Way back in Jnauary of 2007 I was wading through the volumes of information at AR15.com when I came across a thread in the WA Hometown Forum for a group buy on Mega Machine Shop ARFCOM Team WA special edition AR-15 lowers, with Rainier Arms handling the FFL transfers. I simply couldn’t pass up on the chance to own this custom limited run lower. So I plopped down my $150 and waited patiently for my lower to arrive. About two months later, my local FFL, Axel Raven Company, called to let me know it was ready to pick up.
For those of you that are not familiar with Mega Machine Shop, they primarily make aircraft parts for Boeing. In the downtime between runs of aircraft parts, they make AR-15 lowers. Among those who build their own AR-15’s Mega lowers are held in very high regard. My lower was no exception. With the new lower in hand, now comes the great debate. What exactly do I want to build. No SBR’s in WA, so that’s out. I could do a pistol, but I didn’t have it transferred as a pistol lower, so that’s out for now. Finally after much deliberation, I had a general game plan. I’ve decided to go all out and build my dream AR. However, being a independent contractor tends to make descretionary funds a little unpredictable, so my lower sat on the shelf for a little over a year before I could start buying parts for it. Here’s the parts list I’ve compiled:
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Mega lower (as pictured above)
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Stag left-handed upper
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RRA lower parts kit (for now)
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NORGON ambi magazine catch
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Stag ambi safety selector
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Magpul MIAD grip
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Magpul UBR stock
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WOA 16" stainless match grade BBL with ambi extension & mid length gas
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PWS FSC556 muzzle brake/flass suppressor
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Daniel Defense 10" lite rail
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Troy BUIS (Back Up Iron Sights)
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Larue low profile gas block
The one thing that I still haven’t decided on is the optics. As you can see, that list of parts is gonna cost a pretty penny. Luckily I’ve just received my "economic stimulus" check, and in my opinion, the only proper way to spend that money is on firearms. Needless to say, I can’t wait to start building this EBR. I will keep you updated with the progress. -Thomas