Extreme Budget 9mm AR Kit Buildup. Will it Run?

[permaneo vox]

Using the cheapest & least expensive new parts found, I am going to assemble a 9mm AR upper & build kit, then shoot it.
Some of the parts come as a 'combo' buy, like the Shockwave blade, tube & buffer kit. Most components are no-name OEM (unmarked). The upper assembly & LPK are pre-packaged kits. No components are Macon Armory sourced products. Macon Armory Intellectual Property or parts may be applied if difficulties arise.
The main object is to see if this combination of parts, available online here & there for about $475-$485 not including shipping OR the cost of the lower, will work as-is.

Parts List off the top of my head:

Nitrided 9mm barrel
Nitrided 9mm bolt assembly, Glock & Colt compatible
A3 upper (forged? don't know)
Fwd Assist
Charging handle
Standard port door assembly (budget!)
Questionable cheese grater quard rail handguard (a slim keymod would bump the budget another $50-$60!)
Equally questionable muzzle brake
Alleged 'mil-spec' LPK w/ A2 grip (markings or lack of will be noted)
Shockwave Blade kit with tube & hardware
7oz 9mm buffer

Pictures as I progress through the build. Notes on difficulties encountered as I go along.

First look at the whole kit & caboodle:

 

[SouthernSlammed]

Awesome! If I didn't have to have pretty on mine, I might have been close to that figure!

 

[Red Dawn]

Great project @permaneo vox thanks for sharing the info on the budget build AR9. Good luck

 

[boss_hawg]

dedicated lower or mag block?

 

[Allsmiles]

Grab one of these handguards and save another chunk at $28.49. I have 1 of the 13.5" one on hunting AR and they are GTG. Very easy to install as no timing required.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/7-10-13-5-...var=591161566497&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

 

[permaneo vox]

dedicated lower or mag block?

Don't know yet. I have parts on hand for a drop in Colt mag block, but I also have Angstadt lowers on the way.

Its possible that it may run with one type mag & not the other. But the bolt is compatible with Glock or Colt.

 

[dial1911]

I'm interested in how this goes... I think it's going to be a nice little experiment.

I've seen the cheap parts kits/pistol kits on www.deltateamtactical.com and similar (bottom shelf) online retailers.

 

[permaneo vox]

Grab one of these handguards and save another chunk at $28.49. I have 1 of the 13.5" one on hunting AR and they are GTG. Very easy to install as no timing required.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/7-10-13-5-15-Ultralight-Free-Float-M-LOK-Handguard-Rail-barrel-Nut-F-Rifle-US/292253241430?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&var=591161566497&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

Thanks, that would definitely fall into a budget worthy category.

 

[TattooedGunner]

Definitely going to be watching the progress on this one! I've been interested in a 9mm AR for a while now as a purely fun range toy.

 

[permaneo vox]

Upper receiver assembled, no surprises.

 

[permaneo vox]

Barrel to upper fit is loose. Almost sloppy. Barrel measures .998", upper measures 1.003".

For comparison, a random Aero P upper measures .0998". They run on the tight side of tolerances.

While tightening the brake, the crush washer cracked.

 

[permaneo vox]

This is the first unfinished/poor QC part encountered. Bolt weight shows raw material shear cut.

 

[permaneo vox]

Close up of fire control engagement surfaces & MIM marks.

 

[permaneo vox]

On a Glock mag lower, 1rst feed & 4th feed looked like this. It will fire & eject if it chambers, which it fails to do 50% right now.

 

[dial1911]

On a Glock mag lower, 1rst feed & 4th feed looked like this. It will fire & eject if it chambers, which it fails to do 50% right now. View attachment 35210

Rut roh... is it dragging on the bolt face or catching a rough spot?

 

[permaneo vox]

Well it doesn't feed at all on a Colt pattern lower, the bolt hits the mag feed lips before it ever touches the cartridge. Substituting a R&D(Palmetto, etc) bolt solves going into battery.

Now to test fire with the replacement bolt.

 

[permaneo vox]

Rut roh... is it dragging on the bolt face or catching a rough spot?

Feed cone on the barrel is not optimal.

 

[permaneo vox]

Problem bolt on left, known good bolt on the right.

 

[dial1911]

Feed cone on the barrel is not optimal.

Gotcha- I guess that's a re-grind or otherwise reprofile.

 

[Red Dawn]

Problem bolt on left, known good bolt on the right.

View attachment 35211

You can def see the angle cut is diff from lt to rt one