newbie Q?

[GMAN12]

I have been reading on this site all of the good info and want to purchase my first build. I think I have found what I'm looking for, a Bushmaster ZM15 E2S A3 shorty in a kit. 1st. of all should I order directly from Bushmaster, or can they be ordered from other places, cheaper? 2cd. What tools will I really need to complete this build? TIA from a newbie!

[JE3146]

not framiliar with that kit.. but if its directly from bushmaster its prolly gonna cost some $$$$$$...

J&T Distributing has really nice quality kits

next I'd say Model 1 Sales.. good quality kits

price for J&T is more than that of Model 1, but.. I'd bet they're both far cheaper than direct from bushmaster

then I'd reccomend whatever lower reciever you want.. if its the bushmaster logo you want.. then you'll prolly pay 100$ more on a lower reciever for it... I'd reccomend a Rock River Arms lower reciever.. good good quality.. and next Eagle Arms.. which is like an Armalite..

both can be purchased for around 90 to 110$ shipped if you search around.. then pay FFL transfer

as for tools.. nothing but a hammer, some drive punches, and a screwdriver is required.. but.. roll pin punches are good for the roll pins

I might suggest AR15.com (http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/) and check out their lower reciever assembly... good instructions and shows you what you're gonna get in to... make sure you understand what it is you're gonna be doing before you jump into this.

Next thing you have to worry about is with some kits, the upper reciever isn't a complete barelled upper reciever... if thats the case you will need to headspace the barell.. most kits... (ones from J&T and Model 1 for example) already come with complete uppers, headspaced and checked... so thats a bonus..

but.. if you have anymore questions.. search through the old posts here.. or on AR15.com even.. they have a build it forum too... or ask some more questions... hope that gives you a start..

J&T Distributing (http://www.jtdistributing.com/index.shtml)
Model 1 Sales (http://www.model1sales.com)

[thedaledoe]

Yeah the ugly Irishman above has given some good advice. Id get the stripped lower receiver and a complete kit from either Model 1 or J&T.. Stay away from the bushmaster stuff unless you really really like it. Seems to me that these other companies make jsut as good of stuff if not better for lesser. But its up to you of course.