Build or Buy an AR

[Twister87]

Hi,

This might have been covered in another thread but most of the threads that I read were from a few years ago so things might have changed. I would like to have an AR style rifle and I was wondering if it is cheaper to build one or to buy an AR? I will be using it for plinking/target shooting. The features that I want are: 1.) 20" barrel with a front sight
2.) A flat top receiver with a detachable carrying handle with rear sight
3.) solid butt stock (not the M4 type collapsible stock)
4.) My budget is $850.00
Most of the AR's that I have been seeing in the shops have the collapsible stock and a 16" barrel (like the M4 carbine). I have the basic metal working tools (files, punches, screw drivers, grinder, drill press, taps, micrometers etc.). I have basic metal working skills and have done a few firearms projects in the past. Also being retired military I have had experience with the M16 and M4 rifles.

Thank you in advance for your advise.

Twister87

[JoshIronshaft]

Build it. I just made an M4 style AR for $604 for all new parts including shipping.

[steviesterno]

buy the upper, build the lower. they say you need special tools for the lower, but really you just need a pliers, hammer, masking tape, and to not loose any of the pics or screws

I did that and ended up with the exact rifle you mention, except for the stock. tell ya what, just buy mine!

[Twister87]

Thanks for your advise. What parts do I need and were's the best place to get them? Is there an instruction manual for the assemble?

Twister87

[steviesterno]

you can buy the complete upper on here in the ammo/accessories section, or any number of places online.

the lower you can pick up at your local store or from a FTF deal

then you just need a lower parts kit (LPK) and that can be had online for around 50 bucks or so.

there are a few you tube "how to assemble an AR lower" vids online, and AR15.com.

I don't have the link handy for you though...

PM sent, btw.

[edritchey]

Thanks for your advise. What parts do I need and were's the best place to get them? Is there an instruction manual for the assemble?

Twister87

PM SENT................

[mojo]

Thanks for your advise. What parts do I need and were's the best place to get them? Is there an instruction manual for the assemble?

Twister87

Depends on what "look" your going for. There are a ton of options.

Check out these for parts:

bravocompanyusa.com
gandrtactical.com

[electronics]

Building is a bit less, especially if you already have the tools. Installing the barrel on the upper requires a specialty tool or 2 but they aren't all that expensive. Once you start wanting parts that are generally nonstandard on a new rifle (flat top upper with an A2 style stock, for instance), it gets cheaper to build in a hurry.

I just put together a distance shooter with exactly the parts I wanted. It came out to a good bit more than $850, but I selected quite a few expensive and unnecessary parts (Geissele trigger, Magpul stuff, free floated barrel, etc). I think if I was going for cheap I could do it for around $650.

[panther76]

Take a look at 20" upper receiver from Bravo Company, BCM A4 style, $385:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-M...urg-gov-20.htm

With complete bolt carrier group $520. BCM is probably best value in a 20". All milspec+ Same or on par as Colt, FN, A2s and A4s. I have a BCM middy and it shoots like Lee Marvin in a foul mood.

If this is a project gun to learn how to build an upper, and it is just going to be a range toy, well, so be it. However, if this is a defense weapon, unless you have experience as an armorer BUY IT, IMHO. If you are retired military then you should know how finicky M16/M4 family is, and how crappy some rifles end up after being rebarreled and rebuilt by armorers a thousand times.

Assembling a lower is easy. However, if you do want to buy a lower, allow me to suggest http://www.lewismachine.net/product....14c1d792750356 for $330

Buying, BCM A4 style upper + LMT A2 style lower total= $850. All top notch.

2.) A flat top receiver with a detachable carrying handle with rear sight

If you have a reason why you want a carrying handle, then feel free to ignore my suggestion, however I don't really see a need for one. You can put a fixed rear-BUIS, and have a much range of options, depending on what type of shooting you are going to do, and how much you are willing to spend.

Anyway, Good luck.

[electronics]

I like panther76's suggestions for parts. All top notch, especially for a $850 AR-15. I personally just put together my AR with a BCM 20" upper and it's pretty great.