Help Me Dream Up My SBR

[Desenho]

New to firearms, and super new to rifles, particularly MSR's. At a local gunsmith, I got to take a look at a vintage Colt AR-15. First time seeing one in person and it stuck with me. It's a good looking gun. If I had to psychoanalyze myself, I'm pretty sure my appreciation for the aesthetic comes from playing with and watching GI Joes in the 80's.
Maybe at some point I'll try to acquire one but nothing I'm chasing actively now.
What it got me thinking about is a modern version of this.
In my mind, an SBR 12.5" rifle with short rail, integral gas block/sight, a carry handle, and an AEM5.
Browsing the web, Centurion Arms comes pretty darn close with their CM4. Maybe I'd start there and add the carry handle to the picatinny.

How would go about making the dream come true? Would you start with a complete upper and mod it? Build from parts? What brands/parts would you go for?

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[persophecles]

I built my first AR from the ground up, IMO, hands on experience is the best teacher (although this approach will not be the cheapest way to end up with an AR). There are tons of guides and videos out there.

Start with a lower receiver, stripped or complete is up to you, I went with stripped because I enjoy tinkering.
From there, get an upper (also comes as stripped or complete) and a BCG.
Then you get the barrel, an alternative to the SBR is to have the AR qualify as a pistol (ie, no vertical foregrip and stock). If you do go this route PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE educate yourself on the laws regarding a rifle, SBR, and AR-pistols. I'm just a guy on the internet saying whatever I want, YOU are responsible for anything you build/buy.
After barrel, make sure the gas tube you buy is for the right barrel length.

I could keep going, but I fear the longer list I write, the more likely it gets interpreted as an all inclusive checklist haha.

Check out online retailers like primary arms or palmetto state armory for the most part options to help bring your idea to reality.

 

[Flymph]

I have a Ruger AR556 I did up like a standard GWOT /early 00's, if you wanna buy it?


I'm keeping the Colt 733 build for when I watch HEAT... mind you I out a quad rail on it like the millennial I am!

Remember, you need the tools and know-how to build an AR.... that said, you could buy an upper receiver and swap hand-guards, I think I bought an A1 from BA before they offered an 11.5" and had to swap barrels... one tends to start finding random parts after getting into this hobby...
If you're getting one with a carry handle, make it after your favorite, I prefer the A1, but A2's are arguably better.

Part of the reason I chose the C733 was the unique A1 sight while introducing the brass deflector, which were barely issued before the introduction of the A2 receiver. It's a contemporary piece.

 

[Stomper]

If you're wanting an SBR like an OG 1960's-1980's CAR-15 go with an 11.5" barrel

Notice the flying brass pattern...


Currently I keep it with a brace instead of a stock so I don't have to hassle with crossing state lines with an NFA item as well as have it covered by my concealed handgun license as a "pistol". I'll eventually make it an NFA SBR when they officially do away with the ATF "permission slip" to cross state lines with it that way.

 

[Nosferatu]

If you're in Seattle and don't already have a lower, your dream is just that....a dream.

 

[10mm]

I dream that the right to keep and bear arms will not be infringed, delayed, or continually chipped away at in the most free country in the world.