Nice rig . I got an old 1960's era M-16 bolt carrier group that I want to use on my next build. it has sentimental value because it was used by a family member in the 82nd airborne division in his M-16 in the 60's. I'd like to get one of those engraved lowers with his name on it , the airborne patches and give it to him as a birthday or Christmas gift. I think that would be cool.
Anytime I'm cleaning or just working on my ARs I just play your channel in the background. Always learn something new or get great ideas. Your channel is priceless. Thanks for all the work you do, it does not go unnoticed!
Just built my dad an AR15 in 5.56 all from parts from PSA. Great company, easy to work with if you have any questions, and they're always putting their guns and accessories on sale!
My first AR used a PSA 5.56 upper and I runs great. After another visit to their website I found a blem premium upper on sale. Hasn't arrived yet but I already have the furniture and lower build kit ordered. Next week I'm going to the gunshop for a stripped lower.
Like anything you buy, the best process I've ever followed was to find the companies that are highly revered and buy their more affordable products. The Magpul ACS stock with the compartment is cool but it's 110 dollars. The Magpul MOE stock is 60 dollars. If you don't absolutely need the compartment, save 50 dollars toward something more important like the BCG or the barrel. I know it's daunting with all these companies producing great products. Just take your time and research, then you'll know what you want.
The ACS has 3 compartments, which cost more money to manufacture. More complicated molds, pins/springs, other mechanisms, etc. It has 2 tube compartments, on either side of the comb area of the stock ,as well.
Awesome video. Incidentally I'm in the middle of putting together a 7.62x39 AR. My PSA lower parts kit comes in today, I already got the upper and everything else so almost done. I agree with u in that the learning experience of building it by yourself is priceless. This is my second build. Just can't wait for UPS to show at my doorstep. 😳
I am building my first AR doing the lower and the upper both I got the lower all together and just had some laser engraving done on it today. I was amazed how easy the lower was and decided to build the upper as well. If I can build one anyone can they are really that easy.
HI Sootch, Generally speaking I have enjoyed your videos and learned quite a bit from them. However I have had one bad experience that I feel I should bring up. After watching this video I ordered am AB Arms carrier for my new build. I got the gun assembled (PSA upper/lower) and hit the range. First magazine about half way through, malfunction. Turns out the rifle was short stroking. After a variety of trouble shooting techniques to figure out what was going wrong, I tried different ammo, cleaned/lubed it etc. I was still experiencing the malfunctions, could rarely get through a 30 round mag w/o issue. Trying to diagnose the problem I used a friends BCG and the problem stopped. Gun worked flawlessly. I wrote Jason at AB arms and told him that I wanted to return the carrier deducing that it was defective. Received this response: "We have a lifetime warranty on all the parts we manufacture. I am sorry to hear about your malfunctions. We have never had a BCG or bolt leave our facility that wasn’t 100% in Mil-Spec tolerances for all dimensions. We have never received a return on one of these items and we have delivered 1,000’s at this point. If this was a custom build and you can’t nail down the issue you may want to take it to a reputable gunsmith to take a look at it. I have seen allot of out of spec parts in my day from gas holes in barrels not being the correct size to gas blocks not aligned correctly to barrel extensions not torqued correctly. Sometimes the issue is something that needs a trained eye to work out." At this point I had purchased another BCG from PSA which also worked perfectly, so to me the problem was obvious: using his carrier the rifle does not work. Using a different carrier (I had used three different ones by this point) the rifle works perfectly. Whats the issue? Why should i need to bring to a gunsmith? It seemed like this was the only way he was going to accept the return so I did. My local gunsmith had a look at it and noted that while he could not see any obvious out of spec tolerances, that would cause malfunction (I was not going to pay him to test it with equipment) he told me that the part appeared to be "cheaply made" and certain features of the carrier where out of spec (cheap material substituted on the gas key, and something else about the design, the specifics of which I don't recall). The gunsmith told me that "if the part is guaranteed to be mil-spec, you can return it on the basis that this is false. The materials and design of the carrier (even those that are not defective) are not within the mil-spec parameters". Unfortunately I don't know enough about the part or mil-spec to get into details here but I know for a fact that my gunsmith is very knowledgeable so I took his work for it. I returned the part to Jason with the feedback from my gunsmith and requested a refund. He replied that the part was fine but agreed to give me a refund or replacement. I opted for the refund. The card I had originally purchased the carrier with was no long in use so I requested that he refund the money to my new replacement card. Jason said he could not do that, he can only return the money to the card that I ordered with. I had returned two other products from two other companies Backcountry.com and Amazon.com, with the same situation. They had no problem crediting a different card, so long as the billing information was the same. I told Jason this (twice I believe over the course of a week before he responded) and he simply said that he could not do it, replacement was my only option. I suggested that he write me a check (every company has checks): "NO". Finally I agreed to take the replacement as it was the only way I was going to get anything out of this and not have it be a total loss of $100. I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM A*B ARMS AGAIN AND I SUGGEST YOU DONT EITHER. An expert (gunsmith) evaluated their part and deemed it to be junk. Jason basically refused to give me my money back not being able to credit the funds to another card is absolute bull s***. He cant send me a check? Why? He was arrogant and refused to take responsibility for selling defective/junk products. Frankly a dishonest businessman.
