Rolled Out On: 3/5/2008 7:53 PM

I bought an EBR kit back in early 2000, from Model 1 sales. I really appreciated the satisfaction I got from building an AR from scratch.

A few thoughts:

Most Lowers are of decent enough quality. But please bear in mind the thoughts below...

In 2000, bolts were in short supply. I don't know what the supply situation is now. But then, I wound up getting 2 of them, one at a gun show, one I ordered from an AR specialty store in South Florida--a really nice match-grade bolt and carrier.

At any rate, Model 1 let me know that bolts were in short supply, and gave me the option of either waiting until they got some, or just sending me the kit without the bolt. I opted for the latter.

When you put the gun together, I would strongly suggest taking the time to do the necessary filing/reaming/cleaning to make sure the parts fit smoothly. I had difficulties with the pin and spring that help hold the safety switch in position. If I had taken the time to slightly ream and clean out the hole a little better, it would have turned out nicely, but I didn't, and consequently, the pin got stuck with no way for me to get it out. That meant my safety switch was always loose, which bothered me to no end.

I didn't keep the rifle for very long--The beasts you might run across while hiking in AK require something bigger bore and more oompf than a mousegun, so I sold it. Could have saved up for one of those .50 Beowulf uppers by Alexander Arms, but I had no idea they were making those when I sold it.

I wound up selling it for significantly less than I had bought the whole thing for, on account that it was a parts gun, and not put together professionally--something to keep in mind if you like a good return on investment.

Rolled Out On: 3/5/2008 9:02 PM

Wayul, I've heard good things about the DPMS ARs in .308. I was looking at a Springfield M1A but can't quite afford $1200-1400 right now.

Rolled Out On: 3/5/2008 10:51 PM

My MixMaster Dissipator has a Model 1 upper. I am very happy with it.

Rolled Out On: 3/6/2008 12:25 AM

Any lower suitable for .223 would be fine for 6.8 or 6.5 to the best of my knowledge. The AR-10 lowers for .308s are different beasts though.

I haven't done any AR shopping in years now, so I'm not really current on where the best deals are. Your best bet is to hop on over to TheHighRoad.org and check out the Rifle forum. This question is probably asked about once a week.

Or, perhaps even better, the guys over at AR15.com. They certainly keep on top of the AR market.

Of course, even with the recent price increases the cheapest intermediate rifle cartridge sold is probably still the 7.62x39mm. That alone makes a good case for getting an AK pattern rifle. Even the dirt cheap WASR rifles work and I usually find them for $300-$350 around here. Had one, got bored with it, sold it off. I did keep my Maadi though.

Rolled Out On: 3/6/2008 10:46 AM

I have no problems with Model 1. I have an XM177 pattern carbine built on a Model 1 kit with an Eagle Arms lower. No problems. I've talked about this rifle before. The only thing not Model 1 on the original green/black rifle is the lower, the scout scope and the magazines.

My next upper will be a Model 1. They work.

As to caliber choice, the .223 lower will handle 6.5 Grendel or 6.8SPC fine. If you're looking for a short .30 caliber, why not consider 7.62x39? With the prices of .223 lately, an AR rifle firing AK ammo is starting to look attractive. It doesn't cost significantly more. Model 1 has the options for them as well as the magazines. Brownells also sells 7.62x39 mags at good prices.

On lower, just go with whatever you prefer. Personally, I recommend DPMS, Stag Arms, RRA, Eagle Arms and Bushmaster.

For .308 class, it's a toss-up. You can build on an AR-10 lower. Personally, I would buy a DPMS LR-308. I have a DPMS .223 rifle which I have been very happy with. But they aren't cheap. Expect to pay north of $1000 for a .308 AR platform. I won't buy a real AR-10. Too many problems.

Being broke Robb, my recommendation is a 7.62x39 AR rifle. The beauty is you can add an AK pattern rifle to the family, they can share ammo and bring peace to the world as Capitalist and Commie rifles live together under the same roof.