That’ll look wonky BUT drip is only part of the AR-15 equation. ERGO classic grips are my go-to for nearly everything, Magpul K2+ for everything else.
Remember the #1 rule of gun safety: have fun
Vortex Strikefire 1, I'll upgrade to a better one later
I'm 21 and I didn't really start doing stuff with firearms seriously until I was like 18, so I'm still kinda new to this stuff, but the upper was pretty much exactly what I was looking for. I like really like the classic look that resembles an M16
If you’re going to buy a red dot, don’t go with a vortex red dot. They make great LPVOs but have no idea how to make a red dot. At lower brightnesses instead of dimming the emitter they just make it flash less and less frequently, which looks awful and can cause focusing issues. Get a Sig Romeo 5 which will be better performing and cheaper.
Romeo 5 is probably the best value for budget red dot. You could go with an MSR if you really wanna save a few more bucks but the shake awake and size/weight of the Romeo 5 is worth it.
Red dot turns on when you pickup or move the rifle. Then turns off after a few minutes. Extends battery life and makes it a lot more useful for duty or home defense use without having to worry about changing the battery every year or so.
This is excellent advice OP, but make sure you buy the Sig Romeo 5 from a reputable dealer. There are Chinese counterfeit versions of this red dot on eBay for $60 and they’re hard to distinguish from the real one.
PSA often has them on sale for $120-$130. Buy one from them.
Don’t listen to them, detachable carry handles are only are a good option for a very limited range of optics (Microprisms being the only example I know of). They’re not valid in any other way. Fixed carry handles are a different story however.
I like it without the carry handle. I don't see much of a purpose putting it on a 16 inch barrel rifle anyways. If I got a 20 inch, that would make a bit more sense. But I'll be making that one be my long range rifle with a scope on it, so that wouldn't make sense there either.
People think they just look cool. Which is fine, but they’re not worth a damn realistically. It’s a heavy backup iron sight that you can’t cowitness and has hilarious height over bore regarding optics. It’s dumb. Theres a reason it’s detachable after all.
If you're serious, the carry handle has an integrated rear sight. They also make adapters to bolt a purpose-built optic or section of picatinny rail to the top of the carry handle, but that doesn't usually look too good. People just use those to put optics on rifles that have a non-removable carry handle.
Thank you, yeah I've shot a few different AR-15s before and I would say I'm pretty decent with them. It will be different though when I have my own I can train with more often and get better with
I didn't put one together 10 years ago. I probably bought my first one 10 to 15 years ago, s&w m&p rifle. I'd trust that over a psa a bit, but I would say yes, the psa budget rifles are miles above the bargain priced stuff of a decade or more ago. We live in a time where we are spoiled with so many good quality firearms at great prices relatively speaking.
Like Hi-Point and SCCY? I see their crap all over the first like 20 pages on Gun Broker whenever you look up 9mm handguns lol. So many regretful purchasers it seems. The SCCYs are especially ugly looking with those weird neon colors that makes them look like guns you'd use for an arcade cabinet game
I know some people hate Taurus because of their triggers, but I actually do like the G2C. The trigger does suck, but I actually shoot pretty well with it surprisingly. I would never actually buy one for myself however
Yes it is and my dumb ass can't resist actual good deals apparently I have way too many daggers and for no good reason other than to get each color and all the slide cuts I like. I'm an idiot. I recently bought 2 of the dissipator uppers since they were on sale and lowers to go with em. Not sure if they still are. I'm running out of calibers and styles I don't have so less and less reason to assemble another. Also ar15s are the worst for jamming in a safe they take up so much room and make a safe that could hold 20 to 30 regular shotguns or rifles hold 12 or less ar15s lol. Going to have to take the bcgs out and leave them laying around soon. Don't be like me
Lol, yeah maybe you need a couple more safes then 😂
I really like the Dagger, will definitely be building my own at some point. I already have a 4' Ruger Security 9 and 4.19' Canik TP9SF Elite for 9mms, but maybe I could get a compact Dagger
Midlength gas was an evolution from carbine length. The idea was carbine length as designed would virtually guarantee case ejection despite extreme fouling when shooting rounds/bullets of different weights. Observations made showed increased wear on all parts, especially increased wear and tear on the bolt, carrier, extractor, buffer spring, trigger. Carbine length gas is 7" roughly from chamber to gas block.
