So is this just for competition ARs? The 556 needs to be utterly reliable in all conditions. Dunno if my seat of the pants gunsmithing is the best for that.
Here's the way I view things in the current state of everything when it comes to learning new things.
Right now it's an amazing time to learn things. Think about what is currently available in January 2022
-internet which has
-online ordering of EVERYTHING you need as far as part
-online ordering of tools
- forums like here at The Hide are up where you can post pics, ask questions, ask for opinions and ask for help
-comms are completely up to include sending texts and pics
Personally I don't wanna be stuck when/if the day comes when all of that is down.
All those reasons are also why I bought all the tools I need to work on bolt guns and AR's, bought gear/equipment needed and learned reloading and why I do Form 1 suppressors.
Just food for thought. Might be worth only building 2 uppers vs 3 and buy 2 more lowers/kits even if they are basic mil spec.
I understand money being tight if it is. Most of us have all been there at one time or another.
Here's a few tips
BCM just about ALWAYS has blemished uppers and lowers
Aero Precision has blemished items and may still currently be allowing their 20% off even on the reduced blemished price.
The BCM uppers are NICE and true thermo fit. If building accurate AR15 setups.....thermo fit and also coat barrel extension in some Green Loctite 609 = barrel is about as secured as it gets (I learned this from
@padom )
As far as condition of blems....blemished.... the BCM M4 upper, Aero M5 blemished lower and M5 upper......none of them had anything I could even say was a real blemish .....in other words they basically came like new.