looks like surefire and aac smith enterprises have some nice flash hiders. jp has a nice comp for their barrels.

Take a look at the second issue of Recoil magazine. It's out now. There is Muzzle Device Buyer's Guide in this issue. It explains the differences between flash suppressors, muzzle brakes, compensators, and hybrids along with a price list for each one.

Hobbes56, can you email that list to me as well?

On it's way.

This is something that I've been interested in doing, too. I't's nice to get some opinions from people you trust.

I was thinking of starting with a billet lower since they can be had for not much more than a forged one. Any thoughts on this?

I would prefer billet over forged. They are machined to a tighter tolerance therefore a better fit. The advantage to forged is that they tend to be stronger - good for battle rifles. It all depends what you are going to be using it for. Just my opinion.

Thanks for the email

wow the more i dig the more info i have to sort through. options are every where like chrome lined or stainless barrel. chromed or stainless bolt and carier. i think i want to get the barrel with the gas tube and block so i dont have to worry tuning the ga system. voltor has a upper that might work well the more i read it seems the one in eight twist is what i want it looks like i will be spending about twelve to fifteen hundred buck to make the rifle i want... then optics this is going to get pricy.

It all depends on what type of AR you are looking to build. Do you want something just to shoot and have fun with or are you looking for something for more serious use?

GD, et al,

Decide what your requirements first. DMR or SPR...two different beasts. You cannot rifle gas a 16" barrel, for example. (i mean, you can..but you shouldn't) Your requirements will drive the build.

Also...I would not concern myself with "slop" between the receivers. However, if you remain concerned...do as Hobbes recommended and go Billet. I prefer not to use Billet...but I have different requirements than you. I also do not concern myself with any movement between the receivers as it does not tend to affect accuracy.

Once you have your requirements...I'd recommend building the lower (or buying one assembled), and buying a separate upper of your choice that fits your needs. A good built lower would be a BCM...if you want billet, go with LaRue (yay, Texas!). Check out LaRue's DMR uppers (if that is what you want)....also Noveske. Both are well known for the accuracy of their barrels. If you're ok with a slightly less "known" on the barrel side...try BCM...they are the SYKCO of AR's in my book (price to performance).

If you really want an SPR...forget about all the brakes / comps / etc. Get an Ops Inc brake / collar...and get ready to file a Form 4 for your 12th Model suppressor <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Also...whatever you do...splurge for a Gieselle SSA (or better) trigger group. Your AR will only be as accurate as you can shoot it, and the standard triggers pail in comparison to the Gieselles.

I have to say BCM has begun to dominate the battle market rifle. They are one of the better/best reasobably price AR's on the market. They are one I would take if I needed to bet my life on a rifle.

I just finished building a lower and I am saving my pennies for a nice upper.

The real bonus to build your own is less of saving money and more of getting what you want in the first place and thats where any savings come in. I have the advantage of having run through several different evloutions of Ar and accessories and on this build I know what I like and what I don't.

I have all the lower components that I want. I am leaning towards a LaRue upper. I'll need to save some more pennies.