First AR build

[Obiward]

I got clearance from the local female authority unit and I'm starting my first AR build. I did a fair bit of research and decided to go with the following combination:

Spikes lower
PSA LPK
Magpul MOE furniture
DPMS upper AR-15 Lo-Pro Flat-Top Upper Assembly 5.56x45mm NATO 1 9 Twist 16 Bull Barrel Chrome Moly Matte GlacierGuard Handguard

Anyone see any potential issues with this setup? It will be mainly used for paper punching and home defense. Any advice for a newbie?

 

[esrice]

Any advice for a newbie?

Research.

Start here:

So you want to buy an AR-15, huh?

 

[OneBadV8]

And if you want to build it, read here:
http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/

And here:Assemble your own LOWER, UPPER, FREE FLOAT, TRIGGER, GAS BLOCK - Step by step instructions! - AR15.COM

 

[Newbomb92]

I would ditch the DPMS upper and go with PSA's chrome lined 1/7 M4 upper.

 

[mvician]

Curious....what research led you to that particular upper?

 

[sloughfoot]

A quality upper built by a quality manufacturer at a great price.

What do you guys think is wrong with it?

OP, you are putting together a rifle that will do all that you ask of it. Shoot the snot out of it and have fun.

Don't overspend on the lower. Lowers don't matter. Your choice though.

Carry on.....

 

[mvician]

What do you guys think is wrong with it?

Other than from the rest of his parts it looks like he is putting together a lighter weight carbine, and then he lists a heavy weight bull barreled upper.
His rifle, his choice, just wondering what led him to choose that upper.

 

[Obiward]

I'm partial to bull barrels. I like the clean look and I'm big enough to not notice the weight. I did debate the choice though.

 

[sloughfoot]

I also prefer a heavy 16 inch barrel. I think it helps with the balance.

My 16 inch is identical to the rifles used on the movie "the Postman" so maybe I am dating myself, but I like how it handles. Mine is a Bushie with a Colt barrel I got somewhere.

 

[Obiward]

Ok. I did some more research and decided to go with the PSA M4 upper. A little more expensive but I think I'm getting a way better upper in the end. The lack of forward assist kind of bothered me on the DPMS. I realize I'll probably never need it but... That and the lack of chrome lining. I will miss the bull barrel look though.

 

[Electronrider]

My cousin and I just build 4 rifles with the DPMS upper you orginally listed. They are running great, we are very happy with them. We simply did not have the budget for higher end stuff, and settled with these. They are sturdy and well built. We will see how they hold up over time. A little FYI, make sure that you buy the correct irons for the front. If your going to mount irons on a gas block rail, make sure that you purchase gas block height front sights.

 

[Obiward]

Bought my lower today. Can't wait for the pile of parts so I can start throwing lead out of it.

 

[silentvoice71]

Take a fine grit honing stone to your trigger sear just to clean it up.... Makes your pull super smooth. I did it to my cmmg lpk and it makes a noticable difference