ReconLdrs Budget AR Build

[ReconLdr]

I have been kicking around the idea of doing an AR build for about 3 years now. I decided to do a budget build. Meaning using as little of my income as possible. I plan to finance this venture by trading goods/services until the weapon is complete and sends it's first round down range. I want to complete this rifle within 1 year. I figured it would be interesting to document the process on PAFOA.

Actual start date: Feb 21, 2010

Lower Receiver: I took a friends SA M1 Garand to the Wind Gap gunshow to sell for him. (He was recently diagnosed with cancer and is selling off some of his guns) He wasn't feeling up to going to the show and asked me to do it for him. When I asked him what he wanted for the gun he said "I don't know what it's worth..think you can get me $500?" I told him I could get him more than that. He told me anything over $600 I could keep for myself. I got a lot of attention with the M1 slung over my shoulder but couldn't sell to the guys since they were NY residents. With in 1 hour I was offered $600 cash and a DSA ZM4 lower. (MSRP $140.00) Total cost out of Pocket $0.00

Lower Receiver Parts Kit: I traded 4 .50 cal and 1 .30 cal ammo can to a friend of a friend for a $75.00 Gift Certificate. (midwayusa.com) I ordered a DPMS parts kit for $69.00 including shipping. My cost for the cans came to $31.00. Total out of pocket cost for entire project to date $25.00.

[Xringshooter]

Hey, good for you! This will be fun post to watch as time progresses. I think people have forgotten how lucrative the barter system is/can be.

[jcabin]

Grats, let me know how it goes. I have a stripped lower, for about a year now. I really want to build an AR but it just wont work right now. I can't afford $400+ for 1k rounds of brass ammo when I can get 1k to 1,260 AK steel cased for under 200$.

[ungawa]

I can't believe you didn't call me about the M1

[ReconLdr]

Grats, let me know how it goes. I have a stripped lower, for about a year now. I really want to build an AR but it just wont work right now. I can't afford $400+ for 1k rounds of brass ammo when I can get 1k to 1,260 AK steel cased for under 200$.

I haven't decided on a caliber yet.. I am pretty sure I can chamber for 7.62x39 with a standard lower. I am thinking I might build multiple uppers as time goes on. I shot Smittys .50 Beowulf at the fish fry and really, really want one badly. The first build will be in .223/5.56 unless I get a deal on something else.

I can't believe you didn't call me about the M1

It was kind of a last minute thing with the M1. I wasn't sure I was going to the show until I got the call. I would have gladly accepted $600.00 and your M16 lower for that M1...

[brian]

that's cool, but you misspeeled ak.....

[ReconLdr]

that's cool, but you misspeeled ak.....

Hewkt on foniks werkt fer me...too

[Rundownfid]

Reconleader;
As mentioned above this sounds like a great post to follow. I hope you will make steady progress and chronicle your adventures with pictures. A

A suggestion would be to list pros& cons as you make the decisions concerning specs and parts. That way you could cover what sort of thinking process you are using to get the outcome you arrive at.

Good luck, you off to a great start.

[ReconLdr]

Reconleader;
As mentioned above this sounds like a great post to follow. I hope you will make steady progress and chronicle your adventures with pictures. A

A suggestion would be to list pros& cons as you make the decisions concerning specs and parts. That way you could cover what sort of thinking process you are using to get the outcome you arrive at.

Good luck, you off to a great start.

I will post the entire process (thoughts too) but I will be limited to parts that are available when deals are made. My over all goal is to build a lower and multiple uppers to change calibers.

[MTechnik]

I just got a DSA ZM4 mid-length upper and think it is great. Only cost $300. Still needs a bolt, charging handle, and a rear sight, but still a heck of a deal.

http://www.dsarms.com/DSA-ZM4-A3-Upp...o/DSZM4CBUMID/

And here I am doing three mag dumps of Wolf and Brown Bear ammo. http://mt3chn1k.com/1/ar/VIDEO0015.avi

(I have a LMT Bolt Carrier Group from Bravo Company in there, it's on a RRA complete lower)

Edited to add: a complete zm4 lower from DSA is $180