AR Question and Help

[JZ_Yeyo]

Guys I wanted to buy a complete AR (my first AR) and after a lot of research/reading decided to buy a complete lower and complete upper since I will save some money this way.

My question is if I buy this lower: SPIKE'S TACTICAL COMPLETE LOWER M4 STOCK(COLOR FILLED)

and this upper: Spike's Tactical 16" Midlength LE Upper w/9" BAR Rail (5.56)

Will this be all I would essentially need? I know I'll need mags and ammo but what else will I need to make this thing go BANG!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mike]

You will need a rear sight.

Possibly one of the best designed fixed rear's available.

https://danieldefense.com/components-parts/a1-5-fixed-rear-sight.html

Edited December 27, 2011 by Mike

[TMF]

Yep, that's all you need, just put the two together. Just make sure that the upper comes with a bolt carrier group and charging handle. It says it does in the description but double check that when you're checking out. I'm assuming your reason for purchasing these two items separate is because there isn't an assembled rifle available with the options your want? You may want to check the gun shops in your area before purchasing the lower as well. You might get a better deal and you don't have to pay for shipping. If you purchase the lower online some gun shops won't do the transfer for you if they have the item in stock, so be sure to check with FFLs in your area before purchasing so you know where to send it or not send it. The upper can be sent to your home since it isn't considered a firearm.

[TMF]

You will need a rear sight.

Oh yeah, you'll need that too, but only if you want to be accurate.

[Guest carter]

i would buy a stripped lower and a complete upper... building a lower is EASSSSSSSSSY and save more mone to buy ammo

[JPR1959]

Buy this and save yourself $200 and you don't have to assemble anything. Rock River Arms LAR-15 Fall Special Midlength Handguard A4

[Lumber_Jack]

Or this one

Carbine length, Comes with free float quadrail

http://www.JoeBobOutfitters.com/Rock_River_Arms_LAR_15_Fall_Special_Carbine_Quadra_p/rra-bb1000.htm

[JZ_Yeyo]

I'm assuming your reason for purchasing these two items separate is because there isn't an assembled rifle available with the options your want?

Well there is several reasons I'm doing it this way the main ones are 1. price I save about $250ish buying it seperat than buying it from Spikes Tactical 2. Availability I can get the rifle faster this way rather than waiting 5+ months to get it 3. My wife wants me to keep it under 1K and this seems to be a good option for both us to get what we want me an AR and her to stay under 1K.

Or this one

Carbine length, Comes with free float quadrail

Rock River Arms LAR-15 Fall Special Carbine Quadrail A4

I had not seeing this option although I was set on buying a mid-length so I may have to reconsider although after I add sights it will come to about he same price the difference will be about $20 give or take.

Take a look:

Spikes Upper and Lower:

Lower $259.30

Upper $612.70

DD Rear Sight $70.00

Total $942

RRA Complete Rifle:

Rifle $807.45

DD Front and rear sight combo $119.00

Total $926.45

Prices include TGO discount from Joe Bob Outfitters and free shipping as they advertise it.

[JZ_Yeyo]

So now another question what are the biggest differences if any between Mid-Lentgh and Carbine Length? How do you compare RRA vs Spikes tactical?

[TMF]

So now another question what are the biggest differences if any between Mid-Lentgh and Carbine Length? How do you compare RRA vs Spikes tactical?

Mid-Length vs. Carbine? I can't speak intelligently enough on that one. I have nothing but carbine length systems and have never had an issue cycling any ammo.

Spike's vs. RRA? I actually have both right now. I've had my RRA for a long time and the Spike's is relatively new and will be finding a new home in about 5 months. They both go bang every time and all the parts fit the way they're supposed to. I just prefer my RRA because I find the Spikes logo to be a little gawdy the way it is stamped on the receiver. My predjudice is nothing more than cosmetic. I think they're equally as good of rifles... go with whatever saves you money.

[Lumber_Jack]

So now another question what are the biggest differences if any between Mid-Lentgh and Carbine Length? How do you compare RRA vs Spikes tactical?

