New to ARs, first AR

Yeah, I wasn't saying to not get an AR. Just not your best choice for a defensive arm if you have other simpler choices available, or the ingrained muscle memory.
 
Yeah, I'm not concerned about learning a new weapon system. Hoping to keep this on track of discussion on different entry level ARs and not a what weapon should I use for home defense thread.

Having said that, any specific thoughts or comments on the DPMS Sporticle?

Edit: guess I can also add, I'm not concerned with becoming addicted to building ARs like all I you have mentioned. While I do want an AR, I'd rather spend most of my firearm tinkering money on 1911s.
 
You live in North Augusta...in about 45 mins up I-20 from you. If you decide to build one, bring the parts over and I'll get it done with you showing you the steps. Built a few for myself and some for friends.

Also, if you want to try out a PSA rifle, I shoot at Live Oaks in Swansea (about the same distance time wise, closer to you as the crow flies but off the interstate which makes it take a little longer), I can bring mine there for you to look at as well. It's all PSA parts (except the BCG), I just assembled them rather than a PSA armorer.
 
The DPMS Sportical doesn't have the dust cover, shell deflector or a forward assist. If you're right handed its not a big deal unless you are an AR purest. I have had a good experience with the DPMS Oracle. Its a flattop upper with a pencil barrel and it does have the dust cover, shell deflector and forward assist. Check out the link below they have one in your price range and they are a great company to deal with. I have bought a number of items from them.


http://www.kygunco.com/dpms-panther-ora ... lack-36744

Probably one of the the best deals you will see if you don't go the build your own route.
 
The only one of those three things I really think is important on any rifle is the shell deflector. Forward assist is a battlefield tool and the dust cover is not needed if you're not crawling through the mud or sand with the rifle.

The PSA range in Columbia is right next to the store... might be able to rent one or several of their models and shoot them to see.

For the $ I really think they are probably the best option. I also strongly suggest getting an M4 or A2 configured gun to start with - no reason to buy one with uprated accessories until you know which ones you want and which you don't.
 
Upper receivers:
1) Standard. Add the dust cover or leave it off. Install a forward assist or a plug.
2) DPMS "Slickside" not many similar other brands out there. No deflector.
3) Deflector but no other features? Only one I've seen is the V1tor MUR: http://www.gunloot.com/vltor-mur-1s/

Food for thought: the DPMS LR-308 has a slickside and the casings shoot straight out to the right. On the other hand, note a well used AR will have plenty of brass marks on the deflector, so the casings obviously hit it.
 
I am not trying to rehash something like the 9mm vs 45 debate but I feel like the forward assist is far more than a battlefield tool. Even a quick tap after a few hundred rounds to seat a grimy bolt can be necessary. IMO, it's one of those "I'd rather have it and not need it" items that really adds negligible weight or cost
 
Oh, I'm with you. All of mine have it, save this .22 I'm building (the bolt doesn't have the notches anyway).

I'm just not convinced that you need it on a 'fun' or target/hunting gun. Other semi autos do not have it, and they aren't panned as unreliable or balky - honestly, the opposite is true. Realistically, if you're having a day out in the field or range and the bolt won't go into battery all the way, you need to stop shooting and figure out what's wrong, and fix that. No deer is worth an out of battery discharge, and no paper target is either.

In a defensive rifle - you betcha. I'd rather grenade my rifle as long as I still hit the bad guy rather than have an expensive and fragile club.
 
11B3XCIB said:
You live in North Augusta...in about 45 mins up I-20 from you. If you decide to build one, bring the parts over and I'll get it done with you showing you the steps. Built a few for myself and some for friends.

Also, if you want to try out a PSA rifle, I shoot at Live Oaks in Swansea (about the same distance time wise, closer to you as the crow flies but off the interstate which makes it take a little longer), I can bring mine there for you to look at as well. It's all PSA parts (except the BCG), I just assembled them rather than a PSA armorer.

Awesome! I may take you up on the offer to try out the PSA before buying one. I'm pretty much only open to shoot on weekends and am tied up with things to do for the next couple in a row. Once I get through these next few weeks and hopefully have some more free time I'll shoot you a PM to see about trying to get together on it.
 
