New Guy Here, Couple of Questions

[TwoGunJayne]

It holds up in the real world on target paper. The big grips are better, but bulkier.

[Urizen]

So as far as where to get some bigger grips, any suggestions? Do grips made for a magnum frame fit?

[TwoGunJayne]

http://northamericanarms.com/accessories.html

I believe there are two basic sizes, lr and magnum. Some fitment may be required. A few guys suggested a shim made of a small folded piece of paper, if necessary. Think twice, measure twice, cut once.

[Urizen]

Which would be the closer fit?  I like the oversized rosewood magnum grips, but my wife has her heart set on some pearl grips (managed to talk her down to imitation pearl...the girl's got expensive tastes). Anyone know of someone who makes an oversized imitation pearl grip?

[.54Cal_Kidd]

Hey Urizen, probably the best way into an AR is to buy a stripped lower and then a kit. I got both for under $700. On mine the upper was fully assembled and test fired and all I had to do is assemble the lower. (That takes about an hour depending on your manual dexterity)  There are kits where NOTHING is assembled but that requires more tools.

This page is titled: Assemble your own AR15 rifle from parts.... for dummies.
If you can do this then you can pretty much maintain an AR.   
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/226782_Assemble_your_own_LOWER__UPPER__FREE_FLOAT__TRIGGER__GAS_BLOCK___Step_by_step_instructions_.html

Interesting read even if you don't own one.
Here's all the lower parts laid out. It may look like a lot but follow the directions and it's not bad at all.

[Urizen]

.54Cal-kidd, thanks for the info.  After maccab suggested build an AR (and I dismissed it) I looked into it and decided I'd been to hasty.  I think that will be the way I go. I'm not sure if I'll buy the full parts kit or piece it together myself, but it's nice to know the full kits are out there.  I'm relatively handy, and I think I should be able to put one together without too much trouble. Plus, if I put it together, I won't be afraid of taking it apart to fix/upgrade parts on it.

[TwoGunJayne]

Build a lower. Don't bother with an upper, unless you're rebarreling a junk upper you got for cheap. Time and time again, there's no 1-8 or 1-9 twist to be had. Period. Forget it.

Wylde hybrid chamber? Sounds nice in theory. Get a heavy chrome lines barrel. There is a build concept called a "Reece rifle." That's all I have to say.