First AR build, Spikes stripped lower?

[LLDJR]

Is the Spikes tactical stripped lower a good starting point?

ST-15 stripped rifle lower with safe/semi/auto bullet markings [STLS012] - $99.00 : Spikes Tactical

The plan is to build a 5.56 for my son, to be used for 200 yard or less accuracy

 

[esrice]

Is the Spikes tactical stripped lower a good starting point?

I think so. My SBR project started with a Spike's stripped lower, and now it has all Spike's guts too.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/class_iii_nfa/121565-my_ar_sbr_build-in-progress.html

 

[LLDJR]

I think so. My SBR project started with a Spike's stripped lower, and now it has all Spike's guts too.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/class_iii_nfa/121565-my_ar_sbr_build-in-progress.html

Nice write up! My direction is nearly identical to yours, and I too might use all Spikes or mostly Spikes parts. I want a good BCG for sure so I will study the Spikes BCG some.

After I bought my Colt, I ended up taking off the stock, then the hand rail, then the grip, and I figured I would save some small amount of money not buying some parts twice as you do with an off the shelf purchase.


EDIT, I just placed an order*** eta 4-5 weeks, or so the site says.

 

[Griffeycom]

Spike's Tactical AR15 Lower Receiver

Keep your eye out for Aim's to come back in stock. Much cheaper and I feel like AIM gets them in pretty frequently but they sell out fast.

 

[esrice]

I too might use all Spikes or mostly Spikes parts. I want a good BCG for sure so I will study the Spikes BCG some.

Here is my review of their complete M4: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...iew_spike_s_tactical_st-15_m4_le_carbine.html

 

[LLDJR]

erice,, nice write up, in the long run I will spend a little more than the stock m4 from Spikes,, I think a quad rail, Flat Dark Earth magpul stock, grip and rail covers are on my sons wish list and then he wants to go with a scope instead of a red dot

I have built & designed full automation machinery and worked as a tool and die guy running Bridgeport mill, lathes, surface grinders, heli-arc etc, I am in sales now so I am a little excited to see how these puppies go together and how well or easy they are designed.

Once the lower arrives I'll assemble the LPK and pick up a buffer tube kit

 

[esrice]

he wants to go with a scope instead of a red dot

If he's looking at running a more traditional scope, consider going with a low-profile gas block and extended rail that covers it. Or, if you start with an upper that already has a fixed front sight base, you can simply cut it down in lieu of a low-pro gas block. Then you add flip-up irons to the front and back, so they can flip down out of the way of the scope.

While the fixed front sight post of a traditional M4 will disappear on higher powers, this is a nice clean way of building.

I might also suggest going with a mid-length upper for the softer recoil and enhanced reliability (assuming we're talking about a 16" gun).

AIM was running an excellent deal on a complete Spike's mid-length upper, including a MOE forend. Like I mentioned above, you could always sell off the MOE forend, cut down the FSB, install an extended rail, and pick up some flip-up irons.

Spikes Tactical 16" Mid-Length 5.56/.223 Upper Receiver

Or if the M4 configuration is still more his flavor: Spikes Tactical 16" M4 5.56/.223 Upper Receiver

 

[LLDJR]

Good point on the low profile gas block that I would not have known...

he says he wants a 20" barrel but I do not "think" there is any benefit to a 20" in a 100-200 yard rifle

 

[theweakerbrother]

Spike's Tactical AR15 Lower Receiver

A little cheaper here but currently out of stock. If you wait, it may come back at this price if you're in no hurry.

 

[esrice]

he says he wants a 20" barrel but I do not "think" there is any benefit to a 20" in a 100-200 yard rifle

Correct. A 16" gun will keep him legal, let him hit easily out to 200-yards (and farther), and be easier to transport and maneuver off-hand.

You may want to look more into the concept of a "Recce Rifle". Perhaps someone with more knowledge than I on that topic can chime in, but it sounds like it may fit what your son is trying to accomplish.

 

[shooter521]

You may want to look more into the concept of a "Recce Rifle". Perhaps someone with more knowledge than I on that topic can chime in, but it sounds like it may fit what your son is trying to accomplish.

Got Recon?

AR-15 "Recon Carbine"

 

[LLDJR]

Awesome camo paint

 

[LLDJR]

Looks like the goal is .... 14.5" barrel w/perm,, with a rifle length quad rail, LMT, Daniels, Noveske,, maybe RRA,, upper from whichever brand of barrel i buy, i.e. Daniels, Noveske etc...

something similar to this below,, but the jury is out on scope or acog, or red dot etc

 

[sonrider657]

I built this gun using a Spike stripped lower and it went together just fine.

 

[esrice]

Looks like the goal is .... 14.5" barrel w/perm,, with a rifle length quad rail, LMT, Daniels, Noveske,, maybe RRA,, upper from whichever brand of barrel i buy, i.e. Daniels, Noveske etc...

Sounds like an excellent plan!

Have you decided on carbine vs. mid-length gas system yet?

Here are some 14.5" mid-lengths from BCM: AR-15, M16 14.5" Mid Length Upper Group

 

[LLDJR]

Sounds like an excellent plan!

Have you decided on carbine vs. mid-length gas system yet?

Here are some 14.5" mid-lengths from BCM: AR-15, M16 14.5" Mid Length Upper Group

Going to go with 14.5" mid length with a 12" quad rail...

We have a new (Christmas) Primary Arms M4 that we will use temporarily until we can get firm on if he wants a scope or possibly an acog

 

[esrice]

Going to go with 14.5" mid length with a 12" quad rail...

Unfortunately it looks like all the BCM upper in that configuration are listed as "sold out".

We have a new (Christmas) Primary Arms M4 that we will use temporarily until we can get firm on if he wants a scope or possibly an acog

That sounds like a plan. I did this with a PA Micro. I eventually ended up with an Aimpoint H1.

 

[esrice]

Here is a CMMG version. Once you add a micro gas block option, plus polished and extended feedramps, its priced at just under $700 (with BCG). But you'd still need to add a rail ($250-350).

CMMG 14.5 inch Government Profile Upper Mid-Length w/Permanent Phantom flash hider, www.cmmginc.comCMMG Inc. AR15 Rifles, Parts and Accessories. .22 LR Dedicated AR-15 Rifles, Dedicated AR 15 9mm Rifles and Uppers, Tactical Bacon

In that case I'd just assume go top-shelf with BCM. Maybe a phone call would get more results than their website.

 

[LLDJR]

Unfortunately it looks like all the BCM upper in that configuration are listed as "sold out".

I am on the email notification list and will grab try and one when they are back in stock..

 

[LLDJR]

mid lengths are tuff to find

I can mostly find carbine not mid length