AR15 build question... 300blk upper

[SamNavy]

This is going to seem elementary to most, but I used to be afraid to change my own oil too (on my go-cart when I was 8)... anyways.

I want a 300blk upper BAD, and have targeted SOTA arms. They are currently selling a complete 300blk upper (minus bcg/ch) for $300. I sent them an email about shipping time, so that's the easy way.

But I kinda like the idea of buying parts and building it myself... and by watching some youtube and doing some homework, I've discovered that putting an upper together is easier to put together than most current Lego products.

Here's what I need confirmed:
Barrel: If I buy a barrel, it will come with the extension already attached and properly spec'd so it's a straight drop-in, right? It'll have the little indexing pin and the hole for the gas block already drilled, right?

Handguard: handguards usually come with a barrel nut, or do I need to buy one separate, or sometimes they do/don't?

Gas-block: gas blocks come with the little roll-pins and itty-bitty allen key for securing to the barrel, right?

Gas-tube: all gas tubes are the same, right... a $10 one is all I need?

ALSO: Can I run a regular A3 upper receiver without the forward assist and or ejection port door installed?

ALSO: I love the look of a slick-side upper, but the cheapest one I've found is the DPMS Sportical version for $85... shouldn't a slick be cheaper than a regular? This upper will be strictly for hunting, so doo-dads I don't need, I don't want to pay for? Anybody know of a place that sells cheaper slick-sides?

So, assuming I get a slick-side and plan to use the BCG/CH from my current .223 upper, my parts list looks like this:

1. Receiver: Midway: DPMS slickside $87 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/13...ver-stripped-ar-15-low-profile-flat-top-matte
2. Hanguard Midway: Model1 $35 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/22...at-tube-handguard-fluted-ar-15-aluminum-black
3. Barrel nut comes with handguard
4. Gas block Sota $20 http://sotaarms.com/component/jshopping/ar-15-upper-parts?Itemid=0
5. Flash-hider Sota $20 http://sotaarms.com/component/jshopping/ar-15-upper-parts?Itemid=0
6. Gas tube Sota $10 http://sotaarms.com/component/jshopping/ar-15-upper-parts?Itemid=0
7. Barrel Sota $129 http://sotaarms.com/component/jshopping/product/view/13/113?Itemid=0

Do I need anything else except for the BCG/CH from my current .223 upper (yes, I know I'll need a barrel wrench, torque wrench, vice block, and a punch). I have to add shipping, which essentially makes that list the same price as Sota's complete 300blk upper that has a standard A3 receiver... but I kinda like the idea of building it myself.

ANYWAYS, LONG STORY... ADVICE?

 

[beauxdog]

It's a chinch as long as you know how to check the proper headspace for the bolt and new barrel combo. It's easier to do it right the first time. And remember, you get what you pay for.

Beauxdog

 

[johnmichael]

Yep, I was going to mention headspacing as one of the main concerns...I actually just finished my 300BLK build. Loved the concept so much, I decided to start from scratch. I built my lower from scratch and was debating on whether to fully build the upper when i saw Palmetto State Armory was having a sweet deal on uppers. Picked mine up and dropped it right on.