For Frankie; I suggest Tactical Machining for a lower. Had a blem Frankenstein for 39$ this week. My 1st build was with their upper and lower. Brownells has uppers for 49$. and lower kit with ALG ACT trigger (which I love). For an Easy assembly upper I would try ALG Handguard kit direct from ALG. Super easy to install barrel with their incl barrel nut and shim kit. 12" in black for 140. (when I bought mine), and Green Mountain Barrels for your selection of barrel(s) at reasonable prices. Magpul CRT mil spec kit for a nice (no rattle) adjustable stock. I bought a cheapy for 1/2 the price and hate it. Figure about 75$ for asembly tools to make assembly and maintenance easier and faster. (Midway or Amazon or Ebay for a good selection) Love my 1st build and anticipate starting a 2nd (after tax refund).
After researching 300 blackout I built me a 8.5 inch AR pistol. I like the 300 blackout for under 300 yards and the .223 for longer distances. Great choices on your build. I like Trijicon products but have been happy with Holosun to save some money. Also I like the 5.11 VTAC padded two-point sling with QD mounts the best. Also I like the Thorsdsen cheek weld/buffer tube the best when building a pistol.
I made my almost ideal build. It's light weight (little over 7lbs fully kitted up) and soft shooting. Has everything I need and nothing I don't want. Very simple set up, Rainier upper w/o forward assist, Rainier lower, midlength 16" barrel, bcm small charging handle, bcm gunfighter grip, 3g trigger group, bad selector lever (45 degree throw with proper markings on the lower), MI SS Gen 2 freefloat handguard, DD CHF barrel, pws fsc, ctr, t2 buffer, jp polished buffer spring, jp bcg, jp bolt, mbus2, aimpoint micro, and x300.
I'm about to start accruing the parts to build my first rifle. This was an awesome resource for me. You gave me some great tips and ideas. I knew I wanted to build rather than buy immediately because I don't want to spend the off-the-shelf money just to end up with a bunch of inferior parts I didn't want once I got the rifle the way I wanted it. Thanks for all of the valuable information, Sootch.
Wow. You answered my first question at 2:36. You read my mind. I'm building an AR and had considered 300 AAC because I like the concept. I only have my PSA lower (as soon as it ships anyway). It may take me months to afford the parts for the rest, so maybe 300 AAC will be more available a few months from now. Thank you VERY much for this video. This is great information for people who are building an AR and want some ideas.
Excellent build, Sootch...nice thing about the AR system is that you can add custom parts as you go and as you get the funds to do so..I'm doing the same on my 'shorty'...anyone with a bare minimum of mechanical aptitude and the ability to follow instructions can do his own work. CB in FL
I have started my first build and used a PSA upper with a 1:8 twist and then went with aero precision bcg, charging handle and AP lower. so far works great.
Bad lever is pretty cool if you haven't been in the military. I just can't stop slapping the side of the rifle after so long training one way it's hard to change
I've had Timney Triggers, which are great, but then I tried a Geissle S3G trigger and never turned back.. I'll have a Geissle S3G in every AR that I ever build, it's that good.. Cleanest, smoothest break/reset that I've ever encountered, and I have A LOT of experience with the AR platform.. One thing you should test/review is the BCM Gunfighter Pistol Grip.. That's another product that will be on all my future builds, the angle of the grip feels very natural and comfortable.. I've yet to encounter someone who has tried it that didn't say the same thing
Can you add the small rail sections to the handguard without removing it from the rifle? If so, that's a very huge plus to the handguard. A lot of the other makes that are slim like this one require the handguard to be removed from the rifle to add small rail sections.
Very nice Sooch. I would add that with the blackout, Bullets for reloading are easy to find, and you can use .223/5.56 brass once you cut it down to reload for 300 AAC. Even if it falls out of favor 100%, as long as you are a reloader, there's no reason you cannot continue to use your rifle. I am also finding 300 Whisper and 300 AAC (You can fire either for those not aware already, Whisper is just the precursor to AAC) much more readily now. Unfortunately not often below a buck a round. But at least it's out there again. Now .458 socom......
I'm a big fan of the BAD Lever also.. That's another part that I use on all my rifles.. There's other brands that have made "copycat" levers like it, but I'll stay with the originators of the product.. Careful using those "teeth" on the front of the handguard against a barricade, you don't want to put your barrel against something when you're shooting, your accuracy will be gone.. Noveske makes a "K9 Barricade Support", which is just a small piece that mounts on your rail, but you can press up against a barricade with your handguard and the teeth will keep it steady really nice.. They make one for their keymod system as well as standard 1913 rails
Nice build, personally, I like to use a fully nickle boron coated BCG. Also, a heavier buffer and buffer spring seems to give me a better lockup, but more so, makes my rifle run smoother. I would also have a fluted barrel. That one looks like it adds some weight to the front end, which I try to avoid. I love those hand guards though, I learned about them from one of your videos and plan to use them on my next build.
What about your sighs. ? What kind do you recommend? I used to shoot comparison pistol with a red dot. Many years ago. I just got my first AR-15 .556. It came with a red dot but I wander what the military uses. Is it a scope. ? I like a scope on a rifle.
Take a look at the Troy Alpha hand guards. They have the round profile that you like, are well made and inexpensive. They come with flat top picatinny and 3 smaller rails that can be attached. Troy also makes some small rubber grommets that fit into the guard and it really makes the hand guard nice to hold. I also noticed you have the red dor placed to the far rear of the receiver. Why?
That's cool. You're comments about the B.A.D. lever mirror my own. I just finished a rifle for my daughter without one. Surprised how much I miss it when I shoot.
