn't bad and unless there is a real dislike of it, then leave it in place. One other is option is what I did to my SBR. I cut the FSB down and shaved it so it would fit under the DD rail system I installed. I did this because I am running a suppressor and wanted it to blend into the rail (concentric look). I am also using an ACOG along with fold down front and rear fold down sights.

Daniel Defense rail systems are rock solid, albeit not terribly cheap. Other options are Troy and MI. Or you could go simple with a Magpul MOE like I did for my wifes gun.

Daniel Defense makes a solid gun and I am sure that you will be more than satisfied with them.

Originally Posted by TrapLine

After doing some reading and shopping, I think I am going to go with a Daniel Defense upper for a first attempt on the AR platform. From what I have found, there is a pretty good deal going on right now on them in a variety of configurations. Now, the difficult part of deciding on the right set up. Does one go with a 14.5" or 16" barrel, light weight or M4 profile, a fsp or a low profile gas block, and which rail system? Time to do some more reading. Thanks in advance for any feedback from those who have preferences.

[TrapLine]

Originally Posted by Iraqgunz

If your state allows SBR's then I would go with a 14.5". Personally the fixed FSB isn't bad and unless there is a real dislike of it, then leave it in place. One other is option is what I did to my SBR. I cut the FSB down and shaved it so it would fit under the DD rail system I installed. I did this because I am running a suppressor and wanted it to blend into the rail (concentric look). I am also using an ACOG along with fold down front and rear fold down sights.

Daniel Defense rail systems are rock solid, albeit not terribly cheap. Other options are Troy and MI. Or you could go simple with a Magpul MOE like I did for my wifes gun.

Daniel Defense makes a solid gun and I am sure that you will be more than satisfied with them.

Thanks for the reply, Iraqgunz. After doing some more reading here, especially the Primer, I went with a DD CHF 16" lightweight with a mid length gas system, fixed FSB, with the 9.0 AR15 Lite Rail and the Phantom flash hider. I wanted to keep things basic and learn how to shoot it reliably with irons before thinking about optics. I also felt that basic would be sound given it will be my only AR for a while, most likely. Thanks to all who have supplied hard earned experience here. Back to reading on lowers.

Originally Posted by TrapLine

Thanks for the reply, Iraqgunz. After doing some more reading here, especially the Primer, I went with a DD CHF 16" lightweight with a mid length gas system, fixed FSB, with the 9.0 AR15 Lite Rail and the Phantom flash hider. I wanted to keep things basic and learn how to shoot it reliably with irons before thinking about optics. I also felt that basic would be sound given it will be my only AR for a while, most likely. Thanks to all who have supplied hard earned experience here. Back to reading on lowers.

Nice choice, that will be a really nice shooter. Is the rail a free float or non?

I would check out gunbroker or any local gun shows for a good deal on a lower. I picked up my lower brand new stripped for 90 bucks. Its DTI and its great. Just assembled it myself and saved a lot of money.