quote:
6.8 argument is convincing.
Would like to see what brand lower/upper/complete people like.
As long as it is mil-spec, it will function. Anything past that, you're just buying for looks or specific purpose.
For instance, my first build was on a cheap forged lower and upper by the now defunct,
Anvil Arms. Just because they went out of business, doesn't mean I'm toast. I can swap out anything on it with pieces I want. For your info it is a 16" chambered in 5.56 with a 1:9 twist. Its intended purpose was to build a rig that was about as cheap as I could build, but with a quad rail and decent stock.
My newest is my new 300 blk. In sharp contrast to my first build, I pretty much picked out every component I wanted and didn't hold back. I'm talking, I customized it down to the takedown pins, and selector switch (safety) and threw in an adjustable gas block for good measure. The only parts not 'upgraded' are the castle nut, the detents and springs, and the receiver end plate. It was built on billet SanTan upper and lower. Not surprisingly, it is also my most expensive to date.
11.3" 300blk
My current 'in progress' hasn't been finalized yet. I'm considering a longer barrel, 20", just to reap the (perceived) benefits of a rifle length gas system, but I want to stick with .223/5.56. It'll be my competition rifle. I have a mil-spec forged Spikes lower that it'll be based on, but i'm considering a proprietary upper by
Aero Precision for the upper. Of course my builds are always fluid and can ebb and flow with the seconds of the day.
This is what those not familiar with the AR15 platform don't understand. It's versatility is endless. It's customization is endless. The more you build, the more you become familiar, the more you can troubleshoot and adapt. Its a great hobby, albeit expensive.