For everyone wondering about the 11% excise tax comment Sootch made, there is a Federal Excise tax that is placed on all firearms and ammo. It is included in the price of the purchase. 10% for pistols and revolvers, 11% for all other firearms and ammo. Google "firearm ttb (dot) gov". TTB is is the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
I know the modular handguards are "the new thing," but it's pretty hard to beat the value of a YHM lightweight and a set of cheap ladder covers. About $120 from Primary Arms or Galati International.
Wilson Combat TTU 3G triggers are also fantastic. They remind me very much of their 1911 triggers. And last year they put them on sale ($50 off) for Black Friday and Christmas.
you are definitely number one when it comes to informational videos , for the most part I take what you say as gospel and base my purchases on info from your videos , thanks for the good work you're the best
I built a 300 BO a while back. Just wanted one... Yes...ammo can be $$$$ so... I have a son LEO and when he has to qualify, I end up with a lot of 45ACP and 223 brass. I even get 38spl if the Prison Personnel qualify as well. So what I learned is how to cut, trim and form 300BO from the 223 cases... It helps to keep you in ammo. Learn to Reload.
I've had a similar style charging handle on my m&p 15-22 and I've shot the hell out of it, suppressed and non. No excess wear or anything like that. I've got one of the raptor style charging handles in my hobby AR. Im actually impressed by it, but the upper is still new so it's chewing up charging handles lol. Can't beat it for 12 dollars.
I have built a complete lower. It's a spike tactical receiver with stag arms lower parts kit, Magpul CTR stock with MIAD grip. I've been not knowing what to do with my upper build. After seeing your 300 blackout it gives me a idea. I want to make it look similar but in 556.
Always interesting to see what people like to run on their AR's and why. Some times you can take away some pretty good ideas. I'm with you on the Bad Levers. Those things are awesome. If you get the chance to try Any of the Hiperfire triggers, then you should give them a shot. My AR trigger, in my opinion is slightly better than my chassis long range Rem 700 build that uses a Timney. Granted, both pull right at 2lbs and are similar, but the Hiperfire 24 3G feels better to me. If you get the opportunity to play with one, don't pass it up.
I like the lower build video, but it would stop every few seconds to buffer. I am working in a military arms room right now and watch your videos to learn some tricks for dealing with ARs. Good videos. The armorer that runs the arms room has taught us a ton on rifles, pistols, and crew serve weapons. Keep up the good work.
Watching this video while working at a gun manufacturer and knowing all the specifics of the internals and externals gave me a shot of dopamine and endorphins. Hearing my employer get a shoutout gave me another.
Great videos lots of good info. What is the difference between the 300 blackout and the 300 whisper ammo, can you use it in your 300 blackout rifle? Thanks keep up the good work.
Hi Sootch, New to your channel just curious I just purchased my first AR-15 THE LE6920 FROM COLT AND I REALLY LIKE THE MAGPUL ACCESSORIES SO THINKING ABOUT ADDING THE SL PACKAGE HAND GRIPS BUTT STOCK ETC... THE RIFLE WILL MAINLY BE USED AT THE RANGE MY QUESTION IS WHAT OPTICS DO YOU RECOMMEND IF ANY AND ALSO I'VE HEARD SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS CONCERNING AMMO FROM BAD QUALITY TO HIGH QUALITY WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST AND WHY APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE THANKS.
I personally love Velocity Triggers! I have the 3lb flat trigger in my ar pistol build with a hardened arms upper with 8.5" barrel and 10" hand guard that molds to it perfectly. Im waiting for the upper to come in and once it does im clickin that bad boy on my freshly built lower with a phase 5 gen 3 bolt catch (alternative to the magpul BAD lever . I like it better because it doesn't screw on to your pre-existing bolt catch. but instead it completely replaces it and sits in the slot as your extended catch. DD grip with triggr guard attached . Got the shockwave blade (all this is in black ya diiigggg) Anderson lower if you were wondering. Also no pistol build is complete without a spikes tactical T2 heavy buffer. The upper is in the mail on the way nd now I just need a BCG
I just finished building my first to compliment my store bought. Phase 5 Lower (they are local and yes I am stuck in CA). CMMG parts kit. Magpul MOE rifle stock. Stag Arms Model 6H upper. Running a recycled UTG Scope right now just to shoot it but still looking for a budget friendly optic with magnification. It is a pretty range gun but my MBR is still my store bought.
sootch thank you so much for doing this video I'm building my first AR in 300 blk out just because I now have a chance to hunt hogs here in texas .. I'm building my AR on the spikes tactical lower and I was needing help with what all the parts I need left are and stuff . Buddy you are a life saver I truly appreciate this video I'm glad you done this video this makes a good guide line for the AR I'm building
Hey sootch just strart/nearly finished with my first build i decided to do a 7" pistol as a backpack, truckgun, shtf gun. I managed to finish with only $620. But also while trading and upgradeing my carbine. And tradeing with my dad. Love your vids. Keep up the good work.
I just got my first ar15. Its a psa upper and lower. But not the cheap freedom line. The barrel is chf. Made by fn. My bolt is complete nickel plated. With mag pull everything. What else should i add?
Palmetto State Armory is awesome I have built my AR piece by piece form them and bought a lot of parts and ammo from them they are an awesome company from South Carolina
There are so many possibilities for updates one upgrade I can’t do without on my PSA AR-10. Is the STELTH RECOIL SPRING for the 308. The price can’t be beat.. Great informative Information Brother...
I love my M&P15T. The rifle has a quad free float rail, magpul mbus rear and front flip up sites, and 6 point adjustable stock. The barrel is 1:8 twist ideal for 62 gr. green tips. The rifle is on line and I shot many rifle but bang for the buck, I prefer the MP15T (Tactical version). Oh, and you don't have to buy attachments, just things like EO Tech and stuff.
