I've been looking at this chart. Spike's Tactical seems like a great value and I have been reading up on them a bit. They are backlogged quite a bit right now, but I could get a completed upper and lower from Brownells for $750.

Could also just get the completed upper and put together my own lower.

I've also been looking at the BCM uppers.

Seems like most of the stripped lowers are created equally. If I buy a completed upper and put the lower together myself, this should be very easy. :yum:

Not much difference in lowers. The only variable tends to be quality control. You are more likely to get an out-of-spec lower with some companies than with others. I'd be looking hard for BCM blems. Try BCM, Rainier Arms, G&R Tactical.

Thanks :tup:

Steve, this whole process of putting together your weapon is gonna blow your mind, I hope you're ready for it.:tup:

I havent fired my AR-15 yet, and I just thought I'd do a cleaning and a lubrication on it, and surprisingly the bolt was pretty dirty..

I clean my rifles about every 2000-3000 rounds. Maybe run a bore snake through the barrel a little more frequently than that, but otherwise I just keep the BCG nice and wet and they run fine.

Dude, I was shocked, I mean I just got mine, and its never been fired, and to see the bolt dirty was just a surprise. I guess you live and learn.

Many mfgrs test fire them at the factory. With some of the better quality BCGs, they are proof fired with a high pressure proof load, then magnafluxed...those are marked HPT and MPI (High Pressure Test and Magnetic Particle Inspected).

Thanks brother, excellent information.. eRep given.:tup:

Hell, now I know.

:iagree:

most if not all mfgrs test fire the weapons, because you would scream bloody murder if your new bang stick did not go bang every time you pull the trigger...

High end mfgrs usually send a test target with the weapon...

The only way to get an unfired weapon is to put it together yourself...

Come on man, if they're gonna fire them, they should clean them..hehe:tup:

LoL... my $3,600 custom 1911 came with residue in the barrel...

get used to it....

Test firing the assembed weapon for function is commonly done, but pressure testing isn't necessarily. The M4 TDP calls for HPT and MPI of the barrel and bolt. Those individual components are individually tested with a high pressure proof load, then the whole rifle is test fired for function.

HPT and MPI are a little controversial. Not sure that it's necessary given modern manufacturing techinques and materials, but it is true that because of the expense, it's one way to distinguish the higher-end weapons

MacCool, how the heck do you know all this? lol..

Doesn't mean it is right.


Crazy thing is my $600 ria arrived with the 2 casings required by new york, but so meticulously cleaned that you'd never know it had been fired...