should I start an AR-15?

[HamburgBoy84]

New gun owner here and I'm intrigued by the AR-15 builds people are doing. Is it feasible for a newbie to be able to build their own? I don't want to drop $1400 for an assembled and like the idea of full customization. What is the price range for a self-built and is the difficulty too much for me to undertake?

[egon12]

If you had an erector set or legos as a child you can build an ar-15 from a kit. There are plenty of directions online to help you out. There are a number of outfits that sell the complete upper assembly with the lower parts kit, and all you have to do is supply the stripped lower receiver which is treated as the firearm because it is serial numbered. Stripped receiver will run you between 100-200 depending of manufacturer and the complete parts kit can run from around 500 on up depending on what features you want. The key is to take your time read the directions a few times if it is your first time and th result is a gun that you can be proud of.

[Willie D]

If you get an assembled upper from RRA, model1sales or Delton and a stripped lower it is not tough at all. I did it with zero AR experience. If you build one completely from the ground up you'll need to invest is some specific AR assembly tools.

[Kaos]

Like others said if you're even the slightest bit mechanically inclined, and go with a kit build...you can do it in 20-25 minutes.

If you're doing a full build maybe more like an hour to an hour and a half total. (I've been building mine piece by piece but didn't bother to time the build steps except the lower only took me 20-25 minutes.

And honestly, you couldn't have picked a better time with trouble on the horizon in regards to a possible ban.

[HamburgBoy84]

Thanks for the info guys. What are the best places online for how-to's and parts buying?

[XD45]

hate to say it, but the best how to guide is on arfcom http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

[Kaos]

hate to say it, but the best how to guide is on arfcom http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

Truth in that, or the video over at life liberty etc.

As far as shops, in the shops forum i did a little mini review of some of the vendors I used.

Some highlights

Anvil Arms +++
MidwayUsa +++
Warners Surplus +++
Sherluk Marketing +++
GunRunnersOfPA +++++++++++++++
Del-Ton ++
Oddly enough - every transaction ive had at ar15.com's equipment exchange has been a GREAT price and ALMOST NEW stuff. ++++

Bushmaster --- (im never ordering from them again)
Model1Sales -- (ill only ever order from them again if i have no choice, i don't appreciate being lied to)

[arrrrgh15]

Add to the vendor list above...

ADCO...great parts, great price, flat rate and fast shipping.
Rainier Arms, LLC....ditto.

[reels18]

If you can not find a suitable lower in a local store, you can either have them order it for you or do it yourself on line.

If you choose to do it on line, you will have to furnish an FFL dealer license and address for a mailing address.

Contact a local FFL and let them know what you are doing. They will furnish the necessary information for you to pass on to the on line dealer.

Once the lower arrives at your local dealer, then you fill out the paper work and pay the transfer fee.

Ask the dealer what the transfer fee is. If it is too much for your budget, you can check other dealers for a suitable price.

Usually, if you order the lower through a local FFL, the transfer fee is minimal. If you choose to order it on line and have it delivered, it can cost between thirty and fifty bucks.

This is for the lower receiver only. All other parts can be mailed directly to your address.

[Kaos]

Add to the vendor list above...

ADCO...great parts, great price, flat rate and fast shipping.
Rainier Arms, LLC....ditto.

Those guys have massive rep over at arfcom too, btw, I wouldn't hesitate to shop there.