Complete Lower

I got a package from Midway on Friday. It had a bunch of reloading stuff, along with a DPMS Lower Parts Kit, a carbine buffer and buffer spring.

Installing the LPK was interesting. The Cav-15 Lower Receiver is very tight in all tolerances. Every part fits very tightly. I lubed everything with Slipstream Lube as I installed it, and the trigger group wasn't too hard.

Some of the parts weren't used, or installed differently because it's a CAV-15 lower. The Selector detent and spring have to go in from the top, instead of with the pistol grip. That part was tough, since I had to install the spring and detent, hold them down with a punch, and try to get the selector in there. This is where that extra tight tolerance became troublesome. I got it almost lined up, then tapped it with a nylon mallet to get it in. It worked, but I smashed my thumb in the process. Pretty nasty.

I also discovered that you need a pin, which isn't included in either the LPK or with the Lower, to hold the buffer retaining pin in its hole, because there's no buffer tube to do that. I'll have to get one of those next week, since I'm on vacation this week.

The upper fits very tightly in the lower as well. I almost have everything I need to finish the upper, except the barrel. I just found out my barrel is backordered a month or two from DPMS, so that could seriously delay the build. Don't know what I'm going to do about that.

New Parts

Just got the stripped upper receiver. That takes the list to Upper, Lower, Bolt Carrier Group, gas tube, and barrel nut.

Next part expected to arrive is the DPMS Light Contour Barrel with A2 Gas Block. 20" long, chambered in 5.56mm with a 1:9 twist. That should be getting here any day now.

After payday, I'll click "checkout" on the upper and lower parts kits plus a few tools for assembly.

After that, all I should need are the handguards. And some spray paint.

I love Discounts

I mentioned how DSG gave me a "significant" discount on the Cav Arms lower receiver. To get their military discount, I sent them a copy of my mil ID, and they "upgraded" my account so now whenever I log into their site, it shows the normal price, the discounted price, and the savings. The discount isn't a flat rate, but it's different on every item. Not every item is discounted, but the majority are.

Then I placed an order with Brownell's, and as I was checking out it asked if I wanted to register for an account. I figured why not, since I am building a rifle from all parts, I know I'll be buying more from them. There was a little check-box at the end asking if I was active duty military or law enforcement. I checked "yes." Lo and behold, they do the same thing as DSG. Again, not every item is discounted, and the discounts are all different, but some are significant. I saved about 15% on my last order. Good enough.

So far, I haven't found a discount on Midway, but I'll still keep checking their prices.

Of course, there are tons of other sites and companies that sell gun parts out there, and I shop as many as I can for the product I want for the best price. but Brownell's and DSG are getting a lot of my business because of their discount programs.