Carbine is the most reliable but recoil is harder on parts. Mid-length was designed to be more reliable than rifle-length without the harshness of carbine. I'd say go either way, you most likely won't wear out a carbine unless you are really gonna shoot a lot.

PS the RRA is on order so it may take 2-3 weeks to get in. This is straight from Joebobs mouth. I asked him last week.

[JPR1959]

PS the RRA is on order so it may take 2-3 weeks to get in. This is straight from Joebobs mouth. I asked him last week.

I ordered one and I think it's worth the wait. Spikes wait is much longer.

[Guest HCRoadie]

CAN NOT start without this:

CMMG Tactical Bacon, www.cmmginc.comCMMG Inc. AR15 Rifles, Parts and Accessories. .22 LR Dedicated AR-15 Rifles, Dedicated AR 15 9mm Rifles and Uppers, Tactical Bacon

[RWF]

mid-length, unless you only be able to clean it 1K rounds or so. you should never need the higher pressure of the carbine to have it run 100%. just my 2 cents

given any thought to the twist rate? or what you may want to do with it later? just a thought.

have fun and i am sure you will be happy no matter which one you get.

[JoeBobOutfitters]

We had a whole pallet load of Spike's Tactical Uppers hit us today.

We'll be 100% back in stock of EVERY upper except the standard M4LE uppers. ALL the other uppers we offer are in stock now.

Also, a little birdy tells me Spike's pricing is going up 5% for dealers and on January 1, just FYI. We haven't announced it yet, but these will be our last shipments at this price most likely.

Also, we'll have a couple of the Rock River Carbine Fall Special back in stock on ~December 30th.

[tyrantrave]

Can anyone recommend a good place to get some YHM free float rails installed at a reasonable price in middle TN?

[RWF]

chances are that you already know someone that can do it. just ask around any shooters you know/trust at work.

[JZ_Yeyo]

mid-length, unless you only be able to clean it 1K rounds or so. given any thought to the twist rate? or what you may want to do with it later? just a thought.

Are you saying tha ta mid-length rifle wil require more maintenace? I haven't given thought on twist rate but I know that the Spikes Tactical is 1/7 and the RRA is a 1/9 (I think)... As far as future stuff I plan on getting some type of forward grip and optics but no specifics yet.

[Lumber_Jack]

Are you saying tha ta mid-length rifle wil require more maintenace? I haven't given thought on twist rate but I know that the Spikes Tactical is 1/7 and the RRA is a 1/9 (I think)... As far as future stuff I plan on getting some type of forward grip and optics but no specifics yet.

Well yes, sort of, he is saying it will require cleaning more often ~1k rounds or so. Carbine will run longer due to high pressure gas recoil overcoming friction from buildup.

As far as twist you should consider how far you want to shoot. See Dolomites post history for extensive discussions on twist rate.

[netmindr]

Well yes, sort of, he is saying it will require cleaning more often ~1k rounds or so. Carbine will run longer due to high pressure gas recoil overcoming friction from buildup.

I've just gotten my first AR (carbine) and put 200 rounds through it. Is any of the buildup that you mention in the gas tube? I've been wondering if the tube ever needed cleaning, and if so how to go about it.

[RWF]

Are you saying tha ta mid-length rifle wil require more maintenace? I haven't given thought on twist rate but I know that the Spikes Tactical is 1/7 and the RRA is a 1/9 (I think)... As far as future stuff I plan on getting some type of forward grip and optics but no specifics yet.

WOW, never thought about it like that, so i guess lumber jack is correct, i am not one to leave my guns dirty and try to clean them each time i am done. now if you are one who wants to shoot til failure then you will want the carbine length. even if you shoot 500-600 rounds a weekend just general clean and lube after all will fine. as just a shooter who loves the sport, i have shot mine in the rain and mud with very low ports, with dirt and mud being kicked up from the blast with the ejection port just a few inches of the ground, right handed laying on right side barrel thru low port. no issues, except for getting the mud and sand off the scope without scratches.

the point was trying to make is unless you are trapped somewhere fighting for your life with only 10K rounds and no oil, time or way to do maintance then you want a carbine length for the reasons lumber jack stated.

also just my 2 cents on resale a mid length is worth more.

