http://aeroprecisionusa.com/combo-sets/m5-upper-lower-bundle.html (http://aeroprecisionusa.com/combo-sets/m5-upper-lower-bundle.html)
I saw these in a deal on Slickguns. I'd built AR-15s on Aero Precision's receivers and they were always top notch. I had no idea they were coming out with DPMS pattern LR308 sets. The thing that got my attention was...
$289 shipped for the stripped upper and lower set with forward assist and port door installed...
say what????
DPMS wants $620 for a set, RRA is in the same neighborhood. AP claims they have found a new way to build that keeps the costs way down. My initial thought was "it sounds too good to be true"
My experience said, this is a quality manufacturer and if it IS true, then WOW!!!
I went to their website and checked their specs and everything looked according to Hoyle based on DPMS and RRA's specs.
So I ordered two sets with the AP .308 LPK looking to build a 6.5 Creedmoor semi-auto precision rifle. Total bill was $756 shipped.
I got them on Wed, about 2.5 weeks after I ordered them. Upon first inspection, the finish was flawless. There are no visible machine marks anywhere. I had to wait until today to build it. Fit and finish on every last bit of this is excellent.
All parts went in without a hitch. Everything was tight, but not so tight that you had to force anything. Alignment was excellent. The stock trigger is not bad at all.
THe only difference than an AR build was that the bolt release has a threaded pin that uses a 1/16" allen wrench instead of a roll pin and the rear pivot pin spring and detent inserts from the bottom of the receiver under the pistol grip as opposed to the back. THe detent hole is threaded for a 4-40 set screw to prevent the pin from escaping when you take off the pistol grip.
The only issue I can see that's off base is the mag catch is not threaded all the way into the release button. This does not bother me so far as mags release consistently and easily and they lock into place without issue. The release button only protrudes about half to distance it normally does in this condition. I'll have to see under full use if this impacts performance. I have seen threads on AR15.com that an AR-10 catch will resolve this.
All told, I am very pleased with the build so far. For about what I would have spent on a DPMS complete lower with either an A2 or 6-pos stock I have a complete lower with Magpul PRS stock and an upper receiver and .308 BCG. I got lucky that EGOZtactical.com had the PRS for 173 shipped and midway had the DPMS BCG for 158 shipped, but all told I have $758 in this build with a barrel, gas tube and block and foreend remaining.
I hope this will help anyone that wants to build their own .308 pattern rifle. I will update this thread as the build continues with assembly and performance results.
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/thaifighter/AR-65%20Creedmoor%20Buildout/LOWER.jpg) (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/thaifighter/media/AR-65%20Creedmoor%20Buildout/LOWER.jpg.html)
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/thaifighter/AR-65%20Creedmoor%20Buildout/LOWER-w-TUBE.jpg) (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/thaifighter/media/AR-65%20Creedmoor%20Buildout/LOWER-w-TUBE.jpg.html)
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/thaifighter/AR-65%20Creedmoor%20Buildout/LOWER-UPPER.jpg) (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/thaifighter/media/AR-65%20Creedmoor%20Buildout/LOWER-UPPER.jpg.html)
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/thaifighter/AR-65%20Creedmoor%20Buildout/BUILT.jpg) (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/thaifighter/media/AR-65%20Creedmoor%20Buildout/BUILT.jpg.html)
Pretty tempting for a winter project! Thanks for the heads up and look forward to the complete build.
Nice build so far, keep us in the loop! I have a couple Aero AR15 receivers and was impressed with the quality and finish also.