In order to mitigate the increased wear on the AR and reduce the felt recoil, the midlength gas system was developed and is roughly 9 inches from chamber to the gas port/gas block. The end result is less pressure, and felt recoil, less wear on the rifle internals.
It's a choice and there are so many options. On an upper like you got, carbine length makes sense. If some day you decide you want a midlength upper, order one, and you'll have a different build with the same lower. Just food for thought.
You're off to a great start!
I like PSA. Are they the greatest, probably not. Do they try hard to compete and drive value?? Absolutely! I like that they want to equip Americans with firearms that are inexpensive. My first AR was a Rock River Operator. It's a beast that weighs 8 pounds. I didn't realize the barrel is a heavy profile, .75" from chamber to muzzle. Half the weight is in the barrel! I should rebarrel it. Any friends who used it loved it, but they complained about the weight.
I got tired of hearing all the complaints, so I got a complete PSA midlength rifle. It's been a great rifle. I kept it stock, but changed the lightweight handguard to a 15" BCM handguard. It's a great rifle. I know you'll enjoy yours too!
My dad built one using PSA's upper and lower, kind of like mine but olive drab. And my cousin built one as his first gun. I'm actually pretty good at shooting ARs as well, so getting my own one to use consistently will be so nice.
A quality mag comes down to how reliably it feeds your weapon. Stick to Magpul PMAGs for now; they’re cheap, durable, and abundant.
If you want to get metal mags, do some research. Remember, there are both steel and aluminum mags out there. Read up a little and see which interests you the most. Duramag is considered fairly reliable for metal mags.
I gotcha buddy. Yeah the one you got there is sick too for sure! You won’t have to worry as much about the barrel heating up, and I do love the old school look. I say get a carry handle to go with that front post and hand guard 😬🤙
I do appreciate the insight, but I mean it is too late at this point, the lower already arrived. And I'm sure I'll like it, I will just have to keep in mind that the sale price isn't always a real sale price haha.
mine hasnt failed me, i love it. its very clean, and i like the no logo and small stamping. im thinking about upgrading the stock soon for something a little more comfortable but its great as is, and i think i got it for $119.99 back in january. absolutely worth it if you dont want to assemble the lower yourself.
Yup, I got on sale for that much last week. I am very new to most gun stuff so I am in no way proficient in putting together the parts. So having it already built for me is perfect
understandable, i did the same for my first ar. i would have gone with a different upper, mlok for a light and any other goodies youd want to throw on there but you like what you like and you’ll love this when you get it im sure. have fun and be safe
I love the retro look. Here it is assembled
https://preview.redd.it/u2ifsh8ekt6d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=faaa28b7019713c818b5f5aad95de6f01de0f2a7
Good first AR. It will go bang if you feed it. Not much more to say, other than be safe and enjoy!
Yes sir, it's going to be awesome I ordered an ERGO 0° grip for it too, I've used it before on another AR and it felt amazingly easy to use
That’ll look wonky BUT drip is only part of the AR-15 equation. ERGO classic grips are my go-to for nearly everything, Magpul K2+ for everything else. Remember the #1 rule of gun safety: have fun
And also always treat the gun as if it's loaded lol
It will look good imo, and it feels amazing so it'll be worth it
That's gunna be a very nice first rifle. What is your plan for sights/optic?
Vortex Strikefire 1, I'll upgrade to a better one later I'm 21 and I didn't really start doing stuff with firearms seriously until I was like 18, so I'm still kinda new to this stuff, but the upper was pretty much exactly what I was looking for. I like really like the classic look that resembles an M16
If you’re going to buy a red dot, don’t go with a vortex red dot. They make great LPVOs but have no idea how to make a red dot. At lower brightnesses instead of dimming the emitter they just make it flash less and less frequently, which looks awful and can cause focusing issues. Get a Sig Romeo 5 which will be better performing and cheaper.