11B3XCIB said:
You live in North Augusta...in about 45 mins up I-20 from you. If you decide to build one, bring the parts over and I'll get it done with you showing you the steps. Built a few for myself and some for friends.

Also, if you want to try out a PSA rifle, I shoot at Live Oaks in Swansea (about the same distance time wise, closer to you as the crow flies but off the interstate which makes it take a little longer), I can bring mine there for you to look at as well. It's all PSA parts (except the BCG), I just assembled them rather than a PSA armorer.

Awesome! I may take you up on the offer to try out the PSA before buying one. I'm pretty much only open to shoot on weekends and am tied up with things to do for the next couple in a row. Once I get through these next few weeks and hopefully have some more free time I'll shoot you a PM to see about trying to get together on it.
 
rotarymike said:
Oh, I'm with you. All of mine have it, save this .22 I'm building (the bolt doesn't have the notches anyway).

I'm just not convinced that you need it on a 'fun' or target/hunting gun. Other semi autos do not have it, and they aren't panned as unreliable or balky - honestly, the opposite is true. Realistically, if you're having a day out in the field or range and the bolt won't go into battery all the way, you need to stop shooting and figure out what's wrong, and fix that. No deer is worth an out of battery discharge, and no paper target is either.

In a defensive rifle - you betcha. I'd rather grenade my rifle as long as I still hit the bad guy rather than have an expensive and fragile club.

when you start firing 22s you will find that sometimes the bolt stops just short of battery. the trigger wont pull but if you push on the indent of the exposed bolt it will snap into place. i learned to do this after much use of my 22. most people will rack out a bullet un necessaryly.

now you can get a piece of notched metal to put on your 22 conversion that will make the assist work. it may come from CMMG.

here it is. 20 bucks.

http://cdn3.volusion.com/ealcn.upcaf/v/ ... 1390994680

go to

CMMG

22lr conversion

22arc parts and acc.
 
Iffem_shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg
 
Haha. Yes, I do - that is a totally clever idea. But I think I'll wait until I actually need it (yes, the $20 makes a difference right now).
 
rotarymike said:
Haha. Yes, I do - that is a totally clever idea. But I think I'll wait until I actually need it (yes, the $20 makes a difference right now).
Until then, there's a more economical device called a "finger"
which you can use to push your bolt forward if it doesn't seat fully. :lol:

Try some different mags and ammo, and keep it lubed. When the stars are aligned, it shouldn't have this failure.

I started a new thread here viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8839
 
bigfutz said:
Upper receivers:
1) Standard. Add the dust cover or leave it off. Install a forward assist or a plug.
2) DPMS "Slickside" not many similar other brands out there. No deflector.
3) Deflector but no other features? Only one I've seen is the V1tor MUR: http://www.gunloot.com/vltor-mur-1s/

Food for thought: the DPMS LR-308 has a slickside and the casings shoot straight out to the right. On the other hand, note a well used AR will have plenty of brass marks on the deflector, so the casings obviously hit it.
Found one with a deflector only here for $69:
http://www.shop.masdefense.com/AR15-A4- ... SUPRCF.htm
 
Well fellas, I just missed on a PSA with a Colt 1 in 9 barrel for $500. Oh well. At this point I'm thinking I'll just wait on my tax return check.
 
There are a ton of vids on YouTube telling you how to do it if you are interested. I'm in the process of building my first one. I used this vid to help build my lower. Click the "Read more" and you can see the time stamps for each step, he lists the tools and supplies he used. He has a bunch of other vids that show you how to build, replace, etc pretty much every other part.

http://youtu.be/e1omm6jY7Gg
 
It only took me nine months to get started, but there's a start now. Picked up a PSA stripped lower at the Mt. Pleasant store today. May have mentioned already that I wasn't in a hurry, and still not, so this may still progress pretty slowly.
 
andyb said:
It only took me nine months to get started, but there's a start now. Picked up a PSA stripped lower at the Mt. Pleasant store today. May have mentioned already that I wasn't in a hurry, and still not, so this may still progress pretty slowly.

Huzzah!

I'd suggest keeping your eyes open for Black Friday deals.
 
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