Any thoughts on a Model 1 sales AR 15 kit?

[Kenny474]

I have been looking at the complete AR kits from model 1 sales. They seem as though they are priced decently, and come with everything but a stripped lower and require no FFL to purchase. If I buy an AR, I would like to assemble it myself, with the exception of the upper as I feel someone with the appropriate tools and knowledge would be better for that portion.
This is what I have been looking at :
http://www.model1sales.com/item-det...ge=s20prek.gif&CFID=60950222&CFTOKEN=45094770

http://www.model1sales.com/item-det...ge=s24prek.gif&CFID=60950222&CFTOKEN=45094770

I would also like opinions on whether to go with a stainless, chrome-moly or chrome lined barrel. I personally like the stainless, but would appreciate some pros-cons on them.

I would be using it as a plinker/target rifle, and possibly varmints/small game.
I have been saving my tax return for something like this, and want to know if it's as good a deal as it seems before I jump in.
Thanks for your advice.

 

[Coyote33]

I don't know, but they have the triangle handguards I was wondering about for $30. Unfortunately, they are currently sold out.

 

[vellnueve]

I have two rifles built up on Model 1 kits. One of them is my SHTF gun and has had exactly zero functional failures with 5.56 ammo (it had a problem with an old .22 conversion kit but that was because of the kit), except for two FTFs due to a faulty magazine.

 

[Kenny474]

I have two rifles built up on Model 1 kits. One of them is my SHTF gun and has had exactly zero functional failures with 5.56 ammo (it had a problem with an old .22 conversion kit but that was because of the kit), except for two FTFs due to a faulty magazine.

So I take it as long as I use quality magazines, I would end up with a decent rifle. I am more worried about parts not fitting or not being good quality, as this will be the first AR I will have ever assembled and I would like to have as trouble free of a build as I can expect. Thanks for the info.

By the way, approximately how many rounds have been through the rifle?

 

[vellnueve]

I think the trigger spring is a little bit heavier than I'd like... but everything goes together fine. The rifle has at least 3K rounds through it at this point.

 

[Kenny474]

I think the trigger spring is a little bit heavier than I'd like... but everything goes together fine. The rifle has at least 3K rounds through it at this point.

A spring is not really a big deal, as I could always buy a spring kit, I have even seen light springs though I am unsure of how they may affect reliability. Thanks again.

Also, any opinions on barrel material would be appreciated, stainless(what I am leaning to), chrome-moly, or chrome lined. Also, what are the benefits of each barrel? I have always been told a quality stainless barrel will be more accurate than chrome-moly, and chrome lining will add durability but has to be broken in a certain way. But I really don't know, so I am hoping to hear from someone who does. Thanks

 

[mac1911]

model 1 seems to be another 50/50 company? love or hate
When I was stumbling around looking for the "next" project with the DM lowers from NES group buy I thought about model 1 for a 22lr and also a varmit and or a 20 or 24" barreled target gun of some sort. My main reason for not going with them is there pisspoor customer service over the phone. I dont know what "kit" you where looking at but AR15sales.com tends to run some great deals. Pete
603-770-2281 I purchased a few stag kits from him.....he also has great prices on RRA stuff.

 

[vellnueve]

For the purposes that you stated, you really don't need anything but the standard barrel.

Model 1 had both of my rifle kits to me inside a week and called me promptly when it turned out that one of the configurations I had put together had parts that conflicted. I plan to use them again.

 

[mac1911]

see 50/50 already vellnueve had great service, I got well no service and best described as rude phone service. Hey at least they answered the phone and had a response. Im still waiting for S&W, Bushmaster, and a few others to answer my emails about AR15s.........been a long time

 

[Gammon]

I have no experience with Model 1 kits, but I do have one of their dedicated .22 LR uppers. Expensive at $580 but well made. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

 

[Kenny474]

Thanks for the info.

Also, I will be taking this to North Dakota when I go to see my girl's brother and will be using it on ground hogs. I have been told the fields are quite long, 1000 yards and more, and would like to try for a few long shots(not nearly 1000 yards). As I am unfamiliar with .223 ballistics, will the 24" barrel give enough added velocity to be worth the extra length, or will the 20" be sufficient. The extra length isn't really a concern, as this will be a target and small game rifle.

I guess what I am trying to ask is: will I get more velocity from the 24", or will the bullet reach maximum velocity in a 20" tube? The price difference is minimal, so any gain in performance is worth it. My brother in law is VERY competitive, and if I can maybe 1-up him that would make my week. I know he has some really nice equipment, so I need every advantage I can get. Thanks again.

 

[RickG]

I would check www.ar15sales.com as Mac1911 mentioned above. I have bought lowers, uppers, parts and misc. from Pete. He is very accomadating and ussually has great prices on quality parts. Plus if you have a problem he is right around the corner in NH.

Also, if you are still on the fence regarding Model 1 check out www.ar15.com They have tons of reviews and opinions on Model 1 -good and bad- it's certainly worth checking out.

 

[Kenny474]

I have looked at AR15sales, but they don't sell what I am looking for in a single kit. And I don't think they will be able to touch the price from Model 1. I might give them a call though, as they are down the street from my old high school. I will see if I can work out some kind of a deal.

Though unless he can give me what I want for the same price I am going with Model 1.

I am on a limited budget, and have just enough to buy a stripped lower after purchasing the kit. I will have a bit of $ left, but I am waiting to see how things go together, and buy upgraded parts where needed.