Building your own AR-15 on the cheap!

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#693043 - 04/24/08 12:49 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
southpaw southpaw trapper Registered: 10/05/07 Posts: 127 Loc: SW Alaska	Looks good! only problem is they are right handed! just kidding. are they 16" barrels? did you build the uppers piece by piece or buy them complete and make mods?
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#693044 - 04/24/08 12:57 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: southpaw]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	They are 16" midlength gas system uppers... LINK I bought them already put together from Del Ton. All I did was put a carry handle on them an put the lowers together. They cost $750 plus shipping for me to build. I could have done it cheaper if I had time to watch for parts in the EE.... - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#693048 - 04/24/08 01:19 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
southpaw southpaw trapper Registered: 10/05/07 Posts: 127 Loc: SW Alaska	Thanks, looks like a nice little set up for the price. i've been looking for an 18" midlength system (left handed) but havent been able to find one. other then buying everything indvidually, do you have any ideas on this?
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#693401 - 04/24/08 12:42 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: southpaw]
JeremyT JeremyT trapper Registered: 01/18/07 Posts: 1050 Loc: Osage Bluff, MO-30	Clint, Thanks for all the info on this, I think I have decided to put my first one together using a kit gun. Then if that goes well I might try it from the ground up. Now I just gotta figure out which one! _________________________ Someday, I will be OLD and GROUCHY like Buzzard. Until then I'll settle for just GROUCHY.
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#693423 - 04/24/08 01:11 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: JeremyT]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	I think my next one will be a Nodak Spud/ Nokeske build! - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#693785 - 04/24/08 06:35 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
lanctrapper lanctrapper trapper Registered: 01/05/08 Posts: 94 Loc: lancaster Co. PA.	Sweet!!! so how many have you built? What LPK and trigger did you use?
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#694288 - 04/25/08 07:59 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: lanctrapper]
JerryD JerryD trapper Registered: 12/22/06 Posts: 707 Loc: Redgranite Wisconsin	Southpaw check out stag arms they make ar's for lefties _________________________ WTA life member NTA life member
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#695228 - 04/26/08 01:07 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: southpaw]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Originally Posted By: southpaw Thanks, looks like a nice little set up for the price. i've been looking for an 18" midlength system (left handed) but havent been able to find one. other then buying everything indvidually, do you have any ideas on this? Well I guess if you had to have an 18" midlength lefty, you could always buy the upper receiver with BCG and find you an 18" barrel. I believe CMMG makes one that's stainless and fluted... but I'm unable to locate an already build left handed 18" middy! - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#695229 - 04/26/08 01:12 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: lanctrapper]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Originally Posted By: lanctrapper Sweet!!! so how many have you built? What LPK and trigger did you use? Don't make me lie, but I think somewhere in the neighborhood of 24 rifles would be a good guess... I have 2 more to build next week! The LPK's and triggers that I use vary... generally I use the Stag or CMMG LPK's. I have been known to build rifles with RRA NM and LMT triggers and I have used Colt stuff when I can find it. But I try to use the best that the guy I'm building for can afford! - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#698735 - 04/28/08 09:39 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
southpaw southpaw trapper Registered: 10/05/07 Posts: 127 Loc: SW Alaska	JerryD- i've looked at the stag but was interested in an 18" midlength set up. i'll probably go w/ a stag set up when i decide to start putting one together. AC- good point, i dont HAVE to have one w/ an 18" midlength set up. thought it might help w/ longer shots.. but after further thought. i'm sure the 16" upper would be just fine for my uses. Edited by southpaw (04/28/08 09:41 PM)
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#699691 - 04/29/08 05:33 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: southpaw]
lanctrapper lanctrapper trapper Registered: 01/05/08 Posts: 94 Loc: lancaster Co. PA.	Yeah! I pick up my lowers tomorrow.
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#699788 - 04/29/08 06:40 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: lanctrapper]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	$\:\)$ I feel like a proud father watching his kid ride a bike for the first time.... $;\)$ .... I'm gettin' all choked up... - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#704608 - 05/02/08 09:01 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
lanctrapper lanctrapper trapper Registered: 01/05/08 Posts: 94 Loc: lancaster Co. PA.	AC, you are the man!!! First lower is complete!!! Got the pivot pin on the 2nd try after that it was a cake walk!!! Thanks for all the info even though I am not an Alaska boy (I wish)Pics comming, did it in less than 2 hrs. Man I am hooked!!!!