Great info and guidance. I have put off getting an AR platform rifle for a long time (wanted others more). But now it's time. I knew I wanted to do a build, rather than buy, so I could accumulate the parts as I could afford to get the higher-end items. Thanks to your info, (I trust your opinion on this stuff) I've confirmed what I thought on sourcing some of the rest.
Thanks for all the info in video. Im looking to start my parts ordering at the first of the year on my first 556 build. I believe I will be using most of your list for the build. Looking forward to building the rifle, and I know my whole family is going to enjoy shooting it at the range
Really liking that ATI rail and Trijicon reflex. Im also really happy with my Bushnell TRS 25 and 2A Armament rail as well. Def gonna look into those two for my next build though.
I add an engraved magazine release bar from laser edge studio and a bcm gunfighter grip. But for 22$ shipped and taxed, you can't get any better than your name engraved onto your firearm
Can't say enough about Timney Triggers and the Magpul B.A.D. Lever! I have them both on my AR and will have them on the 300 blackout I'm building (have the BAD lever all ready on it). I agree with your reviews on both of them! At first and I still think Magpul is taking a bit of an advantage on the price point on the BAD lever but the value is there for sure (I just hate paying $30 for a part I know costs almost nothing to build) but hey, it's awesome on my rifles! Timney Trigger is incredible. Drop in unit with silky smooth action. Light pull weight but not too light either. Great balance in function and form.
Thanks again for a great video Sootch00. Question: Off subject- What is a quality AR-15- 556 under $1500? Under $1000? Iam a. new buyer and do not wish at this time to build my own. Thank you so much.Peace.
Like the video. Barrel nut torque, however, is not really all that big of a deal, unless you are a long range competitor. Even then- not so much as most folks make it to be. Just don't want it overly loose or overly tight. Foot pound torque numbers are for the space shuttle- not your rifle.
I really like the BAD cass 45* safeties the short throw makes a big difference. Big fan of the Geissele triggers I have an SSA-E and an SD-E fantastic 2 stage triggers
Question Sir? I have an AR flatop like yours that I am wanting to attach an ACOG TA 31 scope to using a LaRue QD mount. Can you tell me which specific ACOG I should be saving for. Thank you Sir for your time!
The stripped lower is the actual firearm. It is the "controlled" part that has to be sold by a dealer. However, there is NOOOOO registration. This is America.
Very good point. Building it will give you far more info about the rifle than just shooting it. Sounds like something my dad would say. GET OFF OF MY LAWN!
I'm glad that you were able to assemble your dream rifle, but what I have in mind for my build is on the complete opposite end of the AR 15 spectrum. I don't like the "tacticool" and instead, prefer the "practicool" rifle, and what I mean by that is something that's going to be rugged and reliable. If it falls out of a plane? oh well, just dust it off and shoot it. I don't like the idea of having a lot of bells and whistles that can easily bend, get misaligned, or break off when the gun is knocked over or dropped from only a couple feet high, but hey, to each his own.
Sorry for the necro, but, wouldnt the gun be fucked if it falls out of a plane regardless of whether its "tacticool" or "practicool"? And even more, if your gun is falling out of a plane, isnt the situation at that point "completely and beyond fucked"...
Nice rig . I got an old 1960's era M-16 bolt carrier group that I want to use on my next build. it has sentimental value because it was used by a family member in the 82nd airborne division in his M-16 in the 60's. I'd like to get one of those engraved lowers with his name on it , the airborne patches and give it to him as a birthday or Christmas gift. I think that would be cool.
Carolina Prepper how is the build coming along?
what happened to the lower ; _ ;
Anytime I'm cleaning or just working on my ARs I just play your channel in the background. Always learn something new or get great ideas. Your channel is priceless. Thanks for all the work you do, it does not go unnoticed!
The best presenter ever: so precise pronunciation, rich vocabularies, detail orientate, highly technicality. Thanks a lot.
Just built my dad an AR15 in 5.56 all from parts from PSA. Great company, easy to work with if you have any questions, and they're always putting their guns and accessories on sale!
My first AR used a PSA 5.56 upper and I runs great. After another visit to their website I found a blem premium upper on sale. Hasn't arrived yet but I already have the furniture and lower build kit ordered. Next week I'm going to the gunshop for a stripped lower.
Like anything you buy, the best process I've ever followed was to find the companies that are highly revered and buy their more affordable products. The Magpul ACS stock with the compartment is cool but it's 110 dollars. The Magpul MOE stock is 60 dollars. If you don't absolutely need the compartment, save 50 dollars toward something more important like the BCG or the barrel. I know it's daunting with all these companies producing great products. Just take your time and research, then you'll know what you want.
The ACS has 3 compartments, which cost more money to manufacture. More complicated molds, pins/springs, other mechanisms, etc. It has 2 tube compartments, on either side of the comb area of the stock ,as well.
Just purchased my first part today. Stripped lower by GPI out of Jacksonville, FL. I'm really excited for the build.
Congrats man!, gonna start my first build on my birthday in February
Good thing you got yours when you did because they went out of business for some reason.
Awesome video. Incidentally I'm in the middle of putting together a 7.62x39 AR. My PSA lower parts kit comes in today, I already got the upper and everything else so almost done. I agree with u in that the learning experience of building it by yourself is priceless. This is my second build. Just can't wait for UPS to show at my doorstep. 😳
So did ups ever show up?
