Help on an AR build.

K

KaNcEr

New member
Noob question guys:

I hear all this talk about "build your own AR, its so much cheaper", but I really dont know where to start. Quality VS Price, seems like you might as well just buy a Colt or a Vulcan depending on your price range. Where are all these cheap quality uppers that I hear about? Or do I just buy quality pieces of and put the upper together? Even then, Im sure if you were wanting to build something that's daniel defense quality its not going to be much cheaper.... right?
I'm an AK guy but I respect the AR platform and would like to build one, but trying to get into the AR world is very discouraging... so much crap to filter through and so many vague explanations. Point me in the right direction guys.

Josh
 
This is a good place to start

Welcome to FLF! :D This is the place to be for all of your firearms questions. You'll find many helpful members here with a lifetime of knowledge on all things related to firearms. Good luck with your first AR build. First you need to ask yourself, what am I going to use this AR for, hunting, self defense, punching paper or plinking. Then determine at what distances you will be shooting. This will elimanate making the wrong choices in caliber, barrel length, etc.


I would start here:

http://www.itstactical.com/warcom/firearms/diy-ar-15-build-introduction-parts-and-tools-required/

If you decide to buy a assembled AR start with a good quality AR at a budget price as you can add accessoies or upgrades. S&W M&P, Olympic, Bushmaster, CMMG, DPMS are just a few quality builders all offering AR 15 Carbines in the $600 to $900 price range.

https://www.google.com/search?q=+AR+15&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1#q=AR+15&hl=en&sa=N&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&tbs=p_ord:r&tbm=shop&ei=dh7MTowPo4uIAsfrgeUL&ved=0CAkQuw0oAA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=fa165619d4638cd1&biw=1280&bih=856
 
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Checkout palmetto state armory. They have kits and complete ARs.

checkout BCM and Spike's Tactical, too.
 
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thanks.

I mostly want one as a "defensive" weapon, although Im sure it will tear paper up quite nicely aswell.
5.56x45 NATO seems to work for most of our military, Im sure it will serve me well. Besides Ive already got a couple of 7.62x39's laying around, Id like to see what its like on the other side of the pond.
Ive looked into the S&W M&P 15 sport, it has great reviews, but I would personally like something thats up to mil-spec with a chrome lined barrel. I know that the forward assist and dust cover wont matter too much as a civilian, but its something that feels like a deal breaker to me if all of these 'built it yourselfers' are paying 500-700 for a much more up to spec rifle.
 
First off, before you consider anything "Vulcan"...best to do some research....:eek:

It can be 'cheaper to build an AR- but savings can be offset by the purchase of tools if you don't already have them. Buying components on sale can be rewarding- you can put together the exact rifle you want, instead of just what the manufacturer has put together for you.

The AR market is overbuilt and there are deals to be had. It's also a lot of fun, but not necessarily cheaper- to buy stripped a stripped upper and lower.
 
First off, before you consider anything "Vulcan"...best to do some research...

+1 on that! But every AR owner needs at least one Vulcan in their safe:D
 
If all you want is an M4gery, then you're probably better off buying. If the parts and features you want aren't commonly available, then building is the best option.

The tools to build an AR are cheaper than the 11% excise tax on a complete firearm, and when BRD hits, you will be buying them anyway.
 
If I were to buy a completely stripped upper and lower, can someone give me a list of everything else I would need to make a functional rifle? Im not at all familiar with the inner workings of the AR platform.
 
If you're not at least beyond the DIY oil change level, I wouldn't consider "building" your own AR. The assembly is fairly easy and straight forward but still allows a generous possibility of making a mess.
BTW You would be well advised to go with an assembled/test fired upper for safety.
 
You can build a mil spec rifle, but for a civilian a forward assist, and dust cover are not necessary. All of the military rifles have parts that were added into the specs to correct faults in the original design. Chrome plating the chamber and bore is only valuable if you are going to fight in a rain forest. None of my guns have chrome plated bores and none of them are rusty. None have ever failed to feed, or malfunctioned.

A forward assist can cause a serious jam if the cartridge doesn't fit the chamber don't force it.
 
I just assembled my first AR all from PSA components. Stripped lower and a rifle kit. The lower assembly was actually pretty easy and you get to know how things work. I used AR-15 direct



edit I don't know what the heck happened there? Said I had a duplicate post. Any insight?
 
Go to Brownells.com...
There's a full step by step video series online, as well as a build checklist. You can get by without a lot of the specialized tools that make the job easier, but you need hand tools, punches, and upper and lower receiver blocks at a minimum. Tools will vary depending on your build (free-float handguard, etc).

Watch the video series before you order anything and your questions will be answered.
 
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