Help me build my AR . . .

[HankB]

I was at the gun show and a stripped lower followed me home . . . but now I need to build something on it. I'm reasonably handy and have done some moderate gunsmithing from time to time, but I don't have any specialized AR-15 tools.

I've already got a standard Bushmaster rifle, stock except for the Jewell trigger I put in, so I'm generally familiar with the AR platform, but I'm looking for something more compact . . . sort of like the Bushmaster Modular Carbine, but, well, better.

The Vltor E-Mod stock is comfortable so I plan on getting one of those, but for the upper I'd like something short and compact - I'm not going to SBR it, so I need at least a 16" barrel. (And no M16 parts lest I draw the ire of the BATmen.) I'd like a flat top receiver, folding front and rear sights, and an accessory rail - the Daniel Defense Omega rail looks interesting.

There are a HUGE number of choices out there . . . what I'm looking for are specific suggestions for parts and sources, preferably from people who have "done that" with good results.

Hints on pitfalls to avoid (beyond using cheap no-name parts from China or something) would be appreciated, too.

Thanks . . .

[DnPRK]

There are a few places that sell top notch stuff at decent prices, and they stand behind their product:
White Oak Armament (http://whiteoakarmament.com/)
ADCO (http://www.adcofirearms.com/)
Denny's Guns (http://global-tactical.com/)

I've bought from all 3 and it was good experiences all around.

Especially interesting is the 16" mid length barrel and 4.5# 2-stage match trigger by John Hollinger at White Oak.

I recommend free floating the barrel to maximize accuracy. I'm not too keen on rail systems (rails attract useless junk), but DPMS (http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=1742&cat=1691) and clark custom (http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/clk750.htm) both sell an extremely light weight carbon fiber free float tube. It can be cut down to mid length and should weight about 5 ounces. I've got them on a couple of my ARs.