I am building my first AR doing the lower and the upper both I got the lower all together and just had some laser engraving done on it today. I was amazed how easy the lower was and decided to build the upper as well. If I can build one anyone can they are really that easy.
I'm thinking of doing this... Totally a novice in this area. Currently only shooting handguns for self-defense...
I love what you do...thank you
HI Sootch,
Generally speaking I have enjoyed your videos and learned quite a bit from them. However I have had one bad experience that I feel I should bring up. After watching this video I ordered am AB Arms carrier for my new build. I got the gun assembled (PSA upper/lower) and hit the range. First magazine about half way through, malfunction. Turns out the rifle was short stroking. After a variety of trouble shooting techniques to figure out what was going wrong, I tried different ammo, cleaned/lubed it etc. I was still experiencing the malfunctions, could rarely get through a 30 round mag w/o issue. Trying to diagnose the problem I used a friends BCG and the problem stopped. Gun worked flawlessly. I wrote Jason at AB arms and told him that I wanted to return the carrier deducing that it was defective. Received this response: "We have a lifetime warranty on all the parts we manufacture. I am sorry to hear about your malfunctions. We have never had a BCG or bolt leave our facility that wasn’t 100% in Mil-Spec tolerances for all dimensions. We have never received a return on one of these items and we have delivered 1,000’s at this point. If this was a custom build and you can’t nail down the issue you may want to take it to a reputable gunsmith to take a look at it. I have seen allot of out of spec parts in my day from gas holes in barrels not being the correct size to gas blocks not aligned correctly to barrel extensions not torqued correctly. Sometimes the issue is something that needs a trained eye to work out." At this point I had purchased another BCG from PSA which also worked perfectly, so to me the problem was obvious: using his carrier the rifle does not work. Using a different carrier (I had used three different ones by this point) the rifle works perfectly. Whats the issue? Why should i need to bring to a gunsmith? It seemed like this was the only way he was going to accept the return so I did. My local gunsmith had a look at it and noted that while he could not see any obvious out of spec tolerances, that would cause malfunction (I was not going to pay him to test it with equipment) he told me that the part appeared to be "cheaply made" and certain features of the carrier where out of spec (cheap material substituted on the gas key, and something else about the design, the specifics of which I don't recall). The gunsmith told me that "if the part is guaranteed to be mil-spec, you can return it on the basis that this is false. The materials and design of the carrier (even those that are not defective) are not within the mil-spec parameters". Unfortunately I don't know enough about the part or mil-spec to get into details here but I know for a fact that my gunsmith is very knowledgeable so I took his work for it. I returned the part to Jason with the feedback from my gunsmith and requested a refund. He replied that the part was fine but agreed to give me a refund or replacement. I opted for the refund. The card I had originally purchased the carrier with was no long in use so I requested that he refund the money to my new replacement card. Jason said he could not do that, he can only return the money to the card that I ordered with. I had returned two other products from two other companies Backcountry.com and Amazon.com, with the same situation. They had no problem crediting a different card, so long as the billing information was the same. I told Jason this (twice I believe over the course of a week before he responded) and he simply said that he could not do it, replacement was my only option. I suggested that he write me a check (every company has checks): "NO". Finally I agreed to take the replacement as it was the only way I was going to get anything out of this and not have it be a total loss of $100. I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM A*B ARMS AGAIN AND I SUGGEST YOU DONT EITHER. An expert (gunsmith) evaluated their part and deemed it to be junk. Jason basically refused to give me my money back not being able to credit the funds to another card is absolute bull s***. He cant send me a check? Why? He was arrogant and refused to take responsibility for selling defective/junk products. Frankly a dishonest businessman.
DenverDave81 sounds like you should go to the BBB with this
Wow terrible, so sorry.
Well said. Won't buy from them anymore.
Glad I read this before I made the same purchase.
He couldn't even send a money order? SMJ...
For Frankie; I suggest Tactical Machining for a lower. Had a blem Frankenstein for 39$ this week. My 1st build was with their upper and lower. Brownells has uppers for 49$.
and lower kit with ALG ACT trigger (which I love). For an Easy assembly upper I would try ALG Handguard kit direct from ALG. Super easy to install barrel with their incl barrel nut and shim kit. 12" in black for 140. (when I bought mine), and Green Mountain Barrels for your selection of barrel(s) at reasonable prices. Magpul CRT mil spec kit for a nice (no rattle) adjustable stock. I bought a cheapy for 1/2 the price and hate it.
Figure about 75$ for asembly tools to make assembly and maintenance easier and faster. (Midway or Amazon or Ebay for a good selection)
Love my 1st build and anticipate starting a 2nd (after tax refund).
After researching 300 blackout I built me a 8.5 inch AR pistol. I like the 300 blackout for under 300 yards and the .223 for longer distances. Great choices on your build. I like Trijicon products but have been happy with Holosun to save some money. Also I like the 5.11 VTAC padded two-point sling with QD mounts the best. Also I like the Thorsdsen cheek weld/buffer tube the best when building a pistol.
Blows my mind 2013 . Most still apply in 2018 . Was again another great video thanks...
One of the best AR videos I've seen to date. Information was very well presented with clear video and close-ups.
I made my almost ideal build. It's light weight (little over 7lbs fully kitted up) and soft shooting. Has everything I need and nothing I don't want. Very simple set up, Rainier upper w/o forward assist, Rainier lower, midlength 16" barrel, bcm small charging handle, bcm gunfighter grip, 3g trigger group, bad selector lever (45 degree throw with proper markings on the lower), MI SS Gen 2 freefloat handguard, DD CHF barrel, pws fsc, ctr, t2 buffer, jp polished buffer spring, jp bcg, jp bolt, mbus2, aimpoint micro, and x300.
