I'm looking to build but need some advice.

MichiganMilitia said:

My name is Dave and I am very new to the AR-15 community. I want to build one myself, but I really need to soak up some wisdom first and I figured this is the best place!

...So here come the questions!

1. The Barrett M468 first got me interested in the 6.8mm caliber, and I began looking for complete rifles. This is when the POF P-415 (http://www.pof-usa.com/6-8np3/P-415-14- ... LENGTH.htm) really caught my attention. POF claims to have a newly-designed system that requires no lube and only basic cleaning with a dry cloth after each firing session. Here is some additional info if you are unfamiliar with what I'm referring to:
http://www.pof-usa.com/GW_POF_P415_%5B1%5D.pdf <-- The first page of this one says it all
http://www.pof-usa.com/POF416.pdf
So then my first question is this: Is this for real? I can cycle thousands of rounds through this gun and only clean the barrel after each range session? Advertising aside, I'd say the POF requires "less" maintenance. There was a review a year or two ago where the POF can run dry, but the testers felt some lube was better than none. POF being a piston system versus a direct impingement system runs cleaner because hot gases tapped from the barrel are not directly blown back into the receiver like a normal AR which is a direct gas impingement system. Regular AR's are more reliable when they are run "wet" with oil on the bolt carrier assembly.

2. Next question: Is this hefty price tag for the POF upper ($1475.00) worth it? This depends on your personal wants and needs. POF's offer lots of features like the piston system they're known for, premium barrels, and some high tech coatings. You can buy a similar regular direct impingement upper like say a Noveske or top line upper from AR15Performance or Titan Armory for less and they will perform similarly, leaving you money for other accessories like mags, optics, and ammo. Without going into the piston versus direct impingement debate, read up on them and make up your own mind. Some of our industry experts say that unless you shoot over 2000 rounds a month, a regular direct impingement AR will serve your purposes.

3. If I choose the POF upper, should I just get the complete rifle package? If you want to, there's nothing wrong with that. However there are many who mate an upper from one brand with a lower of another brand and there's no difference. POF's billet lowers are very nice though. You can save a little money buy purchasing uppers and lowers separately. Firearms manufactures pay a federal excise tax on complete firearms, which obviously is passed on to the consumer.

4. If I choose the POF upper, can I switch out the muzzle break for a PWS FSC30, or is it permanently attached? It depends on the barrel length and the threading they use. If it's a 14.5 barrel and you're not registering it with the ATF as a short barrel rifle, the suppressor will be permanently attached to go along with the law requiring a minimum 16" barrel. If it's a 16 inch or longer barrel and you live in an area where you can have a flash suppressor, it will be removable. 5/8x24 is the standard 6.8 barrel threads. If POF uses these threads you can switch muzzle attachments.

5. I hear a lot of people talking about AR Performance Xtreme uppers.. Looks like a great deal, but the price almost seems too good to be true... The upper comes with the 16" chrome-lined 11.25 twist barrel with 5R rifling, right? This is arguably the best 6.8 upper being made, and is amazing performance for the price. The owners are on this site, and wanted to bring a true high performance 6.8 upper to enthusiasts at obtainable price levels for most serious shooters. Look long and hard at these before spending $$ on POF. POF makes good gear, but the performance of the 68Xtreme for the price is too good to pass up. You can buy nice optics with the savings between the two.

6. I'm in Colorado Springs and I see that AR Performance has an address in Pueblo West. Is there a storefront or showroom I could visit and get my hands on one?Ask Constructor, he's the owner of AR15Performance and apparently your neighbor. I don't think he's set up for retail though. Plus they're just now ramping up production. You can wait and hear the great reviews from the first 300 customers though, then make up your mind and get in line.

Now some more general questions:

1. Do I have to get a lower receiver that says "6.8" on the side? I thought the .223 lower was exactly the same as the 6.8 lower, right? AR15 lowers are the same dimensions. There are many 6.8's uppers riding on 5.56 lowers. Then again, you can buy 6.8 marked lowers from Stag, RRA, CMMG, maybe DPMS and others if you look around. Many lowers now days are marked "Multi caliber" or something similar since there are so many different calibers available.

2. If there isn't a difference, then I should just be able to put the POF or Xtreme upper on any lower and it should work just fine, right? Exactly.

3. I've seen a lot of different brands of lower receivers and they all look exactly the same to me (I realize that many of them are made by the same company). What makes one lower different from the next? (and are there any for sale that I don't have to wait 14 weeks for?) There are only 4 main manufacturers of the forgings for the entire industry. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=318113 . To find some in stock, keep an eye on the forums. Denny's GTS (above), Spike's Tactical (above), Ranier Arms, Military Gun Supply, and others routinely have lowers and everything else AR coming and going.

4. I would kind of like to have a left-side charging handle instead of the traditional charging handle that pulls straight back into your face.. Is this something I can change later, or do I need to buy a special upper receiver to accommodate it? If so, who makes them? Yes there is a side charging handle upper. I can't remember the brand, but Addax Tactical carries them. Look at them long and hard before buying because they do cost more.

Okay, I think that's all I have for now... :wink: This is a great opportunity for all of you to share your advice, opinions, and ideas with someone who is new to the AR-15 world, so please, don't hold back! Thank you all in advance!

-Dave (MichiganMilitia)
(Btw if you were wondering about my name, even though I am currently in Colorado, I used to live in Michigan and I am very loyal to such a fine state for hunting! )

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tbready said:

Prices may not change much but the availability of everything will probably get better. Ammo is always a bitch to find so if you find some buy it all. :lol:

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leto said:

and that is why this sight is so nice.

great answers Art.

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