Some time back I took the plunge started building an AR-15. As with my other guns, I planned to build this with someone else’s money, so it’s taken about 8 months to complete.

So far, I’ve completed the lower. Here’s the specs:

The lower is a an aluminum billet lower from New Frontier Armory, While they have made a name with their polymer lower, I went with the aluminum.

The lower parts kit is from DPMS, via Lakeside Guns. Assembly wasn’t too difficult thanks to several Youtube videos and a resolve to be patient.

The stock is a collapsible Tapco stock, made right here in Kennesaw. I also added a padded ERGO grip, that I got from Adventure Outdoors along with the stock.

Then, the pause. I had to earn more money to finish the project. In the meantime, I picked up some PMAGs, so I can be ready.

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Time passes. I cut grass, save money, and wait.

In the meantime, I do my research. Based on my experience putting together the lower, and on my research, I decided to let a professional put together the upper. For one thing, most of the houses that did this (and the one I would choose) test fire them afterward, so I would know it was a good assembly.

Finally I made a decision, and started to look for the right combination of specifications.

Here is what I ordered:

It’s the MWA-16 upper assembly from New Frontier Armory, the same company that made my lower. Here are the specs:

• A3 Upper Receiver forged from 7075-T6 aluminum with extended M4 feed ramps and T markings
• 16” MATCH GRADE M4 profile stainless steel barrel (from Black Hole Weaponry) with a black finish
• 1 in 8” Twist with 3 groove polygonal rifling and M4 Feed Ramp
• 1/2 x 28 threads / .750″ diameter gas block/YHM front flip up sight / gas block combo
• Chrome lined MIL-SPEC bolt carrier group
• MAGPUL MOE Handguards
• MAGPUL MBUS rear flip up sight

What I really like is all the extras like MAGPUL furniture is already included.

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So, I finally got on line, and placed my order. Bad news, this was 2 days after the school shootings in Connecticut, and the frenzy was already on. I was first told one to two weeks lead time, but it has now stretched to 6 weeks.

We will see. All I know is I’m willing to be patient, I’ve waited this long.

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In the meantime I have adhered to The Diaper Rule, thus: when my kids were young, I knew whenever I was at Walmart, I should pick up diapers. I knew I would need them. Similarly, when I was at the gun store, I bought a PMAG. I now own 4 PMAGs that I paid $15 each for. And, sadly, the stores I go to don’t have any more in stock.

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Where can I order a Skittles dispenser?