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#704662 - 05/02/08 09:19 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: lanctrapper]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Originally Posted By: lanctrapper AC, you are the man!!! First lower is complete!!! Got the pivot pin on the 2nd try after that it was a cake walk!!! Thanks for all the info even though I am not an Alaska boy (I wish)Pics comming, did it in less than 2 hrs. Man I am hooked!!!! LOL @ "First Lower!" Yeah that front pivot pin is a punk, huh!? I want pics.... $;\)$ - Clint Edited by Alaskacajun (05/02/08 09:20 PM) _________________________ Pancho
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#704907 - 05/03/08 12:51 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Interesting read on lowers... http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=372700 - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#705455 - 05/03/08 06:04 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
lanctrapper lanctrapper trapper Registered: 01/05/08 Posts: 94 Loc: lancaster Co. PA.	First pic
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#705462 - 05/03/08 06:09 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: lanctrapper]
lanctrapper lanctrapper trapper Registered: 01/05/08 Posts: 94 Loc: lancaster Co. PA.	Pic 2
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#705864 - 05/03/08 11:36 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: lanctrapper]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	lanctrapper, awesome job... how you like that Magpul grip? I was thinking of trying one out! If you like the 6 position telestocks, get you a Magpul CTR. It locks up tight with no movement whatsoever! Also some of you may not know this but if you dry fire your built lower without an upper on it you can break your bolt release with the hammer.... just a FYI - Clint Edited by Alaskacajun (05/04/08 01:35 AM) _________________________ Pancho
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#705928 - 05/04/08 01:57 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Today I loaded up several rifles, handguns, the wife and kids and took a drive North up the Glenn... I went several miles out of Sutton before finding a place that was unoccupied to blast away! I loaded up all of my 10/22 mags and handed the Ruger to my oldest while we went over range rules and what to do in the event of a failure to fire, etc... after donning hearing and eye protection the boys blasted a piece of ice that was across the river from us about 50 yards. I unloaded my AR's and my .375 bear gun from the trunk. I proceeded to shoot my Colt 9mm AR @ the same chunk of ice that boys were trying to destroy with the Ruger. I called my middle son over to shoot the 9 and he did a 32 round mag dump. Then my oldest came over and dumped 2 mags. Finally my youngest came over took one shot and decided he wanted to go back to hitting a rock with a stick... Next up was the Wilson... last night I busted out a couple hundred reloads for today. I was shooting 73gr Berger bullets loaded with Varget and using Federal 205 primers. I did not have one feed issue, nor did I have any issues with the ammo. It performed well, and it wasn't long before I burned up 300 rounds or so! I went back to the Colt and burned about 300 rounds through it before setting it back down. Man I really like this little carbine. It is pretty accurate. I was hitting baseball sized targets with open sights out to 100 yards with it. At 50 yards it was very consistant, out to 100 I had to compensate slightly, but got the hang of shooting it pretty quick! It's a fun and cheap plinker! Between shooting the AR's I was playing with my Springfield XD45. I have 10 thirteen round mags for it and had them all loaded with 230 gr FMJ plinkin' rounds... I shot about 300 rounds through it today and it didn't even hiccup! Finally I broke out the .375 RUM. I put a EO Tech on it for Close Quarters Battle (CQB) with the bears this Spring! I had bore sighted it at the house earlier today and had it dead on at 75 yards. Well the first shot I took was offhand and hit exactly where I aimed... The next 5 shots were a carbon copy of the first. I didn't have to adjust windage or elevation! Pretty cool! All in all we spent the better part of 1 & 1/2 hours out there and dumped quite a bit of ammo. I think the kids shot about 1000 rounds of .22 LR through the 10/22 and my .22 pistols! I got to teach my oldest how to properly hold a semi auto pistol and he got the hang of it very quickly. I'm very proud of the boys, we had an awesome time! Before we left I helped the boys pick up all of the brass and litter in the area and brought it home with us... "leave it better than you found it" I told them! - Clint Edited by Alaskacajun (05/04/08 02:05 AM) _________________________ Pancho
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#706094 - 05/04/08 09:52 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
Grubstake Grubstake trapper Registered: 01/26/07 Posts: 1688 Loc: Lake of the Woods, Minnesota	if I call you Dad will you buy me some ammo and let me shoot your guns? _________________________
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#706219 - 05/04/08 12:13 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Grubstake]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	I don't know about the "Dad" part, but you're welcome to shoot my stuff anytime... I love an excuse to go shooting! - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#706220 - 05/04/08 12:16 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Grubstake]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Douple Tap.... oops! - Clint Edited by Alaskacajun (05/04/08 12:17 PM) _________________________ Pancho
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#706285 - 05/04/08 01:52 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
Ol' Blister Ol' Blister trapper Registered: 03/18/07 Posts: 337 Loc: McGrath, Alaska	Lucky kids! I hope they know how lucky they are to have you for a dad. Are they learning reloading too? Does Mom like to shoot? I am signed up for a ladies only defensive pistol class in August. I'm pretty psyched about it.
