AR question

**adymond** · August 8th, 2008, 02:53 PM

I have read a few threads on here about the best entry AR. I guess that may be mis-leading. I mean to say the best AR for a first time buyer. I am used to the M 16 A2 as I have shot it for a few years. I am looking to get myself an AR, but I don't quite know where to look for a value vs price evaluation. I am looking for a plinker more than anything. I will get a 12 gauge for home defense, but I would like to have an AR to do some target shooting with. I would rather one with a collapsable stock for storage purpose and also if the shit really hits the proverbial fan more of a true assault weapon wouldn't be bad. I don't want a full 20" barrel, but will the shorter barrel really negatively effect the accuracy for a casual shooter (not a match shooter)?

If this is already discussed sorry. Just point me in the right direction. Or PM me instead of beating a dead horse in a 58 page thread for everyone to argue Stag Arms vs Colt. I have limited $ so that is a consideration.

**RocketFoot** · August 8th, 2008, 03:03 PM

Sounds like you want an M4 configuration (or an M4gerary as they're known)

They are most common with the collapsible stock and 16" barrel. I have one with an A1 upper and I love it, but you may want to skip the A1 or A2 and go for an A3 flat top if you plan on some optics down the road.

As far as where to get it? That turns into the price is right game! LOL...but the cheapest way is to build one! And it's really not that hard to do...

Hoe this helps and I'm sure some others will also have some good input for you...

**adymond** · August 8th, 2008, 03:13 PM

The last thing I built was furniture for my son's nursery. As for building one what would I need to do? Anything different than assembling a completely broken down weapon? If not I could do that. I just don't even know what to look for where as far as parts go.

Anyone want to help me put a shopping list together? Maybe that way I can buy it a little bit at a time. Sort of like Johnny Cahs's Caddy. One piece at a time.

By the way RocketFoot sweet build. I am looking at your album and that thing looks nice!

I'm thinking buying it in pieces would be around $700 for the basics right?

**RocketFoot** · August 8th, 2008, 03:15 PM

Our resident AR building guru is Lycanthrope...I'm sure he'll be along to give you the skinny on what it takes to build one!

**xdfireguy** · August 8th, 2008, 03:23 PM

The lower parts kit is easy to put together. I bought a complete upper and slapped it on to the lower that I built with no problems. There are some YouTube videos (I think) that are pretty good about walking you through the process. If I can find the links, I throw them your way.

Can't remember what I paid for the upper, but the entire lower (including receiver) was well under $200 at the time. I'm sure prices have adjusted accordingly though

**SteveWag** · August 8th, 2008, 05:56 PM

Check out these links for complete (less the lower) kits. Just add a loaded mag n’ go:

http://www.model1sales.com/item-deta...TOKEN=69213399

http://www.m-aparts.com/.

Model 1 has a better site. Either company sell high quality parts.

Steve Wagner

**loudcherokee** · August 8th, 2008, 09:02 PM

don't forget www.del-ton.com

Their rifle kits come complete, even with a LPK, (lower parts kit). Only thing else you need to buy is a stripped lower.

http://www.del-ton.com/ProductDetail...uctCode=RKT100

There's the M-4 kit, for $485. That will get you a bone stock basic rifle kit. A lower will run you around 100-115 for a entry level, say, from Stag arms. Thats a total of 600$ for an AR. Dont forget a rear sight though.

Here's a lower receiver -- http://mooneysfirearms.com/index.asp...PROD&ProdID=51

and go here for mags-- http://www.44mag.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DH30B

Good luck, and have fun with it. The LPK is not hard to install at all.

**Jared89** · August 8th, 2008, 10:23 PM

http://www.lifelibertyetc.com/RangeB...ippedLower.wmv <~~~great video

**Pector55** · August 8th, 2008, 10:39 PM

I built my first AR from a Del-ton kit. I got the Del-Ton lower as well and it has been a great rifle. A friend saw it and built a Del-Ton A2 in 16" and he loves his as well.

**LittleRedToyota** · August 8th, 2008, 10:49 PM

imho, a "stripped lower" + lower parts kit + complete upper would be a good way for you to go.

you can put together the lower without any special tools...and, frankly, if you can tie your shoes, you can a lower parts kit in a stripped lower

put to you would need special tools to assemble the upper, so unless you are planning on doing a few, it is prolly cheaper (and easier) to just buy a complete upper.

sometimes the lower parts kit (LPK) plus the complete upper will be sold together as a "complete rifle kit". you still need to get the stripped lower separately, though (that is the part that is considered the "firearm" by the law, so that part has to go through an FFL...the rest does not.)

i bought my stag as a stripped lower plus a "complete rifle kit" from a guy called jkiser (kiser munitions in georgia) on the equipment exchage of AR15.com. the total came to somewhere around $800. stags are very reliable ARs (they are the retail outlet of CMT--which is a machining company that makes parts for lots of different AR manufacturers). imho, they are one of the best values going in ARs.

however, there are some cheaper ones...like the delton kit. i don't have any experience with those, but there are a number of users here who have them so you can prolly get some more feedback about their quality.