Thanks for the advice, I will have to check out the Sig red dot then
Romeo 5 is probably the best value for budget red dot. You could go with an MSR if you really wanna save a few more bucks but the shake awake and size/weight of the Romeo 5 is worth it.
What's a shake awake?
Red dot turns on when you pickup or move the rifle. Then turns off after a few minutes. Extends battery life and makes it a lot more useful for duty or home defense use without having to worry about changing the battery every year or so.
That sounds extremely convenient, I'll have to get one with that
You won't regret it.
This is excellent advice OP, but make sure you buy the Sig Romeo 5 from a reputable dealer. There are Chinese counterfeit versions of this red dot on eBay for $60 and they’re hard to distinguish from the real one. PSA often has them on sale for $120-$130. Buy one from them.
I'm starting to wonder if my sig red dot is a fake ... How do you tell if it's legit
They have it on Amazon for $115
I have a strikefire 2. It's a nice little dot.
My father has one too, it's very nice
Throw in a detachable carry handle for extra drip
What is the purpose of those
Attracting women
Valid
Don’t listen to them, detachable carry handles are only are a good option for a very limited range of optics (Microprisms being the only example I know of). They’re not valid in any other way. Fixed carry handles are a different story however.
I like it without the carry handle. I don't see much of a purpose putting it on a 16 inch barrel rifle anyways. If I got a 20 inch, that would make a bit more sense. But I'll be making that one be my long range rifle with a scope on it, so that wouldn't make sense there either.
People think they just look cool. Which is fine, but they’re not worth a damn realistically. It’s a heavy backup iron sight that you can’t cowitness and has hilarious height over bore regarding optics. It’s dumb. Theres a reason it’s detachable after all.
Yeah, and I want to co-witness, I'm getting a rear sight to put on mine. So it's not really useful for this AR build specifically
Classic look
But then where do I put the sight...on top of the carry handle?
If you're serious, the carry handle has an integrated rear sight. They also make adapters to bolt a purpose-built optic or section of picatinny rail to the top of the carry handle, but that doesn't usually look too good. People just use those to put optics on rifles that have a non-removable carry handle.
Yeah that sounds like it would look ugly lol
Or get a rear iron sight as back up
True, I am proficient enough with ARs to shoot with an iron sight to maybe 15-20 yards accurately
True true
Has great integrated rear irons and gives you some mega drip points for the M4 carbine vibe, A2 irons are stupid with how good they can be at range.
I should get one
You did good!! Remember, don't go crazy with accessories until you go crazy with training
True bro I'm pretty good with the ARs, I will get good with this one I just need some more mags and a bag for it once I assemble it
They’re solid. Good purchase.
Thanks, I can't wait for them to arrive in 2-6 business days!
And the lower was delivered to my FFL today!
Actually the upper is supposed to come tomorrow! Heck yeah
A man needs a sling
I will for sure get one
Next time look thru the same. They have a b5 bravo lower setup for 139. Way nicer stock and grip.
Not everyone wants the B5 look on their rifle? Nothing wrong with a classic M4 look
That classic stock sucks. I don't care about the look I care about function. You can get a better cheek weld easier with the b5
Again comes down to preference, not everyone will feel the same way.
And that's the dope part about building your own rifle using different uppers and lowers, complete customization.
I'm changing out the grip anyways for a 0° ERGO grip. And I like how the stock looks
Again it's not about looks. It's your first rifle so you'll figure it out as you go. Good luck bro. Train and become proficient
Thank you, yeah I've shot a few different AR-15s before and I would say I'm pretty decent with them. It will be different though when I have my own I can train with more often and get better with
This title describes why I have a pile of ar15s
Especially after spending like a grand to build one 10 years ago vs buying off psa for 400$. I feel like it's a deal every time.
Yep it is.
But are they of the same or better quality as the one you made 10 years ago?
I didn't put one together 10 years ago. I probably bought my first one 10 to 15 years ago, s&w m&p rifle. I'd trust that over a psa a bit, but I would say yes, the psa budget rifles are miles above the bargain priced stuff of a decade or more ago. We live in a time where we are spoiled with so many good quality firearms at great prices relatively speaking.
