Help picking a AR-15 kit from Del-Ton

[Dropkick Murphy]

Since there is an uber long wait for the Del-Ton kits I want to make sure I make the right decisions so I don't get booted to the back of the line if I change my mind down the road.

My knowledge of the AR-15 is novice at best, so I hope to be able to put some of your knowledgeable people to work.

And yes, I am aware that they don't come with a lower stripped receiver. Picked one up at Hero Gear last weekend. Thanks again Joe!

Questions

#1 Is there any cons to a light weight Del Ton kit? Are some metal parts replaced with plastic parts etc?

#2 I'm a little confused regarding the mid length rifle kit, and rifle kit. Both have 16 inch barrels. What am I missing?

#3 What is the advantage of a 2 piece handguard over a 1 piece handguard?

#4 Is it worth springing the extra cash for chrome parts?

#5 What kind of equipment goes on the gas block rails? I'm trying to decide if I want it or not.

#6 What kind of tools will I need to throw the del ton kit together?

Thanks for taking the time to help me out. It's much appreciated.

[Rightwinger]

Since there is an uber long wait for the Del-Ton kits I want to make sure I make the right decisions so I don't get booted to the back of the line if I change my mind down the road.

My knowledge of the AR-15 is novice at best, so I hope to be able to put some of your knowledgeable people to work.

And yes, I am aware that they don't come with a lower stripped receiver. Picked one up at Hero Gear last weekend. Thanks again Joe!

Questions

#1 Is there any cons to a light weight Del Ton kit? Are some metal parts replaced with plastic parts etc? The only con is do you like a lighter upper. Thinner barrel diameter makes the "lightweights"

#2 I'm a little confused regarding the mid length rifle kit, and rifle kit. Both have 16 inch barrels. What am I missing? The difference is in the position of the gas port and front sight. The rifle length port is further down the barrel towards the muzzle and thus you need longer hand guards to cover up a longer gas tube area.

#3 What is the advantage of a 2 piece handguard over a 1 piece handguard? Don't know the Delton stuff but if you're talking a one piece vs 2 plastic guards, the advantage would be that a two piece should come apart in halfs and thus allow for easier changing. Get the standard guards now as you're going to want to upgrade to rails at some point.

#4 Is it worth springing the extra cash for chrome parts? Chrome lined barrels have longer wear but with some say is a minor drop off in accuracy. 50/50 to me. Your call.

#5 What kind of equipment goes on the gas block rails? I'm trying to decide if I want it or not. If its a one rail with only the top having rails, the only thing you want there is a set of backup front sites. If it has sides or even rails on all four, you can put a light or laser. Don't put anything that will torque the barrel like a forward grip or bipod on the gas block. Get a free floating set of handguards for that stuff.

#6 What kind of tools will I need to throw the del ton kit together? Lower as well? Set of brass drift pins and hammer, screwdriver for stock if standard, I use an exacto or other thin blade to hold the detent in when putting the front pivot pin into the lower, some good thick tape to put around areas you'll tap roll pins into, link to AR15's how to put it all together. For the upper, if you have a 6 position stock coming, you'll want an AR15 armorers wrench. Oh, almost forgot, a long shaft hex head driver to put the pistol grip on!

Thanks for taking the time to help me out. It's much appreciated.

Edited June 3, 2009 by Rightwinger

[Dropkick Murphy]

Thanks Rightwinger!

[gtssilver]

go to brownells.com they have videos showing how to put everything together. It makes the process really simple!

[Dropkick Murphy]

go to brownells.com they have videos showing how to put everything together. It makes the process really simple!

Awesome! I didn't even know about this site. Thanks!

[poak]

Awesome! I didn't even know about this site. Thanks!

Brownells video's are awesome.

The only thing I don't like about them is the constant "and you can buy our thisnthat tool to do this part"... I swear, they have a different tool for every roll pin on your rifle

The vids are VERY well made, and VERY helpful though.

[Rightwinger]

and if you want no ads, and folks using duct tape and vise grips like what's in your house, use these:

Assemble your own LOWER, UPPER, FREE FLOAT, TRIGGER, GAS BLOCK - Step by step instructions! - AR15.COM

[Dropkick Murphy]

Excellent. Thanks!

[gtssilver]

The only tool I bought was a multi-wrench thing for something like 20 bucks. DPMS and a bunch of other guys make them.