One HUGE tip for a new AR owner - AR triggers are very different from most other triggers. If mil-spec, the parts are surface hardened, not fully hardened. Where this is IMPORTANT - you can't do a trigger job on an AR like you can on many other rifles, shotguns, and pistols. Through polishing the trigger, you cut through the hardening and into the softer metal underneath with very few stone passes.
Why is this important? Well, there are a few people out there who will advertise doing a trigger job on a mil-spec trigger for a very reasonable fee - much more reasonable than the price of a drop-in competition trigger. Having this done is a crap shoot. I know from experience now that sometimes you end up with a nice, crisp trigger really does not work in the way you would hope for.
If you want a 3.5lb trigger, go with an established drop in like Giessele, CMC, JP Enterprises, or another. Don't skip and work over a mil-spec only to have it malfunction badly on you.
Why is this important? Well, there are a few people out there who will advertise doing a trigger job on a mil-spec trigger for a very reasonable fee - much more reasonable than the price of a drop-in competition trigger. Having this done is a crap shoot. I know from experience now that sometimes you end up with a nice, crisp trigger really does not work in the way you would hope for.
If you want a 3.5lb trigger, go with an established drop in like Giessele, CMC, JP Enterprises, or another. Don't skip and work over a mil-spec only to have it malfunction badly on you.