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#706309 - 05/04/08 02:26 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Ol' Blister]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Originally Posted By: Ol' Blister Lucky kids! I hope they know how lucky they are to have you for a dad. Are they learning reloading too? Does Mom like to shoot? I am signed up for a ladies only defensive pistol class in August. I'm pretty psyched about it. Post # 223 $\:\)$ Barb, I've been getting them to help me process brass, and my oldest has been loading a few. I told them a while back that they are gonna have to load what they shoot.... Shooting is a very expensive hobby! My wife will shoot, but enjoys just being with us and helping reload. So that's pretty much her job when the Zombies come, to keep my trigger pullers reloaded! $;\)$ That's cool that you are gonna take a shooting course. I saw that female only course on TV the other day, and thought my wife should take one for self defense. Although she doesn't have a pistol, she has expressed interest in carrying one... I carry an XD45 everywhere we go, and she doesn't go anywhere without me usually, so it hasn't been a big priority for her. But she does feel it necessary to learn how to properly operate a handgun, just in case! - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#706362 - 05/04/08 04:08 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
piperniner piperniner trapper Registered: 12/23/06 Posts: 586 Loc: Alaska	AC: Any reason you prefer the XD over the glock mini. I realize the XD is a fine gun and a big seller lately, but was curious. Also, what is your opinion on M+P AR's. Thanks in advance.
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#706462 - 05/04/08 06:07 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: piperniner]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Originally Posted By: piperniner AC: Any reason you prefer the XD over the glock mini. I realize the XD is a fine gun and a big seller lately, but was curious. Also, what is your opinion on M+P AR's. Thanks in advance. I like the way an XD feels in my hand as opposed to the way a Glock feels... I have owned several of both and have finally settled on the XD45. The M&P AR's are made by Stag.... I like Stag! - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#706769 - 05/04/08 08:38 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
lanctrapper lanctrapper trapper Registered: 01/05/08 Posts: 94 Loc: lancaster Co. PA.	Originally Posted By: Alaskacajun lanctrapper, awesome job... how you like that Magpul grip? I was thinking of trying one out! If you like the 6 position telestocks, get you a Magpul CTR. It locks up tight with no movement whatsoever! Also some of you may not know this but if you dry fire your built lower without an upper on it you can break your bolt release with the hammer.... just a FYI - Clint Thanks! I have big hands so I like the Magpul with the lg back it fit and feels great. No I did not dry fire it. Thanks for the warning though looks like you and the gang had a lot of fun shootin I just ordered 300 rds. check your PM Edited by lanctrapper (05/04/08 08:39 PM)
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#706781 - 05/04/08 08:49 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: lanctrapper]
DaveP DaveP trapper Registered: 01/23/07 Posts: 526 Loc: MD	Great thread! Is that Subnet's hat?
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#707079 - 05/05/08 12:49 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: DaveP]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Originally Posted By: DaveP Great thread! Is that Subnet's hat? Thats funny right there...what's your screen name over there? I had that hat before I found ARFcom. I think my Mom finally threw it away last Christmas, although I can't prove it.... but it did disapear while she was here and she bought me a nice LSU hat to replace it! She still swears she didn't throw it away though....... - Clint Edited by Alaskacajun (05/05/08 12:53 AM) _________________________ Pancho
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#707114 - 05/05/08 06:12 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
DaveP DaveP trapper Registered: 01/23/07 Posts: 526 Loc: MD	Dave15 over there. I never realized you were the same guy, until this thread even though I remembered that pic from somewhere. I had a favorite hat that I literally wore for years and years. Funkier and greasier than heck.One night, sitting around a campfire tipping a few, got talked into offering it up as a sacrifice of some sort. Dang thing burned like a tire! I don't think you could have put it out with a firetruck! Luckily, still had most of a case of the same hat!
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#707213 - 05/05/08 09:04 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: DaveP]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Yeah I've seen you over there Dave... $;\)$ My wife told me last night that my Mom didn't throw away my hat. She said I'll probably find it in the sleeve of a coat or something and then feel bad for accusing my Mom of tossing it.... So now the suspision has turned to my wife.... - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#709127 - 05/06/08 06:12 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
JeremyT JeremyT trapper Registered: 01/18/07 Posts: 1050 Loc: Osage Bluff, MO-30	Well, I think I have decided on a dpms lower from del-ton, with a RRA 2-stage trigger, 6 pos. stock and a DPMS 20" bull barrel upper. Clint, You are gonna have to give all of us newbies a "Care and maintenance of your AR" post someday. _________________________ Someday, I will be OLD and GROUCHY like Buzzard. Until then I'll settle for just GROUCHY.