I'm about to start accruing the parts to build my first rifle. This was an awesome resource for me. You gave me some great tips and ideas.
I knew I wanted to build rather than buy immediately because I don't want to spend the off-the-shelf money just to end up with a bunch of inferior parts I didn't want once I got the rifle the way I wanted it. Thanks for all of the valuable information, Sootch.
Wow. You answered my first question at 2:36. You read my mind.
I'm building an AR and had considered 300 AAC because I like the concept. I only have my PSA lower (as soon as it ships anyway). It may take me months to afford the parts for the rest, so maybe 300 AAC will be more available a few months from now.
Thank you VERY much for this video. This is great information for people who are building an AR and want some ideas.
Excellent build, Sootch...nice thing about the AR system is that you can add custom parts as you go and as you get the funds to do so..I'm doing the same on my 'shorty'...anyone with a bare minimum of mechanical aptitude and the ability to follow instructions can do his own work.
CB in FL
Starting my rifle build with an Anderson lower I ordered yesterday from Centerfire Systems, two great Kentucky companies. I can't wait to get started.
I have started my first build and used a PSA upper with a 1:8 twist and then went with aero precision bcg, charging handle and AP lower. so far works great.
Bad lever is pretty cool if you haven't been in the military. I just can't stop slapping the side of the rifle after so long training one way it's hard to change
I've had Timney Triggers, which are great, but then I tried a Geissle S3G trigger and never turned back.. I'll have a Geissle S3G in every AR that I ever build, it's that good.. Cleanest, smoothest break/reset that I've ever encountered, and I have A LOT of experience with the AR platform.. One thing you should test/review is the BCM Gunfighter Pistol Grip.. That's another product that will be on all my future builds, the angle of the grip feels very natural and comfortable.. I've yet to encounter someone who has tried it that didn't say the same thing
approx. how much did it cost to built this AR?
Can you add the small rail sections to the handguard without removing it from the rifle? If so, that's a very huge plus to the handguard. A lot of the other makes that are slim like this one require the handguard to be removed from the rifle to add small rail sections.
Very nice Sooch. I would add that with the blackout, Bullets for reloading are easy to find, and you can use .223/5.56 brass once you cut it down to reload for 300 AAC. Even if it falls out of favor 100%, as long as you are a reloader, there's no reason you cannot continue to use your rifle.
I am also finding 300 Whisper and 300 AAC (You can fire either for those not aware already, Whisper is just the precursor to AAC) much more readily now. Unfortunately not often below a buck a round. But at least it's out there again. Now .458 socom......
I'm a big fan of the BAD Lever also.. That's another part that I use on all my rifles.. There's other brands that have made "copycat" levers like it, but I'll stay with the originators of the product.. Careful using those "teeth" on the front of the handguard against a barricade, you don't want to put your barrel against something when you're shooting, your accuracy will be gone.. Noveske makes a "K9 Barricade Support", which is just a small piece that mounts on your rail, but you can press up against a barricade with your handguard and the teeth will keep it steady really nice.. They make one for their keymod system as well as standard 1913 rails
Nice build, personally, I like to use a fully nickle boron coated BCG. Also, a heavier buffer and buffer spring seems to give me a better lockup, but more so, makes my rifle run smoother. I would also have a fluted barrel. That one looks like it adds some weight to the front end, which I try to avoid. I love those hand guards though, I learned about them from one of your videos and plan to use them on my next build.
What about your sighs. ? What kind do you recommend? I used to shoot comparison pistol with a red dot. Many years ago. I just got my first AR-15 .556. It came with a red dot but I wander what the military uses. Is it a scope. ? I like a scope on a rifle.
Take a look at the Troy Alpha hand guards. They have the round profile that you like, are well made and inexpensive. They come with flat top picatinny and 3 smaller rails that can be attached. Troy also makes some small rubber grommets that fit into the guard and it really makes the hand guard nice to hold. I also noticed you have the red dor placed to the far rear of the receiver. Why?
That's cool. You're comments about the B.A.D. lever mirror my own. I just finished a rifle for my daughter without one. Surprised how much I miss it when I shoot.
For everyone wondering about the 11% excise tax comment Sootch made, there is a Federal Excise tax that is placed on all firearms and ammo. It is included in the price of the purchase. 10% for pistols and revolvers, 11% for all other firearms and ammo. Google "firearm ttb (dot) gov". TTB is is the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
Thanks Bro~ We need to get together next week.
NCHeel So, if you make your own lower, no excise tax at all.
+M Walker no s/n # on a 80% or background check. the gig is about 70.00 a mill bit and drill bit and a drill press and your good.
the tax goes for hunting programs and state parks
tree rat76 Supposedly anyways...
I know the modular handguards are "the new thing," but it's pretty hard to beat the value of a YHM lightweight and a set of cheap ladder covers. About $120 from Primary Arms or Galati International.
Wilson Combat TTU 3G triggers are also fantastic. They remind me very much of their 1911 triggers. And last year they put them on sale ($50 off) for Black Friday and Christmas.
Or you get an 80 percent lower and dont pay any 11%
Palmetto state armory is great! I love their products! Top notch!
you are definitely number one when it comes to informational videos , for the most part I take what you say as gospel and base my purchases on info from your videos , thanks for the good work you're the best
Quick question. Buffer tube, mil spec or commercial? Commercial just looks beefier and the stock i like works with both. Ati
The One on this build is Mil-Spec. I have rifles with both and have never had a problem with either one. Thanks~
Ft Lbs = Torque So attach your barrel to your upper receiver with the proper "torque" application in tightening your barrel nut.
