Couple AR build questions

[Bob Sanders]

Just getting my thoughts together. Dad has decided he wants a rifle, so basically an A2. So would this be a 20" barrel? Also, is PSA a good LRK? These are available locally to me. I figure I can put the cool stuff on the inside where he won't notice. :drag:

51 years old and still doing father/son projects. I love my life!

 

[DoctorJJ]

I see no reason to build an A2. I think 18-20" barrel with rifle gas is a great all around length. PSA LPK's are fine.

 

[Spiff]

A2 would be 20" barrel. Does he want an A2 or does he want just something with a not short barrel?

 

[Bob Sanders]

A2 would be 20" barrel. Does he want an A2 or does he want just something with a not short barrel?

As of this moment, he wants something similar to what he had in the Army, but with adjustable A2 sights. He really doesn't know what is possible, where I see a blank slate, he sees nostalgia. But I'm drawing the line at those damn triangle forends!

 

[DoctorJJ]

Try to convince him to go with an A3 and removable carry handle. Then he can always change to optics later.

 

[dennishoddy]

As of this moment, he wants something similar to what he had in the Army, but with adjustable A2 sights. He really doesn't know what is possible, where I see a blank slate, he sees nostalgia. But I'm drawing the line at those damn triangle forends!

I had the triangle forend when I was in the Army. They are selling them on Sportsmans Guide right now. They have the entire kit. Its a take off used surplus, so make sure you get what you want.

Retro would be cool, expecially for your dad.

 

[Dustin Cantrell]

I did a semi retro A2 build. I used a surplus A2 stripped upper. I didn't go so far retro that I used a correct lower and all that. Stripped A2 surplus upper, stripped PSA lower, Green Mountain 20" A2 profile barrel, round handguards, A2 full stock. It's not the rifle that anybody here would build as a competition rifle, but I really like it. I'll build a correct A1 sometime. I'm sure I'm in the minority but I like the look of the triangle handguards on an A1/A2. I would have used them when I built my A2 but the round were what I found when I looked.

I've used PSA LPKs. I haven't had any problems with the parts except the triggers suck. Really, they're bad. I'd have no qualms about using a PSA LPK and an upgraded trigger group. I have a Geissele in mine. If I was building a rifle that I was literally going to go into battle with, I'd probably use a little better LPK but the PSA LPKs haven't failed me yet.