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#709886 - 05/07/08 12:58 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: JeremyT]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Originally Posted By: JeremyT Clint, You are gonna have to give all of us newbies a "Care and maintenance of your AR" post someday. Keep Your Carbine Running ~ By Pat Rogers Pat Rogers touches on how to keep your rifle running in a gun fight but he also discusses how he cleans his AR's.... his method is about the same as mine. But when I get home tonight I'll take some pics of mine and show you how I do it! - Clint Edited by Alaskacajun (05/07/08 11:42 PM) _________________________ Pancho
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#710658 - 05/07/08 10:41 PM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
lanctrapper lanctrapper trapper Registered: 01/05/08 Posts: 94 Loc: lancaster Co. PA.	My barrel should be here Friday. Yeah!!!
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#710754 - 05/08/08 12:51 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: lanctrapper]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	This is how I clean my AR-15! First I push the rear take down pin and then the front take down pin and seperate the upper from the lower... Then I pull the charging handle back and remove the bolt carrier group... Then I pull the cotter pin that holds the firing pin out with my pocket knife... Next I remove the firing pin... After that I push the bolt all the way to the rear and turn the bolt cam 90 degrees and pull it & the bolt out of the BCG! Next I use my firing pin to push the pin out of the bolt to release the extractor and remove it... Now depending on how dirty these parts are I usually bring it all outside and blow everything off with Gun Scrubber or Brake Parts Cleaner... or something similar! Then I return to the table and put all of the BCG parts into a Ziploc Bag and spray it liberally with Break Free CLP and let it soak while I clean the rest of the rifle! Next I scrub the bore and run a few patches down the barrel till I feel that I have extricated all of the crud that one finds in an AR15... but I leave the barrel dry when I'm done. I wet everything else down with CLP. Making sure any shiny spot I find gets plenty of oil inside the lower and upper. I make sure my trigger and hammer pins are lubed as well! Using the tooth brush included in the USGI M16 cleaning kit I have, I scrub all of the BCG parts and put it back together. I slightly wipe the majority of the CLP off of it but leave it damp! Then I reinstall the charging handle halfway in the upper... ... & reinstall the BCG into the upper and slide everything forward! Finally I put the upper back on by lining up and pushing in the front pivot pin and then the rear.... The rifle is back together and all I do is wipe off any excess oil and stick it back in the safe! There you go... this isn't the only way to clean an AR, but rather how I do it. As long as you get the majority of the crud out and leave the rifle wet when done, you should have no issues with function at all! - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#710877 - 05/08/08 07:48 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
JeremyT JeremyT trapper Registered: 01/18/07 Posts: 1050 Loc: Osage Bluff, MO-30	AWESOME! Geat post! _________________________ Someday, I will be OLD and GROUCHY like Buzzard. Until then I'll settle for just GROUCHY.
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#710884 - 05/08/08 08:00 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: JeremyT]
lanctrapper lanctrapper trapper Registered: 01/05/08 Posts: 94 Loc: lancaster Co. PA.	Great pictorial AC thanks
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#711008 - 05/08/08 10:24 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: lanctrapper]
Spikehorn11 Spikehorn11 trapper Registered: 12/25/06 Posts: 121 Loc: Central New York	Just wanted to say this is a great thread. I have a Bushmaster (post-ban unfortunately, NY $\:$$ ).I have had a SKS,Ruger Mini-14 and a Wasr-10 (AK-47 Clone) and found the AR-15 to be the best in my honest opinion. Right Now I'm waiting on my aimpoin clone red dot scope and I just installed a forward grip. Keep this thread going. $\:$$ _________________________ 07-08 Season 1 Fisher 2 Beavers 13 Muskrats 1 Mink
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#711048 - 05/08/08 10:44 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Spikehorn11]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 669 Loc: Alaska	Thanks Spikehorn11... - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#711094 - 05/08/08 11:37 AM Re: Building your own AR-15 on the cheap! [Re: Alaskacajun]
Alaskan Alaskan trapper Registered: 12/22/06 Posts: 2167 Loc: Nome, Alaska	Clint, do you ever build these for others? How much do you charge for such services? How about just putting a kit together and letting the shmuck do it on his own? _________________________ "I'm not hung over. I'm just tired and have a headache."
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