I built a 300 BO a while back. Just wanted one... Yes...ammo can be $$$$ so... I have a son LEO and when he has to qualify, I end up with a lot of 45ACP and 223 brass. I even get 38spl if the Prison Personnel qualify as well. So what I learned is how to cut, trim and form 300BO from the 223 cases... It helps to keep you in ammo. Learn to Reload.
Nice build, but I either wasn't paying attention close enough or my drooling kept me from noticing, what was the total build cost? Thanks.
I've had a similar style charging handle on my m&p 15-22 and I've shot the hell out of it, suppressed and non. No excess wear or anything like that. I've got one of the raptor style charging handles in my hobby AR. Im actually impressed by it, but the upper is still new so it's chewing up charging handles lol. Can't beat it for 12 dollars.
How much was the final price for your build?
Elftman Tactical makes the absolute best AR trigger that has been made to date.
I have built a complete lower. It's a spike tactical receiver with stag arms lower parts kit, Magpul CTR stock with MIAD grip. I've been not knowing what to do with my upper build. After seeing your 300 blackout it gives me a idea. I want to make it look similar but in 556.
Question, what is the name of that front end cap on your floating rail? I have one but without the spikes, never came across one with spikes
Are you still happy with the hand guard on this rifle? I think it looks awesome and functional. Anything else to say about it?
Do a video on the most important spare parts to keep for people with just one AR. And maintenance and stuff! Thumbs up people!
Always interesting to see what people like to run on their AR's and why. Some times you can take away some pretty good ideas. I'm with you on the Bad Levers. Those things are awesome. If you get the chance to try Any of the Hiperfire triggers, then you should give them a shot. My AR trigger, in my opinion is slightly better than my chassis long range Rem 700 build that uses a Timney. Granted, both pull right at 2lbs and are similar, but the Hiperfire 24 3G feels better to me. If you get the opportunity to play with one, don't pass it up.
What barrel did you get for this ? by the way, looks very nice.
So what was the final cost and more importantly, how much does it weigh?
I like the lower build video, but it would stop every few seconds to buffer.
I am working in a military arms room right now and watch your videos to learn some tricks for dealing with ARs. Good videos. The armorer that runs the arms room has taught us a ton on rifles, pistols, and crew serve weapons. Keep up the good work.
Beside the optics...I'm loving this build,sharp looking 👍🇺🇸....barrel length please?
.00AAC has come a long way since. I bought a box at Wal-Mart the other day.
Watching this video while working at a gun manufacturer and knowing all the specifics of the internals and externals gave me a shot of dopamine and endorphins. Hearing my employer get a shoutout gave me another.
Great videos lots of good info. What is the difference between the 300 blackout and the 300 whisper ammo, can you use it in your 300 blackout rifle? Thanks keep up the good work.
It's taking a while, but I believe you are correct. The 300 AAC is the future of the AR 15 caliber platform.
Thank you for all the good information. I was going to buy a basic AR and the make the personalized add ons. Now, I plan on building one.
Hi Sootch,
New to your channel just curious I just purchased my first AR-15 THE LE6920 FROM COLT AND I REALLY LIKE THE MAGPUL ACCESSORIES SO THINKING ABOUT ADDING THE SL PACKAGE HAND GRIPS BUTT STOCK ETC... THE RIFLE WILL MAINLY BE USED AT THE RANGE MY QUESTION IS WHAT OPTICS DO YOU RECOMMEND IF ANY AND ALSO I'VE HEARD SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS CONCERNING AMMO FROM BAD QUALITY TO HIGH QUALITY WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST AND WHY APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE THANKS.
Hey Scootch, just curious but how come you decided a reflex sight instead of a scope?
I personally love Velocity Triggers! I have the 3lb flat trigger in my ar pistol build with a hardened arms upper with 8.5" barrel and 10" hand guard that molds to it perfectly. Im waiting for the upper to come in and once it does im clickin that bad boy on my freshly built lower with a phase 5 gen 3 bolt catch (alternative to the magpul BAD lever . I like it better because it doesn't screw on to your pre-existing bolt catch. but instead it completely replaces it and sits in the slot as your extended catch. DD grip with triggr guard attached . Got the shockwave blade (all this is in black ya diiigggg) Anderson lower if you were wondering. Also no pistol build is complete without a spikes tactical T2 heavy buffer. The upper is in the mail on the way nd now I just need a BCG
Thanks for taking time to review your rig! I appreciate your explanation for each component.
I just finished building my first to compliment my store bought. Phase 5 Lower (they are local and yes I am stuck in CA). CMMG parts kit. Magpul MOE rifle stock. Stag Arms Model 6H upper. Running a recycled UTG Scope right now just to shoot it but still looking for a budget friendly optic with magnification. It is a pretty range gun but my MBR is still my store bought.
sootch thank you so much for doing this video I'm building my first AR in 300 blk out just because I now have a chance to hunt hogs here in texas .. I'm building my AR on the spikes tactical lower and I was needing help with what all the parts I need left are and stuff . Buddy you are a life saver I truly appreciate this video I'm glad you done this video this makes a good guide line for the AR I'm building
Simple quiet. What is needed.
Cost of the ammo increase will be the reason the .300 AAC will be its only set back.
Hey sootch just strart/nearly finished with my first build i decided to do a 7" pistol as a backpack, truckgun, shtf gun. I managed to finish with only $620. But also while trading and upgradeing my carbine. And tradeing with my dad. Love your vids. Keep up the good work.