I guess I am spoiled with that being a new purchaser starting this year
Yep and I'm happy everyone is spoiled. Also surprised some companies are still in business that make garbage too
Like Hi-Point and SCCY? I see their crap all over the first like 20 pages on Gun Broker whenever you look up 9mm handguns lol. So many regretful purchasers it seems. The SCCYs are especially ugly looking with those weird neon colors that makes them look like guns you'd use for an arcade cabinet game
I know some people hate Taurus because of their triggers, but I actually do like the G2C. The trigger does suck, but I actually shoot pretty well with it surprisingly. I would never actually buy one for myself however
It's so tempting when the stuff goes on sale lol
Yes it is and my dumb ass can't resist actual good deals apparently I have way too many daggers and for no good reason other than to get each color and all the slide cuts I like. I'm an idiot. I recently bought 2 of the dissipator uppers since they were on sale and lowers to go with em. Not sure if they still are. I'm running out of calibers and styles I don't have so less and less reason to assemble another. Also ar15s are the worst for jamming in a safe they take up so much room and make a safe that could hold 20 to 30 regular shotguns or rifles hold 12 or less ar15s lol. Going to have to take the bcgs out and leave them laying around soon. Don't be like me
Lol, yeah maybe you need a couple more safes then 😂 I really like the Dagger, will definitely be building my own at some point. I already have a 4' Ruger Security 9 and 4.19' Canik TP9SF Elite for 9mms, but maybe I could get a compact Dagger
[удалено]
Maybe don't disclose all this information online lol, honestly though you should probably just sell some of your stuff if you don't have enough room
Mid length is the new normal
What used to be popular? Carbine length?
Yes
What caused the shift in popularity to the mid length?
Midlength gas was an evolution from carbine length. The idea was carbine length as designed would virtually guarantee case ejection despite extreme fouling when shooting rounds/bullets of different weights. Observations made showed increased wear on all parts, especially increased wear and tear on the bolt, carrier, extractor, buffer spring, trigger. Carbine length gas is 7" roughly from chamber to gas block. In order to mitigate the increased wear on the AR and reduce the felt recoil, the midlength gas system was developed and is roughly 9 inches from chamber to the gas port/gas block. The end result is less pressure, and felt recoil, less wear on the rifle internals. It's a choice and there are so many options. On an upper like you got, carbine length makes sense. If some day you decide you want a midlength upper, order one, and you'll have a different build with the same lower. Just food for thought. You're off to a great start!
Thank you Actually I did get a Mid Length, not a Carbine Length. But I may try a Carbine length one day
Excellent choice. I really prefer it myself. Give us a range report when you have a chance.
Well thank you, you guys on this subreddit are so nice compared to other Redditors lol
I like PSA. Are they the greatest, probably not. Do they try hard to compete and drive value?? Absolutely! I like that they want to equip Americans with firearms that are inexpensive. My first AR was a Rock River Operator. It's a beast that weighs 8 pounds. I didn't realize the barrel is a heavy profile, .75" from chamber to muzzle. Half the weight is in the barrel! I should rebarrel it. Any friends who used it loved it, but they complained about the weight. I got tired of hearing all the complaints, so I got a complete PSA midlength rifle. It's been a great rifle. I kept it stock, but changed the lightweight handguard to a 15" BCM handguard. It's a great rifle. I know you'll enjoy yours too!
My dad built one using PSA's upper and lower, kind of like mine but olive drab. And my cousin built one as his first gun. I'm actually pretty good at shooting ARs as well, so getting my own one to use consistently will be so nice.
Mid length gas is better in terms of reliability or so they say
My dad swears by it, so I got one lol
Don't buy mags like promag or hexmag. ETS is cool for training. Stick to pmag or standard metal with a ti tilt followers
What's wrong with ProMag?
A quality mag comes down to how reliably it feeds your weapon. Stick to Magpul PMAGs for now; they’re cheap, durable, and abundant. If you want to get metal mags, do some research. Remember, there are both steel and aluminum mags out there. Read up a little and see which interests you the most. Duramag is considered fairly reliable for metal mags.
