My AR Build...lots of help will be needed.

Ok guys, it's time for me to get build an AR. Unfortunately, I've waited too long, and will now pay through the nose for everything, not to mention, have fun trying to locate parts. Before I buy anything, I would like to run everything by you guys and get the OK, to make sure I buy quality.

To start, obviously I need a lower. After much reading, I think I settled on a Spike Tactical Punisher lower. Is this a good starting point? If yes, I will go ahead and start hunting one down...no pun intended. Also, the lower is the only part that needs to be FFLed right? Everything else can just be shipped to your door right?

Thanks for all your help guys.

You'll hear mixed stuff on Spikes. There are better lowers out there, and probably worse ones. The real problem you're going to find is finding a decent lower at a good price with immediate availability.

Originally Posted by david05111

You'll hear mixed stuff on Spikes. There are better lowers out there, and probably worse ones. The real problem you're going to find is finding a decent lower at a good price with immediate availability.

Ok, I'm open to suggestions. What lower would you say is a good quality? Also, steel vs polymer opinions are welcome.

Absolutely no polymer lowers. They aren't proven yet and have alot of development to go.

Great lowers include: Noveske, Larue, Colt, BCM, S&W, LMT, Daniel Defense, and maybe Knights Armament. Find any of those at $400 or less today and buy without hesitation IMO.

But in all honesty, a lower is a lower. As long as its within spec, they all will work.

^this, plus Mega and the custom billet stuff by companies like Seekins Precision.

All AR lowers are aluminum, unless they're the polymer or carbon-polymer versions. Stay away from non-aluminum AR receivers, both lower and upper.

Interesting. I have a buddy from the range that just got two polymer lowers, and offered to build one for me. I got excited about the light weight "survival" AR, but I guess you just scared me off.

Originally Posted by david05111

Absolutely no polymer lowers. They aren't proven yet and have alot of development to go.

Great lowers include: Noveske, Larue, Colt, BCM, S&W, LMT, Daniel Defense, and maybe Knights Armament. Find any of those at $400 or less today and buy without hesitation IMO.

But in all honesty, a lower is a lower. As long as its within spec, they all will work.

When you say below $400...I'm a little confused...is there a different "state" of lowers?

This one is $89.99

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...ver&groupid=11

I know it's out of stock but you get my point....what am I missing?

Well, in case you've missed the events of the past month, everything has skyrocketed in price. For instance, there is a shop in Jacksonville selling that exact lower for $700. Now, that's insane...but I bet that same lower if you found one at the moment would be like $350+

Originally Posted by david05111

Well, in case you've missed the events of the past month, everything has skyrocketed in price. For instance, there is a shop in Jacksonville selling that exact lower for $700. Now, that's insane...but I bet that same lower if you found one at the moment would be like $350+

How do lowers usually come? Like the one I posted above or like this...?

http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/...ock-p-506.html

The one I posted previously seems like it has nothing, but this one is "more complete" and costs $370. Just trying to understand how these things are actually bought....

I'd check ar15.com

Everything you need to know. Especially that you are very late into the game. That being said... You might early seeing that this law might be passed soon..

Originally Posted by al0513

I'd check ar15.com

Everything you need to know. Especially that you are very late into the game. That being said... You might early seeing that this law might be passed soon..

I did, but since I don't know who to trust over there, I figure I'd ask the guys here that I am sure know their stuff. AR15.com is where everyone said to go with the Spike lower.

Lowers usually come either "stripped" or "complete".

Stripped lowers are like the first you posted. They are literally just the shell that begins a build.

A complete lower contains all the parts necessary to attach and upper receiver and open fire. It contains a lower parts kit, fire control group, grip, buffer tube, buffer, and spring. Cost goes up, but its ready to go basically.

Do you have a budget in mind?

Spike, BCM, etc.

I believe that if its been used, loved, and proven.. It will be a good lower. If its machined right, process watched carefully, then you won't go wrong with any of the Manufacturers listed above.

I have a spike. Love it. Next one will be a BCM just to change it up.

Another question. Where are you located? I assume you know you can't have one in NYC. And if its elsewhere in NY, its also more complicated

Originally Posted by david05111

Lowers usually come either "stripped" or "complete".

Stripped lowers are like the first you posted. They are literally just the shell that begins a build.

A complete lower contains all the parts necessary to attach and upper receiver and open fire. It contains a lower parts kit, fire control group, grip, buffer tube, buffer, and spring. Cost goes up, but its ready to go basically.

Do you have a budget in mind?

Honestly, I don't. I thought about $1000-$1500 without optics. I know I will be paying a premium now. My main thought is since the lower is the "firearm", I wanted to get one ASAP before they ban them so I at least have it, and can build later on.

Originally Posted by david05111

Another question. Where are you located? I assume you know you can't have one in NYC. And if its elsewhere in NY, its also more complicated

NJ I can buy all the long guns I want....at a rate of one a month.

Originally Posted by NFRs2000nyc

Honestly, I don't. I thought about $1000-$1500 without optics. I know I will be paying a premium now. My main thought is since the lower is the "firearm", I wanted to get one ASAP before they ban them so I at least have it, and can build later on.

My guess is that, at least for the moment, you won't be able to meet that budget. It might be possible, but depends on where you live for a start

Jersey huh? Hmm...I honestly don't know too much about their laws. I'll leave that to you, at least for now.

You're right...a lower would be a priority.

Woohoo...just re-read the law....One gun a month law doesnt apply to long guns...pistols only. Stupid state.

Originally Posted by david05111

My guess is that, at least for the moment, you won't be able to meet that budget. It might be possible, but depends on where you live for a start

Hell I don't mind waiting. I don't mind spending $1000 on two lowers and let them sit in my closet until I am ready to build. They will probably be worth 2x the price after the ban.