« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: AR Newbie  (Read 562 times)

Offline wyattearp

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
AR Newbie
« on: May 25, 2011, 07:06:35 AM »
Even though I have been around guns a long time I will admit to staying away from AR platform. First, due to the negative press about the M-16, then the debate between the 5.56 and the 7.62 and finally all of the many different ways to build. Hats off to Jeff at SawTac who spent I am sure the better part of an hour teaching me about the basics of an AR build. Now I am hooked and looking at building a couple this summer with my son. Now do I build it in 5.56 or 6.8 hmmmmm!!!
Logged

Offline Jaggy13

  • Site Supporter
  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 770
  • I love it when a plan comes together
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2011, 08:20:11 AM »
I was the same as you. Didn't get my first one until last summer.
Now its my favorite platform.

Not sure your serious, but 556 for your first one...
build it, shoot it, shoot it some more, figure out what you like/want on cheaper ammo.

Get it built and come out to one of the rifle side matches or the LRTR and put it though its paces.
You'll find out real quick how reliable it is... There's just something about that little buzzer that brings out the demons.
Logged
They call me "Double J"

Online J Mack

  • Site Supporter
  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1700
  • The beatings will continue until morale improves.
    • 1.5 million people attended the inauguration, and only 20 missed worked!!!
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2011, 08:33:56 AM »
Logged
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.-- Winston Churchill
    I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.C.E. is down! I repeat, we have no I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.C.E.

Offline wyattearp

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2011, 08:54:22 AM »
Serious. First, I could buy off the shelf for a grand or less. I have above average skills in the shop. I am looking at doing something unique in spending time with my son. I understand the cost differential with the ammo.

In a rifle I look at reliability first and then combat accuracy. Not looking at building a race gun. Just one that I can depend on. Don't want to do cheap either.
Logged

Offline hessmanca

  • Trade Count: (13)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 100
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2011, 09:01:48 AM »
I concure with the others.  5.56 is the way to go, at least for your first AR build.  And not to jump to conclusions, but from your post it sounds like you may own a higher power rifle if you really need it.  So join the dark side and run 5.56  :evilgrin:.  The round is more effective than a lot of people think.  I have taken "head shots", during training, at over 500 yards with a 18" 5.56.  I own and run 5.56 guns and they are extemely reliable and replacement parts are abundant.  I know that once you have a set up with all the goodies that you want, you will love the 5.56.

Happy building!   ;D
Logged
Some people spend their entire lives wondering if they made a difference... MARINES don't have that problem. -R. Reagan

Offline wyattearp

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2011, 09:20:38 AM »
Thanks for the comments. Being on the dark side is not necessarilly a bd thing.
Logged

Online J Mack

  • Site Supporter
  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1700
  • The beatings will continue until morale improves.
    • 1.5 million people attended the inauguration, and only 20 missed worked!!!
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2011, 09:23:20 AM »
If I had above average skills in the shop and I was looking at doing something unique in spending time with my son I would look at doing an 80% lower and assembling the upper from parts. Serious I helped another member here with a similar project and it was a blast.
As for the caliber choices you picked, it’s not uncommon to shoot 3 to 5 hundred rounds in an AR based gun in one afternoon especially if you have 30 round mags. I only mentioned the price difference in the ammo as I assumed you not being familiar with the AR platform that you could also not be aware of their appetite!

Good luck.     
Logged
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.-- Winston Churchill
    I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.C.E. is down! I repeat, we have no I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.C.E.

Offline wyattearp

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #7 on: May 25, 2011, 09:31:00 AM »
Oh I am very aware of the price differntial. It is one reason I have not run out and picked up a FAL. Besides, at my age lighter is definitely better, LOL. My concern is the effectiveness of the 5.56 in the woods where I live up in McCall.
Logged

Offline hessmanca

  • Trade Count: (13)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 100
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #8 on: May 25, 2011, 09:35:29 AM »
Woods in McCall huh.... I may not use 5.56 against a bear.... Well maybe supression fire to help out run the person you are with!  ;D
Other than that, 5.56 should work for ya.
Logged
Some people spend their entire lives wondering if they made a difference... MARINES don't have that problem. -R. Reagan

Offline mjmcmahon

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 227
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #9 on: May 25, 2011, 09:36:39 AM »
Welcome aboard, Wyatt!

