$700 AR-15

**northernlights** · September 5th, 2012, 10:56 PM

I invoke the wisdom of Pennsylvania gun nuts to help me out here! lol.

Come on PAFOA, tell me this: If I wanted to build a quality (I'm thinking BCM or something similar upper) mid-length AR-15, with no rails or fancy crap (just some basic iron sights for now), for $700 or less, that I can have right now (at least very soon; if I wanted to wait forever I'd just order a Spikes), how can I do it?

**gun fan** · September 5th, 2012, 11:04 PM

I will be posted to see how this goes I just started one about one for me .

**Saddlerocker** · September 5th, 2012, 11:05 PM

Closest you will get is a Aero precision or similarly priced lower ($70-$80)
PSA has LPK and stock kits on sale for $40 each. Buy those now. (or the Classic Lower Build Kit for $80, same thing)
Basic BCM upper is $420
Mil spec BCG is about $130 right now

It will be tough for $700 unless you wait for sales.
$800 you can do right now.

Look at PSA for an upper too,

You just missed out on the FN hammer forged uppers for like $299 or something crazy, like yesterday they went out of stock.

They still have standard uppers for $269

My advice is buy what is still on sale from PSA right now. Then either save another $100 so you can get a BCM or buy it all from PSA, using a hammer forged upper or their standard upper.

Sorry im thinking as I type...
Heres a breakdown.
$80 Surplus Arms and Ammo Lower
$40 PSA LPK
$40 PSA Stock kit
$130-$140 for Mil Spec BCG (no great deals right now)
So thats $300 and about the best deals there are.
Basic BCM upper is $420 so your over the $700 mark
So you need to find a cheaper Upper or save some money.
But buy the LPK and Stock kit ASAP, thats a great price

**northernlights** · September 5th, 2012, 11:10 PM

Well I could deal with $800 I guess. Not too terrible. Though after all this I will probably end up with an AK-47 anyway, lol. As I keep saying, even I will be surprised to find out whether I end up with an AR or an AK.

**pitt45GAP** · September 5th, 2012, 11:19 PM

Here ya go:

Lower Receiver: $99.95
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...r15-lower.html
These lowers are made using the most advanced aerospace manufacturing technology to produce the industries finest, forged Mil-Spec lowers. Our receivers are machined on a multimillion dollar, automated, manufacturing system which enables us to produce a product of unequaled quality and value.

These forged lowers are quality made using material is 7075-T6 and are marked "CAL MULTI" to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.

Lower Parts Kit: $79.95
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...kit-10314.html
Includes PSA M4 Stock, A2 Pistol grip, Palmetto State Armory Classic Lower Parts Kit and Mil-Spec diameter 6-position buffer tube assembly. Everything you need to finish your stripped lower.

Mid Length Barreled Upper Receiver: $497.85
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...ium-upper.html
Barrel length 16"
HP/MP tested
5.56 Nato Chamber
Chrome-lined bore and chamber
1 in 7" twist
Special A2 profile barrel
.750" gas block diameter
M4 feedramps
Forged upper
T-marks
Full auto bolt carrier
Carpenter 158 Bolt
Magnetic particle inspected bolt
AR 15 Charging Handle

680 not including shipping and FFL

**pitt45GAP** · September 5th, 2012, 11:22 PM

So all in all I bet less than 740 with shipping and FFL for the lower... if you have or know someone who has the punch set needed to build it...

**gummy jones** · September 5th, 2012, 11:24 PM

i have no ARs and know very little but couldnt help but noticing all of the stripped polymer lowers for 45-50 bucks. are these a total waste of time?

**pitt45GAP** · September 5th, 2012, 11:26 PM

Polymer lowers are to be avoided... stick with what works 7075 forged aluminum

**PowerPM** · September 5th, 2012, 11:28 PM

Grab a gun in Texas has a basic ar for under 600 assembled to meet Cali regs with a bullet button. I think it was a s&w 223 sportster. I just got a email alert today.

**Saddlerocker** · September 5th, 2012, 11:29 PM

Originally Posted by gummy jones

i have no ARs and know very little but couldnt help but noticing all of the stripped polymer lowers for 45-50 bucks. are these a total waste of time?

Basically.
I would never use one with a center fire upper.

I missed that upper posted by Pitt.
I would go that route as well, Personally I would use the Light or Lighter Profile barrel variation (same price)
But I would use the SSA lower if your OK with the rollmark.
Its just as good, made by Aero Precision, very respected, and save $20 (depending on shipping, might be a wash)

Throw in a Magpul BUIS or the PSA Carry handle sight.

Also you dont need any specific tools to install the LPK or stock kit.
I did it all with a nail set and hammer and a box cutter (for pivot pin detent)
There are tons of videos and tutorials online, its extremely easy.