Very basic questions about building AR-15

R

Redneck2

New member
Quite honestly I couldn't see all the hype of the AR-15. The $900-$1500 tag I see for ones in the shops looks a little extreme for something that doesn't make a good hunting rifle and guys hated in 'Nam.

OK, so now I'm in my favorite local shop last week and this guy comes in with his. We're comparing notes in a deep philisophical discussion (OK, it was a BS session). Anyway, he says he bought a Bushmaster lower at a show for $50, a Bushmaster upper for $50 or $75, a trigger parts kit, and a $75 barrel. Sez he's got maybe $250-$275 in the whole thing. Now I can see a that kind of money for one of these.

Question is...are these really the "erector set" guns they seem to be? Not being negative...I like the idea of build your own if I could end up with something semi-decent. This guy seems a straight shooter (pun kinda intended). Wondering if someone really scrounged at shows like he said he did (some or all the parts were used) if I could do the same. What do you NOT want to get...that's my biggest concern. Thanks in advance
 
You can buy a new, no frills Bushmaster for around $700 or less if you shop around. I've read of ARs being assembled from new parts for $450-$550, so I suppose you might assemble one from mostly used parts for under $300, but running around trying to find those cheap used parts may be more trouble than it's worth in the long run. If it was me building one for the first time I'd assemble one from new parts to save a lot of possible headaches. You may get burned buying used parts if you don't know what's what, costing you more than buying new parts to start with.

The one caveat about buying ARs and parts is to avoid American Spirit Arms. Way too many negative posts about their QC and their lack of customer service from what I've read here and on AR15.com.
 
Redneck:

Sounds like the guy was blowing smoke. Bushmaster lowers run over $100 and the parts you listed do not include the tools and guages needed to properly assemble a gun. Further, when you mess up the parts or lose them, you'll have to buy new ones or live with it. I've built a few and now prefer to buy upper and lower assemblies. Just a few dollars more and less to worry about.

DPMS is the most reasonable source for roll-your-own McNamarra jam-o-matics I've found. Can get parts for a complete gun for around the $500 already quoted. Many companies are now offering 'plinker' grade AR's for around that price anyhow. These come with full warranties and the quality of a factory gun.
 
Redneck
You sure were having a BS session, you were gettin the BS. Striped Lowers are $150.00, complete A2 stock is $75.00, Pistrol Grip is $15.00, Barrel assemby is $200.00 are we are still short half the gun.
Check http://www.impactguns.com for a Bushmaster A2 heavy barrel on sale for $699.00 and go shoot and not worry.

Just my opinion

Karsten
 
The truth is somewhere in the middle...

...and it's quite possible to build a rifle from brand-new parts for $550.

Stripped lowers can be had for $100-125 if you buy locally and don't have to add on shipping charges from an out-of-state dealer.

Excellent quality kits...everything you need but the stripped lower...are available from a few select companies; my favorite folks are at J&T Distributing in Winchester, Kentucky. Expect to pay ~$435 for a complete basic kit [with the upper already assembled] shipped to your door. Customer service is outstanding.

Visit: http://www.jtdistibuting.com

If you want a completed factory rifle, I've seen Olympic Arms' new economy offering [A1 sights; cast lower] for $599 at local gun shows.

With a little mechanical aptitude you can build your own...that's the way I prefer it because the very best way to understand how your rifle works is to screw it together yourself.
 
The only person I know who got a better deal on a AR was my brother. I've built a lot of AR's, and have a lot of parts laying around. My brother said he wanted one so I told him to buy a stripped lower and I'd give him the rest. He ended up with $180 into his. If I were you, I would stay away from the cheap parts kits. I'm talking about M&A, Model 1, etc. Most people who hate AR's are people who don't know any thing about them or bought a cheap kit. I buy from M&A all the time but not barrels or bolts. If you want to put one together, put a Bushmaster barrel and bolt on it and buy your furniture, lower parts kit and charging handle from one of the cheap dealers.
 
If he paid $50 for his lower, it was many, many years ago. About 3 years ago, stripped lowers were about $99 each. I don't know what they are now but you can check the BM website for the price. As for the upper and the parts, that would be many, many years ago too.

BTW, you can buy cheaper parts if you shop around, but are they quality? While there is a lot of subcontracting out between all these AR building companies, it is quite possible that there are some rejects being marketed at gunshows. I just as soon buy parts from a reputable firm and not worry about why my gun won't work later on.
 
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