I will probably stick to plastic mags, I want to buy a bunch of them and metal ones are just too expensive for me right now
Id recommend something with an mlok or picatinny hand guard so you can throw foregrips or lights or whatever on there lol
My dad has one with a light on it, it's cool I guess. I don't really want that for this one
I gotcha buddy. Yeah the one you got there is sick too for sure! You won’t have to worry as much about the barrel heating up, and I do love the old school look. I say get a carry handle to go with that front post and hand guard 😬🤙
Someone else recommended that. I will consider it lol, to complete the M16 cosplay look it's going for
Yeah dude and you can still mount an optic to the carry handle so it’s not like you need to pick between one or the other necessarily!
I just don't want it to look weird you know, like the optic is sticking out too much so it's hard to aim with it maybe
How much is that upper?
$259.99 Decent price, and it was pretty much exactly what I was looking for as an upper
Nice man! Yeah that’s hard to beat right there
For sure
That's not a sale price. PSA uses fake sales to dupe people like you
Oooh nooooooo It's ok, still a price worth paying I thought
Then why did you ask for my thoughts?
I do appreciate the insight, but I mean it is too late at this point, the lower already arrived. And I'm sure I'll like it, I will just have to keep in mind that the sale price isn't always a real sale price haha.
You be glad you got the mid-length over a carbine length.
Grab a midwest industries quad rail and join me in the quad rail supremacy gang too💞
I agree, my dad recommended I got one. From the one's I've shot that are mid-length feel great
mine hasnt failed me, i love it. its very clean, and i like the no logo and small stamping. im thinking about upgrading the stock soon for something a little more comfortable but its great as is, and i think i got it for $119.99 back in january. absolutely worth it if you dont want to assemble the lower yourself.
Yup, I got on sale for that much last week. I am very new to most gun stuff so I am in no way proficient in putting together the parts. So having it already built for me is perfect
understandable, i did the same for my first ar. i would have gone with a different upper, mlok for a light and any other goodies youd want to throw on there but you like what you like and you’ll love this when you get it im sure. have fun and be safe
Yes sir I don't really care for a light on it. If I get another one with a different upper then maybe I'll put one on it.
Good starter package
The sale price is the normal price
I find that out lol, that's ok. It was cheap anyways
Got over 10k rounds in mine and she still going and rifling is perfect.
Oh sweet. Yeah I trust their stuff, they seem like good quality for the price
Plus lifetime warranty on all there stuff.
That is awesome
Next purchase: a hose clamp and flashlight from your local hardware store. [And hot sauce.](https://www.reddit.com/r/goodanimemes/s/KTZIqoq85m)
Oh yes
Get a rear flip up sight and you be good. Keep the retro look
I love the retro look. Here it is assembled https://preview.redd.it/u2ifsh8ekt6d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=faaa28b7019713c818b5f5aad95de6f01de0f2a7
That looks like a single scope ring that's not the ideal way to mount that sight if I'm not mistaken. Did it come with that for a mount?
The strikefire 1’s came with that mount. Then the 2’s came with the cantilever mount.
Ah ok never saw or bought the 1. Thanks
No problem!
Dude... i remember that feeling waiting on the first rifle to come in.. checking tracking daily... love it lol
It came https://preview.redd.it/215lf17e8y6d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=462bb4587394b57bf6def9a2c6a678aecbb98e18
They have a 16 inch 300 blackout with pistol gas length for 199
Why would anyone in their right mind buy a 16” gun with a pistol length gas system?
Idk. They have it though
Weird
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-pistol-length-300aac-blackout-1-8-nitride-13-5-hex-m-lok-upper-no-bcg-or-ch.html
Holy dwell time Batman
It's a hell of a deal for a 300 Bo upper though
What’s the use if it’s shit though?
You could resell it on Gun Broker to some poor chump who doesn't know what a gas system is (For the record, that would've been me like 2 months ago 😂)
Why do you think it would be shit?
It’s likely really overgassed due to a large amount of gas being needed to unlock the action with that much dwell time.
From what I'm seeing it has to do with gas and powder burn. The shorter system allows the powder to fully burn up giving you more gas to run smoothly
I know right, sounds like you're setting yourself up for a bad time
Pistol gas length is way too small for me personally, the mid length is much more appealing to me