I just got my first ar15. Its a psa upper and lower. But not the cheap freedom line. The barrel is chf. Made by fn. My bolt is complete nickel plated. With mag pull everything. What else should i add?
Well done! I've been looking to purchase my first AR, but this video definitely inspired me to build one instead. Thank you!!
Sootch00. Is that the pickens county range in south carolina? I frequent that range alot and it looks exactly like it. Just curious.
Aw man, that really sucks about Duck Creek going out of business.
Palmetto State Armory is awesome I have built my AR piece by piece form them and bought a lot of parts and ammo from them they are an awesome company from South Carolina
Beautiful gun. Thanks for all the suggestions and tips!
Thank you for the help and explination of the complete build. Is there an updated video to show your top picks for 2016 ?
I love the mag pul Mbus sights. They are great and offer rapid deployment
There are so many possibilities for updates one upgrade I can’t do without on my PSA AR-10. Is the STELTH RECOIL SPRING for the 308. The price can’t be beat.. Great informative Information Brother...
Good Info very clear no annoying music and dog yapping, Bless you Bro
I love my M&P15T. The rifle has a quad free float rail, magpul mbus rear and front flip up sites, and 6 point adjustable stock. The barrel is 1:8 twist ideal for 62 gr. green tips. The rifle is on line and I shot many rifle but bang for the buck, I prefer the MP15T (Tactical version). Oh, and you don't have to buy attachments, just things like EO Tech and stuff.
Great info and guidance. I have put off getting an AR platform rifle for a long time (wanted others more). But now it's time. I knew I wanted to do a build, rather than buy, so I could accumulate the parts as I could afford to get the higher-end items. Thanks to your info, (I trust your opinion on this stuff) I've confirmed what I thought on sourcing some of the rest.
Thanks for all the info in video. Im looking to start my parts ordering at the first of the year on my first 556 build. I believe I will be using most of your list for the build. Looking forward to building the rifle, and I know my whole family is going to enjoy shooting it at the range
Really liking that ATI rail and Trijicon reflex. Im also really happy with my Bushnell TRS 25 and 2A Armament rail as well. Def gonna look into those two for my next build though.
I add an engraved magazine release bar from laser edge studio and a bcm gunfighter grip. But for 22$ shipped and taxed, you can't get any better than your name engraved onto your firearm
Can't say enough about Timney Triggers and the Magpul B.A.D. Lever! I have them both on my AR and will have them on the 300 blackout I'm building (have the BAD lever all ready on it). I agree with your reviews on both of them! At first and I still think Magpul is taking a bit of an advantage on the price point on the BAD lever but the value is there for sure (I just hate paying $30 for a part I know costs almost nothing to build) but hey, it's awesome on my rifles! Timney Trigger is incredible. Drop in unit with silky smooth action. Light pull weight but not too light either. Great balance in function and form.
Thanks again for a great video Sootch00. Question: Off subject- What is a quality AR-15- 556 under $1500? Under $1000? Iam a. new buyer and do not wish at this time to build my own. Thank you so much.Peace.
PSA upper kits are quite expensive compared to what they used to be right now with hardly anything in stock. Very unfortunate..
I really appreciate your channel, this was a great video! Thank you. I’m building my first one now and this has been very helpful to me.
Sootch, thanks for introducing me to the DCA lower. I didn't realize that we can pick our own serial number which is great! God Bless!
Sootch00, great video as always. The work on that lower is fantastic.
Like the video. Barrel nut torque, however, is not really all that big of a deal, unless you are a long range competitor. Even then- not so much as most folks make it to be. Just don't want it overly loose or overly tight. Foot pound torque numbers are for the space shuttle- not your rifle.
I really like the BAD cass 45* safeties the short throw makes a big difference.
Big fan of the Geissele triggers I have an SSA-E and an SD-E fantastic 2 stage triggers
How much did this build cost?
Question Sir? I have an AR flatop like yours that I am wanting to attach an ACOG TA 31 scope to using a LaRue QD mount. Can you tell me which specific ACOG I should be saving for. Thank you Sir for your time!
Ok I'm new to ARs and have a question. What makes it a gun? Like what has to be registered? The lower?
The stripped lower is the actual firearm. It is the "controlled" part that has to be sold by a dealer. However, there is NOOOOO registration. This is America.
Very good point. Building it will give you far more info about the rifle than just shooting it. Sounds like something my dad would say. GET OFF OF MY LAWN!
Those guys at PSA are awesome.
I'm glad that you were able to assemble your dream rifle, but what I have in mind for my build is on the complete opposite end of the AR 15 spectrum.
I don't like the "tacticool" and instead, prefer the "practicool" rifle, and what I mean by that is something that's going to be rugged and reliable. If it falls out of a plane? oh well, just dust it off and shoot it.
I don't like the idea of having a lot of bells and whistles that can easily bend, get misaligned, or break off when the gun is knocked over or dropped from only a couple feet high, but hey, to each his own.
buy quality parts and this shouldn't happen
Sorry for the necro, but, wouldnt the gun be fucked if it falls out of a plane regardless of whether its "tacticool" or "practicool"?
And even more, if your gun is falling out of a plane, isnt the situation at that point "completely and beyond fucked"...
I'm a fan of Magpul, another great video Sootch!
Nice Job Brother. I appreciate your articulation and common sense explanations.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
I like this set. Up. Great build sootch00. Thanks for the video
Great video and some awesome info on various parts to consider as I go about building my first AR. Thanks!