[RWF]

I've just gotten my first AR (carbine) and put 200 rounds through it. Is any of the buildup that you mention in the gas tube? I've been wondering if the tube ever needed cleaning, and if so how to go about it.

no I myself wouldn't think so, and have never seen a failure because of a clogged gas tube. and you would be surprise just how many ways a AR can fail. but with that said before a big match as part of my prep i spray some kriol down the tube and let it soak a few then degreaser, then air. but as far as i know i am the only who does this. oh yes then finish the cleaning the bore.

[Mike]

I've just gotten my first AR (carbine) and put 200 rounds through it. Is any of the buildup that you mention in the gas tube? I've been wondering if the tube ever needed cleaning, and if so how to go about it.

No, the high temperature gasses that blow through at very high pressured do a fantastic job of self cleaning. I personally have run one of my rifles over 7k rounds without cleaning it. Just keep cheap red grease on the bolt carrier and it will keep running.

Mike

[JZ_Yeyo]

Well after long deliberation (with myself) I decided to go with the RRA LAR-15 Fall Special over at Joe Bob's. When I went to order it they were out of stock and I couldn't get it ordered so I started looking again and I ended up getting the a Spikes Tactical Complete Upper and CMMG Complete Lower.

Upper Info:

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[TD]Spike's Tactical 16" Midlength LE Upper w/9" BAR Rail (5.56)[/TD]

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[TD]More Information:

• Upper Specs-
  
• -Spike's Tactical M4 flat top upper receiver, Machined from a 7075 T6 Mil-Spec Forging with Mil-Spec Type III Hardcoat Anodized finish, T-markings,Spike's Tactical logo and M4 feed ramps.
  
• -Barrel is 4150 Chromoly Vanadium Alloy, M4 barrel extention, Chrome chamber and bore, 5.56mm Nato chamber, 1:7 Twist, Magnetic particle testing on every barrel, Phosphate finish.
  
• -Government Contour with Mid-length gas system.-Barrel is Phosphate finished under the F marked A2 front sight base.
  
• -Barrel is HP Tested & MP Inspected
  
• -The M16 carriers are Chrome lined with a Mil-Spec phosphate finish.
  
• -The Full Auto M16 bolt is shot peened, HP Tested, & MP Inspected
  
• -Forged Mil-Spec carrier key, Chrome lined, attached with Grade 8 hardware and Properly staked.
  
• -MP tested bolt, Each extractor is fitted with a Mil-Spec black insert and Mil-Spec Viton o-ring.
  
• -Spike's Tactical 9" BAR Rail System.
  
• -A2 Flash Hider.
  
• -Each upper also comes with an ST-T2 buffer.
  
• This Upper comes with the fallowing options
  
• *ST5BG01; BCG (5.56) Spikes Tactical M16 w/MP Tested Bolt
  
• *SAFH510; Flash Hider 5.56
  
• *STU5035-BF; Base Upper - (5.56) 16" Mid-Length LE w/Ft Sight Post
  
• *SAR1109; Rail - Spike's LW Bar 9"
  

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Lower Info:

Semi-auto MOD4SA lower receiver. Our lower receivers feature Mil-Spec, .250 diameter take-down pins and .154 diameter fire control pins. The forged aircraft grade 7075 T6 aluminum lower is hard coat anodized to Mil-Spec, it is also Teflon coated for added durability and color consistency. All internals are semi-auto, Mil-Spec. Receivers are RDIAS/RLL compatible. This receiver comes with all of the lower parts, front take-down pin, fire control group, semi-auto selector, trigger guard, pistol grip, magazine catch/release and 6 position carbine buttstock installed.

I have 3 Pmags and Daniel Defense A1.5 Rear Sight on the way that should arrive tomorrow. I'm hoping to go to the gun show this weekend, get some ammo then head out to the range. So now what you really care about...

[JZ_Yeyo]

Before I forget thank you all for your replies and helpful information.