I've read many threads on multiple sites so I felt I was prepared for this build. In fact, I still feel I'm prepared. Parts include: DPMS assembled upper, DPMS lower and DPMS lower parts kit. Ballistic Advantage 16.5" barrel and EGW free float forearm. My goal is to have an accurate, mid-level, minimal frills build. I trued the receiver face and shimmed/thermo fit the barrel. I know, not mandatory, but I wanted to so I did it.
Minor problem! Do you have any idea how many different barrel nut/wrench patterns there are? I'm disregarding barrel nuts that use a claw wrench for torqueing. There are 24 hole, 22 hole and 20 hole barrel nuts. The EGW barrel nut fits nicely to the upper, no slop so I contacted them and the wrench they used is "discontinued". I've ordered a PRI DPMS pattern 4-pin barrel nut wrench with a bolt circle radius of 0.86"/bolt circle diameter of 1.720". It was nearly $10.00 cheaper ordering directly from them than from Brownell's. The EGW 20 hole pattern barrel nut has a bolt circle radius of 0.869"/bolt circle diameter of 1.738", probably close enough.
Minor problem! Do you have any idea how many different barrel nut/wrench patterns there are? I'm disregarding barrel nuts that use a claw wrench for torqueing. There are 24 hole, 22 hole and 20 hole barrel nuts. The EGW barrel nut fits nicely to the upper, no slop so I contacted them and the wrench they used is "discontinued". I've ordered a PRI DPMS pattern 4-pin barrel nut wrench with a bolt circle radius of 0.86"/bolt circle diameter of 1.720". It was nearly $10.00 cheaper ordering directly from them than from Brownell's. The EGW 20 hole pattern barrel nut has a bolt circle radius of 0.869"/bolt circle diameter of 1.738", probably close enough.