I'd concur with the other members: go 5.56 out of the gate and then look at the options.  While I've never built one of my own, I'd also agree that an 80% lower project sounds like a great one for some father/son time.  I've always been tempted to build one of my own just so I could get more familiar with replacing parts in the lower.  Haven't done it yet, but I'm sure it'll happen sooner rather than later. :)

5.56 is a great cartridge but, like most things, it's about bullet placement as much as anything else.  I'd think the woods in the McCall area would ensure a closer shot and, as a result, put the target at a range where an AR is going to shine.

Best of luck and good for you for getting your son involved!

Mike
Logged

Online J Mack

  • Site Supporter
  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1700
  • The beatings will continue until morale improves.
    • 1.5 million people attended the inauguration, and only 20 missed worked!!!
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #10 on: May 25, 2011, 09:53:14 AM »
You didn’t mention the primary use would be for the dangerous game in the Payette National Forest, I would unquestionably pick the 6.8 over .556.

Seriously, don’t over think building your first AR and just jump on the bandwagon with the rest of us so we can help you with any issues along the way.
There are several of us on Boise Shooters that have the special tools required to assemble an AR, just ask when you get to that part and I’m sure someone here will help you out.   
Logged
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.-- Winston Churchill
    I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.C.E. is down! I repeat, we have no I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.C.E.

Offline wyattearp

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #11 on: May 25, 2011, 10:00:09 AM »
Your right about that overthinking part. Hazards of being an engineer. So now on to deciding t e basis of the build. The lower. Any one build theirs with one of aero's that SawTac has?
Logged

Offline wyattearp

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #12 on: May 25, 2011, 10:57:02 AM »
Maybe the better questions is, what companies to stay absolutely away from!
Logged

Online J Mack

  • Site Supporter
  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1700
  • The beatings will continue until morale improves.
    • 1.5 million people attended the inauguration, and only 20 missed worked!!!
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #13 on: May 25, 2011, 11:11:00 AM »
Quote from: wyattearp on May 25, 2011, 10:57:02 AM
Maybe the better questions is, what companies to stay absolutely away from!


Some good reading on the subject: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=318113
Logged
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.-- Winston Churchill
    I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.C.E. is down! I repeat, we have no I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.C.E.

Offline wyattearp

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #14 on: May 25, 2011, 07:51:41 PM »
Thanks for all the great comments. Did the deed. Went and saw Jeff and bought 2 lowers to start with. My son will be visiting his mom in Colorado for the next month and a half so I have some time to accumulate additional good stuff.
Logged

Offline ballardw

  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 442
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #15 on: May 25, 2011, 10:30:34 PM »
Don't forget that you cang get 22LR uppers for an AR. Even cheaper practice.
Logged
All data is flawed, some just less so.

Offline wyattearp

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #16 on: May 26, 2011, 02:53:04 PM »
I certainly have the bug. AS the build progresses I will post pictures. Look forward also to getting involved with the range and I am assuming the one in Parma. It's a long haul from McCall but probably doable on a monthly basis.
Logged

Offline HD-DVD

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 272
Re: AR Newbie
« Reply #17 on: May 26, 2011, 06:41:53 PM »
I've read a lot of positives about the Aero Precision lowers and can't remember anyone saying anything bad. They look good too. As I remember they make lowers for other brands as well.

I think you'll enjoy your build and SawTac is always a good place to get parts. I bought an upper there for my first build and it works great. I now have two ARs with lots of parts from Jeff.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Logged
US Army 1966-69, VFW Life Member, retired geek
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »