Correction Olympic Arms AR-15 used for $540

[Ash]

Is this a good deal? Is there anything I need to be concerned with about the Olympic arms version? The pawn shop said that "it might not be compatible with things for like the folding stock and stuff"

Anything in particular I should look for when buying a used AR?

[Ash]

Forgive the cross post but I figured I'd see if you guys had any suggestions for me on this as well. Turns out the bushy is actually an Olympic Arms AR15.

Is this a good deal? Is there anything I need to be concerned with about the Olympic arms version? The pawn shop said that "it might not be compatible with things for like the folding stock and stuff"

Anything in particular I should look for when buying a used AR?

Thanks.

-Ash

[RJ Shooter]

ARs cannot have folding stocks by design. They can have collapsibles, however. Also, Olympic Arms have a bad reputation from their past rifles, but haven't heard too much about those from the last 5 years or so. I'd offer $500 if you want to try it out...

You can build a brand new AR, with all new parts not made by Olympic, for not much more than that...

[TEN-32]

Many will warn against that particular manufacturer. I personally have never handled one. For just a few hundred dollars more you could have a new Del Ton or DPMS.

Here is a great deal:
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1DSAZ4M4&name=DSA+Z4+M4+5.56%2f.223+Rifle&groupid=11

[abpt1]

Olympic Arms is poo !


You can find one here ....

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/SearchResults.aspx?SearchType=0&Timeframe=0&Keywords=ar15&Cat=3024&MinStartingBid=450&MaxStartingBid=700&Items=50

[RJ Shooter]

I merged the two threads...

[Ash]

I merged the two threads...

Thanks all. Well, when I called back to ask if I could talk with the guy at the pawn shop that told me about the "$600 bushmaster" he had a couple weeks ago. I got a really snotty lady who ended her conversation with "well I could go through all the rifles we have and list the parts they have...". So I basically told her to shove it.

Now I'm kicking around the ideas that you all have provided me with. I've got some tinkering abilities and am wondering what all I need to be focusing on when building my own rifle? I've been sorting through the forums here and at ar15.com trying to figure out what I'm looking for. To be honest I'm hoping to have a budget of around $700 give or take and would like a solid rifle/carbine with a rail system on the front handguard. As for sights I'd like to just get the basics for now with the option to upgrade down the road.

And from what I gathered an AR is simply the following assembled.

1. Upper receiver (sometimes comes with barrel)
2. lower receiver
3. Sights (some receivers have raised sight rail built into upper receiver which I don't want)
4. Bolt (which seems to come with most of the upper receiver kits from what I can tell)
5. Magazines which are fairly common.

Am I missing anything? Also are there any combos of the above that should be avoided? Compatibility issues etc? I work on computers for a living so I'm pulling from that experience on this.

Well that's enough of a post for now. Thanks for listening and for your info.

-Dan

[Ash]

Ok did some looking and am I correct that this is all I need to get going minus the mags?

http://www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt104.htm

and this

http://www.stagarms.com/product_info.php?cPath=18_30&products_id=230

[TEN-32]

http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Lower_Parts_Kit_p/lp1045.htm

Please check your PMs.

[Ash]

See that's where I was confused too. It sounded like the del-tol kit had the entire parts kit for the lower included? Is this something I really need to watch out for?

[TEN-32]

See that's where I was confused too. It sounded like the del-tol kit had the entire parts kit for the lower included? Is this something I really need to watch out for?

I have a Stag lower/Del Ton upper rifle. Its a great way to go in my opinion. I got a complete flat-top upper, stripped lower, and lower parts kit. After that, all you need is a rear sight(Mag Pul are nice and affordable) and eventually an optic when funds permit. The lower will also need a buffer tube, buffer and spring and stock.

[ready]

If you build it yourself, it'll be exactly the way you want it, you know it'll be done right and you'll also gain the knowledge of how the weapon is put together in case you ever have to fix it.

My first was a DPMS almost 10 years ago, it's still running like a champ despite what some people might say about the longevity of anything but a Colt. I guess I'm not high speed enough to have my bolt assembly fly through my commercial buffer tube and impale my face.

Anyways, make sure the stuff that should be torqued is torqued and the stuff that's supposed to be staked is staked and you should be good to go.

[Ash]

Ok Ready, you got my attention with your comment:
"to have my bolt assembly fly through my commercial buffer tube and impale my face."

So what's up with that? I've got the build guide now thanks to you guys and I'm looking through things. Seems pretty tricky overall and I can see me having to buy either another lower "guts" pack or some individual parts as I break/loose them.

So Ten, you didn't buy the complete (with the exception of the stripped lower) kit from del-ton? That kit seems to have "everything" with the exception of the stripped lower housing.

I'll go ahead and look over things a little this week and post a parts list for the build. I really would like to get a front tube/rail system that I can mount a vertical grip on. And just have the flat front sight rail to where I can put a custom site on the unit either blades or an optic down the road. I think I saw some that I could pick up for $90 just to get started and I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there.

Also I noticed that there appears to be two different rail types listed on the del ton site. I've been looking around trying to find out if this is true and what the differences are. I want the most common type if there is such a thing. Any guidance on that?

Thanks again for all your help.

-Dan

[TEN-32]

The railed forend size will depend on the barrel size you choose. I have a lightly used one for a carbine (16" barrel) you could have for cheap. There are many, many to choose from for every price point. From your initial post I had the impression you were on a budget.

Do you have any friends or relatives nearby into ARs? It would be nice to do your first build with some guidance and tools to borrow. That said, do not be intimidated. Its not very difficult once you do it. Maybe there is a forum member nearby...

As to my Stag lower receiver, I bought it stripped and assembled with a lower parts kit. The upper from Del Ton came completely assembled. Bear in mind the lower receiver is the firearm for transfer purposes. If you order online, you will need it shipped to an FFL.

[Ash]

Wow, just had another interesting dealing with a local gun store owner. So I go into this guys shop, spy a tricked out AR accross the counter and the $1500 price tag that goes with it. So I back away and go around to corner to where the owner is sitting. He asks me what I need and I simply ask him if he would be willing to act as the FFL recipient of a AR-15 lower that I'd like to order. I expected him to say something like "yeah for about $50 service charge", etc. But instead he just looked at me and said "No, we sell those rifles, and I can order one for you, but I'm not going to order just a receiver". So I nodded and headed towards the door.

So am I missing something? The guy has the opportunity to make $50 no fuss no muss. And from the looks of it through my eyes he's getting fixated on making the big profit that his jacked up price will net him. I mean am I doing something wrong? Or am I just in a real crappy place in WV as far as gun shops go?

[TEN-32]

Forum member el duce is in WV. maybe he can point you in the right direction. His wife has been ill and I'm not sure how much he has been checking in. I'll drop him a note with a link to this thread.

[abpt1]

Wow, just had another interesting dealing with a local gun store owner. So I go into this guys shop, spy a tricked out AR accross the counter and the $1500 price tag that goes with it. So I back away and go around to corner to where the owner is sitting. He asks me what I need and I simply ask him if he would be willing to act as the FFL recipient of a AR-15 lower that I'd like to order. I expected him to say something like "yeah for about $50 service charge", etc. But instead he just looked at me and said "No, we sell those rifles, and I can order one for you, but I'm not going to order just a receiver". So I nodded and headed towards the door.

So am I missing something? The guy has the opportunity to make $50 no fuss no muss. And from the looks of it through my eyes he's getting fixated on making the big profit that his jacked up price will net him. I mean am I doing something wrong? Or am I just in a real crappy place in WV as far as gun shops go? yep just being a prick since he cant rob you that way ....lots of shady people out there..

[ready]

Ok Ready, you got my attention with your comment:
"to have my bolt assembly fly through my commercial buffer tube and impale my face."

So what's up with that? I've got the build guide now thanks to you guys and I'm looking through things. Seems pretty tricky overall and I can see me having to buy either another lower "guts" pack or some individual parts as I break/loose them.

So Ten, you didn't buy the complete (with the exception of the stripped lower) kit from del-ton? That kit seems to have "everything" with the exception of the stripped lower housing.

I'll go ahead and look over things a little this week and post a parts list for the build. I really would like to get a front tube/rail system that I can mount a vertical grip on. And just have the flat front sight rail to where I can put a custom site on the unit either blades or an optic down the road. I think I saw some that I could pick up for $90 just to get started and I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there.

Also I noticed that there appears to be two different rail types listed on the del ton site. I've been looking around trying to find out if this is true and what the differences are. I want the most common type if there is such a thing. Any guidance on that?

Thanks again for all your help.

-Dan

The bolt assembly impaling the face comment is just a joke. There are alot of guys out there that will tell you unless you buy Colt or LMT or whatever the Navy SEALs are using today, your rifle is going to fly apart at your first range session. It's BS. I've seen rifles fail because they were put together wrong, but I've never seen one fail because they were put together with DPMS parts.

When you get your lower parts kit, it will look intimidating your first time. It's not that hard, though. If you get stuck somewhere just hop on here, someone will be logged on to help you out. It's NEVER a bad idea to have an extra bag of parts laying around. Nothing worse that having a spring or pin fly across the room and put a monkey wrench in your plans. Then you have to go online and pay 8 bucks to ship a part that costs 50 cents.

[Viking350]

Ok Ready, you got my attention with your comment:
"to have my bolt assembly fly through my commercial buffer tube and impale my face."

So what's up with that? I've got the build guide now thanks to you guys and I'm looking through things. Seems pretty tricky overall and I can see me having to buy either another lower "guts" pack or some individual parts as I break/loose them.

So Ten, you didn't buy the complete (with the exception of the stripped lower) kit from del-ton? That kit seems to have "everything" with the exception of the stripped lower housing.

I'll go ahead and look over things a little this week and post a parts list for the build. I really would like to get a front tube/rail system that I can mount a vertical grip on. And just have the flat front sight rail to where I can put a custom site on the unit either blades or an optic down the road. I think I saw some that I could pick up for $90 just to get started and I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there.

Also I noticed that there appears to be two different rail types listed on the del ton site. I've been looking around trying to find out if this is true and what the differences are. I want the most common type if there is such a thing. Any guidance on that?

Thanks again for all your help.

-Dan

You mention a build giude. Is there anyway I could get a copy of that? I am considering putting an AR together myself. Thanks.

[Ash]

Got a nice update for once. Been emailing the guys at Stag and got the following info from them. They've quoted me:

Lower Receiver - http://www.stagarms.com/product_info.php?cPath=18_32&products_id=235 = $300.00

Norgon Ambi-catch for $80.00

Ambi Safety/Selector for $25.00

With shipping totaling $12.00

So from the looks of it it will be roughly $417 out the door for the lower. And they showed me a list of dealers that are already on their list and there's two in my area so I'll be calling them tonight.

It's about $100 more for the lower than what I wanted but I'm in the sticky situation of having just discovered I'm left eye dominant. And the "eye retraining" that I have been trying is not working. So with everything "feeling right" as far as optics go, with being lefty I'm thinking the muscle training will yield the best results. For now I'll plan on getting a plane jane upper (right handed) and deal with the shell eject or just get a brass catch for the rifle.

That having been said and with that hurtle crossed, it looks like my original idea for a Del-Ton kit would be irrelevant as the lower parts kit and stock are already included in this lower unit from stag. So is there another kit that you guys would recommend given the layout? On Del-Ton's website the only thing I'm seeing is the component upper parts. Is there a kit for the upper that I'm just missing?

Thanks again for all the help.

-Dan

[abpt1]

Got a nice update for once. Been emailing the guys at Stag and got the following info from them. They've quoted me:

Lower Receiver - http://www.stagarms.com/product_info.php?cPath=18_32&products_id=235 = $300.00

Norgon Ambi-catch for $80.00

Ambi Safety/Selector for $25.00

With shipping totaling $12.00

So from the looks of it it will be roughly $417 out the door for the lower. And they showed me a list of dealers that are already on their list and there's two in my area so I'll be calling them tonight.

It's about $100 more for the lower than what I wanted but I'm in the sticky situation of having just discovered I'm left eye dominant. And the "eye retraining" that I have been trying is not working. So with everything "feeling right" as far as optics go, with being lefty I'm thinking the muscle training will yield the best results. For now I'll plan on getting a plane jane upper (right handed) and deal with the shell eject or just get a brass catch for the rifle.

That having been said and with that hurtle crossed, it looks like my original idea for a Del-Ton kit would be irrelevant as the lower parts kit and stock are already included in this lower unit from stag. So is there another kit that you guys would recommend given the layout? On Del-Ton's website the only thing I'm seeing is the component upper parts. Is there a kit for the upper that I'm just missing?

Thanks again for all the help.

-Dan


http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=22&t=732739&light=

[AK-J]

That having been said and with that hurtle crossed, it looks like my original idea for a Del-Ton kit would be irrelevant as the lower parts kit and stock are already included in this lower unit from stag. So is there another kit that you guys would recommend given the layout? On Del-Ton's website the only thing I'm seeing is the component upper parts. Is there a kit for the upper that I'm just missing?

Thanks again for all the help.

-Dan

If you look on the navigation area on the left when browsing the Del-Ton website, move your cursor over "barrel assemblies". That is where it lists their complete uppers. "Custom Barrel Assemblies" is the section that allows you to customize your accessories.

[Ash]

Well had an interesting weekend. Stopped by the pawn shop that I had had trouble with earlier and the owner was very appologetic to me about the call I had with the lady earlier and informed me that because of similar issues he let her go. He did say that they had a bushy for around $600 as he stated earlier and it looked great, with one exception. It was a polymer based frame. So I was a little bummed about that. But what he showed me next was a DPMS 16" that fit like a glove. It even had the mag release button on the right hand side of the frame so it was easy to work with being a lefty. The only thing it was missing was the rear rail and it had a welded front steel sight on the barrel. The guy was asking $690 for it. So is that a good deal for a new DPMS? And are they fairly well put together? If it is, this may be my first AR purchase.

Thanks again for all the help.

-Dan

P.S. what do you guys usually do when you get an AR with just a rear rail but then a barrel with a front fixed sight "triangle" on it?

[RJ Shooter]

P.S. what do you guys usually do when you get an AR with just a rear rail but then a barrel with a front fixed sight "triangle" on it?

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XDD11002&name=Daniel+Defense+A1.5+Fixed+Rear+Sight&groupid=48

It would look something like this when mounted...

https://www.aimsurplus.com/EOS/images/product/f1ddm4.jpg
https://www.aimsurplus.com/EOS/images/product/f1dd20009a.jpg

[TEN-32]

Some will disparage DPMS. I have one and it is a great rifle. For the rear sight I'd recommend an ARMS #40-L. A cheaper alternative is the Magpul.

http://www.botachtactical.com/ar4fluplowre.html

http://www.botachtactical.com/magembfrbasi.html

[ready]

The Matech is a good sight, too. Can be had for 35 bucks on ebay.http://edge.shop.com/ccimg.shop.com/220000/226700/226778/products/-!Matech%20BUIS%20Back%20Up%20Iron%20Sight%20Picati nny%20Black--479700367.jpg

[Klawndyke]

Ash If you want you can take the front site off and replace it with a railed gas block.. cost about 30 bucks
The rear sight you have so many choices out there it would make your head spin.
the one ready is showing is really a nice rear sight for the money
I have 2 myself and love them..

Thats the nice thing about the AR platform . you can build it to what you want or what roal you want it to play..

As far as a base price on the DPMS that seems to be fair..
I think there a nice rifle and have had a couple in the past with no problems.

[recon]

You could always go here and ask.
http://www.oa2.org/Forum/

[Klawndyke]

I owned an olympic folder and i wish i never sold it.. here is a pick of it

http://gbsoftware.com/guns/trade/ar80.JPG
http://gbsoftware.com/guns/trade/ar80fold.JPG

[ready]

That's pretty cool, I've never seen one of those before.

[Klawndyke]

i would own another one if i could find one again
Its kool being able to take an AR platform and ad a folder to it

[AKTexas]

There was one of these for sale local recently. The price was over a grand.

[Ash]

Well I took the plunge and ended up getting a bushy from the pawn shop. This one was metal frame unit and I walked out of there paying $750 for it, a mag and a case. It's an XM15-E2S. It was used, but to look at it you couldn't tell. There was little if any wear on it. Took it out today and ran 40 rounds through it and got it hitting the black so I'm stoked.

And then I got home..... Yeah discovered that my universal cleaning kit isn't quite universal when I got the rod/patch stuck down the barrel ;-(. Took about an hour to get it loose. From the looks of it no damage done except to my balls that took the brunt of the force when things finally gave way.

So now I'm looking for any suggestions as to if the AR requires a special cleaning kit that I haven't heard of and what place has the best/cheapest non-corrosive ammo.

Real stoked, and thanks for all the help.

-Ash

http://www.gunsnet.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=639&d=1303865414

[AKTexas]

Nice looking AR!

[TEN-32]

Well I took the plunge and ended up getting a bushy from the pawn shop. This one was metal frame unit and I walked out of there paying $750 for it, a mag and a case. It's an XM15-E2S. It was used, but to look at it you couldn't tell. There was little if any wear on it. Took it out today and ran 40 rounds through it and got it hitting the black so I'm stoked.

And then I got home..... Yeah discovered that my universal cleaning kit isn't quite universal when I got the rod/patch stuck down the barrel ;-(. Took about an hour to get it loose. From the looks of it no damage done except to my balls that took the brunt of the force when things finally gave way.

So now I'm looking for any suggestions as to if the AR requires a special cleaning kit that I haven't heard of and what place has the best/cheapest non-corrosive ammo.

Real stoked, and thanks for all the help.

-Ash

I have the same rifle. Congrats!!!!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[recon]

Cleaning kit.
http://216.136.50.147/aspcart45/default.asp?page=299&start=1
Ammo.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=APMC223FMJ55&name=PMC+.223+55grn+FMJ+20rd+box&groupid=21
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=AW223PFMJ55&name=WPA+%28Wolf%29+.223+55gn+FMJ+20rd+Box&groupid=21

[Klawndyke]

Nice very nice and not a bad price...

[sevlex]

Hey recon, thanks for the cleaning kit link. I have been looking for a complete butt-stock kit for a long time.
:thumbsup:

[RJ Shooter]

Nice rifle!!! Just remember, if you want to replace that Izzy muzzle device with another, you'll need to have a gunsmith do it!

You have 14.5" barrel (just like real-deal M4s), so the Izzy is "blind pinned" in place by Bushmaster. A gunsmith will need to remove that blind pin, replace the device with another that is at least 1.5" in length (Vortex, etc.), and then have that one blind pinned or welded in place...

But, I like the look of the Izzy, so I'd leave it be. :D

[Ash]

Thanks guys for all the help. Got a customizing question for ya though. I'm thinking about taking the front handguard off and replacing it with a vertical grip. Here's what I'm planning on ordering.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XMAG440Blk&name=Magpul+MOE+Carbine+Length+Handguard+Black&groupid=52

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XMAG406Blk&name=Magpul+MOE+Polymer+L2+Rail+Section+with+5+Slo ts+Black&groupid=52

and

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XUTGRBFGRP168&name=UTG+Deluxe+Ergonomic+Tactical+Foregrip&groupid=51

Will this work with my new bushy? And the fact that it says piston ready does that mean it will only work with a piston or will I still be good to go with what I got? Then if that's a go, what's the best way to take the front grip off? Do I need a special wrench?

Thanks.

-Dan

[Klawndyke]

Thanks guys for all the help. Got a customizing question for ya though. I'm thinking about taking the front handguard off and replacing it with a vertical grip. Here's what I'm planning on ordering.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XMAG440Blk&name=Magpul+MOE+Carbine+Length+Handguard+Black&groupid=52

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XMAG406Blk&name=Magpul+MOE+Polymer+L2+Rail+Section+with+5+Slo ts+Black&groupid=52

and

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XUTGRBFGRP168&name=UTG+Deluxe+Ergonomic+Tactical+Foregrip&groupid=51

Will this work with my new bushy? And the fact that it says piston ready does that mean it will only work with a piston or will I still be good to go with what I got? Then if that's a go, what's the best way to take the front grip off? Do I need a special wrench?

Thanks.

-Dan
Those will work great on that bushy of yours. as far as gas piston ready its telling you it has the extra room under the guard for the piston. I really like those handguards i have used them on mine before.. plus i just ordered a 9" set for one of my full lengths last week..

Hers a vid on removing handguards with basic tools.. I just use my hands myself and pull down on the ring.. its good if you have a buddy helping..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoHJ3ziovww

Just found this for the install of the moe handuards
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCLvirSprEs&feature=related

[Ash]

Thanks a ton man. That's great.

Yet another question for ya'll. Is there such a thing as a reflex or other of the new optic type sights that don't require batteies to operate? I'd like to put an optic sight on my new bushy but don't want to get tied to something that requires power to operate. Cuz you know how that stuff works. When you need it, the power will be dead. Then you.....

Thanks.

-Dan

[Klawndyke]

Thanks a ton man. That's great.

Yet another question for ya'll. Is there such a thing as a reflex or other of the new optic type sights that don't require batteies to operate? I'd like to put an optic sight on my new bushy but don't want to get tied to something that requires power to operate. Cuz you know how that stuff works. When you need it, the power will be dead. Then you.....

Thanks.

-Dan
Theres a few out there.the good ones will cost a little more like the trijicon fiber optics...
what i do is use back up iron sights with my red dots. if the dot dies all i do is flip up the iron sights..
I always trust my iron sights..

[gpwasr10]

Some will disparage DPMS. I have one and it is a great rifle. For the rear sight I'd recommend an ARMS #40-L. A cheaper alternative is the Magpul.

http://www.botachtactical.com/ar4fluplowre.html

http://www.botachtactical.com/magembfrbasi.html


DPMS is what I used for my home brew upper., I'd buy another DPMS product in a heartbeat. Favorite AR builder.

[Schuetzenman]

Thanks a ton man. That's great.


-Dan


Yet another question for ya'll. Is there such a thing as a reflex or other of the new optic type sights that don't require batteies to operate? I'd like to put an optic sight on my new bushy but don't want to get tied to something that requires power to operate. Cuz you know how that stuff works. When you need it, the power will be dead. Then you.....

Thanks.
The best Red Dots are going to use batteries. Trijicon sights are good but you don't see much of a glow in bright day light. At dusk or in the dark yes. They do have some models with light pipes on them to gather outside day light and project it t the reticule. The ones with Tritium are good for 10 years and then they grow very dim. IMO your solution is an Aimpoint Comp M3 or even better the Comp M4 with built in clamping base that will mount it to an upper receiver picatinny rail, what is called an A3 flat top receiver. Even if left turned on, (at a lower setting vs. highest) the batteries can last close to 8 years. Get Litium batteries and you'll be good for 8 to 10 years. Those batteries are a lot cheaper than a replacement job of Tritium in a sight.

[gpwasr10]

If you build it yourself, it'll be exactly the way you want it, you know it'll be done right and you'll also gain the knowledge of how the weapon is put together in case you ever have to fix it.

My first was a DPMS almost 10 years ago, it's still running like a champ despite what some people might say about the longevity of anything but a Colt. I guess I'm not high speed enough to have my bolt assembly fly through my commercial buffer tube and impale my face.

Anyways, make sure the stuff that should be torqued is torqued and the stuff that's supposed to be staked is staked and you should be good to go.

+1, first gun was a Bushy, second was a Homebrew... guess which one I will never sell?